“Gourmet Kitchen” is one of the most over-used and inaccurate descriptions utilized in the residential real estate sales industry. In this context, gourmet kitchen is often used to describe a kitchen with an island, or a kitchen with a pot rack suspended over the island. I wish these people would be honest and reserve that term for a kitchen that is designed for a professional chef, or at least a homeowner who creates a vast array of culinary delights.

Now that I have thrown down the gauntlet, let me resolve this problem by defining exactly what a gourmet kitchen is. According to dictionary.com, a gourmet kitchen is one which is “elaborately equipped for the preparation of fancy, specialized, or exotic meals.” Just because the kitchen is large it doesn’t make it a “gourmet kitchen.” If you have ever peered into the kitchen of a small, but high quality bistro, you know that “size does not matter.”

Moreover, it is often the array and strategic placement of appliances and equipment that defines a “gourmet kitchen.” High-end refrigeration units which allow for segmental temperature and humidity control are essential to maintain the freshness of refrigerated items. Sauce preparation demands that a gas cook top be provided to allow for maximum heat variation with instant heat adjustment.

A gas, convection double oven, which may have an infrared char broiler, is an appliance you would expect to see in this type of kitchen.

Because many different dishes may be prepared simultaneously, a warming drawer is essential. Also, a high quality microwave is also essential for the culinary master. Pot filler faucets installed behind to cook top are often used for convenience and to eliminate the need to carry a large, heavy pasta pot filled with water from the sink to the stovetop. A large sink and dual dishwashers are often mainstays of the gourmet kitchen.

Experienced cooks often use a variety of pots and pans and storage for these is essential. Overhead racks or storage cabinets are both suitable alternatives for this purpose. A gourmet kitchen will have a vegetable prep area with sink, disposal and readily available, or built in, cutting boards or mats. Experienced culinary experts utilize several types of cutting boards. Designated boards/mats may be used exclusively for beef, fish, pork and vegetables.

A vast array of spices may require readily accessible storage racks or shelves. Spice racks may be mounted to the wall adjacent to your mixing and cook top areas or may be located in a base cabinet vertical pull-out spice rack. A pull out drawer can be fitted with a spice organizer or spices may be stored on a rack fastened to the back of an upper cabinet door.

Most real estate salespeople go out of their way to provide accurate information to prospective buyers. If you are working with a real estate salesperson who advertises a home with a “Gourmet Kitchen” you are now prepared to ask if it has the features described above.

Licensed architect, real estate developer with years of experience in home remodeling and renovation. Rehabilitation projects include loft conversions and historic building renovation. Master planned large mixed use projects and resort developments in Southern California. Other projects include industrial building development. Website: http://www.home-remodeling-planner.com

Licensed architect, real estate developer with years of experience in home remodeling and renovation. Rehabilitation projects include loft conversions and historic building renovation. Master planned large mixed use projects and resort developments in Southern California. Other projects include industrial building development. Website: http://www.home-remodeling-planner.com

Author Bio: Licensed architect, real estate developer with years of experience in home remodeling and renovation. Rehabilitation projects include loft conversions and historic building renovation. Master planned large mixed use projects and resort developments in Southern California. Other projects include industrial building development. Website: http://www.home-remodeling-planner.com

Category: Home Management
Keywords: gourmet,kitchen,remodel,renovation