One of our readers recently used the Contact page to ask us a question. We thought that we should put up this email exchange as a post, as it would serve to be a learning for other readers.

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We will try to answer your queries. So please have them sent across.

Note : We sought the permission of the person concerned here to write about this query and the answers.

 Aavaas User

” I am buying an apartment which is under construction.  The location of the hob is under the window.  I would like to know if it is advisable.  How to install the chimney when there is a window . will the hob function to its capacity and what other alternatives are available. “

Response

“We would like to understand your question more accurately. What do you mean by “hob” ? “

Click here to read the complete transcript

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You would have read our introduction to modular kitchen. Probably you also saw the article which covers the various zones involved in today’s modular kitchens.

In this article we hope to convey one important aspect of modular kitchens. How does one fit this into his/her home?

Lets be practical here. Most of our kitchens are unique in terms of space , design and plan. Therefore it is simply impossible to have the same modular kitchen design which you saw in your friends place to fit into your kitchen.

Image Courtesy: dynamicspace.com

The first on top left is called the “L” shaped kitchen.

The second on top right is called the “U” shaped kitchen.

The third on middle left is called “Island” kitchen.

The fourth on middle right is called the “G” shaped kitchen.

The fifth on bottom left is called “Gallery” kitchen.

The last on bottom right is called “Line” kitchen.

 So, as you see, there are a variety of options available to suit your kitchen’s geometry. It would be wise to choose the most appropriate one so that essential spaces are not reduced resulting in a cramped working environment.

Also, plan the placement of articles in your modular kitchen in a proper manner.

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This kind of planning would be highly beneficial in preventing back aches for people working in the kitchen.

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In the last article we introduced the modular kitchen concept. Today we talk about the various zones involved in the modular kitchen.

Image Courtesy : dynamicspaces.com

A well planned modular kitchen would involve/cover all essential zones:

• Zone for consumables
• Zone for non-consumables
• Zone for cleaning
• Zone for preparation
• Zone for cooking

Depending on the space available, you could add/remove the least essential zone in accordance with our Indian styles. For example, a dish washing machine is something which we may not be comfortable with. So we could eliminate that aspect from the “cleaning zone”.

The main advantage of having zones in your kitchen is that it improves the process flow of cooking and makes it more enjoyable.

If every step is planned properly and executed, a modular kitchen can give you the following advantages:

• Good aesthetic looks
• Less smoky and oily kitchen
• Preserved walls and appliances, increasing their lifespan
• Optimized space
• Good storage space for cooking ingridients as well as utensils
• Ease of repairing/replacement
• Motivation to cook

 Some low points of a modular kitchen are:

• Expensive to begin with
• Need to plan for materials to suit water hardness/salinity
• Not yet widely used in India
• Scope for changes later on are limited
• May create a need to change one’s lifestyle (cooking habits)

Almost all over the world, in most homes, both husband and wife work and so the time spent in the kitchen needs to be minimal. This gives rise to the demand for a well designed and convenient kitchens. Modular kitchens fulfill this demand.

With modular kitchens gaining popularity more manufacturers are jumping into the field and the increased competition should result in prices becoming far more affordable to us.

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Modular Kitchen is basically a range of fixtures/cabinets which are put together in a planned and functional manner to make kitchen tasks easier. They are usually designed to suit an individual’s preference and adapts to the available space in one’s home.

Today various standardized modules, pre-fabricated in a variety of colors are available for one to choose from. This makes the whole process of setting up the modular kitchen with style and substance a breeze. Experts come and assemble the whole thing and before you know, the setup is ready for delivering. Of-course pre planning would help a lot.

Image Courtesy : images.google.com

Common ingredients of a modular kitchen are:

• Cabinets (you can choose the number based on availability of space)
• Drawers (you can choose the number based on availability of space)
• Built-in waste-baskets (as-in covered)
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashing machine
• Cooking range/Stove
• Microwave oven
• Conventional oven/Space for wet grinder
• Wash basin

The modules that make your kitchen “modular” would occupy both the floor and wall part of your kitchen. Apart from this one would have the table-like surface for placing electrical appliances like mixer, bread toaster and so on. Remember to have the electrical sockets planned in advance as well.

Materials used are just as varied. You could choose from natural or lacquered wood, combinations of wood and laminate, laminate and granite, or even aluminum and marble, or just flow freely with the tide of ingenious material at hand and explore your creative flair for a custom built one.
No matter what the size and the shape of the kitchen, the two basic preferences have always been wood and laminate for the cabinets and shutters, along with sturdy material like marbles or granite for the worktops. All other options are generally designed around these.

We will cover more on modular kitchens over the next few days.

Have a nice weekend….

 authors

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