Installing A Countertop Stove In Your Kitchen

Because the kitchen is such a gathering place in the home, it is often the place that remodeling begins. The kitchen is often the heart of the house; the place where families gather and entertaining often occurs. So it's no wonder that homeowners choose to spend much of their renovation dollars in the kitchen - where small changes can affect big transformation and the value of the overall home can be dramatically increased.

Countertops, especially, have the ability to significantly impact the kitchen area - setting the tone for design and giving the kitchen a multi-layered functionality. Often, when choosing countertops, homeowners will opt for the traditional kitchen design that features a built-in countertop stove. But there are clear advantages and disadvantages to the countertop stove; deciding whether or not to have one depends ultimately on your personal style, functional needs, and budget.

Most busy homeowners today can appreciate the functionality of a streamlined kitchen. Our often chaotic lives leave little time to accomplish the myriad of tasks that need to be handled on a daily basis. So it's not a surprise that most of us respond positively to those kitchens that are both compact and stylish.

A countertop stove fits into this description as it integrates seamlessly into the kitchen furniture. Whether gas or electric, the countertop stove can be customized to fit your décor and blend effortlessly with your other kitchen appliances. Homeowners normally find this type of stove to be an added convenience - offering form and function; as well as a supplement to the home’s overall value.

Of course, as with anything else, there are disadvantages to this stove that should be considered before a purchase is made. The most notable of these drawbacks is that there is a higher possibility of kitchen fire than with other stove units. Because the countertop stove is integrated directly into the kitchen counter, the risk of cloth and other materials coming into contact with the stove is higher.

Obviously, the easy way to combat such a possibility is to mount a smoke detector in the kitchen area - a law that most of us already adhere to in our homes. Further, it is always important to practice constant vigilance when cooking on any stove. And, as always, children should be kept away from all stoves until they are old enough to understand and responsibly use the appliance.

The countertop stove - like any stove that you choose – can be purchased through an appliance store or large home improvement retailer. Once delivered, the stove can be installed by the company from which you purchased it or by an independent contractor.

The installation of appliances should not be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer unless they have a thorough knowledge of appliance installation. This should be adhered to especially when dealing with a gas appliance; a professional should always be involved in handling natural gas lines.

A countertop stove can be a wonderful way to streamline the decor of your kitchen and keep you cooking your best while still looking your most stylish.