With IKEA Kitchen Planner you can:

* define the shape of your kitchen along with its measurements.
* place different elements such as doors, windows, inner walls, electricity, water, gas.
* furnish your kitchen with cabinets, kitchen islands, appliances, sinks, tables, chairs, etc.
* view the result in a 3D-view format by clicking on a button.
* print your kitchen design so that you can take it along during your next shopping trip to the furniture retailer.
* get an idea of how much your new kitchen will approximately cost.

Of course, you can only use IKEA stuff with this software, but it’s quite easy to plan any kitchen with it that fits to the standard width of cabinets, dining furniture, etc.

Microwave Cookware Buying Tips

* Never compromise on quality. Genuine microwave cookware can endure severe temperatures as well as rough handling, while they serve you for years together. Although many products carry a “microwave-safe” label, they do not stand up to the test of being frequently used. Always go in for microwave cookware manufactured by Tupperware or Pampered Chef. Other reliable manufacturers are LaCuisine, Progressive Technologies, Micro-Mac, Rubbermaid, Camco and Nordic Ware.
* Most cookware such as glass bowls that are used in traditional ovens can be used in a microwave, but metal cookware, aluminum foil and metal-trimmed dishes can cause fires and also damage the microwave mechanism. Disposable microwave cookware should only be used for reheating and never for extended use, as the material may melt and even release chemicals into the food. Wraps and bags made out of wax paper and parchment paper, paper cups and plates, and even microwave paper towels may be used as instructed.
* Microwave cookware should be purchased keeping in mind the size and working of your microwave. Since most microwaves have turntables, avoid buying oversized microwave cookware or cookware with huge handles that may hit the sides while rotating on the turntable.
* Shallow microwave cookware that is oval or round in shape enables uniform and quicker distribution of heat whereas rectangular or square containers can cause hot spots resulting in drying or hardening of foods.
* Buying microwave cookware sets may be cheaper and they may also come with recipe booklets demonstrating how the cookware can be used to cook various dishes. There is a huge variety of microware cookware in the market which include popcorn makers, egg poachers, brownie pans, batter bowls, omelet pans, bacon cookers, soup makers and rice cookers, just to mention a few.

Other Helpful Hints

* As microwaves cook the insides first, the container may be cooler while the food may be extremely hot. So allow the cookware to sit in there for some time and remove it only when the simmer fades away.
* Using oven mitts or pot holders can prevent burns while removing heated cookware immediately after cooking, as they can become extremely hot. Moreover, the steam may catch you unawares, causing burns. So, in order to avoid steam burns, you must lift the lid in such a way that your fingers or arm is not caught up in the steam.
* Lids retain steam and shorten the time taken to cook. Moreover, they keep foods from drying and also prevent foods from being splattered or splashed around the insides of the microwave. But be careful to avoid air tight containers or containers with screw lids. Also avoid vacuum insulated containers, as they may explode due to the increased pressure inside them.
* While making soups and other liquids, always use vented lids which allow steam to escape and prevent spilling.
* Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on the cookware labels as well as the microwave instruction manual. This will give you a good idea of what kind of cookware you can use in your microwave.
* While most microwave cookware sets are dishwasher safe, do not put them in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer has specifically mentioned it on the label.
* Put smaller quantities of food at a time as larger quantities take longer to cook.
* Larger chunks take longer time to cook whereas smaller pieces cook in comparatively less time.
* Arrange foods in such a way that they are uniformly cooked. Therefore place thinner parts in the center and thicker parts around the rim. Since every microwave may differ in function, always follow the instruction manual.
* Always pierce the outer skins of potatoes and whole vegetables with a knife or a fork before cooking, as the buildup of pressure can make them explode.
* When you stir food, the heat is spread evenly and the food cooks faster. Foods such as potatoes, meat or chicken should be turned over and rearranged in order to enable them to cook evenly, as stirring is not possible.

1. It is very likely that knives bought in a set will be cheaper than the same knives bought individually.

22-slot knife storage block, oak2. The set may contain a storing system for your knives. There may be a wooden, stainless steel, glass or plastic block with a slot for each knife, which is a wonderful way to store your knives. Some sets even have blocks with free slots for extra knives. You may fill these slots later, with, for example, a pair of steak knives.

