apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Two burners, for sure. Every little thing matters in a small kitchen, and that's an easy way to make space.

I agree with your logic here... if you are in a studio, chances are you are not routinely cooking for 16 people at a time. Two burners (plus an oven) is plenty for one person. And as for the next resident, who cares about him/her? Chances are, he/she will be like most other city residents who mostly eat out or take out.

As long as you have some kind of oven, I think 2 burners is doable in a Manhattan studio.

Given how many people in Manhattan NEVER cook -- It would be interesting to do a survey re: how many folks never ignite the third and fourth burners. I enjoy cooking, but have to admit that I very rarely have 4 burners going.

I'd go with a 2 burner gas and as a just in case invest in a portable induction burner.

This Viking one is pricey at $500
http://www.metrokitchen.com/product/VK-VICC120SS?source=FROO&keyword=VK-VICC120SS&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=scs&utm_term=VK-VICC120SS

But there are plenty of other options in the $200 range. Induction is supposed to be the next thing in cooking. Cool to the touch, it heats water quickly, is immediately responsive to temperature inputs and doesn't release heat into the room.

I'm with Mid-C Frank. Even though I've been cooking more and more lately, I never have more than 2 burners going at the same time. 2 burners and an oven should be fine.

What about a combo unit? Two burners and a flat surface used for Teppanyaki, etc. That way, you have the possibility for four pots, without taking up tons of space.

But honestly, don't go the two burner route. I've lived with small kitchens and couldn't function with two burners. When I cook (multiple times a day), I almost always use at least three burners for every meal

And I would go with Electrolux. I know it's new in America, so the brand is pretty unknown, but I have always had electrolux and it is far superior to anything else.

I usually use my 3rd and 4th burners as countertop space when I'm cooking anyway! Go with 2, the extra counter space will be more valuable.

I'd go with two, too. If you have an oven and a microwave then you're good.

It's really a matter of cooking taste. I wouldn't be able to deal without a normal oven, which tends to have the same foot print than a 4 burner stove. So that sorts it out.
As for the induction that was mention, you have to remember that you might have to change your pots and pans if you go that way, and if you like a good old Le Creuzet pot, well, you will have to store it away or just use it in the oven.

If you cook one dish meal, 2 burners are enough, if you like to cook a meat or a fish, then a side and then some sauce or a dessert, you'll have 3 burners already in use.

Finally, for someone who cooks a lot, you can go with a small fridge and a 4 burners stove, because most of what is in the fridge will be fresh and you can't buy huge quantities if you only cook for yourself.

I think that two is fine when you know how to optimize your recipes. You can also get a portable electric burner for times you need the extra burner for something, more complicated.

I have a full four burner and usually use two even though do complicated ethnic cooking. Good cooks can do anything with two burners, go for it. And as long as you have the oven, hey that's the cherry on top.

as long as the kitchen is really smart looking, it wouldn't be a turn off to me.

my vote is 2.

i would prefer 4 burners, but you've hit the nail on the head when you say most people would probably want a new kitchen with 2 burners than an outdated/inconvenient one with 4.

Personally, I'd go insane having only two burners (in fact, I have lived with only two burners for a year, and it did drive me mad). So yeah, for me it would be a very big turn off when looking for an apartment.

Any chance you remember the name of the paint color? Beautiful!

A four burner will possibly be easier to sell/rent later. I know when I was looking for apartments, if it didn't have a "real" fridge and a "real" stove I walked out without a second thought. And I'm not even a foodie or anything.

That being said, the NYC area is always, always different. People might appreciate the extra counter space more than a full cooktop. And having the oven is probably much more important than four burners anyway.

I agree with the suggestion to get an induction top for as an extra burner (if you have some place to store it). I have two, and by shopping around, I've only paid around $100 apiece for them. Also, a Le Creuset pot will work just fine on one. Any pan whose bottom which you can stick a magnet to will work--you don't need the "special" induction cookware.

If this won't be a permanent residence definitely go with a 24", 4 burner. In studios and small apartments, it's crucial to show prospective buyers that they won't have to compromise on basics. ( I've wrestled with a similar question over ripping out my old bathtub.) At least 50% of people will be doing more cooking than you do. Two burners is not enough. It would be a deal breaker for me and I don't even cook much. Especially since it would require a kitchen overhaul to accommodate one later. To increase work space you can install a pulldown counter. Or as others have noted, you can actually use the stovetop as a counter when not in use ( a cute butcher block across the back burners, say.)

