Updating your cabinets’ hardware is one of the best ways to give your kitchen a refreshed and modern look without needing a complete renovation. Small changes can make a significant impact towards your space more contemporary and functional.

Instal New Latches

Number one on the list is a durable and long-lasting latch system. They’re often overlooked but they play a crucial role in both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen cabinets. They prevent your cabinets from swinging open and keep them securely tied to their frames when you don’t use them.

They come with a lot of benefits too. For starters, they prevent dust from entering your cabinets and protect the things stored inside. They also protect your stuff from animals and kids who are determined to open your cupboards. And they come quite handy when there’s an earthquake as they keep the cabinet doors from opening.

How to install a good latch? Before beginning the installation process, it is crucial to determine where you want your latches to be placed. Keep in mind that the latches will be installed on the opposite side of the hinge on the frame. Then put the cabinet latch in the designated location and draw a hole with a pencil, remove the latch and drill the holes into the pencil drawings.

Next, screw the latch into place. After securing it, inspect where the latch makes contact with the door and mark that spot using a pencil. Then create screw holes and insert the screws into the door, completing the installation process for your new latches. These sturdy additions will effectively secure your cabinet door and protect its contents.

When choosing latches, consider the material to ensure that the latches are high-quality and also complement your decor. There are latches made from stainless steel that are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for any type of cabinet especially in humid environments such as the kitchen or the bathroom. There are also zinc-plated ones that are known for their durability, so pick the ones that work for you.

Replace Old Knobs and Pulls

Then, it’s time to move on to the more aesthetic part of the cabinets, which are the knobs and pulls. Aside from their function, they also give the cabinets a better aesthetic and they almost determine the mood. Although seemingly unimportant, they play a crucial role in the overall look of the cabinets.

Choose them according to your interior design – if you have a more traditional kitchen, opt for more ornate designs in bronze or brass, whereas for a modern layout, go for minimalist shapes with finishes like matte black. Replacing them is quite straightforward.

First, you need to remove the old hardware. and align the new knob or pull with the existing hole to ensure a proper fit. Once aligned, use screws to secure it in place. If the new hardware requires different hole spacing, you need to fill the old holes and drill new ones ensuring the new placement is evenly spaced.

Update Hindges

Updating your hinges can improve both the look and functionality of your cabinets. Soft-close hinges are becoming more and more popular, preventing doors from slamming shut and adding a touch of luxury. There are also concealed hinges that offer a cleaner, seamless appearance by hiding the hardware inside the cabinet. To update your hinges start by removing the cabinet doors are unscrewing the old hinges. Then, measure and mark the placement for the new one. Drill holes and attach the hinges to the cabinet frame and then just reattach the door.

Change Drawer Slides

Updating drawer slides can greatly improve the functionality of your drawers. Modern drawer slides such as soft-close or full-extenion slides, offer a smoother operation and better access to the contents of your drawers. They prevent them from slamming shut and allow you to pull the drawer out completely, making it easier to reach items at the back. To change the drawer slides, remove the drawer completely and unscrew the existing slides. Then measure and mark the placement and finally attach the new slides to the drawer and the cabinet and reinsert the drawer.

Maintenance

Maintaining your new cabinet hardware is essential to keep it looking and functioning at its best. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth will prevent the build-up of grime and grease. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface and damage the hardware.

Upgrading your cabinet hardware is a powerful method to completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you choose to install new latches or replace old knobs and pulls, each step contributes to a refreshed, modern and functional look. With careful selection and proper installation, your kitchen can achieve a stunning makeover.

The post Transform Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Updating Cabinet Hardware appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

If you’re not sure if this is the right option for you, read on to learn the benefits of stainless steel basin sink.

The Most Durable Material

These kitchen sinks are known to last and keep their lustre for at least 15 to 30 years. They’re extremely durable, even when subjected to severe use, as they are resistant to denting. The stainless steel surface can withstand the most rigorous scrubbing and the heaviest loads of dishes.

These sinks do not corrode, making them one of the greatest options on the market. As long as you take excellent care of it, the basin will appear brand new even after a few years of use. Basins made of other materials can scratch rather easily and sometimes may shatter due to their low-heat tolerance. Browse through the wide range of options on the market and do not hesitate to buy stainless steel kitchen sink online.

