New kitchen: where to start

If you’ve decided to install a new commercial or semi-commercial kitchen in your church, knowing how to begin the project can be tough. Here, we talk you through the first steps

From opening new opportunities for your church to creating a welcoming place for the local community to meet, we all know that a new kitchen is much more than a place to just make sandwiches and cups of tea.

However, before you start, it’s vital to know what you want to use the new space for. Then you can look at how long it might take, your ideal budget, location and practicalities, among other things.

What’s it for?
Church kitchens have many uses, so whether it’s coffee mornings, catering large events or simply a refreshment point for your congregation, it’s a good idea to think about the right solution for your church. If your kitchen isn’t currently fit for purpose, look at its current location and what should change – does it need to be more accessible or visible, and do you already have water supply and drainage in place? If you’re thinking of moving the area where your kitchen will be installed, these will have an impact on your budget, but it may be the best solution.

Equally, you must decide if you want to expand the current space, downsize or completely renovate. Do you need a full kitchen, a simple server or just a drinks area? Understanding what the new kitchen will be used for is the key to making these decisions. Once you know what you want, you can begin looking into costs.

Domestic, commercial or something in-between?
eciding which kitchen would best suit your church is vital – do you want domestic, commercial or semi-commercial? A domestic kitchen looks good but can’t withstand the daily wear and tear of a busy church, and while a commercial is long lasting, it can often be the wrong look and feel for a homely church. This is why our semi-commercials are so popular, as they bring together the durability of a commercial with the warm and friendly look of domestic. If you’re still unsure, this animated video shows the many benefits of a semi-commercial kitchen.

Price it up
Unsurprisingly, if you’ve decided to go full steam ahead with a renovation, you will need to prepare for a larger budget due to building, labour, electrical and plumbing costs. It may be tempting to stick with the space you have out of convenience or cost-cutting, but don’t forget to think long term: if you’re investing in a new kitchen, make sure it’s right for you. And rest assured, with Steelplan Kitchens’ wide range of units, appliances, worktops, sinks and accessories, plus careful planning process, you will get the maximum from your budget and your space.

However, do remember that identifying the essentials for your kitchen will make the budget process easier – you might not be able to get exactly what you want, but understanding what you need will help make your vision a reality.

What to expect
Starting a new kitchen project can be daunting, but Steelplan Kitchens will make it as simple and straightforward as possible. We will always listen to your needs and provide all the benefits of a commercial kitchen with the warm and friendly look and feel of a domestic one. With a free design and consultation process (including 3D imaging to help you visualise the finished project), a professional perspective on planning, expert advice on products and a completely bespoke solution, Steelplan can take you through your new installation seamlessly.

Wherever you are in your kitchen planning process, or you’d like to know more about Steelplan Kitchens’ services, call us on 0844 809 9186.

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