Sunday, July 29, 2018

Gas vs Induction



One of the fastest rising technologies in kitchens today are induction cooktops. There are pros and cons to each type of cooking surface and today we will explore those together.

Style: A gas cooktop can look very professional or it can be more streamlined for a cleaner look. Induction cooktops are a smooth glass top that are very clean and modern in appearance.

Cleaning: An induction cooktop is much easier to clean as it is a smooth piece of glass vs the gas cooktop that is a stainless basin with steel metal grates set on top of it.

Heat Precision:  Gas cooktops have progressed well over the years in their ability to precisely control heat. Both gas and induction do this well.

Safety: Since induction generates heat in the pot and not on the surface of the unit, the residual heat on the surface once a pot is removed is minimal. The steel grate on a gas cooktop can stay hot for a while after cooking has ended.  Also, a gas cooktop has an open flame while an induction cooktop generates heat via a magnetic induction. Induction cooktops have a safety lock feature preventing them from being accidentally turned on.

Do you have a preference in cooking surfaces? Are you deciding between the 2? I would highly suggest visiting a showroom that has both, preferably live and working, that you can evaluate side by side. Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Shower Benches



If you are having your shower remodeled or considering building a new house, one question you need to answer is “Do I need a bench in my shower?” There are several different types of benches you could have in a shower, but why do you need a bench? A bench is helpful if you need to shave your legs, wash your feet, just need to sit down or have a broken foot and aren’t able to stand in the shower for much time.  Below are a couple of options to consider.

1 .Built in bench-whether this stretches wall to wall in your shower or is a triangular corner bench, this permanent structure is often tiled to match the rest of your shower. You have great flexibility over the size of this bench and it is very sturdy. It can be a collecting point for shampoo bottles so make sure you also have a built in niche to wrangle those items.

2. Fold Down Bench-often times made out of teak wood, this bench is mounted to the wall with metal brackets and can fold up against the wall and out of the way. This is especially great if you don’t have much space to work with. Typically these benches can hold 220 pounds. They can be a great aesthetic addition to your space.

3.  Freestanding Bench- a moveable piece of furniture this can be made out of plastic or teak and can be moved around the shower and taken in and out of the space giving you the most flexibility.

4. Foot prop-maybe you don’t have space or need for a full blown bench, but would like a small shelf to prop your foot on to clean or shave your legs. Small corner shelves can be mounted down low, approx.. 14-18” off of the floor and are perfect for that need.

What have you found to be the best solution for your space? Do you have any other ideas for benches? I’d love to hear.  Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Quartz Countertops FAQ’s



Quartz countertops continue to enjoy a rise in popularity and manufacturers keep coming up with more and more beautiful options. Below are some questions I am frequently asked.

1.      Can I set hot pots or pans directly on the countertop? While the manufacturers do not recommend setting hot things directly on the countertop, many homeowners have without incident.

2.      Is it stain resistant? Yes, most manufacturers claim their products are stain resistant and are easily cleaned with a mild cleaner like 409. Do not use abrasive products or pads on the countertop.

3.      Can I cut directly on the countertop? Manufacturers suggest using a cutting board, but again, many end users have cut directly on it without any trouble.

4.      Will it chip? There are conflicting comments out there about this. Some people have reported chips on the edges or sink areas. If this happens to you, check your warranty.

All in all, quartz countertops are fantastic and I would not hesitate to use them anywhere. Do you have quartz tops in your kitchen or bath? Have you experienced any of the above issues? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com