With a glass or transparent plastic block, you can see the blades of your knives, which makes it easy for you to find the one you want, when you want it. Alternatively, the storing system may be a case or a box made from aluminum or wood. Such a set is a good variant in case you are a cook and move from place to place, because it offers a safe way of transporting your knives.

3. The set may contain a honing steel. This is a necessary tool for keeping your knives sharp.

When you buy the steel together with the set, you can be sure that they are from one and the same manufacturer and that the firmness of the honing steel conforms to the firmness of the blades of the knives from the set.

4. The set may contain scissors that you can use for different purposes. For example…

* to open packets with food
* to cut kitchen paper
* to snip spices, vegetables or dried fruit…

5. Kitchen knife sets are also a wonderful idea for a present, for example to a newly married couple.
Types of kitchen knife sets

Different sets contain different types of kitchen knives, to cater to various needs and different culinary skills. If you are an experienced cook, you’ll probably have a very good idea of what knives and accessories your set should contain. For example, there are sets with 23 pieces, enabling you to perform just about every kitchen task.

2-piece Asian cook’s setIf you cook mainly Asian food, choose a set of Asian knives. There are some sets in which the chef’s knife is replaced by its Asian counterpart, the Santoku. The paring knife, another main knife, has a straight cutting edge and is also suitable for Asian food.

But if you are a beginner in the culinary arts, a good set for you would be this one, containing only the main knives…

* a chef’s knife
* a paring knife
* a bread knife
* just one extra knife at most, for example a utility knife, in case you don’t find a set with only the first three knives

With this set you will meet most of your cutting needs. This is a better option for you than taking a set with a great assortment of knives, without knowing whether you will ever use some of them. It is also a cheaper variant.

In time, when you have a better idea of what knives will best serve your particular cooking needs, you can add other, more specialized knives to your set. For example…

* a utility knife
* a boning knife
* a carving knife (you can find this knife as a separate set in an elegant box together with a fork)
* a cleaver
* steak knives (you can also find these knives as a separate set in a wooden block or a box)
* Asian knives such as Santoku, Deba Knife, Usuba, Fish Knives
* special kitchen knives for cheese, fruit, tomatoes, seafood…

Conclusion

1. You will use your kitchen knives constantly, so select a set with the best knives you can afford. Some of the highest quality kitchen knife brands are the German J.A. Henckels and Wusthof.

2. No matter what set you select, you may always buy knives individually. This might be the case when you want…

* to restore a lost or damaged knife from the set
* to duplicate a given knife from the set if you and someone else will work in the kitchen
* to have a smaller version of existing knife from the set. For example, this might be the case if your hands are small and, in order to work more comfortably, you want a six-inch long chef’s knife instead of the eight-inch one from the set

3. The starter sets, i.e. ones that contain only basic knives, may not include a storing system plus honing steel. Choose a slightly bigger set if necessary, if it has these two useful extras.

1. Keep knives sharp. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it requires less pressure in cutting. The knife will not slip as easily and your hand will not tire as quickly.

2. Use the correct size and type of knife for the job. Hold the knife firmly in your hand and cut away from the body. Use a wood or poly-ethylene cutting board.

Acrylic, ceramic and similar hard surfaces are tough on a knife edge because they do not “give” with the edge.

3. Make sure that knives lying on flat surfaces are never covered with towels, napkins or other materials. After handling a knife, lay it down in a cleared area, with the blade and point away from the body, and away from the edge of the table or cutting area.

4. Do not reach blindly for a knife. Reach deliberately for the handle. When handing a knife to another person, do so with the handle toward him or her.

5. Never try to catch a falling knife!

6. Sharp knives should be washed separately. Do not wash with other utensils. Each knife should be dried separately, always keeping the sharp cutting edge away from the hand. Dry knife blades from the back to the cutting edge.

7. Do not store knives loose in a drawer! Keep knives stored in a knife block or an in-drawer knife tray when not in use. If using a magnetic holder, make sure magnets are strong enough to hold knives securely in place and that the knives are clean. A greasy knife will not adhere properly to a magnetic rack.