If you want to save even more space, you can get a 24" refrigerator, too. There are a couple of energy star ones out there for $600 or less.

I just renovated my teeny kitchen and my hobby is to mentally reconfigure small spaces. ( I even helped three friends plan their similarly small kitchens) If you want some help maybe you can upload some photos and a floorplan on flickr.

Oh and there are cute 20" 4 burners, as well.

Can you put the fridge just outside the kitchen? I would be willing to walk a few extra feet to the fridge if it meant I'd have four burners and sufficient counter space.

I cook most of my dinners and I could deal with 2 burners most of the time. I think I'd rather have more counterspace than burners. And I definitely think you can get away with 2 burners in a NYC studio. It might be kind of weird to people (I've never seen a 2 burner stove), but most probably wouldn't care. I doubt many people who live alone cook huge meals all the time. I like to bake though, so I'd want an oven that could fit cookie sheets.

I'd go with 2 burners and make one an induction. I've heard a lot of people say when they buy a portable induction cooktop (apparently for like $100?) that it's the only burner they use after that. I'm not sure if you can get a 2 burner with one induction built in, but if not, I'd get a 2 burner with a portable induction for a total of 3. (You could always put a burner cover on the stove and put the induction burner on top of it for "near permanent" placement and flexibility.)

I would skip the gas and go for a ceramic cooktop. Some ceramic cooktops are made to be installed flush with the counter so they in effect become part of the counter.

Having a gas range takes up LOTS of space. I cook a few times a week and I never use more than 2 burners at a time. Having a ceramic cooktop would give me extra counter space when the burners are not being used.

As a designer and a homeowner with a small galley kitchen, I highly recommend going with the two burner- anything to give me more counter space. On a daily basis, I cook for two, but on the occasions where I have guests, it becomes all about time management and warming things in the oven.
As for resale, its a toss up...those like me will covet the additional counter space and for those who cook (a lot and creatively) they will look for a balance..."it only has a two-burner, but look at all the storage!".
Bottom line...go for the two burner but think out the rest of your kitchen carefully. If you have higher ceilings, take the cabinets or shelving all the way up. Be careful with the finishes you choose as you don't want it to feel like a cave. Also, lighting is key. If you don't have the money for under cabinet lighting, find some of those LED Everywhere Lights (with dimmer $7 each) and space them out evenly.

Well how about two burners but also have an electric hotplate to pull out just in case.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a stove that has a flip down cover for two of the burners so you could have counterspace most of the time, but two more burners in reserve. Appliance designers of America, take note.
Joanne M

4 burner. One thing to think about with a 2 burner is the size of your pots. If you've got two large pots going at once you want to make sure they fit.
Also how big is the oven from a two burner?
That said, so many people in NYC don't ever turn on their cookers that whatever you do will be fine.

I cook a lot, and two burners and a half-size oven would be a total deal breaker for me. I would much prefer a smaller fridge. That said, even though I live in a city now, it's not New York. I would have second thoughts about living somewhere with a tiny, tiny kitchen anyway. Even though I put up with it when I was in New York, I would want counter space and a full size oven now.

Clearly there are differing opinions, even among people who cook. Do what makes sense for you, and make sure you're getting good appliances and the renovation is well done.

Also, you're talking about cooktop. But what about an oven? No oven? Or countertop portable one? B/c That would be a total deal breaker for me. No matter how high end you're going ( and it seems like you're not looking to spend a ton) skipping two burners and an oven is a biiiig risk for an extra 8-12" of counter space.

Embwdc seems to know what he/she is talking about but what's the point of extra storage and prep space if you/eventual buyers can't really cook?

I live in NYC, and buyers here don't want to feel like they're getting short shrift.

Here's a suggestion: maybe you could ask a few realtors to check out your place and see what they say.

it seems to me that the 4 burners are usually dictated by the fact that there is an oven underneath

you are still going to have a full oven, no? where is the oven going to go? Whats going to be around/on top of the oven? how is this going to react when the oven is at 450 for 2,3 hours (thanksgiving)? even making cookies, the oven area is still going to be over 100 degress for at least an hour with heat up/cool down times.

Also - pot handles and width, where are these going to go? I turn my handles back out of the way over the other unused burners.

