If you’re like many people searching for a home for sale in Scottsdale, you’ve seen plenty of listings that say they feature a “gourmet kitchen.” But what is a gourmet kitchen, and is it something you need in your next home?
What is a Gourmet Kitchen?
The term gourmet kitchen refers to a kitchen that’s a cut above other kitchens in similar homes. Picture a kitchen fit for an epicurean like Gordon Ramsay or Bobby Flay and you’re on the right track, but remember that there’s no specific set of features that make a kitchen “gourmet.” It’s a combination of factors that, together, make a kitchen a place that a professional chef would appreciate.
(Looking for a house with a truly spectacular gourmet kitchen? Check out 20521 N. 100th Place in Scottsdale and 20717 N. 101st Street in Scottsdale.)
Features of a Gourmet Kitchen
While the term gourmet kitchen is a little bit subjective, many have some or all of these features:
- Generous workspace divided into stations
- A self-sustaining kitchen island
- A professional-grade, multi-burner stove
- A double oven (usually with a convection oven, as well)
- Warming drawers
- A high-powered exhaust hood
- A professional-grade refrigerator and separate freezer
- Easy-to-clean and attractive countertops
- Roomy and easy-to-navigate layout
- Storage for specialty items
- A walk-in butler’s pantry or something similar
- Space for guests to gather and dine-in
- Other state-of-the-art, high-performance appliances
Other things you’re likely to find in a gourmet kitchen include:
- Stovetop pot-filling faucets
- Warming tables built into counter tops
- Creative and convenient storage options, like roll-outs
- A wine cooler
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when you're searching for the perfect kitchen, though, so your agent will most likely tell you to trust your instincts when you're trying to decide what's right for your needs.
Do You Really Need a Gourmet Kitchen?
The kitchen is often a make-or-break room when it comes to selling a house in Scottsdale, but when you’re buying a home, what do you really need from the kitchen?
It’s usually a good idea to make a list of needs and wants before you start house-shopping so you don’t surprise yourself too much when you’re out looking at homes with your Realtor®. No matter what you need or want from a kitchen, though, you need to evaluate each one based on its design and functionality. Even if a kitchen doesn’t count as “gourmet,” the layout needs to be convenient and there needs to be enough work space and storage space so you can actually use it.
What to Ask Yourself
In each home you see, think about whether you like the kitchen in its current state or if you would need to make improvements in order to enjoy it.
You’ll also want to evaluate:
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Does the kitchen have the same or higher-grade appliances than you currently have? Would you have to downgrade?
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Are the countertops good cooking surfaces, and are they in the right condition?
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Even if you’re a particularly neat chef, spills happen – so can the floors stand up to them, plus ordinary wear-and-tear as you buzz around the kitchen?
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Is there as much, or more, space than you currently have? Is the cabinetry durable enough to withstand frequent use?