8. Keep knives safely out of the reach of children.

9. Never test the sharpness of a knife by running your finger along the edge!
CARE OF KNIVES

A good knife is an investment. With proper care it will last a lifetime.

1. No metal is completely “stainless”. Do not allow acidic foods (lemon, mustard, ketchup, etc.) to remain on the blade after use. This might cause some slight tarnishing. Should the blade show some signs of staining, use a non-abrasive metal polish for cleaning.

2. Do not put knives in the dishwasher. Banging against other cutlery or pots and pans will nick the blades.

3. Wipe the knife clean with a wet cloth and dishwashing detergent. Dry immediately. Dry from the back of the knife to the blade.

4. Knives are ideally stored in a knife block; they may also be stored in an in-drawer knife tray. Try not to put a good knife in a drawer unless you have an in-drawer knife tray. When put in a drawer together with other cutlery, irreparable blade damage may result. This type of storage also results in higher incidence of injury.

5. Do not abuse knives as screwdrivers or can openers. This is not their designed purpose and may result in bending or breaking the blade or edge of the knife.

6. Wood handle knives will last if properly dried after each use, and you occasionally apply mineral oil to the handle to help maintain the attractive finish. This will also help protect handle from moisture damage.
PROPER KNIFE STORAGE

Knives have to be stored in a safe place, protecting the cutting edge and guarding against injuries. While many professional chefs carry their kitchen tools in their own attache case or compact knife roll, you will want a more convenient method of knife storage. J.A. Henckels was one of the first cutlery manufacturers to introduce safe, easy knife storage for the kitchen.
Wooden knife blocks

The most popular and suitable storage system for fine knives. The counter-top slant block offers easy access and fits underneath kitchen cabinets.

The size of the block varies with the number of knives to be stored. Most J.A. Henckels blocks also have a slot for kitchen shears.
Wooden in-drawer knife trays

Convenient for the customer who wants the features of a knife block and wants to store knives in a drawer. J.A. Henckels In-Drawer Knife Tray is designed with the same expertise as the counter-top blocks. It fits most kitchen drawers easily.
Magnetic wall mounts

Convenient for the customer who wants easy access but does not have counter space, J.A. Henckels offers magna bars.
Cutting boards and surfaces

Cutting surfaces should be:

* Smooth
* Easy to clean
* “Give” with contact with knife edge

J.A. Henckels recommends surfaces that can be easily cleaned and kept hygienic:

* Wooden cutting boards
* Quality polyethylene boards
* Remember: If wooden boards are used, clean them thoroughly, immediately after use to avoid harmful bacteria growth.

Avoid hard surfaces than can damage the knife:

* China
* Porcelain
* Formica
* Tile
* Other hard surfaces

J.A. Henckels is one of the highest quality kitchen knife brands.

What laminate flooring offers?

• Laminate floorings are among the most economical types of flooring.
• High quality laminate floors are water and moisture resistant which makes them ideal for kitchen use. Not only will the laminate floor not warp or crack because of high humidity levels, it is also stain, crack, scratch and fade resistant.
• Because laminate flooring is not as hard as stone or ceramics, the chances of plates and glasses breaking, when they are dropped is reduced.
• Area to area transitioning is easy because the 7 to 10 mm (about 1/3 inch) thickness of laminate flooring makes it easy to adjoin to other types of flooring.
• Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of designs and patterns. It can look like wood, natural stone or a ceramic finish. Laminate floors, offer looks that range from the rustic to the contemporary and sophisticated and since the flooring is available in the form of both planks and tiles, you have even more variety and flexibility in your kitchen décor options.

A few things laminate flooring does not offer

• Laminate flooring does not have the same perceived value as natural flooring and does not add value to your home.
• Unlike hardwood floors, laminate floors cannot be refinished or recoated.
• While the life expectancy of a laminate floor is 15 to 30 years – on par with other manufactured flooring materials, it is less than that of natural materials like, stone and ceramics.
• Laminate floors require an underlayment to be used to eliminate the possible “hollow” sound that may otherwise occur when people walk across them.

