kitchen remodel

Essential Kitchen Appliances Every Home Chef Needs: Building Your Dream Cooking Space

Posted on June 5, 2025June 8, 2025Posted in Appliances 101Tagged appliance buying guide, appliance selection, cooking appliances, cooking enthusiast, cooking equipment, cooking tools, culinary equipment, essential appliances, home chef, home cooking, home improvement, kitchen appliances, kitchen design, kitchen essentials, kitchen planning, kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen technology, kitchen upgrade, modern kitchenNo Comments

Creating the perfect kitchen starts with choosing the right appliances. Whether you’re moving into your first home, renovating an existing kitchen, or simply upgrading your cooking setup, knowing which appliances are truly essential can save you time, money, and frustration. Today’s home chefs have access to amazing technology that makes cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable than ever before. Building a functional kitchen doesn’t mean you need every gadget on the market. Smart planning and careful selection of key appliances will give you everything you need to create delicious meals while staying within your budget. Let’s explore the must-have appliances that form the foundation of any serious home kitchen. The Range: Your Kitchen’s Powerhouse Every great kitchen starts with a reliable range. This single appliance handles most of your daily cooking needs, combining a cooktop and oven in one efficient unit. Modern ranges offer incredible versatility, whether you prefer the precise control of gas burners or the consistent heat of electric cooking. Gas ranges provide instant heat control that professional chefs love. You can adjust flame levels immediately, making them perfect for techniques like stir-frying or searing. Electric ranges, on the other hand, offer more even heating and are often easier to clean. Many home cooks find electric ovens provide more consistent baking results. Dual-fuel ranges combine the best of both worlds with gas cooktops and electric ovens. These units give you the responsive control of gas for stovetop cooking plus the even heating of electric for baking and roasting. While they cost more initially, many serious home cooks consider them worth the investment. Size matters when choosing a range. Standard 30-inch models work well for most families, while larger 36-inch or 48-inch ranges provide extra burners and oven space for those who cook frequently or entertain often. Consider your cooking habits and kitchen layout when making this decision. Range Hoods: The Unsung Heroes of Kitchen Ventilation Many people overlook range hoods when planning their kitchen, but proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing grease buildup. Good ventilation removes smoke, odors, and moisture that cooking produces, keeping your kitchen comfortable and your home’s air clean. Under-cabinet range hoods work well in most kitchens, mounting beneath existing cabinets to save space. Wall-mount hoods create a striking focal point while providing powerful ventilation. For kitchen islands, dedicated island range hoods suspend from the ceiling to capture cooking byproducts effectively. Look for range hoods with multiple fan speeds so you can adjust suction based on what you’re cooking. LED lighting helps illuminate your cooking surface, while dishwasher-safe filters make maintenance simple. Noise levels matter too – nobody wants to shout over a loud range hood during dinner preparation. The key is matching your range hood size to your cooktop. A 30-inch cooktop needs at least a 30-inch hood, though going slightly larger often provides better coverage. For high-output gas ranges, consider hoods with higher CFM ratings to handle the extra heat and moisture. Refrigerators: Keeping Your Ingredients Fresh Your refrigerator works harder than any other kitchen appliance, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh and safe. Modern refrigerators offer features that make meal planning and food storage much easier than older models. French door refrigerators have become incredibly popular because they provide easy access to fresh foods at eye level while keeping frozen items in convenient bottom drawers. Side-by-side models work well in narrower kitchens where you can’t open wide doors fully. Size your refrigerator based on your household needs and kitchen space. A family of four typically needs 20-25 cubic feet of storage, though cooking enthusiasts often want more space for ingredients and leftovers. Counter-depth models provide a built-in look that many homeowners prefer, even though they offer slightly less storage space. Energy efficiency has improved dramatically in recent years. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models that will save money on utility bills over time. Features like adjustable shelves, humidity-controlled crisper drawers, and door alarms add convenience to daily use. Built-in ice makers and water dispensers are convenient but take up interior space. Consider whether these features are worth the trade-off in storage capacity for your family’s needs. Dishwashers: Making Cleanup Effortless A quality dishwasher transforms kitchen cleanup from a chore into a simple task. Modern dishwashers clean dishes more effectively while using less water than hand washing, making them both convenient and environmentally friendly. Standard 24-inch dishwashers fit most kitchen layouts and handle typical family loads well. Compact 18-inch models work in smaller kitchens or as secondary units in large homes. Some manufacturers offer dishwasher drawers that can run independently, perfect for small loads or homes with varying dishwashing needs. Noise levels have improved significantly in recent dishwashers. Look for models rated at 44 decibels or lower for quiet operation that won’t interfere with conversations or television watching. Stainless steel interiors resist stains and odors better than plastic tubs. Multiple wash cycles let you customize cleaning based on soil levels and dish types. Quick wash cycles handle lightly soiled items in 30 minutes or less, while heavy-duty cycles tackle baked-on food. Some models include specialized cycles for wine glasses or sanitizing baby bottles. Flexible loading features like adjustable racks and fold-down tines help you fit dishes of various sizes. Third racks provide extra space for utensils and small items, maximizing capacity in each load. Microwaves: Quick Cooking and Reheating Microwaves handle quick cooking tasks and reheating leftovers efficiently. While not essential for cooking from scratch, they’re incredibly convenient for busy households and specific cooking techniques. Countertop microwaves offer the most flexibility and are usually the most affordable option. Over-the-range microwaves save counter space while providing built-in ventilation for your cooktop. Built-in models create a seamless look but require dedicated cabinet space. Microwave drawers represent the latest innovation, sliding out from beneath counters for easy access. They’re particularly useful for universal design kitchens or homes where counter space is limited. Power levels matter more than you might think. Higher wattage models (1000+ watts) cook more evenly and quickly

