6 Things to Check Before Buying a Modular Kitchen

Modular kitchens have become increasingly popular with home owners because of the convenience that they offer and their great aesthetics. They also come with the best space solutions, making them perfect for kitchens, especially in city houses. They are also available in a range of contemporary designs.

While selecting a modular kitchen, you will come across a number of options. There are certain aspects that you need to consider before you make your choice. Check the following to get the most suitable modular kitchen for your home:

Customize:

The modular kitchen should suit your needs. The main purpose of the design is to offer maximum convenience. Customize the kitchen and ensure that it meets all your requirements. Check that it fits well within the available space.

Quality:

The quality of the kitchen is a very important factor. Good quality modular kitchens might seem a little expensive, but they will save a lot of money in the long-run, as they are low on maintenance. Never compromise on the quality of the kitchen as it is the most important part of your house. Inspect the cabinets, drawers, and shutters thoroughly. Kitchens with stainless steel material are particularly good, as they are strong, elegant, long-lasting, and rust-proof.

Countertop Material:

The countertop is the most used area in any kitchen. Choose a robust material for the countertop. Granite is the perfect option for Indian kitchens. It is easy to keep granite countertops clean. Before choosing a countertop, ensure that it matches with the overall tone and design of your kitchen.

Shape:

Kitchen shapes should be selected, depending on the available space. The popular choices of L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens are perfect if you are short on space. If there is large space available, then you can opt for an island kitchen. Other options are C-shaped and parallel counter kitchen.

Units Material:

Check the material used in the different units of the kitchen. The cabinets, pull-outs, and drawers should be made of high-quality steel, instead of mild steel. Mild steel cannot withstand corrosion. The cabinets may be made with fiber, glass, laminate, and wood, among others.  

Cost:

The last thing to consider is the cost of the modular kitchen. This is obviously an important factor when making any purchase. Modular kitchens come in a range of prices. Stick to your budget and browse through the options accordingly. If your budget is tight, you can even select a kitchen with fewer accessories. Accessories may be added any time in the future.

It is important to take all of these considerations into account before investing in a modular kitchen. Opting for SleekKitchens will give you a wide range of affordable choices. Modular kitchens from Sleekworld are designed with the best quality and are customized as per your needs.  

Choose Built-in Appliances for your Kitchen

Almost every kitchen suffers from some kind of a space-crunch. There are a number of practical solutions that can help overcome this problem. Using built-in appliances is one of the best ways to save space in the kitchen. They make the kitchen appear elegant and uncluttered.

Built-in Appliances

Built-in appliances are permanently fixed in place. They are designed to offer maximum space without clutter. Appliances like ovens, hobs, or even wall refrigerators, may be easily hidden within the cabinets. These appliances cannot be moved to any other location. They are designed while creating the kitchen and hence must be coordinated with the different components of the kitchen.

Popular built-in appliances include ovens, hobs, refrigerators, washing machines, sinks, dishwashers, cookers, and coffee makers, among others. Modular kitchen vendors offer attractive built-in appliances for the kitchen.

Unique techniques are applied for installing the built-in appliances. Depending on the available space and appliance dimensions, the design is prepared. Some appliances require structural modifications in the kitchen. On most occasions, the appliances are fixed while constructing the kitchen or remodeling it. At any point of time, you may use an empty space and get an appliance installed over a free standing cabinet. Different appliance brands offer different products, having a number of features. 

Benefits

Built-in appliances enhance the floor as well as counter space. The integrated style makes the kitchen look neat and clutter-free. These appliances are easy to use and maintain. In addition, they add to the visual appeal of the kitchen. All of these features make built-in appliances an attractive option, as compared to freestanding appliances.

For more, read the valuable Sleek Kitchen reviews by our consumers themselves.