The cost of a laminate floor

The price of laminate flooring depends on various factors including the quality of the laminate, the design and size and the manufacturer. Prices may also vary depending on location and retailer. Among the best known of laminate flooring manufacturers are Shaw, Mohawk, Pergo, DuPont, Armstrong, Bruce, Mannington, Kronotex, Alloc and Wilsonart.

The price for a laminate floor can start from $3 a square foot upwards, including the underlay. Of course, the more expensive laminates will normally perform better and last longer. Remember that a kitchen is a high traffic area, where moisture is all around and spills and stains are common. It is advisable to get a high quality laminate that will stand up to the heavy use. Top quality laminates usually have wax impregnated edges to prevent water from seeping through to the floor below.

How to buy laminate flooring

• Get the help, if possible, of an interior decorator to find the right laminate floor for your kitchen’s size and décor.
• If you want to make your kitchen look lighter, or make a small kitchen look larger, use a light colored laminate that will reflect more light and give the feeling of spaciousness. However, make sure that the laminate floor you choose fits into the overall kitchen design.
• When going to the store carry a floor plan and the measurements with you so that the salespeople can help you with the costing.
• Look for laminate with higher AC ratings. The AC rating determines the laminate’s ability to withstand bumps, scratches, burns and heavy use.

Installing laminate flooring

Laminate planks and tiles usually have grooved and tongue edges that lock with each other. Some laminates simply snap into place while others need to be glued together. The laminate floor is floated over the substrate which is usually plywood, cement or just the existing floor covering. It is not secured directly to the floor below.

While laying a laminate floor is best done by a professional, a competent handyman could also do the job. The floor needs to be cleaned and made as flat and smooth as possible, before the work begins. A thin foam under layer is placed first to reduce the laminate movement and sound. You may also need a damp proof membrane. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions not just for the best fit and finish, but to keep the warranty valid.

Maintaining a laminate floor

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
• Vacuuming and damp mopping is normally the only daily cleaning you will need.
• Wipe up any spills immediately.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products as these can damage the laminate.

* it has a huge nutrient value.
* it is easy digested.
* you can control the amount of sugar in it.

Kinds of kitchen juicers

The juicers can be divided into two basic types…

* citrus juicers.
* juice extractors.

Some other devices, made especially for wheat grass and other hard treatable vegetables, are also available. However, it will be wiser if you select a general-purpose juice extractor that can process all kinds of fruit and vegetables.

1. Citrus juicers

Citrus juicerThese devices are designed only for citric fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits. They are cheaper than juice extractors and function by means of a ribbed cone, on which the inside part of half of fruit is crushed.

There are hand citrus juicers, for example in the form of a press, which will be activated by means of a handle, and electrical citrus juicers; some of them are just an attachment for a stand mixer.

Here are some of the qualities that make for a good citrus juicer…

* different-sized cones for extracting juice from fruits with different diameters.
* a strainer for adjusting the content percentage of fruit pulp in the juice. In general, juice containing more pulp is thicker and has more nutrients.
* a spout that you can use to pour the juice directly into a utensil. It is best if the spout is high enough to put tall glasses under it. The same also refers to the centrifugal juice extractors below.

2. Juice extractors

These devices have far more functions than citrus juicers; that’s why some of them cost more than $400. They can be divided into two basic types…

* centrifugal juice extractors.
* masticating juice extractors.

Centrifugal juice extractors

Centrifugal juice extractorThis kind of kitchen juicer is a good variant for preparing juice quickly. It cuts the product by means of a rotating blade and rotates the obtained pulp at high speed to extract the juice from it.

When choosing such a juicer, look for a model that ejects the produced pulp into a separate container. This will enable you to extract juice for a long time without having to stop to clean up; this is in contrast to juicers that gather the pulp in the same box where the food to be processed is cut. In addition, machines that have a separate container for pulp become unstable less often.

The disadvantage with centrifugal juice extractors is that you can’t use them for hard-treatable products, such as hard vegetables, leafy greens and fibrous vegetables. Further, rotating at high speed produces heat, which has a bad effect on the enzymes in the produce. The juice also becomes oxidized, which reduces the nutrient content.
Masticating juice extractors

Masticating juice extractorThese devices are usually more expensive than centrifugal juice extractors, but you can use them for a great variety of foods, including hard, leafy and fibrous vegetables. By adding different attachments to them, you can make pasta, nut foods, baby foods, frozen desserts, paste, sauces, etc.

