I have been using the new kitchen for just over six months now so I thought I would write down my thoughts and feelings about this kitchen.
Over all, I love it. I am very happy with Nicoletti, the well known falegname (cabinet maker) in our town. And I adore the color I picked for the cabinets. I love the drawers and pull out cabinets. Even more I love the walnut island and wine rack. And the display shelves on the front of the island. I also adore the floor we got. It works well with the other floors already here. I am happy with the dishwasher, the wall oven and the humongous LG refrigerator with the much coveted ice maker. I like the countertops.
That all said, I am not at all happy with the fancy, cool looking cooktop, nor the vendor. On our recent Ireland trip I had the opportunity to use an induction cooktop that actually works. This was eye opening. Compared to mine it was worlds better.
The Vendor who sold us this cooktop and counter (Archetipo – see below) has been contacted. He will not even come and test it unless I pay €130 for the test. He tells me I need to buy specific pots and pans. Specifically from IKEA. I bought a good set of WMF cookware made for induction cooktops, and yet this is not good enough he says. Of course, he didn’t bother to tell me this when we bought the appliance. In my opinion it is all excuses and poor customer service.
So if you are thinking of a renovation here in Italy I definitely do not recommend:
Archetipo.
via adriatica 115 ponte san giovanni
06087 Perugia (PG), Italia
The cooktop itself is a Lapitec Chef. I would say for a cook who doesn’t expect high heat this would be fine. For me, it is not optimal. In hindsight, I should have gotten a gas cooktop. But I am adapting and figuring out work-arounds so it will do. It IS very cool looking!
I would add that my Architect, Irma de Arrascaeta Studio A, is excellent. Not too costly, loves her work, is fun to work with, very reliable and has her own group of workers who also are very reliable and talented.
Wow! Really John? What did he do for you? I would think she would have learned. Need to discuss
Nancy – I totally agree with you in this kitchen review.
I love Irma and think she is great to work with and I have loved all of her suppliers and contracts EXCEPT Archetipo. I didn’t have a good experience working with him and I would never work with him again.
I wish Irma would find other suppliers for fixtures, stone and tile instead of recommending Abed.
Yes Matt, I wanted to warn folks. My architect is drafting a letter as well. I’m working with the cooktop, we may come to an agreement 😁 ! Anyway, I hope so! If I need super high heat I can always use the gas stove downstairs.
Hi Tom & Eileen, exactly my plan! I will report back.
So sorry about the cooktop. It’s poor performance must be very frustrating, doubly so with the lack of customer service. Good to spread the word!
The kitchen looks amazing. Sorry the cooktop didn’t work out as expected. It definitely looks cool. You should buy one IKEA pot and see if that solves the problem. If not, that isn’t the issue… 🙂