Transform Your Kitchen Island Into a Culinary Masterpiece with the COS-668ICS900 Island Range Hood

Posted on June 4, 2025June 8, 2025Posted in ProductsTagged ARC-FLOW filtration, ceiling mount hood, cooking ventilation, COS-668ICS900, culinary equipment, glass canopy hood, home improvement, island range hood, kitchen appliances, kitchen design, kitchen island exhaust, kitchen remodel, kitchen upgrade, kitchen ventilation, LED range hood lighting, modern range hood, permanent filters, premium range hood, soft touch controls, stainless steel range hoodNo Comments

Your kitchen island needs more than just basic ventilation. When you’re cooking big meals or having friends over, you need a range hood that combines powerful performance with great looks. The COS-668ICS900 Island Range Hood gives you exactly that, function and style that makes your whole cooking space better. Why Island Range Hoods Are Essential for Modern Kitchens Kitchen islands have become the center of home design, working as prep areas, dining spaces, and gathering spots all at once. But cooking on an island creates ventilation problems. Without proper exhaust, smoke, grease, and cooking smells spread through your entire home. Wall-mounted hoods won’t work for island setups, making dedicated island range hoods absolutely necessary. The COS-668ICS900 handles these problems with ceiling-mounted design that catches cooking byproducts right where they start. This 36-inch unit keeps your kitchen air clean and fresh, no matter what you’re cooking. Glass Design That Looks Amazing The COS-668ICS900 stands out because of its glass canopy design. The sleek glass visor adds modern style that turns your range hood from just a functional appliance into an eye-catching centerpiece. The glass design also makes cleaning easier while spreading light evenly across your cooking surface. The contemporary look works with both traditional and modern kitchen designs. Whether your kitchen has marble countertops and subway tiles or bold colors and geometric patterns, this range hood fits your existing style while adding its own personality. Premium Construction for Long-Lasting Performance Quality construction forms the foundation of every Cosmo appliance, and the COS-668ICS900 shows this commitment. Built with premium 430-grade stainless steel at 20-gauge thickness, this range hood handles daily use while keeping its great appearance. The strong construction means years of reliable performance, making it a smart buy for any serious home cook. The included backdraft damper stops outside air from entering your kitchen when the hood’s not running. This feature helps your home’s climate control work better while protecting your kitchen from outside odors and contaminants. ARC-FLOW Permanent Filtration System One of the best features of the COS-668ICS900 is its ARC-FLOW permanent filtration system. These high-quality stainless steel filters catch grease and cooking odors effectively, keeping your kitchen air clean and fresh. Unlike disposable filters that need constant replacement, these permanent filters work unlimited times and are completely dishwasher-safe. This filtration system saves you money over time while reducing waste. Simply remove the filters when they need cleaning, run them through your dishwasher, and put them back for continued peak performance. The convenience alone makes this range hood worth considering for busy households. Powerful Yet Quiet Operation The COS-668ICS900 has three fan speeds that adjust to match your cooking needs. Whether you’re simmering delicate sauces or searing steaks at high heat, you can pick the right suction level to handle cooking byproducts effectively. The variable speed control means you’re not wasting energy on maximum power when gentle ventilation works fine. Despite its powerful