Kitchen Blog

In our kitchen showroom we are often asked if Quartz or Granite worktops are better. This blog will show you the advantages and disadvantages of Quartz and Granite so, you can then decide which option would be best for your kitchen.

Quartz – What is it?

Quartz worktops are made by mixing the natural mineral quartz with various resins, polymers & pigments. The resin binds all of these particles together, which then hardens and makes the material durable, dense, and strong.

Pigments and even small amounts of glass and metallic flecks can also be added to create patterns and designs, within the quartz. Subsequently there is a huge variety of quartz on the market in a range of colours and designs.
Below: Images of Quartz Slabs from CRL Stone

The advantages & disadvantages of Quartz

As well as the huge variety of quartz, another advantage is that it is a non-porous material. Therefore quartz is more resistant to staining and harbouring bacteria. This gives protection to you and your family and also makes cleaning the worktop easier. As Quartz is non-porous it does not need to be sealed, eliminating ongoing maintenance.

Quartz is also resistant to heat, impact and scratches.

As Quartz is a man-made product consisting of natural elements, there is less variation and slabs of the same design will look identical. This could also be seen as a disadvantage if you want a unique worktop for your kitchen.

Granite – What is it?

Granite is formed in the ground by the fusion of 3 natural minerals: Feldspar, Quartz & Mica. These minerals occur in different proportions and it is this that gives each slab of granite its own colour, texture and unique characteristics. Granite is a naturally hard material, that is
cut in its natural state. It is then polished for use in homes.
Below: Images of Granite Slabs from Sensa by Cosentino

The advantages & disadvantages of Granite

Granite is the hardest entirely natural material used for worktops. This means it is heat and scratch resistant, although trivets and chopping boards are encouraged.

The natural properties of granite mean that it is porous material and requires sealing. Sensa by Cosentino is a range of Granite that has a treatment which in integrated into the molecular structure of the stone so it does not need resealing. However, the majority of Granites will need regular sealing, to minimise the risk of staining and maintain the condition of the worktop.

Granite worktops provide a unique feature to your kitchen, as their natural composition means that no two slabs look the same.

Check List

Quartz is –
Far more durable & heat resistant than granite.
Non-porous and less likely to stain or mark than Granite..
Available in an almost unlimited choice of colours & finishes.
Never has to be sealed like granite.
Quartz is not 100% natural like granite.
Unlike granite there’s no point in choosing your exact slab as all slabs will look identical.
Can vary in quality dependent on the brand chosen.

Granite is –
100% natural.
Markings in the stone are inconsistent & unique.
Tough & durable but not as tough and durable as quartz.
It is porous, therefore susceptible to staining.
Comes in a limited number of colours.
You may be able to choose your exact slabs as they are all different.

So what would you choose for your kitchen? Quartz or Granite?

We are often asked how we can make a small kitchen look bigger so, we have come up with the following tips and tricks to help you create the feel of a spacious kitchen even in the smallest room.

Lighting

Bringing light into a kitchen is one of the most important ways to make the space feel and look bigger. Dimly lit kitchens are cosy, but they enclose a room and limit the use of functional space.
Optimise all the natural light available by keeping your windows clear. Add artificial lighting to create interest, highlight areas and elongate your space.
Lighting can be implemented underneath wall cabinets to shine down on worksurfaces. Worktops can have feature strip lighting below or stoplights could be added in glass fronted cabinets to display your favourite cookware. Spotlights are often used in kitchens too, creating uniform and bright lighting that covers the whole space.

Reflective Surfaces

The use of reflective surfaces will help this light to be carried around the room. This works especially in corners, further away from natural light sources. Glossy cabinets will also bounce the light all through the space. But maybe the most practical way of employing this feature is through splashback. Glossy tiles, mirrored or glass splashback will be a perfect height to reflect light where you are working. They can easily be tailored to different design styles.

Light Colours

 Opting for a light, neutral colour palette will also help bounce light across the room. Bright colours and light neutrals can make a kitchen appear more open and spacious. Should you wish to use a darker colour, opt of two toned cupboards with lighter units on the wall to bring your eye up. Using lighter work surfaces and flooring, whether this is paired with light or dark units, will also reflect more light and appear to increase space.

Clever Storage Solutions

Having too many things out on worktops will only make the space feel more cluttered and overcrowded. Use clever storage solutions such as pull out corner cupboards and integrated bin systems to maximise storage. This keeps the worktops as open and organised as possible. Using floor to ceiling units will also make use of otherwise useless space above units, and draw the eye upwards. If you want to make the most of wall space and use more cupboards, but you are worried about boxing the room in by doing so, glass fronted cabinets can make the cabinets seem less imposing, and let more light around the room. The use of open shelving is also a great way to add more storage, without blocking your eyeline, and can help create variation and texture in a design for a more visually interesting space.

Appliances

Appliances can make a big difference to the look and feel of your kitchen space. Choose appliances that are not too chunky and take up a lot of space. Integrated appliances can make a kitchen look more streamline and open. Freestanding American fridge/freezers for example are generally deeper than their integrated equivalent and become a dominating feature.

If you would like a free kitchen design consultation to help plan your idea space, speak to Tasha our qualified interior designer.

If you are struggling to decide whether an induction hob is right for you, keep reading. In this blog we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of induction cooking.
In recent years, kitchens have seen a shift from the traditional gas hobs to ceramic and induction hobs. So what is the difference?

How do electric and induction hobs work?