The Most Affordable Option

When it comes to choosing a stainless steel sink, the price is the most important factor. With so many options available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. To get the best deal, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Besides their numerous benefits, stainless steel sinks are significantly less expensive than most other options.

While the price of stainless steel sinks varies according to the different levels of gauge, they will last for years to come, making them an excellent mid-priced alternative. Still, sinks endure a lot of use for years, so there is no need to even replace them on a regular basis, which will save you money in the long run.

Low Maintenance and Care for Stainless Steel

Cleaning a stainless steel sink is a simple task, and it’s something that everyone can do. Some benefits to the few minutes of regular cleaning will make your sink appear brand new. However, if you choose a different material, cleaning the kitchen sink can appear to be a massive effort. The surface of the steel is already hygienic and prevents bacteria and other microorganisms from accumulating. It has a non-porous surface, so it’s simple to clean and maintain. As a result, it is the appropriate surface for kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and even laundry sinks.

Stainless steel is easy to care for and is unaffected by common home chemicals, however, steel wool and similar materials should be avoided since they will damage the surface and increase the risks of corrosion and discolouration. Abrasive and very caustic cleaners, such as undiluted bleach, should also be avoided. When washed with a gentle cloth and a home cleaner, it keeps its natural shine.

Environmentally Friendly Material

If you care for the environment, and you’re on the look for the least eco damaging materials on the market, a stainless steel sink is the finest option. Stainless steel sinks are recyclable and they’re an excellent eco-friendly choice for kitchen sinks. The stainless steel industry has shown to be highly conscious during the manufacturing process, due to the fact that it uses primary energy sparingly, conserves nonrenewable resources, and reduces waste.

Things to Take Into Consideration

If you’ve already decided to buy stainless steel kitchen sink, there are a few things you should know in order to select a high-quality sink. Whether you go for a single bowl or a double bowl, undermount or overmount, you should base your purchase choice on other, less visible aspects that impact the quality and value of your kitchen sink.

Stainless steel is steel that has been alloyed with additional elements in order to improve its characteristics. Consider stainless steel to be a material that is combined with the best of other materials to create a flawless end result. To produce the grade of stainless steel we perceive, the process of producing stainless steel requires a combination of different alloys. To improve the structure of the finished stainless steel, nickel, copper, titanium, and molybdenum are added, these compounds make the material more durable.

To minimise noise, stainless steel sinks are coated with sound insulation layers or coatings. Coatings also assist in preventing moisture accumulation on the sink’s bottom. If you have the coating, there will be no moisture concerns under your sink, which can lead to mould growth. It is critical to understand that your sink may or may not come with any insulation or coating. Look for rubberized undercoatings and pads, which decrease condensation in the base cabinet and deaden the sound of running water and clattering cutlery. If the sink makes a steel drum-like sound, it’s either light or naked.

The surface of the stainless steel material is referred to as the finish. A mirror finish provides a polished appearance and is smooth to the touch. You can also choose a matte finish, in which the surface seems brushed rather than smooth. With the exception of polished mirror finishes, the grain direction of a stainless steel sink will be visible as a result of the finishing process.

It is simple to understand why stainless steel sinks are the most popular option for people from all walks of life. These sinks can not only withstand the test of time, but they also maintain their appearance throughout the years. And there’s no better way to complement your kitchen steel sink than with a beautiful stainless steel tap.

The post A Guide to Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Stainless Steel vs. Brass Tapware

Generally speaking, stainless steel tap kitchen models are made of iron that is usually mixed with nickel and chromium. However, some of them can also contain a little bit of silicon, manganese, and carbon. Out of all, chromium is of vital importance in stainless steel kitchen tap composition as it makes it corrosion-resistant. Nickel, on the other hand, is used for making it more resistant to temperature fluctuations and gives its hardness, while manganese makes stainless steel stronger and easier to work with. All of these things make stainless steel kitchen tapware quality and durable.

source: justinplace.com.au

Although quite similar on the outside, brass usually comes as the second choice in taps for the kitchen. When it comes to designing brass kitchen taps Australia and New Zealand safety standards require them to be made not just of brass. Instead, dezincification resistant brass (DR) brass is the only type proven as safe to use in kitchen taps. The reason why they are usually made with copper alloy with a zinc content of more than 37% is to help against severe corrosion that can happen from highly chlorinated water. However, corrosion in brass taps can also happen when the water is high in oxygen and carbon dioxide. So, the use of the aforementioned metals is essential in brass taps.

