Inductive range/oven
The induction cooktop is perhaps the most efficient way to transfer cooking energy to food, with little energy wasted. An induction range uses electricity to create a magnetic field that heats the cooking pan directly by electromagnetic induction–the cooktop itself does not get hot. This is inherently safer as children won’t get burned if touching the cooktop. Also, induction heats much faster and will shorten cooking time. Samsung Freestanding Induction Range FTQ307NWG from Sears.
Refrigerator
The house has a conventional refrigerator that is EnergyStar-rated to consume 445 kilowatt-hours annually, one of the most efficient relative to its volume. Because the refrigerator runs continuously for decades, the design team considered using a direct-current refrigerator or superinsulated fridge such as the SunFrost. The high cost of the SunFrost relative to its energy savings means that using a conventional fridge and spending the extra money on photovoltaics (PV) is a better conservation bang-for-the-buck. Samsung model RB195AC, 19 cubic feet.
Appliances, sink garbage disposal
Given that we are avid composters, we simply opted not to install one. Room has been provided for one underneath the sink and the required electrical connection in the off chance that we change our current behavior. We do realize that we will have to educate our guests on the composting program to ensure that we don’t end up with blocked pipes. Current composting activities have most recently produced pumpkins.
Kitchen countertops
At present we have not decided on the particular type of countertops. We have looked at Paperstone, Cambria, Silestone, Ceaserstone, concrete, wood stainless steel, and Vetrazzo and each has its own pro and con. Leading contenders are scaled as below.
Here are two good countertop discussions:
U.S. Green Building Council’s Geen Home Guide
Kitchen cabinetry
Currently we are looking at partial or fully custom options. Originally we had chosen IKEA as a cost containment measure. But after re-thinking this and realizing that the quality of the IKEA product may require that it be replaced sooner than a custom, wood not veneer, option, we decided that paying for better quality cabinets from the outset may in the long run be cheaper and “greener”.
The following are all in the running and all come highly recommended
Fully Custom: Jerry Marciniak at mycabinetsolutions.com and Woodshanti woodshanti.com
Partial Custom: Eco Home Improvement ecofriendlycabinets.com