performance, this range hood runs quietly enough to keep conversations going during cooking. You won’t need to shout over excessive noise, making it perfect for open-concept homes where the kitchen connects to living and dining areas. Brilliant LED Lighting System Proper task lighting is crucial for safe and efficient cooking, and the COS-668ICS900 delivers with four strategically positioned LED lights. These energy-efficient bulbs provide excellent lighting across your entire cooking surface, removing shadows and dark spots that can interfere with food preparation. LED technology offers several advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs. They last much longer, use less energy, and generate minimal heat. This means lower utility bills and fewer bulb replacements, plus your kitchen stays cooler during extended cooking sessions. Soft Touch Controls for Modern Convenience The intuitive soft touch control panel makes operating the COS-668ICS900 simple. Clean, responsive controls let you adjust fan speeds and lighting with simple touches. The smooth control surface is easy to clean and won’t collect grease or grime like traditional mechanical switches. This modern control system improves the overall user experience while maintaining the hood’s sleek look. No protruding knobs or buttons interrupt the clean lines of the design. Installation Flexibility for Various Kitchen Layouts The COS-668ICS900 is designed for island mount installation, hanging from your ceiling to cover cooking surfaces positioned away from walls. The included 3-prong power cord simplifies electrical connections, and the unit works with various ceiling heights with appropriate mounting hardware. Professional installation ensures optimal performance and safety, though the straightforward design makes installation relatively simple for qualified technicians. Proper installation also ensures your warranty remains valid and your range hood operates at peak efficiency. Energy Efficiency Meets Performance Modern homeowners increasingly want energy efficiency, and the COS-668ICS900 delivers. The LED lighting system uses minimal electricity while providing superior lighting. The efficient motor design provides powerful ventilation without excessive energy consumption. This efficiency translates to lower operating costs over the hood’s lifetime. When you combine energy savings with the durability of permanent filters, the COS-668ICS900 offers excellent long-term value. Perfect Sizing for Standard Kitchen Islands At 36 inches wide, the COS-668ICS900 provides ideal coverage for most kitchen islands without overwhelming smaller spaces. This size strikes the perfect balance between effective ventilation coverage and proportional looks. The hood captures cooking byproducts from standard cooktop configurations while maintaining visual harmony with your island’s dimensions. Maintenance Made Simple Keeping the COS-668ICS900 in peak condition requires minimal effort. The stainless steel construction resists fingerprints and cleans easily with standard stainless steel cleaners. The glass canopy wipes clean with standard glass cleaners, maintaining its crystal-clear appearance. Regular filter cleaning in your dishwasher keeps the ventilation system operating efficiently. The simple maintenance requirements mean you can focus on cooking rather than appliance upkeep. Why Choose Cosmo for Your Kitchen Ventilation Needs Cosmo Appliances has built a reputation for delivering professional-quality kitchen appliances at accessible prices. Our commitment to looks, innovation, and functionality ensures every product improves your cooking experience while complementing your kitchen’s design. The COS-668ICS900 represents everything we stand for – premium construction, thoughtful design, and reliable performance. When you choose

