Kitchen 3

Reply to: I did IKEA jars in my top 33" wide drawer. I buy almost all of my organic spices in bulk which has in the long run, been very affordable. I have a small kitchen and I do all of my prep/chopping right above the drawer and I love just opening the drawer, pulling out what I need, using what I need, then putting it back in all without really even moving. No bending and it keeps my small counter clear!

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Reply to: Buckeyegoldenmom just posted the tins I bought from Specialty Bottle. I like the clear lids for being able to do a quick glance into the tops without even touching them before I go to the store, but they have other types of lids and containers. I use the 4 oz size for the majority of my spices and salts. I also use a few of the 8 oz size in the back for larger size herbs (bay leaves) or ones I use in large quantities like cinnamon, chili powder, and my homemade Italian spice blend. For some reason, the 8 oz lids don't fit as snugly as the 4 oz lids. I go nuts over these tins. They appeal to my OCD need to have sameness and organization wherever I go. Plus, the price is definetly right! The lids fit tightly, yet are easy to get remove. The only issue I've had in 18 months is the ground cloves tin, which had a sticky lid after about 16 months. I removed the cloves and washed the tin, fixing the problem. I made some spice blends at Christmas and poured them in little tins as gifts. I also ordered some of their clear Boston bottles to package my homemade vanilla extract gifts. I might be coming addicted to that online store! The drawer storage idea and source for the tins came from GW, of course! The drawer is so easy to use, it's genius! Here is a link that might be useful: Direct link to the 4 oz tins at Specialty Bottle

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Reply to: I've owned the Gaggenau 36" bottom freezer for 1.5 years and love it. No problems at all and very, very quiet. I considered the Fhiaba brand but was concerned about after sales support. Some of my friends own Sub Zero units but gave me mixed reviews (most of which was negative). What sold me on the Gaggenau unit was the 2 compressors, stainless interior (very elegant) & light package. The motorized shelf is feature I don't use much but is nice to have. The only feature I wish it had is an internal water dispenser. Other than that I love this unit. I plan on purchasing the matching 24" wine unit next year. The Gaggenau, Miele, Thermadore, Bosch, Fisher Paykel, Blomberg & Dacor columns & bottom freezers are all physically similar and made by Arcelik...not Bosch. Arcelik is a European manufacture of whites goods located in Turkey. The own Blomberg as well other european brands. Arcelik builds all of units to the specs / trim levels of each manufacture. For example: The Fisher Paykel 36" bottom freezer does not have 2 compressors however the Blomberg box has 2 compressors and a internal water dispenser. Currently the Dacor Modernist Collection units have the most-up-to date features of all the boxes such as: push-to-open doors, interior water dispenser, twin ice makers & a super chic (minimalistic) stainless steel interior with 3 d lighting. I tend to believe some of these features will eventually trickle down to the other brands as well, If I have to do this all over again I would purchase Gaggenau columns instead of a bottom freezer. The best value for the money (IMO) for columns would go to Thermadore. FYI: Image of Gaggenau 36" with 24" wine fridge. My configuration will mirror the image. Image of Dacor Modernist Collection (interior) with twin ice maker built by Arcelik for Dacor.

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