Durability

Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials in tapware because of its durability. It is one of the strongest materials for the purpose, especially when it’s 304-grade stainless steel. When it comes to brass taps, although the dezincification resistant brass can last longer than regular brass taps, it can erode after time when exposed to humidity.

Which Material Is Safer to Use?

Besides being prone to corrosion, brass contains arsenic and lead, which can mix with water after some time. Even small amounts of them can lead to metal poisoning in people. What’s more, the interior surface of brass taps can be the perfect home for debris which can accumulate over time and turn into dirty black grime that can affect the water’s taste and quality.

source: pinterest.co

Unlike brass, stainless steel taps have a smoother surface on the inside, without any crevices or pores where bacteria could harbour. In other words, stainless steel is considered more hygienic and safer than brass, and any other metal used for kitchen taps as a matter of fact. So, it’s no wonder that stainless steel taps can be found even in hospitals, schools, hotels, and restaurants.

Which Option Looks Better?

Without a doubt, brass taps can be extremely appealing. With finishes like gold, copper, matte black, and coloured paint, these taps can certainly draw anyone’s attention. Unfortunately, these coatings are easy to scratch and over time they may start to peel. Stainless steel taps, on the other hand, have no coating, and even without it, they still look attractive. In case you want a different finish, you can choose from brushed or polished stainless steel tap models.

Which Is Easier to Clean?

Even in this aspect, stainless steel taps win the battle. They only need to be wiped with a soft cloth from time to time and that’s it. Brass taps, on the other hand, can be harder to clean because of their tarnish coat.

Look for WaterMark

source: unsplash.com

Both kitchen and bathroom tapware in Australia and New Zealand need to be certified under the WaterMark Standard for Australia and New Zealand. The WaterMArk signals that these products comply with the plumbing code of Australia and New Zealand and some other relevant standards.

How to Replace a Kitchen Tap?

Depending on the model, some taps are quite easy to replace. All you need to do is know the type of tap you have and get some essential tools like adjustable pliers, screwdriver, basin wrench, pipe cutter, etc. However, if you haven’t done anything like this before, it’s always better to seek professional help to make sure everything is done properly.

How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Tap?

source: marcoplumbing.ca

Water dripping can be resolved by simply cleaning the internal cartridge or replacing it with a new one if necessary. In order to inspect it, you will need to remove the lever handle, twist off the metal collar which is located beneath the lever handle, remove the cartridge and inspect it for blockages or splits. If needed, get a new one, fit it back in and that’s it. Just make sure you follow all the steps to ensure everything is done right.

The post Discover What Sets Stainless Steel and Brass Kitchen Taps Apart appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

This convenient and versatile kitchen tool will enable you to multitask since it is designed to complete some of the toughest culinary task. Stand food mixers make mixing batter, kneading dough and whipping egg whites into a fluffy meringue, a piece of cake.

Before you invest in this kitchen piece of art, think of the most needed features for your cooking and make sure to choose a mixer that can handle your toughest tasks.

Size

Stand food mixers can be quite big, but if you use your mixer at least once a week, it’s worth it. Also, make sure that its weight is no less than around 12 kg, because smaller stand food mixers have a tendency to “walk” across the counter when mixing heavy dough. Actually, what you use the mixer for determines its size, capacity of the bowl and its power.

Speed

Stand food mixers have many speed options so you can slowly knead dough or quickly whip egg whites. Some models (depending on the brand) offer up to 15 different speeds, however, 6-7 speeds are more than enough for most home cooks.

