Archive for the ‘Kitchen’ Category
Natural hardwoods set off kitchen fixtures and floorings beautifully, which is why they are so popular. If your kitchen features wood surfaces, don’t forget it’s important to completely butcher block countertops in the kitchen after each use, since wood is naturally porous and absorbs bacteria and food odors. The more open-grained the wood, the more porous it is. Oak is on the open grained end of the scale, while maple is on the tighter grained end.
Mild soaps such as liquid dish detergent mixed with water work well for cleaning butcher block. You also can use a solution of bleach and water to help prevent bacteria. Just combine 1 tablespoon bleach with 1 gallon of water. This works really great if you keep the solution in a spray bottle; just spray and wipe the wood after each use. One thing you should never use on wood countertops is a scouring cleanser like Comet.
Wood countertops intended for use as cutting surfaces are finished with penetrating oil, usually mineral oil of some type. In order to maintain this finish and keep the wood stain-resistant, you should periodically apply non-toxic oil, once every few months. USP-grade mineral oil is the best; it is the cheapest food-grade oil and it is available at your local drug store. Vegetable or olive oil should not be used; it will turn rancid.
Warm the oil up a little prior to applying with a soft cloth, wiping along the grain direction. Let the oil to soak in for four to six hours then wipe off any excess oil that didn’t soak in.
What about all those spills and marks seemingly branded into the wood? How do you get rid of stains on older butcher-block countertops? You could go ahead have the surface sanded and resealed. But before you do, give this a try: shake some salt over the marks, and then scrub the wood with the cut open side of a lemon half. Letting the wood sit overnight, rinse with water afterwards. For the darker stains, sponge on a solution of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water.
If you do decide to sand and reseal, consider using one of the professional alternatives to mineral oils. You can find wood sealers designed for food surfaces at many woodworking supply outlets. Look for products called Salad Bowl Finish; these are approved as non-toxic for food contact on countertops and cutting boards and require less frequent maintenance. Enjoy your clean new countertops.
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Kitchen islands have long been loved for extra cooking and storage space in the kitchen. Now they are available for outdoor cooking and entertaining. An island outside is very functional for cooking and eating outdoors in nice weather. It also eliminates the need for running in and out of the house when cooking in the yard.
Planning Outdoor Kitchen Islands
A summer kitchen is a big investment. You want to spend as much time planning for it as you would for an island in the kitchen. Consider how it will be used and how much use it will get. Consider the climate where you live. Will it be used only in the summer? In some warm climates, an outdoor island may get year round use.
Once you have decided on how the island will be used, take a look at a variety of islands. Pool and patio stores are a great source of information. Many have a variety on display and have brochures with others. See what’s available and set a budget for how much you are willing to spend.
Most have a cooking grill that is as good as an indoor range for cooking foods. They are high quality cook tops. The sizes of the grilling area vary. Larger sizes are good when you are cooking for a crowd. Side burners are great for preparing vegetables at the same time as grilling the meats. Multiple zones are great for cooking more than one food. This allows you to use different temperatures for each food.
Grilling Kitchen Island Choices
Grilling islands are available in custom or pre fabricated models. Permanent custom built grilling islands are masonry islands. They are generally made of stone or brick and are a permanent fixture in the yard. They are also very expensive.
The nice thing about custom islands is they can be made to match your home or pool areas. The tiles can match your pool on counter areas. These increase the value of your home. They are a good choice if you plan to use the island frequently and want something that will last for years.
Pre fabricated islands are manufactured in a factory and delivered to your home. You provide the measurements of the cooking surface to be used. Sizes range from a five to six foot rectangular shape and L shaped islands. Round table ends are also available to provide additional space for eating.
There are a variety of finishes, styles and designs available in outdoor kitchens. There are nearly as many options as indoor islands. Durable granite islands or tiled countertops provide function and style. As with custom islands, you can match the tile to your pool and the island to the style of your home. Multiple levels are available for separate cooking and eating areas.
Summer kitchens also provide storage space in cabinets and drawers. This gives you a place to keep cooking utensils and outdoor eating supplies. Storage space makes entertaining easier without having to carry everything outside every time you want to cook.