Kitchen Features

Since the kitchen is going to be one of the most important parts of your home, you should be very clear about the design and features of the kitchen in the apartment you propose to rent. Here are some of the terms that are often seen in the description of a New York City kitchen, and what they actually refer to:

Countertops

Why is choosing the right countertop for your kitchen such an important decision to make? While the main reason for this is that most of your work in the kitchen will be done on a countertop, one must also not forget its obvious contribution to the visual look of your kitchen. Granite countertops are probably the most popular because of their luster and durability, but the limestone variety finds favor among those who want a more aged look for their kitchens.

Cabinetry

Cabinets represent another essential part of your kitchen—besides serving as storage space for your plates and cutlery, they also add to the ambience of not just your kitchen, but your apartment as well. Most apartments in New York City feature classic wooden cabinetry, which are usually made from maple or oak.  While many like the natural color of the wood, there are others who prefer cabinets painted with white lacquer, which often go well with more contemporary home décor styles.

Appliances

The appliances one can find in a kitchen are often a good indication of the overall quality of the apartment. Look at the brands listed in the kitchen—if there are big names like Miele, Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, Poggenpohl and others listed in the profile of your kitchen, you can rest assured of having a truly luxurious apartment in New York City. Also ask questions about the energy efficiency of the appliances in your kitchens—the more their efficiency, the better for the environment and your bills.

Kitchen Islands

As its name suggests, a kitchen island serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, and it can be used for a number of purposes—it can be a dining area in the mornings as you rush off to work, and it can also be a place to show off your cutlery during a dinner party. Kitchen islands work best with apartments that have open floor layouts, and given their central location, they can easily become the focal point of your living spaces; a spot where friends and family can come together in your home.

Dishwashers

Despite its utility, dishwashers are one of the appliances that many people overlook when looking for an apartment in New York City. Nobody wants to spend time washing dishes at the sink, and so the convenience of a dishwasher is not something to be missed. As with other kitchen appliances, keep an eye out for the brand and energy efficiency of the dishwasher in your apartment. Also look at its capacity—the bigger the dishwasher, the better your life will be! 

Wine Coolers

Wine coolers are a hard-to-find feature in kitchens in New York City—so if you find an apartment that boasts of having a wine cooler, make sure you grab hold of it at the earliest—such rentals will certainly not last very long on the market! Besides acting as a good storage space for wine bottles in your home, these refrigerated coolers will make sure you don’t have to look too far away for a drink, no matter what the time of day may be.