5 Pro Tips for Remodeling Your Home

Posted on June 10, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-ToTagged kitchen design, kitchen remodel, remodel, remodelingNo Comments

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many Americans have spent a lot of time at home over the past few months, there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space could be improved. While this may not be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve your home. For example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if you’re hesitant about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing, adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for your family. Before you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO of TimeLine Renovation & Design. Define the Purpose The first consideration whether you’re making changes for yourself or for future resale is the purpose of your project. This determines everything from the budget to the materials you select. Remember projects in the kitchen and bathroom typically bring the greatest return on investment. It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll use the renovated area. When possible, incorporate elements of universal design that don’t change how the space looks but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab bars. Stick to a Budget Another early decision is your budget. It’s fruitless to spend time looking at materials and making design decisions based on products that exceed your budget or, conversely, fall below the quality level you prefer. Having a professional involved can help keep you from overspending and identify areas you may want to splurge or pull back. Select a Remodeler Friends and family can be great resources when it comes to choosing a remodeling contractor since they’re likely to give detailed and candid opinions about their experiences. When you begin interviewing companies yourself, verify they’re licensed and insured, and ask what they offer above those minimum requirements. Are they certified or accredited? Do they specialize in the type of work you’re considering? Also be sure to request and check references and search online for reviews. Conduct Virtual Meetings While some projects may require an in-person assessment, many planning sessions can be conducted virtually. You can even shop products to be used in your project virtually since online catalogs typically show a variety of colors and finishes along with prices. For items you need to see or feel to choose, like flooring, request samples to test in your home. To make your virtual meetings most productive, prepare by providing a detailed scope of work and be ready to provide measurements and show the space cleared of clutter. Keep it Safe For some families, sticking to outdoor projects may be more comfortable in the short term. For those who are ready to bring contractors inside, there are numerous steps you can take to create a safer working environment. Examples include asking everyone involved to wear face masks and gloves and using plastic at doorways to keep the work area separate from the living area. Regular disinfecting and a thorough cleaning at the end of the project are also important preventive steps. Find more remodeling resources, including certified contractors in your community, at RemodelingDoneRight.com SOURCE: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Kitchen Remodel Ideas for Small Spaces

Posted on January 31, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, Kitchen, ProductsTagged design, design trends, inspiration, interior Design, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchens, remodeling, styleNo Comments

Learning how to optimize your cooking space is the first step to remodel your kitchen cost-effectively. With limited space, trying to update your kitchen with quality products that work and fit into your home can be a difficult task to accomplish. Maximizing your kitchen space is a lot easier when you choose the right cabinet and appliance options. Kitchen cabinets can be the most cluttered space in any kitchen because of all the utensils needed for cooking. This is especially true with confined drawers because you end up putting all your eggs in one basket-so to speak! The good news is that there are simple and efficient ways to maximize your cabinet space. For quick and easy access having food items next to your cooking area is a must! With a spice filler kit, you can neatly place your spices in your drawers at any angle to see each spice or any other food items for easy identification and removal. Another useful way to organize your kitchen is with swing-out shelves that offer great visibility and easy access. These handy shelves remove the pain of having to search for hard to reach cookware and containers. Finding a place to store small appliances in small kitchens can be a huge challenge when you don’t want your counter space overrun with kitchen devices, you’ve got to get nifty. A kitchen with clutter-free counters is not only more aesthetically pleasing but also offer you the most cooking space possible. Over-the-range microwaves are the ideal choice for small kitchens, but very few can fit in a compact space. The perfect over the range microwave for limited spaces is the COS-2413ORM1SS by Cosmo without having to settle for low power. This microwave has an impressive 1000 watts for precise control to give you excellent results with a range of touch presets and 10 power levels and sensor cooking to prepare your favorite meals and snacks. Eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen with built-in exhaust fans. This OTR microwave’s sleek black glass finish brings an ultra-chic look to your kitchen, and it’s wonderfully complemented by convenient functions like the ability to disable the glass turntable and child locks for safety. To seal the deal it boasts a very affordable price tag. The refrigerator is the safeguard of produce, frozen foods, meat, dairy products to maintain the freshness of our food items 24 hours a day, but can also take up most of your kitchen space. For small kitchens, our French Door Refrigerator can make your cooking space feel larger and help improve mobility to be at eye-level with your food items. Here is a refrigerator to meet your everyday grocery demands, Cosmo’s FDR225RHSS 22.5 cubic feet 4-Door French Door Refrigerator. A Modern refrigerator that will make a statement but still takes up less space in your kitchen, so you’ll walk through it with ease. This refrigerator provides better storage for oversized and small items, its total storage capacity includes 15.9 cu. ft. fresh food capacity provides ample interior space, while 6.6 cu. ft. freezer capacity allows you to store plenty of your frozen foods with easy access. Sophisticated aesthetic features like a stainless steel finish that’s fingerprint resistant to keep your fridge looking spotless, and digital temperature controls and display for accurate monitoring. Our intelligently crafted refrigerator is here to provide you with easy access to your food items, ample kitchen space, and an automated ice-maker. A kitchen renovation is a formidable undertaking on its own with multiple areas to touch base. Especially choosing what appliances fit best with your cooking space. Cosmo offers a variety of products that make renovating for space easier with appliances that fit each unique kitchen area to maximize the utility and spaciousness of your kitchen.