Tilting vs. Lifting

Stand food mixers with a tilting mechanism raise up away from the bowl. On the other hand, in mixers with a lifting mechanism a lever lifts the bowl up and down while the beaters and mixer head are stationary. This might not seem that important but it is if you plan to store it on top of your counter underneath your top cabinets. A mixer with a tilting feature requires at least 12-15cm of clear space above it so it can operate properly.

Accessories

The included and optional accessories will determine how much use you will get out of your mixer. Some of its features, such as the colour, are more stylistic, but others play a more important role.

Gathering together with your family to share some good food is always fun. After all, that is what life is all about – enjoying all the little things. So, before you buy a stand food mixer, consider these tips and save yourself some quality time.

The post Discover the Best Stand Food Mixers For You appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

So how can you save on commercial kitchen appliances for sale without compromising on quality? The truth is, this is not impossible, you just need to arm yourself with the right knowledge prior to starting your shopping journey.

Here are the three ways to save money when shopping for commercial kitchen appliances for sale.

• Buy Quality Commercial Kitchen Appliances

Although for quality kitchen appliances you will have to pay more, this is still one of the best money-saving options. Namely, the quality kitchen appliances will save you money in the long run. This is because these items are not susceptible to frequent defects. Given this, you will spare yourself from spending additional money on expensive repairs and in the worst case, being forced to replace the appliance with a new one. Thus, never compromise the quality of the commercial kitchen appliances because of the price.

• Buy All The Appliances You Need From One Store

By buying all commercial kitchen appliances for sale from one brand you will not only achieve consistency in you commercial kitchen, but will also you save money. This said, if you buy all the appliances from one brand and from one store, you are more likely to get an additional discount on the total amount you need to pay. To know which brand is worth investing in, get to know the brand by reading reviews and recommendations from other users. If you think that you don’t have enough experience and expertise to decide which brand will best suit the needs of your business, ask for professional help.

• Buy On Sales

End of season sales are the best way to find quality commercial kitchen appliances at low cost. There are stores that offer special deals at the end of each season and during holidays. For this reason, keep an eye on the ads in local newspapers, TV, radio or on the Internet. Also, know that online retailers offer sale deals more often as they want to get rid of the old inventory to make room for the new one.

The post Discover How You Can Save On Commercial Kitchen Appliances appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Certain small kitchen home appliances have become an essential part of everyday life and we can hardly imagine our daily routines without them. Let’s see which ones are the must haves.

Coffeemaker

Imagine how frantic those hectic mornings would be without having a decent cup of coffee before going to work. The innovation of the coffeemaker is probably one of the most genius inventions, at least for coffee enthusiasts and those who lead busy lives and have no free time, even for a coffee break. The coffeemaker is an ideal home appliance to prepare fresh coffee and have it on-the-go. Nowadays, there is a colorful portfolio of coffee machines on the market, from simple, basic ones to highly sophisticated ones. Тhe choice is yours!

Microwave

This is another exceptional small kitchen appliance. Ideal for cooking frozen meals and reheating dinner leftovers. Again, the microwave is perfect for those ‘speedy’ moments, when you do not have enough time to prepare a big meal, but you need a quick and practical solution. There is a great number of microwave models, designs and colours, so you have the chance to choose the right one that will perfectly fit your kitchen style and decor.

Food Processors

There is no more versatile machine than the food processor when it comes to food preparation, especially for chopping, shredding and slicing. Food processors are probably the No.1 home appliances to own. Investing in a quality food processor will save you a significant amount of time and effort. This kitchen gadget is a worthy investment.

Stand Mixers

Stand mixers are definitely one of those countertop kitchen appliances worth having. You do not have to worry about preparing your favorite cookie dough, your best friend’s birthday cake or your mom’s amazing dessert. Simply, put everything inside – eggs, flour, butter and let the machine do the work for you. You will cut your prep time in half and let’s not forget those yummy homemade chocolate chip cookies which cannot compare to bought ones!

Juicers

Juicer is the must-have kitchen gadget if you want to implement healthy eating habits and ensure a daily dose of vitamins. It is the perfect solution for making vitamin-rich fresh juices of different fruits and vegetables. Juicers come in many shapes and designs, there is a model for every kitchen style.

The post Discover The Best Small Home Appliances For Your Kitchen appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.