Aesthetically, ceramic and induction hobs are very similar, providing a sleek and modern look. However, the way they conduct heat works very differently, meaning they offer different advantages.
Electric ceramic hobs work by an electric current passing through coils beneath the glass surface of the hob. The heat transfers to the glass and subsequently the cooking vessel.
With induction hobs, the cookware acts as the heat source due to the use of electromagnetism. Metals such as copper and aluminum have electrons that are loosely held. Charged electrons create electromagnetic fields when they move, and these fields transport the type of energy called electromagnetic.

Which type of hob is the most energy efficient?

Ceramic and induction hobs provide a faster heating time compared to gas hobs. However, induction hobs are the most efficient. As the pan is the source of heat, less energy is lost in the transfer of heat. This allows for shorter cooking times, and a reduction in energy consumption. With induction hobs, approximately 90% of the energy is transferred to heat compared to about 60% for gas and 30% for ceramic hobs.

What is the safest type of hob?

Inductions hobs are generally thought to be the safest hob option. As the plate does not get hot, induction hobs are both safer and easier to clean. There is also a reduced chance of burns and scalds. Also, if a pan’s contents boils over onto the control panel, the hob will automatically switch off. This is a great safety feature especially if the pan is left briefly unattended.
The use of magnetic fields in an induction hob means that they will only turn on when a compatible pan is placed on top. This can be seen as a drawback however, as it requires cookware with magnetic properties, such as stainless steel or cast iron pans.
In addition to this, many induction hobs also have a child saftey lock so they can not be turned on accidentally.

What hob is the easiest to clean?

Induction and ceramic hobs have a flat surface that is far easier to clean than a traditional gas hob with cast iron supports.
Induction hobs only generate heat at the base of the pan. Therefore spillages do not get burnt onto the surface of the hob making it very easy to clean. The disadvantage with this flat cooking surface is that is can not be repaired., if broken. The whole surface would need to be replaced.

Do induction hobs offer flexible cooking?

Many induction hobs, have multi-zone flexibility, where two zones can become one for larger style pans and trays. The ability to adjusts to your needs and transition from smaller, separate zones to larger zones means better energy efficiency and more convenient usage. The heat levels are controllable, perfect for melting butter or simmering sauces.
Induction hobs can also have built in extraction systems, these are called venting hobs. Their space-saving design eliminates the need for a separate extractor hood and creates a sleek and modern look. You could also save money on purchasing a separate extractor. although some of the space on the hob will be used to extractor rather than cook.

So, is an induction hob right for you?

Overall, the type of hob you choose for your kitchen depends on personal preference as the design and function varies so much between gas and electric hobs. But as gas hobs are being used less and less, induction hobs provide a convenient combination of the quick response time of gas with the usability, safety and environmental benefits of electric appliances.

There maybe many reasons for updating your existing kitchen. Perhaps it does not fit your personal style, elements are damaged or it just needs modernising. All these things can be done easily, without the need to replace your whole kitchen.

If the kitchen carcases are in good condition, updating individual elements can provide a more cost effective way, to change the appearance and improve the overall function of your room.

New Worktops

Worktops can be replaced without having to remove the existing cupboards. This is a perfect way to quickly change the whole look of your room. For example, replacing your worktop for a lighter colour can lift the appearance of your room, reflecting more light. This will also make the space feel larger and more inviting.
Switching from a laminate worktop to a quartz or sintered stone will also provide more durability and make your kitchen feel and appear more modern and high end.

New Cupboard Doors

Replacing cupboard doors and side panels will completely transform your kitchen. There are many design on the market for flat slab doors to shaker styles , from laminates to wood. If you are happy with your existing kitchen layout this maybe a simple way of having a new kitchen without the upheaval and cost.
New cupboard doors give the opportunity to change or add colour to your space, giving your kitchen a new lease of life.

Kitchen Handles

Changing the handles on cupboards is a simple way to add personality to your kitchen. With many styles available, new handles can add texture, colour and become a focal point with a bold design. Switching hardware can make an old kitchen instantly more modern, without breaking the bank. Simply check the hole centres on your existing handles and find a new handle that will match.

Clever Storage Solutions

The layout and design of your kitchen may be exactly as you want it, but your kitchen may not be functioning as you would like it to. Adding internal components like corner solutions and pull out larders can make the most of your space, especially helpful in smaller kitchens. These can be added to existing cabinets and can make a huge difference of how you use your kitchen and the storage space you have available.
There are so many options on the market for cupboard dividers for trays and Tupperware to spice racks and integrated bin systems. All of which declutter your space and create a more relaxed, calm atmosphere.

New Appliances

Appliances are very important to both the design and function of your kitchen. New appliances will also increase the efficiency, performance and maybe even the safety, in your kitchen. Newer features such as adjustable temperature controls, air fryers, and slow cookers can help you prepare healthier meals and improve the quality of your food.
Modern kitchen appliances often come with extra features such as automatic shut-off functions and timers, pyrolytic cleaning functions and steam settings. This can save you time and give you more control over the food being prepared.

Add a Splashback

Updating your existing kitchen maybe as simple as adding a bold splashback. With a bespoke glass splashback, you can add a personalised touch to your kitchen. Not only are there endless colour options, you can choose patterns or even a picture to really personalize your space.
Stone splashbacks are also becoming increasing popular when purchasing a stone worktop.

New Kettle Tap

Kettle taps are becoming the ‘must have’ for modern kitchens. Quooker kettle taps deliver boiling water straight from the tap – safely and instantly. You will save time, energy and water in your kitchen, as you only take the exact amount of hot water you need, also helping the environment.