So the house you’re looking at buying is listed as having a chef’s kitchen, but what does this actually mean? Does a chef own the home, or just an everyday person who likes to cook?
In real estate terms, a home described as having a chef’s kitchen means that you should expect a certain standard of quality. It also means the kitchen is one of the prominent selling features of the home.
The problem is the term ‘chef’s kitchen’ is used heavily. Why? Well, for one, it’s a great way to attract buyer attention. But, sometimes, that promised chef’s kitchen is little more than an open-plan layout and a fancy fridge. So to help you cut through the marketing noise, we looked into what constitutes a real chef’s kitchen.
Here are some tips to help you spot the difference.
What Features Does a Chef’s Kitchen Include?
A chef’s kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean a professional chef uses it, but the people who live there definitely appreciate the food. They also tend to like cooking gourmet meals and entertaining. A chef’s kitchen is probably the home’s central hub and will have a spacious open layout that allows multiple people to cook and prepare food simultaneously.
1. Generous Countertops
Ample countertops are the top desired feature of a professional kitchen with various workstations and islands for prepping and cooking functions, including a plate-staging area for adding the final garnish to dishes. There may also be a baker’s station or pastry station.
2. Deep Sinks — Yes, Plural
A chef’s kitchen must have multiple deep sinks to quickly wash food and rinse dishes. Some kitchens have islands that sport an additional sink for washing vegetables. If you’re cooking up a storm, you’ll want a faucet or ‘pot-filler’ over your stove to quickly fill large pots of water directly on the stove, so you don’t have to lug the pot from the sink.
3. Multiple Ovens
Other must-have features that typically appear in a chef’s kitchen are multiple ovens, including convection or steam models, with induction or gas cooktops for faster, more efficient cooking. A microwave and warmer drawers to keep food hot are also must-haves.
4. Top Notch Appliances
Name-brand, specialized appliances are usually featured in a restaurant or professional kitchen, and because they add to the designer’s appeal, you can expect at least one or two. These could include (but are not limited to): twin dishwashers, a high-end fridge with an air purification system and a vacuum seal to keep food fresher, a freezer with an ice maker and a wine cooler.
5. Gadgets and Storage
Cooking utensils and gadgets are also high-quality items that appear in a chef’s kitchen and will be super organized, with everything you need in pull-out drawers or within arm’s reach.
Why Is a Chef’s Kitchen So Popular?
If you’re not a professional chef, it begs the question: why have one?
A chef’s kitchen is a trend because of reality TV shows and because people are more aware of the food they eat and how it’s prepared. Entertaining at home is more popular nowadays as people want to try out the recipes they’ve seen on TV.
For those who only cook for friends and family on rare occasions, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a kitchen with the wow factor to make your guests envious.
How Much Does a Chef’s Kitchen Cost?
If you’re building a home or renovating an existing one, a house with a chef’s kitchen is worth the money you spend. The appliances and storage components will be of high quality overall. This makes for good functionality so that an everyday cook will appreciate it as much as a gourmet cook.
There are endless possibilities for customizing your kitchen. But, in general, you can expect to pay between $50,000 and $100,000 if you want high-end appliances. These take up a significant chunk of the cost.
Yes, a chef’s kitchen isn’t cheap to install. But the good thing is that you can never lose money on it (unless you over-capitalize for your market). Kitchens and bathrooms are the two rooms of your house that offer a great return on investment (for the most part). Plus, having a streamlined kitchen will make you more inclined to cook at home rather than eat out. This could help you save money in the long term!
Small Changes to Build Your Own Chef’s Kitchen
Say you haven’t been able to find the home of your dreams that also has a chef’s kitchen. Consider making some minor changes while saving up for a full-blown kitchen renovation.
Here are a few of our favourite affordable kitchen add-ons:
- Built-in trash chutes
- Dedicate a drawer to beverages or snacks
- Glass spice jars and labels
- Put utensils on display
- Create wine storage
- Opt for open-shelf storage
- Paint the ceiling for a pop of fun
Maybe you’re still on the fence about buying a house with a chef’s kitchen or installing one yourself. Remember, when it comes time to sell in the future, a chef’s kitchen is an asset that will boost your home’s value.