Identify Your Ideal Kitchen Design Style

Posted on August 5, 2019October 14, 2020Posted in Home, KitchenTagged color, decor, design, design trends, inspiration, interior Design, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchen styel, kitchens, remodeling, styleNo Comments

While you may see kitchens in a variety of styles and find them all beautiful in their own way, finding inspiration for your dream kitchen often requires sorting through many different considerations. From transitional to modern and every style in-between, these ideas can help you decide what suits your home while also fitting your personal tastes. Transitional Transitional style is a mix of traditional and modern furnishing. Blending the comfort and warmth of traditional design with the clean profiles and understated colors of the contemporary look. The result is often elegant, sleek spaces that radiate harmony. Taking advantage of this style offers creative freedom when looking to decorate your home with ease. Transitional styling is perfect when you like some characteristics of traditional style but enjoy the simplicity of contemporary. Why We Love This Style? Transitional style encompasses the best of both worlds and fits the style of many homes because of its versatile traits. Modern Modern design emphasizes clean lines and efficiency– with elements of contemporary, modern and industrial influences. Sleek is a collective term to describe modern design. Every element exudes crispness in shape, simplistic décor in generally muted color and fundamentals in materials such as glass, metals, and wood. Open and airy modern kitchens. Colors are explored in soft tones with an accent or two taking center stage. Why We Love This Style? The modern style embraces simplicity, clean lines, technology and the bare minimum required to appropriately handle functional and aesthetic demands. Industrial With its raw, utilitarian appeal, an industrial design style can give modern homes a sophisticated edge. The main feature of industrial styling is the unfinished look that focuses on combining bare and rough surfaces with a clean and flat finish. Industrial style delights in the drama of opposing materials such as wrought iron accents, glass doors, and exposed brick. One of the most obvious traits of an industrial kitchen is open space and high ceilings. Why We Love This Style? Industrial kitchens edgy and elegant and make a huge statement when planned and executed properly. Mediterranean Rustic and warm – but with an edge – the Mediterranean design style blends harmoniously with an exotic feel. Mediterranean styling is characterized by wrought iron, exposed wood beams, multi-colored cabinetry and a mix of metals providing its unique flare. To tie it all together it calls for pleasant, cozy and comfortable earthy shades and natural wood and stone hues. Color palettes may vary from darker shades of brown to whitewashed tones of neutral colors. Common accent colors of teal blues and greens reflect the spectacular colors of the Mediterranean waters. The décor typically features hand-crafted, salvaged or repurposed items made of wood, leather, natural fibers, wicker, and wrought iron. Why We Love This Style? Mediterranean Kitchen style is warm, inviting and a stress free design. Whether your preferences fit perfectly into one category or a combination of several, the goal of creating your dream kitchen is to listen to what style speaks to you.