Who: Faber
What We Noticed: I am always so obsessed with range hoods when I visit these big kitchen trade shows. In the US, I rarely see anything but simple and understated stainless steel and glass hoods, but in Europe they seem to treat hoods as jewelry for the kitchen, adornments that come in all shapes and colors. Want to see a video of this crazy color-changing hood from Faber? 

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Last we checked in with my kitchen renovation, we were wrestling IKEA cabinets and installing them with (ahem) sex bolts. (See all the posts about my kitchen renovation so far here.) Now I'd like to take a step back and talk about a process that should be sexy but is actually fraught with confusion, uncertainty, and a lack of resources: Buying kitchen appliances.

Read on to see how we navigated the overwhelming process of buying appliances, and to see what we picked out. I'll talk about how buying a range top can actually save you money, as well as our one amazing Craigslist find!

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I have always scorned the over-the-range microwave. "Never!" I would say, holding out for a kitchen with a beautiful range and equally stunning range hood overhead. Now, cut to the reality of my old, prewar house's tiny kitchen: More

Shopping for kitchen fittings can be overwhelming. Do you want an undermount or a drop-in kitchen sink? Stainless steel or cast iron? Our guides to basic faucet, sink, and range hoods will give you a quick overview of the various styles and designs, so you'll know what you want and what to look for when you start sourcing for your kitchen. More

If you've already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be. Our Fittings and Material Spotlights are quick guides to basic kitchen fixtures to familiarize you with terminology, pros and cons, and relevant reader reviews. Today we look at ductless range hoods: More

If you've already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be. Our Fittings and Material Spotlights are quick guides to basic kitchen fixtures to familiarize you with terminology, pros and cons, and relevant reader reviews. Today we look at chimney-style range hoods, both wall-mounted and island hoods. More

If you've already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be. Our Fittings and Material Spotlights are quick guides to basic kitchen fixtures to familiarize you with terminology, pros and cons, and relevant reader reviews. Today we begin a series on range hoods:
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Who: MK, Italian kitchen design
What We Noticed: I don't think of myself as a minimalist, but this hood and sleek wood island with integrated cooktop literally stopped me in my tracks at EuroCucina. In context it felt serene and quiet, unfussy and very functional. The white almost blends in to the ceiling, and the woods keeps it feeling warm. Nothing here is trying too hard.
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Who: Minacciola
What We Noticed: Everyone was talking about this articulating hood vent -- you can grab it and move it anywhere over the stove. I'm a bit perplexed as the advantages of a movable hood, but it looked pretty dang cool. Paired with the red spigot knobs on the range, this was downright steampunk. Also of note at Minicciola's booth: There was an entire wall built of crates full of real tomatoes. More photos below... More

Who: Miele
What We Noticed: We've been saying it; here's more proof: Glossy white appliances are the new stainless steel. German appliance-maker Miele put some gorgeous glossy white pieces front and center at EuroCucina. Click through for more photos — including one of the prettiest fridges we've seen in a long time. More