Placement of the Appliances

Built-in appliances may be positioned at any spot, as per your choice. Choose a comfortable position that will also offer convenience. Some ideas to help you with the placement are as follows:

• Keep the washing machine and the dishwasher near the sink. This will make your cleaning process quick and convenient.
• Do not use the corner space for appliances, as this will be of no help to you.
• Position the hob on the wall just opposite the door or window rather than positioning it behind the door or below the window. This will enhance the ventilation.
• Use good quality and strong material for cabinets to support the appliances. Ensure that the cabinet size is suitable.

Appliances like ovens should be placed in cabinets that are heat resistant.

The varied benefits and convenience offered by built-in appliances makes them the ideal option for your kitchen. They also maximize the space in the kitchen. Opt for Sleek Kitchens as they can even be customized and offer the perfect solution for placing built-in appliances.

Also, to provide the best consumer experience, we at Sleek are always glad to accept the feedback and complaints from our valuable consumers. You just need to log in to our Facebook page.

12 Ideas for a Small Kitchen

City-dwellings are always plagued with a shortage of space and it is most often the kitchen that suffers. Nevertheless, a small kitchen doesn't necessarily have to be cramped; with the correct layout it can still appear spacious. You need to apply some tricks to design your kitchen for efficiency and space.

Here are 12 ideas that will help in any small kitchen:

Utilize corners: Corners are the most ignored part of the kitchen. Install drawers or Lazy Susan cabinets in the corners to utilize space. If you are planning a complete renovation, then you can opt for a galley or walk-through kitchen.

Mirrors: Get maximum mirrors fitted in the kitchen. They reflect the surfaces and create an illusion of enhanced space.

Shelves: Add shelves to the kitchen to maximize the storage. Install them above the counter-tops and cooking stove. You may place essentials like knives, spoons, spices, salt, cooking books, and other items on them.

Fill the space: Get custom designed shelves and counter-tops for your kitchen. These should cover the space entirely. You may also use angled counters and triangle shaped shelves.

Hanging Items: Hang cookware items like pots and pans. They not only save the cabinet space but also look visually attractive. Besides, you may also opt for affordable wire baskets.

Kitchen Table: Tables in the kitchen occupy a lot of space. Use a single table that will be useful for both preparing food and dining.

Lighting: Good lighting makes the kitchen look bright and spacious. Install under-cabinet lights and make the kitchen more functional and efficient.

Island kitchens: Use the extra space in the island kitchen as your working area. Create underneath-storage to save space. You may also design an island kitchen, which can turn into a closet when required.

Cabinet Pulls: Get cut-out, flush-mount, or recessed pulls for the cabinets. This is an efficient storage idea to make it appear clutter-free.

Hooks: Hooks are the simplest and one of the cheapest ways to enhance storage. Buy as many hooks as you want and use them to place towels, napkins, mugs, cups, and jars, among others.

Organize and plan: Plan your kitchen well and allocate sufficient space to each area. Determine the place for plate racks, near the cooking area. Get vertical shelves installed in the cabinets for placing bottles. Select a suitable place for the trash bin.

Open: Allow the upper cabinets to remain open. Use open shelves throughout the kitchen. The openness makes the kitchen airy and clutter-free.

These simple ideas will help transform your small kitchen, making it appear large and airy to guests. You should also consider the options of Sleek Kitchens that are designed with the best space solutions. These are available all over India including cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. 

Six Must-Have Pots and Pans in the Kitchen

Cooking pans are as important as other tools in the kitchen. Pots and pans help to cook different kinds of dishes. They minimize the mess while cooking. They make both cooking and cleaning process easier.

Some of the must-have pots and pans are as follows:

1. Skillet

Skillets are the most important cooking pans. The three essential types are stainless, cast-iron, and non-stick skillets. Non-stick pans let you use less oil. They help to cook soft foods without breaking them. Cast-iron skillets can handle high temperatures. They may also be used in the ovens. A stainless pan will be durable and is mostly used for cooking vegetables.

2. Wok:

Woks are used for stir frying, boiling, and making soup, among other things. A wok made up of both carbon and steel offers a good grip and is easy to move. It is also light in weight. The flat bottom of the wok helps the items to quickly gain heat.

