Kitchen-Wise

Elegant cooktops with extra burners, double ovens, refrigerators sporting computer keyboards—all are enticing. However, the first appliance many customers choose is the dishwasher. That might seem counterintuitive for a remodel project, but it makes perfect sense to Sincere Hardware Supply Store Manager Keith Chan. Busy families treasure the few extra minutes of family time a well-engineered dishwasher can provide, says Keith.

Sincere, which began as a small hardware and plumbing store in 1988, has grown up with the boom in remodeling of the past decade or so. What started as a simple retail storefront now is a full service kitchen and bath design center with everything from countertops to windows to flooring to appliances. The Oakland based company expanded its appliance offerings two years ago to create one-stop shopping for not only a variety of brands, but also a variety of price points. Keith encourages customers to mix and match appliances to meet specific needs within a budget. 

A cooking aficionado, for example, might be more excited about an induction cooktop than the high-end dishwasher. In that case, a midrange dishwasher might free up a little extra cash for a top-of-the-line stove or even 

a pair of wall ovens.“Most customers will mix and match the price points but stay with one brand name,” Keith says. “It depends on the customer’s needs.”

There are plenty of viable options for each appliance, he adds. Trends come and go, but convenience remains the bottom line for homeowners choosing a new set of appliances. The computer and television in the refrigerator door might be enticing, but it’s the push-button refrigerator shelf adjuster that closes the deal. 

Here are Keith’s tips and trends for the big three appliances in most kitchen remodels:

Cooktops

British Thermal Units (BTU) remain the gauge for quality in cooking on gas. Entry level, stand-alone gas stoves start at around 10,000 BTU. Mid range hovers at 12,000 and often includes basic convection. For the serious cook, it’s a BTU up to 15,000 with true convection (elements at top and bottom of the oven for even heat throughout the stove).

The trend toward electric stoves with induction cooktops continues.  (Electric heat output is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh.) Besides the sleek look and even heating, induction cooktops offer families peace of mind that little fingers won’t get singed. The heat is transferred only through iron or steel pots.

Refrigerators

Interior space and convenience drive different price points. Entry-level refrigerators will have smaller interior cubic feet and button controls. Mid range refrigerators feature individual freezers, digital controls and a water dispenser. A high-end refrigerator features removable shelves and push button electronic shelf levers. Many also are built-in and match cabinetry.

Counter depth refrigerators continue to gain favor with aesthetic minded remodelers. Removable shelves that level electronically are a favorite for high-end refrigerators. 

Dishwashers

Entry-level dishwashers feature simple dials and buttons and generally have plastic interiors. Mid range dishwashers offer stainless interiors and often several push button options. At the highest prices, dishwashers often feature automatic shutoff sensors and a sanitizer option. 

Quiet operation is a feature for many mid-range and upper range models. Stainless steel exteriors and energy saving sensors that detect when each load is clean are favorites with consumers.

Visit any one of five Sincere Hardware Supply locations (Downtown Oakland, West Oakland, Modesto, Sunnyvale and Reedley) for help with your kitchen remodel. Go to www.sincerehardware.com for showroom addresses and more about the Oakland based kitchen and bath design centers. Visit the downtown Oakland design center at 276 11th Street Oakland, (510) 832-2838.