Most people can handle 2 burners at a time so your thought is correct - but in actuality having the unused burners as a default trivet is pretty useful.

You can always get a marble cutting board or step tread and put that over the back burners - voila! convertible counter space.

Unless you plan to take the stovetop with you. We bought a stove we plan to take with us.

The stovetop Joanne M describes with a flip-down cover was pretty popular in the 50s. I love them and don't know why they went out of style. Were people losing fingers to them?

If you are looking for resale value, even in NYC, in this market I think I would go with four burners (or a ceramic cooktop). But definitely get the 24-inch fridge and stove--and get a tall, skinny fridge if you can swing it financially. They are sexy and make a kitchen seem so much lighter without compromising much on storage.

IMO, even for a studio in manhattan, the "safe" choice where resale is a priority is a small 4 burner stove with oven (or cooktop with oven). IMO, it is the "safest" (i.e. less risky) choice with the least liklihood of causing offense to a potential buyer, though in your situation, I think there is no solution to make everyone happy. (People who do not cook are still accustomed to seeing stoves in kitchens even if they never use them personally)

IMO, the best "practical" choice for you is a two burner to maximize the space of the countertop and make the kitchen easier for you to use.

In this case, since you plan to live there for five more years, I would go with what makes you happy. Your happiness is today is also important. Resale is important, but stoves can be dealt with in the negotiations of the terms of sale. An appliance that is very clean and tidy, farily modern, safe and not too unusual will help with a sale.

My vote is four. I tend to only use 2 burners unless I'm entertaining but I like having decent sized oven. A 7'x7' kitchen is a pretty decent size. I'd go with the small sink and the narrowest possible fridge but have 4 burners.

Also will you be covering the window by placing the refrigerator there? Could it go on the other side?

I have to comment about the sink. My kitchen is the same size as yours and I have a 15" sink, which I hate. It's too small to soak most pots, pans and casserole dishes. It looks like you have no dishwasher so you probably rely on your sink a lot. I would recommend keeping the 22" sink and not downsizing to a 15".

Is the fridge really in the middle of the room, or just inconveniently against one of the other walls? My gut says to go with four burners for some of the reasons mentioned above: space for your pans on only two burners, plus the oven space that's compromised. Just how high is that ceiling? We need more photos!

Also -- go with Granite countertop so you can use an undermount sink -- you don't think that the 2" on each side overhang is a lot -- but trust me after redoing mine I now have 22" of usable counterspace a full stove, and a dishwasher -- all tucked into a tiny tiny kitchen.

A two burner. Miele makes a two with one super high btu and one normal burner. Additionally I'd put a microwave/convection oven/stove hood-fan combination over the burners and loose the standard oven, attach the toaster under the cabinets and get an electric tea kettle. Make sure the narrower sink is deeper. Put pull out garbage under the sink. An efficient neat kitchen is worth mucho in my book.

If you're really torn - Have you considered a 3 burner gas cooktop such as these?

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-stoves/gas-cooktop.htm

They're meant for RV's (ie: Small spaces) but they'll work in your kitchen - and they take up little more space than a 2 burner cooktop yet give you the flexibility and compromise you might be looking for.

I agree with under mount sink. Saves space and looks nicer. 15" seems a tad small. I have an extra deep 18-incher and it works dandy for soaking all my pans. Even my 6 quart dutch oven. To save money on the counter and given the small space, you could get some great deals on remnant marble or higher end granite.

And really, 7 x 7 is not that small a kitchen. Not sure where your fridge is, nor where your doorway is, but you've got plenty of options that won't require cutting corners at the expense of counter space or resale value ( which I promise you'd be doing with no oven and two burners). You could even do a 12" deep counter along the wall opposite where the stove is now.

Oh and as someone mentioned above, putting your fridge where your oven is now would block off a chunk of your window. A GIANT mistake, especially in a small apartment where you want to play up all the assets. God, do I want to see a floor plan.

As a fellow studio dweller, I say 4 burners. I currently just have a two-burner, and they aren't enough. Partly because I always keep a teakettle on the stove. I regularly use both burners and then have to find somewhere to put my teakettle while I'm cooking. A pain!

As a fellow UES in a v. small apt with a kitchen that is 6x4 I say go with the two burner .Here's why. Those four burners are so small you can't place four pots on them at one time anyway AND they take up WAY too much space. I think any Manhattanite looking to rent or buy would feel the same- better to have counterspace then two useless burners. I would put in a full size/ slightly smaller fridge under the counter fridges don't rent well in the post college/ family oriented UES market. and your window in the kitchen is your biggest asset ! don't block the light with the fridge !

