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Kitchen Prep

How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Home Improvement Project

If you are tackling that important kitchen home improvement project, you may have decided on installing a custom kitchen island. Kitchen islands are being put in one out of every two homes being built now, because they are extremely practical and luxurious additions for any home. Of course, if you are like most people you live on a budget and probably don't have thousands and thousands to spend on a new kitchen island or butcher block work station. This is where smart shopping comes into play! You can find some great bargains if you know exactly what you want and where to find it.

Try shopping online. That's right, the internet is definitely your friend when it comes to bargain hunting, especially for these large items. Online retailers know that it's harder to get you to buy such a large item without seeing it in person, so they will often give you the best deals. A reliable online merchant can provide you with multiple images of the island, give you exact measurements and specifications, and if you really play your cards right they may even offer "free shipping".  You can find great discount kitchen islands for your home improvement project, and no one will be able to tell the difference that you found one for a discount price as  opposed to a full price model.

Look at an overstock or liquidation warehouse. Many stores will sell the overstocked furniture such as kitchen islands, from larger corporate chains when they need to liquidate a certain item. You can find these overstock liquidators for great bargains, but you may need to do your homework. They usually have warehouses or showrooms a little off the beaten path, but a quick browse through the yellow pages or even an online search can tell you where the nearest seller is in your neighborhood. You may want to call first to find out if they have the overstock item you are looking for, such as kitchen prep centers or islands. If they aren't carrying them that week, maybe they can tell you when they expect a shipment and you can save yourself the drive.

These are just two options available to you in your home improvement project shopping, but these are the most popular options for saving money on larger items such as kitchen islands. Happy hunting and good luck!

About the Author

Just another creative writer talking about anything and everything under the sun!

Family matriarch brings Chinese culinary talent to Weng’s Kitchen
Farmington restaurant a manifestation of woman’s culinary, occupational dreams by Kara Hildreth Thisweek Newspapers A typical day for Juan Weng begins at sunrise when you can find her harvesting Chinese vegetables in her Lakeville garden. Weng, the head cook of the new Weng’s Kitchen Chinese restaurant at 115 Elm Street in Farmington, is also the matriarch of her [...] Family matriarch brings ...
Kitchen Prep
The Ninja Kitchen Master Prep

Bordeaux Antique Pewter Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $432 -A French Country inspired theme with traditional Normandy flavor, Bordeaux targets this rich cultural history. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Sonoma Medium Bronze Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $478 Supporting both Arts and Crafts and Mission Styles Sonoma offers a unique and crafted visual. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Wellington Brushed Nickel Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $405 English Colonial design has long been sought after for its historical position and rich heritage, Wellington delivers on that promise. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Wellington PVD Brass Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $405 English Colonial design has long been sought after for its historical position and rich heritage, Wellington delivers on that promise. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Navajo Antique Copper Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $395 -Leveraging Native American Handicraft from the southwest, Navajo achieves the enchanting heritage of the great west. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Navajo Antique Pewter Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $395 Leveraging Native American Handicraft from the southwest, Navajo achieves the enchanting heritage of the great west. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Navajo Brushed Nickel Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $395 Leveraging Native American Handicraft from the southwest, Navajo achieves the enchanting heritage of the great west. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Bamboo Large Prep Board $179 This bamboo prep board will impress you with its impressive size and ease of use. Featuring an exclusive parquet end grain, it will prove to be a beautiful necessity for every kitchen. Crafted of bamboo, it is an ecologically sound, smart choice.

Stainless Steel Prep Bowl by RSVP International $3.45 Streamline meal preparation and storage with these Prep Bowls by RSVP International. The 1 cup capacity prep mixing bowls are made of stainless steel. These stainless steel bowls have a nice wide polished rim. Dishwasher safe, these prep bowls make for easy clean up. Lid is not included with these kitchen bowls.

