In this section
- Kitchen image gallery
- Planning your kitchen
- Buying your kitchen
- Appliances and furniture
- Maintenance and care
- Kitchen design tips
- Accessible kitchens
- FAQs
Special features
KBSA Consumer Guide
Our FREE guide contains practical advice for consumers who are considering buying a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office.
Electrical appliances
You should take the time to carefully read the directions for use and the maintenance guides. You will find a thousand and one hints to make life easier.
Refrigerators
Check that it is perfectly level and regularly check that nothing blocks the condensation drain hole. If needed, unblock it with a length of wire, or with the plastic implement that is sometimes supplied with the refrigerator.
Dishwashers
Do not open the door before the end of the cycle and before the load has cooled down completely. It will dry better, and this will avoid excess steam under the worktop. Some manufacturers offer or supply shielding plates for fitting between dishwashers and worktops. We recommend that you use the aluminium adhesive tape which your retailer can provide you with. Tell children not to climb on the open door of the dishwasher.
Ovens
As for dishwashers, avoid leaving the door half-open, even after use.
Cooker hoods
Do switch on the extractor before starting to cook: this will establish a draught that will carry away kitchen smells. Likewise, leave it running for five minutes after cooking. Remember to clean the filters regularly. If noise level is a problem, select a low speed. Aluminium plates are available for protecting adjoining units from some manufacturers we advise their use where possible.
Sinks and taps
Check for leaks inside the unit. An aluminium waterproof protection liner is often delivered with sink units. If this has been supplied it should be used.
Halogen lights
Never touch halogen bulbs with bare hands: this causes premature deterioration. When changing the bulb, switch off at the mains and use only bulbs of identical wattage, otherwise you incur serious fire risks. Never leave a door open under a spotlight.