These kitchen juicers grind the product until a pulp is obtained, and then press it in order to extract the maximum amount of juice from it. One strong advantage of this type of juice extractor is that the operating speed is slow, which prevents oxidation and avoids excessive heat. Thus, your juice will have more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Some masticating juice extractors can even stabilize the juice, keeping it fresh for a longer time.
Factors to consider when selecting kitchen juicers

First decide what kind of juicer you need, then think about the following…

1. Guarantee: look for a juicer that will last for years. You will be able to use it every day without worrying about whether it will break down.

2. Ease of use: you have to work with your juicer with ease, because otherwise you will not use it. It has to be…

* comparatively easy to lift and carry.
* if the device is electrical, it should not vibrate much and must be comparatively silent during operation. Kitchen juicers that spin at high speed, such as centrifugal ones, tend to vibrate and be noisy.
* it is a good idea if the electrical juicer can spin in reverse, in case it clogs with pulp.

3. Easy to clean: your juicer should be easy to clean after use. It will be wonderful if it has easily removable component parts, which can be cleaned individually in a dishwasher.

4. Power: the power of the machine affects the variety of foods that you will be able to process. A powerful motor (one with high wattage) will not slow down even when processing harder foods; therefore the risk of damage is smaller.

5. The amount of prepared juice: with a quality juicer you will extract a greater amount of juice from the produce. With a cheap juicer you will need to buy more produce to obtain the same amount of juice extracted with an expensive juicer, and so it will cost you more over time.

6. The size of the juicer: the juice extractor takes up space, but it will be good if you can leave it on the countertop for ease of use.

7. The feed tube size: the wider the chute where you will place the produce, the less labor and time you will need to spend in preparing it.

Some juice extractors have an extra, wider feed tube, to put large items of produce such as apples and tomatoes, without chopping them into tiny pieces.

8. Availability of spare parts.

9. A place for the cable.

The popular names for juicers are Breville, Champion, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Jack LaLanne, Omega and Waring.

Painting kitchen cabinets is not rocket science, but that does not mean you can just buy paint and a brush and get started. There are a few simple rules to follow, but once you know how to paint kitchen cabinets, it will be a breeze. Lets look at the process step by step.

* Are your kitchen cabinets easily dismountable from the wall? If so, you may find it easier take them down and work on them on a newspaper covered floor.
* Whether you dismount them or not, you have to clean them. This is not just wiping them with a damp cloth. I mean really cleaning them to get rid of all the grease, food particles and grime that have collected over time.
* Use a good all purpose cleaner to remove all the accumulated grime. If need be do it twice.
* Once you have finished cleaning the cabinets, allow them to completely dry.
* Cleaning the cabinet doors is easier if the doors and hinges are removed from the cabinet body. Laying them on a flat surface will ensure they don’t move while you are scrubbing them. This also makes cleaning the slim facing pieces of the cabinet body easier to clean.
* Make sure that all the countertops, appliances and the floor are masked off before you start.
* Once they are clean, you come to the first step in painting kitchen cabinets – sanding them. Use a fine grit sandpaper to rub over the complete cabinet. Try and ensure that you sand the nooks and crannies as also. Don’t forget the facing areas from where you removed the doors. Sanding helps to roughen the surface of the wood and allows the layers of paint and primer you will be applying to grip better. This will reduce the chances of the paint peeling and flaking off and also strength the coat of paint to withstand the bumping for utensils being moved around in the cabinet. Remember you are only roughing up the surface and not removing the earlier coats of paint or varnish. Don’t overdo it. That’s why it is better to do this by hand rather than using a high powered sanding machine.
* Once you finish the sanding you need to apply a coat of primer to the surfaces. The primer helps the paint bond with the wood and makes for a long lasting finish. If you are repainting kitchen cabinets in the same color you can skip this. But if you are changing the color or painting a varnished surface, you need to use primer. Paint will not stick to a stained or varnished surface, even if it has been sanded and the primer will prevent the previous paint color from affecting the shade of your new paint.
* Check with your hardware store for the right combination of paint and primer to use. Some products have a strong odor so be prepared to ventilate the kitchen if you are doing the painting in there.
* By now your cabinets probably look awful. Don’t worry – you have just laid the foundation for a great paint job. So get started painting.
* The best way to paint kitchen cabinets is by using a pneumatic sprayer. If you can’t get hold of one, using a high quality brush of 2 ½” to 3″ will work fine.
* By now you may be feeling like finishing the job fast by applying a thick coat. Don’t! It will peel off. Multiple thin coats of paint are the best.
* Let the first coat of paint dry completely and using very fine grit sandpaper, lightly sand the fresh surface – not to remove the paint but so that the next coat has a smooth surface.
* Two coats of paint is normally enough but if your cabinets are made from heavy grain wood like oak, 3 coats will give you a better finish.
* Once everything is dry, remount the doors and replace the cabinets on the wall, if you have taken them off.