John Boos Cucina Classico Kitchen Prep Table $705 John Boos & Co - Work Tables - The hottest new look in kitchen equipment combines BUTCHER BLOCK with food service grade stainless steel. We use only the finest hard rock maple and Food service grade steel in creating this collection. Manufactured exclusively by John Boos & Co., the Cucina Americana line features European designs in carts, blocks, and kitchen work tables. Unique, attractive, functional - Cucina Americana. Creating tomorrow's traditions, today. Food Service Grade Stainless Steel 18/8 Polished Bullnose Corners & Edges Adjustable Feet Available 36 Or 40 High Overall NOTE: Please be advised that cancellations for any John Boos products will not be accepted within 2 weeks of the estimated ship date. Once the order is in production, it cannot be canceled. All products are made to order.

John Boos Cucina Tavalo Kitchen Prep Table $685 John Boos & Co - Work Tables - The hottest new look in kitchen equipment combines BUTCHER BLOCK with food service grade stainless steel. We use only the finest hard rock maple and Food service grade steel in creating this collection. Manufactured exclusively by John Boos & Co., the Cucina Americana line features European designs in carts, blocks, and kitchen work tables. Unique, attractive, functional - Cucina Americana. Creating tomorrow's traditions, today. Food Service Grade 300 Series 18/8 Stainless 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Flat Top Adjustable Stainless Undershelf Trade Mark - Stallion Safety Edge 36 High Overall NOTE: Please be advised that cancellations for any John Boos products will not be accepted within 2 weeks of the estimated ship date. Once the order is in production, it cannot be canceled. All products are made to order.

John Boos Cucina Marcella Kitchen Prep Table $1537 John Boos & Co - Work Tables - The hottest new look in kitchen equipment combines BUTCHER BLOCK with food service grade stainless steel. We use only the finest hard rock maple and Food service grade steel in creating this collection. Manufactured exclusively by John Boos & Co., the Cucina Americana line features European designs in carts, blocks, and kitchen work tables. Unique, attractive, functional - Cucina Americana. Creating tomorrow's traditions, today. Enclosed Base Cabinet Food Service Grade 300 Series 18/8 Stainless 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Top Doors With Recessed Handles And Nylon Roller Bearing Glides Strongest And Most Durable Table Available 36 High Overall NOTE: Please be advised that cancellations for any John Boos products will not be accepted within 2 weeks of the estimated ship date. Once the order is in production, it cannot be canceled. All products are made to order.

Palazzo Grande Antique Pewter Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $450 -Inspired by the Venetian palaces of the Grand Canal, Palazzo Grande has a historical opulence and Renaissance roots. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

St. Charles Dark Bronze Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $452 -Historical "Fleur de Lys" serve a French gothic flavor with Normand flair. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Garden Trellis Brushed Nickel Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $410 -With accents reminiscent of lattice work or Caribbean rattan, Garden Trellis delivers a warm yet masculine visual for your interior concept. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

River Rock Dark Bronze Kitchen/Vessel/Prep Faucet $415 -Natural earthen elements are drawn together in a hand sculpted form with River Rock. Leveraging artisan sand-cast bronze this product supports a warm and artistic position. -Mid-size Kitchen Faucet is excellent for prep and smaller sink use. Includes a built in diverter for side spray, or simply leave it capped for independent use. Ceramic Cartridges and all code rated. -Clean with Mild Soap and Water -Lifetime Limited Warranty on Mechanical and Finish

Helpful Kitchen Supplies for the Everyday Chef

You do not have to be a professional chef to cook like one. In fact, you do not need any training at all to cook delicious and easy meals. For the everyday chef, it is all about having the right tools and equipment. You would not expect a mechanic to fix your car without the right tools, and you would not expect your hairstylist to cut your hair without the right tools. So, in order to cook wonderful meals for your family, be sure that you have the following items:

Knives

Before you even make a sandwich or salad, it is important to have a great set of knives. In general, a set of five knives will get the job done. The largest knife in your set should be a chef’s knife, but you should also have a vegetable knife, a multi-purpose knife, and a slicer. Steak knives are also great, but they often are not sharp or precise enough for the average kitchen prep work. Along with your knife set, make sure that you have a sharpener. Believe it or not, dull knives are usually the cause of knife accidents in the kitchen. You should also make be sure that you have a few great cutting boards so that you avoid ruining your counter.

