Chefs Kitchen - Focus is on Love of Food and Cooking!

A customised gourmet kitchen meets the requirements of the chef.

The atmosphere in a gourmet kitchen is one of efficiency and functionality above all.

Everything is very ordered and clean. Hygiene is paramount and the emphasis is on facilities necessary to produce a first class meal in the most efficient ways.

It is essential to have enough space and the correct facilities. In a chefs kitchen, there is a need for countertops of specific heights for preparing food and rolling and kneading dough.

The sink (cast iron, ceramic, copper, stone or a softer material such as stainless steel) should be double bowl and placed near the prep area, incorporating a pull-out spray.

Knives should be kept in drawers close to the prep area for chopping and cutting. Knife sharpening tools are kept here too.

Cutting boards need to be in the same area and should be kept in cabinets alongside the other prepping utensils.

In the cooking area there will be a double oven.

Storage space should be carefully thought out and designed so that all utensils, pots and pans are accessible exactly where they are needed when preparing or cooking.

Storage for equipment (blenders, stock pot, espresso coffee machine, for example) must be tailor made.

An area for recipe books, laptop and other resources should be incorporated into the kitchen. Here the planning of meals can take place.

Lighting is important. Specifically placed task lighting should be set above all work areas.

This could be fluorescent lighting under cabinet, with down lighting in the ceiling over countertops, sink and stove.

There should be a wine cooler and a space for ice to be kept accessible for keeping desserts etc. on hold.

Please click here to go to Part 2 of "Chef's Kitchen" - all about appliances, materials and many more handy tips!