Some people think the most important things to consider when building a new kitchen might be what stove or refrigerator to buy, or perhaps what type of flooring you might want to get. For me, the most important thing is choosing the right kitchen sinks. You may think that any sink will do, but take it from me; the choice of sink you make will have a huge impact on your day-to-day life. You spend more time than you realize with your hands in your sink.
I have moved a lot in my life, and that means I have come face to face with just about every one of the types of kitchen sinks there are today. Some are shallow, and some are deep. There are some that have one side, and there are some with two. Even the type of faucet makes a difference. In my current apartment I have a nice, deep stainless steel sink, but it only has one side. It’s not a great sink, and it makes my life difficult. Of all the kitchen sinks I have had, this one has to be one of the most frustrating.
When you are choosing among kitchen sinks, make sure you really think about what you are looking for in a sink. Even if you have a dishwasher, there will still be times when you need to use your sink to wash some dishes. You also want to consider the type of faucet you want, and if you want one that comes with a spray nozzle or not. The material may make a difference in what you select as well. Some like stainless steel, while others want to get the ceramic type because it comes in a variety of colors. Just think long and hard as you consider the kitchen sinks you see so you are happy with your final decision.
Another thing to consider about kitchen sinks is the depth. If you have shorter cabinets, you don’t want one that is too deep or you may not have room underneath it if you choose to install a garbage disposal. You should also consider the strength of the cabinets. Your counter may be fine with a heavy sink when you first remodel, but as the years go on, it may put a strain on your counter and cabinets. If you aren’t sure, a salesperson should be able to help you make an informed decision.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Safety Precautions In The Kitchen
Moms spend a lot of time in the kitchen; so naturally, their children are interested in what goes on there. Most children learn by watching their parents, and they develop and interest in doing anything they see an adult do. This is how they learn about the world around them. Even before your children can talk, they are learning about the world by watching mom, dad, and other adults as they go about their day. This is the perfect time to teach them about kitchen safety. You may have childproof locks, but that doesn’t stop them from wanting to know what is behind the lock.
Probably the most dangerous item in your kitchen is your stove. Children often don’t understand what things feel like unless they touch them. This is true of hot and cold as well as fuzzy or sleek. You can tell them ‘hot’ as much as you like, but they won’t get it until they feel it. As a preventative measure, the first lesson in kitchen safety is what hot feels like. Naturally, you don’t want to put your child’s hand on something that will harm them to teach them this, so you have to think of another way.
When it came time for me to teach my daughter this lesson in kitchen safety, I used my oven. I turned it on and waited for it to warm up. I did not let it get hot, but when it was warm but not dangerous, I allowed her to feel it. I explained that if she felt that sensation, she was in danger and should move away. The next kitchen safety lesson I taught was also about heat, but it was more about the pans on the top of the stove. I keep the handles turned in, but I had to remind her repeatedly that she couldn’t touch them.
When it comes to kitchen safety, you also have to worry about knives. Because knives are shiny and off limits, they are one of the first things your children will want to touch. You have to make sure you keep these up and completely out of reach, but you also have to demonstrate what they can do. You have to teach them to use them safely as they grow, and make sure your repeat your kitchen safety lessons over and over until you are sure they understand the dangers they face when they go in there alone.
Probably the most dangerous item in your kitchen is your stove. Children often don’t understand what things feel like unless they touch them. This is true of hot and cold as well as fuzzy or sleek. You can tell them ‘hot’ as much as you like, but they won’t get it until they feel it. As a preventative measure, the first lesson in kitchen safety is what hot feels like. Naturally, you don’t want to put your child’s hand on something that will harm them to teach them this, so you have to think of another way.
When it came time for me to teach my daughter this lesson in kitchen safety, I used my oven. I turned it on and waited for it to warm up. I did not let it get hot, but when it was warm but not dangerous, I allowed her to feel it. I explained that if she felt that sensation, she was in danger and should move away. The next kitchen safety lesson I taught was also about heat, but it was more about the pans on the top of the stove. I keep the handles turned in, but I had to remind her repeatedly that she couldn’t touch them.
When it comes to kitchen safety, you also have to worry about knives. Because knives are shiny and off limits, they are one of the first things your children will want to touch. You have to make sure you keep these up and completely out of reach, but you also have to demonstrate what they can do. You have to teach them to use them safely as they grow, and make sure your repeat your kitchen safety lessons over and over until you are sure they understand the dangers they face when they go in there alone.
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