3. Roasting Pan:

Roasting pans are a necessity in the kitchen. Choose a pan made up of heavy metals and having strong handles. Opt for the darker pans as they are ideal to make the food crispy and delicious.

4. Casserole Dish:

A casserole dish is a shallow dish made up of glass or ceramic. Glass dishes are cheaper than the ceramic ones. The dishes come in varied shapes and sizes. They may or may not have a lid. They look pretty when placed on the table. It is safe to place the ceramic dish under the broiler.

5. Slow Cooker:

Slow cooker helps to cook the food even when you are not around. Set a timer on the cooker. Once the time is up, the cooker will automatically switch to warm. It will stop cooking the food and maintain a temperature to keep it hot. A slow cooker doesn’t require your presence to prepare the dish.

6.  Dutch Oven:

Dutch oven helps in cooking a number of dishes like pasta, cornbread, and cake. They are either made up of stainless steel or enamel coated cast-iron. Choose a heavy and strong material of the oven as it helps in conducting the heat better and also saves the food from burning. When you buy it, make sure that the lid is tightly fitted. It helps to retain the moisture within the food.

These pots and pans come in varied sizes. Choose the best size suitable for your family. You may also opt for more than one size. Get all of these pots and pans and make your tasks in the Sleek kitchens simpler and swifter. 

Six Types of Baskets to Optimize Storage Space

Modular kitchens are intelligently designed, offering effective space management solutions. They make our lives organized. A clean and clutter-free kitchen always looks good. On the other hand, a messy kitchen even with the best decor will be displeasing.

Accessories and baskets in modular kitchens help to keep items organized. They make storage simpler and offer easy access.

There are varied types of functional and aesthetically pleasing baskets available for today's kitchen. Some of the most popular ones are described below. 

1. Hanging Baskets:
   
   Hanging baskets are propped on hinges and act as open cabinets. They are great to store frequently used utensils or food items. Wet vegetables may be stored here before placing them into the refrigerator. These baskets are made up of steel or wood. Wood baskets are ideal for food items and vegetables while steel ones are ideal for utensils.
   
2. Standing Baskets:
   These baskets stand at one corner of the counter-top. They are made up of stainless steel rods and hence are rust-free. Depending on the available space, you may choose the size. These baskets are used for storing plates, spoons, knives, and other cutlery.
   
3. Cutlery Baskets:
   You may also opt for special cutlery baskets to store your silverware. These are made of adjustable steel meshing material, so you may customize the compartments to fit items of different sizes.
   
4. Tray Baskets:
   Tray baskets are one of the most popular baskets found in Indian kitchens. These are used to store commonly used items. They may be easily accessed while cooking and put away after they are used. Some tray baskets have perforations through which air may pass. These help dry dishes and silverware.
   
5. Partitioned Baskets:
   As the name suggests, partitioned baskets have a number of compartments. They are made up of stainless steel and are used to store different types of items. For instance, you may place spices in one, pickles in another and sauces in the next. While purchasing one, ensure that its surface is smooth and easy to clean.
   
6. Bottle Baskets:
   
   These are standing baskets especially crafted to store items that come in bottled packs. They are very space-efficient and may be placed almost anywhere.

Storage baskets are functional additions for storage in both large and small kitchens. They may be placed to enhance your Sleek kitchens. Depending on your requirement, choose the most suitable basket and make cooking a hassle-free, enjoyable experience. 

Six Stress-Busting Tips to Beat the Mess Created after Cooking

Gone are the days when cooking was simply a household chore. Nowadays, it is not only regarded as a hobby, but also a recreational activity. Many individuals indulge in the activity with great gusto, but the same cannot be said about cleaning the inevitable, after-cooking mess. The task seems even more taxing, when it comes to the elaborate festive meals that are cooked in most Indian kitchens.

The tiresome process of cleaning your kitchen later should not discourage you from cooking, as it does not necessarily have to be such a labor-intensive activity. Here are 6 simple ways to help you make the process easy and enjoyable.

