Whether you use your kitchen island as an entertainment centre, a homework spot or a pastry prep area, getting the most out of this hardworking hub takes planning.
Design expert Kimberley Seldon partnered with the Electrical Safety Authority to share her top three ideas for designing the ultimate kitchen island.
Plan for entertaining. Adding a wine fridge tucked into the side of the island looks great and comes in handy when serving guests. Consider freeing precious counter space by moving microwaves and other small appliances into built-in lower sections as well. Or add a set of freezer drawers facing the sink to store extra food when the whole family stops by.
Remember, all major appliances in a kitchen, including microwaves, require a dedicated outlet. Consult your licensed electrical contractor about the requirements for these appliances, especially if you plan to have more than one fridge or freezer.
Chef-approved design. With additional space for food prep and room for a built-in cooktop, an island is a gourmet's dream. One of the top requested cooking surfaces is an induction cooktop, which is cool to the touch as soon as it is turned off. Before you start measuring for installation, check the power requirements. An induction cooktop can draw a significant electrical load and will need to be on a dedicated circuit.
Take a seat. If there is room, consider including multi-use seating. A breakfast bar is a great spot for the family to gather for a quick bite before running off to work, but it can also become a homework station. Integrate outlets into the side or base of the island to power laptops and other devices. Tamper Resistant (TR) outlets are required and help prevent children from receiving a burn or shock by keeping little fingers and objects out of electrical sockets. Adding USB-only outlets will create a charging station for all your devices. While USB outlets can be hidden inside a drawer, a standard outlet cannot be as this would create a fire hazard.
Find more design and electrical tips online at poweryourreno.ca
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