And that’s how to paint kitchen cabinets.

Some popular aluminum cookware manufacturers are Calphalon, Berndes, Circulon, Swiss Diamond, Cuisinart and Anolon. Aluminum cookware comes in the widest range and serves various cooking purposes such as frying, sautéing, grilling, roasting and boiling. Aluminum fry pans, sauté pans, casseroles, steam cookers, simmering pots and saucepans are some of the regularly used aluminum cookware.
Tips for buying aluminum cookware

One of the major concerns with aluminum is that it reacts with food. It can react to form aluminum salts when it comes in contact with acidic foods or foods that are salty, and enter the system. Moreover, it is a soft metal and gets easily scratched and dented. Aluminum toxicity is a cause of great concern among many. Therefore companies that manufacture aluminum cookware cover them with a non-stick coating, or harden them through an electrical process in order to make them chemically stable, scratch-proof and non-toxic.

For example, utensils made by Berndes, a leading manufacturer of world class aluminum cookware sets, uses high quality alloy that is subjected to a process called vacuum-casting. The multiple layers of non-stick coating remain intact so that food does not come in contact with the aluminum. Moreover, food does not get stuck or burnt, making the cleaning process easy.

Anodized utensils are the other kind of non-toxic aluminum cookware available. Similar to plain aluminum, this kind of cookware is highly conductive but it does not react with acidic food, making the food safe without changing its taste.

The other benefits of Anodized aluminum are:

* Healthy – can be used with little or no fat.
* Durable, scratch-proof and easy to clean.
* It cannot be dented like plain aluminum.
* Prevents the food from sticking and being burnt.

Some final suggestions

* For best results with aluminum cookware, you must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines always. As suggested by many manufacturers, aluminum utensils should be hand washed as they may not be dishwasher safe. Also other metal utensils should not be used with them.
* It is important to choose aluminum utensils with the right thickness. Thicker aluminum vessels have greater conduction and distribution abilities, thereby enhancing the cooking process and saving time and fuel energy.
* If your style of cooking involves directly transferring the utensil to the oven after using it on the stove, you can go in for aluminum cookware meant for the oven. Such utensils can withstand high temperatures and they will save you the trouble of transferring hot food to another oven-safe utensil.
* Many utensils carry a lifetime warranty that protects you against any manufacturing defects and also against chipping and peeling, as long as you adhere to the manufacture’s guidelines.
* The type of handles chosen need a special mention. You must always inspect the handles to ensure that they are not made of plastic, or are attached to the pans with the help of screws. These handles can crack or get wobbly. Handles and knobs that stay cool on hot vessels, and that are ergonomically designed for better grip should always be chosen. These should be firmly attached to the utensil by riveting or welding. Berndes manufactures rivet-free handles that are extensions of the utensils. Due to the absence of rivets, food does not get stuck on the insides.
* Choose a metal lid or a glass one that fits properly along the rim. Glass lids allow you to see the food as it is being cooked without losing heat in the form of steam.
* Aluminum cookware sets come cheaper than buying separate utensils, and may be an economical option for large or small families. These may be 6-piece or 10-piece sets. It is best that you restrict yourself to buying only the utensil you need and don’t unnecessarily buy the whole set because it comes cheaper.