I would go with the two burners but I must advise against a smaller sink. I've lived in studios with normal and small sinks and I must say that I would rather sacrifice the counter space because it is SOOO annoying to wash something in the tiny sink. Just imagine having to wash a baking pan or pot with a handle in the tiny sink and not being able to turn it around with water in it because all the water could dump out all over the counter. You can always get a cutting board and lay that over the sink when you need more counter space.

I was thinking the same thing as Cassis and JoanneM--In "Woman of the Year", Spencer Tracy's apartment had a gas stove with a cover that folded up in the middle to expose the burners. I did a quick Google for stove top covers and found some for RVs but I'll bet they could be used for an ordinary kitchen as well, if the stove is small. I voted for the 4-burner cooktop--walking into a small kitchen with less than a full cooktop to me would make the room feel smaller.

For a great deal on some granite go to a place called Eagle Home Center -- 116th and 2nd I think. Speak with Daria ... they did me a solid as most places WILL NOT work with someone only asking for 7 feet of granite. Not worth their time. I ended up getting a great piece of absolute black at about half the price of anyone else.

Good like.

I think you should keep 4, since you plan to rent it out or move soon. People can always create more counter space....chopping board over sink, using a dining table if need be. But it's a lot harder to add burners to a stove. You may not need more that 2, but I know I would NEVER pay for half a stove, even in a tiny Manhattan apt. I would be ok with less cabinets and smaller fridge, but not 2 burners. If possible and it will still save you some space see if you can find a 3 burner stove/cooktop.

hi there
I cook often and a wide variety of food, and Ive never found you need more than 2 elements, but different types of elements are handy, heres an example of a 2 element stove top, with different zones that you can turn on and off, giving you flexibility in a small footprint - both elements can have single or multiple zones and you end up with 2 Super-Quick Cooking Zones, Roaster Zone, http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/VC422610.html.
I would look for one second hand on Craigs List, or from a seconds store.
cheers

oops link was wrong try http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/VC422610.html instead
cheers

I live in a studio and say 4 burner. I only bake once or twice a month, but it is enough that I passed on several places that only had a 2 burner as the accompanying oven is just too small for most of my baking recipes. Don't do the 15" sink. Another friend in a studio has one and it drives her nuts nearly every day.

My Manhattan studio has a comparably-sized kitchen: 7' x 7' 4". It has a 30" range, an over-the-range microwave, a full sized refrigerator, a 22" sink and a full sized dishwasher. There is less counter space, yes, but it feels fully functioned, with nothing sacrificed. I think that is the optimal plan for resale value. Also, built in appliances look great, but they may be more expensive to maintain or replace.

My Jenn-air gas range has changeable units, one on each side. So when I need four burners, I change out the grill unit. Otherwise, a nice looking cover turns it into counter space.

That said, I am an avid cook and rarely use more than two burners. I do need the full sized oven.

the amount of space 2 burners saves is negligble - it's just a little strip of counter space - it's not like it saves metres of space.

also it makes you think a space is smaller if you see 2 burners - as you walk in and go 'wow, they've only got room for 2 burners. this kitchen is tiny'

if you're ruthless about what you store on your counter top and put in some shelves - this will save more workspace than sacrificing burners/oven.

I have a six-burner Wolf range and I rarely use more than two burners at once. But the person who posted that you need the extra space of extra burners is correct. If you have a wide saute pan, or a large pasta pot, you don't want them next to one another on a tiny cook space (and that is one of my most frequent meals... pasta with a fresh sauce). It's not even safe -- water splashing into hot oil. The extra burners on a range do act as safe places to place a hot pan. And if you are cooking something on low for a long, long time, it's best to have it pushed to the back burner.

...so I suppose it depends upon how you cook and how often. The width of the range would matter to buyers only if they had to change cabinetry around it to replace it with a bigger one. A new range is a relatively small expense. For renters, well, in my 15 years of being an urban renter I never came across a 2-burner stove. On the other hand, your kitchen is so small that it's unlikely much cooking will be done in the oven. But ovens make great storage space... as so many New Yorkers know.