1. Be Prepared in Advance
   
   
   It is quite normal for a number of spills and stains to occur while cooking. This makes it inevitable to clean up after you are done cooking. To make this task easier and less confusing, it is better to be prepared, before you begin cooking itself. Keep the necessary articles handy, such as dusting or wiping cloths, cleaning sprays, and so on.
   
   
   
2. Clean As You Cook
   
   
   Cleaning a heap of dirty dishes and an entire messy kitchen all at once seems nothing short of exhausting. Make it easier for yourself by dividing these tasks into multiple batches and clean while you cook.
   
   
   
3. Use Eco-Friendly Methods
   
   
   Chemical cleaning sprays are harmful not only to the environment, but also to your health. Use home-made, natural solutions to clean the grease and dirt as safer and cost-effective alternatives.
   
   
   
4. Freshen-Up the Air
   
   
   A number of odors can get trapped in your kitchen while cooking, making the room stuffy and uncomfortable for cooking. Be sure to leave the windows or doors open, so that the food odors can escape. Use an air-freshener to add a new fragrance.
   
   
   
5. Handle Tools with Care
   
   
   Some of your kitchen tools and utensils, such as skillets, pans, and so on may come with special instructions for cleaning. It is important to follow these specifications so as to avoid any damage.
   
   
   
6. Take a Moment for Yourself
   
   
   Cooking meals for festive occasions can be quite a tiring task in itself. Give yourself some time to relax and perhaps enjoy the meal instead of diving into the task of cleaning right away. This gives you a much-needed break, before you begin cleaning.
   
   

With these tips to your aid, cleaning the mess created in your Sleek Kitchen after cooking is certainly not a difficult task. So put your worries to rest and simply enjoy cooking.

Five Easy Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Cabinets Sparkling Clean

Considering that your kitchen is the place where you cook your meals and store your food, cleanliness is of utmost importance. However, with all the cooking and related activities that are conducted here, there is bound to be some dirt and grime that accumulates over time.

While you can certainly clean the platforms and other immediate spaces before or after cooking, kitchen cabinets often tend to be left out. Needless to say, this not only alters the look of your kitchen, but could also compromise the health of your family.

Here are five ways to ensure kitchen hygiene by cleaning your kitchen cabinets.

1. Make Daily Cleaning a Habit
   
   Kitchen cabinets are constantly exposed to grease, dust and vapor during the cooking process. However, the damage or accumulation of dirt on cabinets may not be as apparent as it is on other surfaces. It is, therefore, more likely to remain unattended, and can worsen over time. Cleaning the cabinets along with the rest of the kitchen can help prevent such long-term wear and tear.
   
2. Check for Spills and Stains
   Spills and cooking accidents are sometimes unavoidable, when working in a kitchen. Due to the various slots and compartments in cabinets, it is very likely that many of these stains go unnoticed. So, after cooking, be sure to look for any such stains in your kitchen cabinets. It is best to clean such spills immediately, as they can be quite difficult to get rid of, once dry.
   
3. Clean Thoroughly Once a Week
   Despite daily cleaning, the interiors of kitchen cabinets are not easily accessible and may remain unclean. To avoid any buildup of dirt particles, make sure to also clean the interiors of your cabinets at least once every week, in addition to the daily cleaning routine.
   
4. Remember the Knobs and Handles
   
   Even with thorough cleaning, you could inadvertently end up missing the knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets. Dirt tends to accumulate in the small crevices and curves. Use a toothbrush for cleaning these, as the bristles are quite effective against stubborn deposits of dirt
   
5. Use Polish for Better Sheen
   
   Over time, the cabinets tend to lose their sheen, making their appearance dull. This in turn affects the overall look of your kitchen. While cleaning, polish the outer surface of the cabinets to retain their luster and appeal.

With these handy cleaning tips, you can keep your modular kitchen from SleekKitchens, as stylish and clean as new, for much longer!