Mixing Bowls

Though considered required kitchen equipment, many home chefs do not have an adequate set of mixing bowls. Though you can get by without mixing bowls, it makes almost any recipe much harder to complete. You should have at least two large mixing bowls, since you will use both for some recipes, as well as a medium-sized bowl and a small-sized bowl. Buying them as a set can save you a significant amount of money. Look for mixing bowls that have lids, so you can store food items as needed without plastic wrap. Additionally, choose bowls that are ceramic or stainless steel, as plastic bowls can take on weird smells and stains over time.

Cookware

Every serious at-home chef should invest in some good cookware. Yes, you can purchase a mismatched set of pots and pans from yard sales and dollar stores, but the fact of the matter is that you get exactly what you pay for. Instead, spend the extra cash for Cast Iron pots and pans in a variety of sizes; making sure that the metal is not thin or uneven, which can mess up your cooking time. Also look for pots and pans that are oven-safe, as some recipes will ask you to move foods from the stovetop to the oven.

Cooling Rack

Whether you are making cookies or muffins, chances are that you will need a baker’s cooling rack. Cooling racks help to cool items more quickly, since you are removing as much heat from the pan or baking sheet as possible and allow cool air to hit the product from all sides. In many recipes, without a cooling rack, your food will taste burnt or overdone. If you love baking, look for a multi-tiered cooling rack; otherwise, a single cooling rack will get the job done.

Timer

Even if your oven has a built-in timer, consider purchasing a kitchen timer. They are inexpensive and can come in very handy. After all, you may be cooking more than one food item at once, and a single oven timer can’t keep track of both. A small kitchen timer can also travel with you, so that you can leave the kitchen and not have to worry about not hearing the buzzer from your oven.

Recipe Binder

Lastly, every home chef should have a recipe binder. As you cook more and more, you will begin to come across recipes you love and want to save. Some will be on small recipe cards, but others will be in magazines or online. You need a binder that can hold all of these recipes, no matter how big or small they may be. Look for a binder with plastic, like a photo album. That way, you can keep the recipe with you at all times while cooking without worrying about spilling something and ruining the recipe. Also look for a binder where you can see both sides of the paper or card you put in the binder, since many recipes are printed on both sides.

Just because you are not a professional does not mean that you can’t make restaurant-quality food in your home. Your kitchen simply needs the right tools to make that possible. Start out with the essentials, knives, pots, pans, and so forth, instead of spending money on fancy tools like egg poachers and ice cream makers. Once you have the basic equipment, you can start to purchase the fun items for your kitchen as well. Before long, you’ll have a great stock of tools and your family will be begging you to cook rather than wanting to go out to eat.

About the Author

Lucinda Jones is a freelance writer who writes about cooking and other home products, often discussing particular types of items such as kitchen supplies.

Cuisinart DLC-4CHB Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel $39.95 Cuisinart's peppy little food processor, now with an improved 4-cup bowl, makes a big impression with patented reversible blades and an innovativeesign to help you switch seamlessly from chopping to grinding with the push of a button. Three-year warranty. Model DLC-4CHB....

Oxo 1071478 Good Grips Food Mill $39.95 Satisfaction GuaranteedFruit Sauces & PureesMashed PotatoesVegetable Sauces & SoupsBaby FoodJellies, Lams & PreservesDishwasher SafeStainless SteelStainless Steel Inner Bowl - Ideal for hot foods and willSoft Handle & Turning Knob - Provides added comfortThree Stainless Steel Discs - For preparing foods of fine, medium & coarse texturesUnique Release Button - Makes it easy to change discs and disa...

Oxo 1130800 Good Grips Food Scale with Pull-Out Display $39.95 11 lb. CapacityFour AAA Batteries IncludedDisplay pulls away from base to prevent shadowing from large plates or bowlsConvenient indicator displays how much capacity is left on the ScaleZero function allows for zeroing Scale before adding additional ingredientsOptional backlight makes display easier to readMeasures in 1/8 oz (imperial) and 1g (metric) increments for greater accuracyEasy-to-read, l...

American Standard 7100.251H.002 Heritage Bar Faucet, Polished Chrome Amarilis Single-Hole Bar/Pantry Faucet - 7100...

Danze Parma Single-Handle Pre-Rinse Faucet Parma Single Handle Pre - Rinse Faucet - D457158...

Kitchen Prep