You can put in a larger sink and use a cutting board over one part of it, as extra prep/counter space:

http://www.fixtureuniverse.com/sinkmountcuttingboards_553.html

Oops, I just read your post again, and see that you are talking about replacing the range with a cooktop (I still say go with the 4-burner). What are you going to do about an oven?

I completely agree with the red.door.read. Psychologically, a two burner would read waaay smaller than the space you actually have to work with. Again, 7x7 is not so small for a studio. You give yourself flexibility with 4 burners ( over the sink board/one on your burners/drop down counter on the opposite wall) but you limit your renting/resale ability with a 2 burner stove top. The 8-12" of "extra" counter space is so not worth it.

I live in Brooklyn, and I don't know about across the bridge but I have never seen a two burner stove before and as someone already mentioned the sight of only two burners signals that the kitchen is way too small.
For resale value a 4 burner stove is more acceptable to a greater amount of buyers.
Putting the fridge where the stove is right now is not the move; you would block the light. Light is one of those features that makes a small space not seem so small. Don't do it!

I live in Mid-town Manhattan, and have looked at countless studios for sale in mid-town and UWS, and I think it is less important (for resale value) whether you have 2 or 4 burners than that the kitchen APPEAR to be glamorous, spiffy, luxurious, and recently done.

I've been outbid on so many so-so apartments that had dynamite kitchens, and some that had great tile backsplashes and granite countertops, but two burners, an under-counter fridge, and a combo microwave/oven. And maybe 2 feet of counter space.

Studio buyers are usually single. They may think they are going to entertain a lot, but they end up going out. The IDEA of a fancy kitchen is what they are buying.

how about 4 burners and an under counter fridge and freezer?

if you kept the proportions of your stove and sink the same as in your photo, and replaced the fridge with an under counter model, you would have at least 60 inches of counter space on that side of your kitchen. You could even get separate fridge and freezer units, and make up the lost base cabinet space by having the wall cabinets go all the way to the ceiling (a 24 inch tall cabinet above a 30 inch tall cabinet.)

as someone who cooks a lot, I would not be prepared to have only 2 burners, and for those who say that new yorkers don't cook much so only need 2 burners, then what do they need the counter space for?

Man I think the cons of a 2 burner cooktop waaaay outweigh the pros. Your kitchen is not tiny at all for a studio lol, mine consists of a section of wall with 28" fridge, about 8" of countertop, a 15" sink and a 20" range all crammed together (peek here: http://flickr.com/photos/questionstar/2237331782/ ). Getting rid of two burners just to have 8 extra inches of counterspace is not worth it at all, I usually just put a plate on top of a burner if I need more area to work.

A 7x7 kitchen should leave plenty of room for a drop leaf table to use as extra countertop, I had to buy once since I have NO countertop space!

I'm single and I use 3 burners regularly... is it that strange? Here is a picture:
http://flickr.com/photos/questionstar/2236643109/
also I make spaghetti sauce from scratch at the same time I am cooking spaghetti and vegetables...

I would definitely advise against replacing gas with electric if your building allows for gas... electric cooktop is a dealbreaker for me unless everything else about the apartment is amazingly amazing- which is what happened to me... I am closing on a studio condo soon and seriously EVERYTHING else made up for lack of gas range and I'm still a little disappointed because I really dislike electric cooktops that much. I'll be replacing it with a ceramic cooktop but.. bleerrrrgh.

Whoever buys your place in the future can replace whatever you go with though, but be prepared if they want to negotiate, I'm trying to get my seller to give a credit to go toward the cost of replacing the cooktop because its super old and one of the burners doesn't work.

I would follow JPK's suggestion, but with a twist: go with four induction burners, and a separate oven. Induction burners become "part of the counter" just like ceramic, but they're controllable like gas, and -- perhaps most importantly -- the cooktop doesn't get warm when you're cooking, except directly under the pot.

From what I can see, the only catch is that no one makes a 24" 4 burner induction cooktop for the US market. There are 12" 2 burner models available, though -- which gives you the possibility of even stashing them at opposite ends of the counter, or something.

Hi, This is MIAUES(Mia) who had asked this question.

I just found out about this article.
I don't know how I missed this.
Maybe because I had been so sick the end of February when this was posted so I didn't get online for a while.
I haven't read comments yet, but THANK YOU VERY MUCH EVERYBODY FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS. I REALLY REALLY APPRECIATE IT. AND THANK YOU AT FOR CREATING THIS GREAT COMMUNITY!

Mia