Lacanche Threads

Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
Posted by Momto4Kids (My Page) on Sun, Oct 10, 04 at 13:03
AnnaLeeF- You've described exactly what I had hoped to be able to do with the accessories. We're not in our house yet. Maybe someone else has practical experience! Deb
Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche Ranges, Part 13

Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sun, Oct 10, 04 at 15:01
AnnaLee: I was just thinking about this exact issue last night. Every night, as I drift off to sleep, it's a new remodel obsession, this was last night's. Except it never occured to me that the items would be too heavy for the lower storage drawers, but you do have a point, perhaps they are. If we can't keep the griddle, grill, et al in the lower drawers, then they'll have to go in our walk in pantry. Wonder what tonight's obssession will be? Best, Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: SanDiego (My Page) on Sun, Oct 10, 04 at 17:14
Oops! Sorry guys, I goofed. I accidently started Part 14 a second time. I searched for a Part 14 first but for some reason it didn't show up. (I'm sure operator error on my part, I'm sure.) Anyway, here's my post. Maybe they can delete the duplicate Lacanche Ranges, Part 14 that I started. Susan Wow, it's hard to believe we're up to Part 14 now. Our Lacanche, affectionately referred to as Lulu, has been waiting patiently in our garage for her new home. She's a Vougeot and we've had her almost as long as Zolablue (July 2003). She occasionally peeks out of her crate to see her future friends, the cabinet door, the granite counter sample and the floor sample. She is "provencal yellow" so I am dying to see your kitchens, Spacific and Dmsb. We are going to build a new house and our plans just went into plan check last week. The design phase definitely took longer than we thought (almost 2 years) alot of it due to the challenges of building on the side of a mountain in California. I really enjoy reading how everyone loves cooking on their Lacanches. You all make me so anxious to cook with Lulu! In the meantime, I'll live vicariously through all of you.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Mon, Oct 11, 04 at 0:56
SanDiego: glad to hear of Lulu, another Provencal Yellow! It is such a beautiful color! Good luck on your plan approvals. Ivette: neither of us sleep much! Saw your other post on double knife trays. Know I've seen one but cannot remember where. Coincidentally I've been searching for drawer organizers & knife blocks for days. All of our drawers are odd sizes & we are re-thinking where everything should go, especially since our range moved to the other side of the kitchen. Now the hot pads that lived with the dish towels will be separated to opposite drawers. I am so looking forward to having soapstone counters and being able to forget trivets since heat won't phase the stone. Yes, Ivette, since you do not have your range and accessories yet, I have to tell you they are very heavy. I would like to keep them close to the range to minimize any strain on my wrists and back.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Mon, Oct 11, 04 at 1:08
SanDiego, welcome here, and how nice to know of another provencal yellow lying in wait for its day in the sun -- it sounds as though that will be a ways off still, since I gather you haven't broken ground yet? We are in the midst of an addition, and the kitchen is an incidental (big one) along the way, so I have just gained some experience in the world of constructing a home, albeit only a section of one. Very very labor intensive -- no sooner do you get a few decisions made than a new set sprouts, like mushrooms in a damp forest. I wish you all kinds of luck, and please tell us the details you've put together -- what cabinets? what countertops? what colors besides that lush provencal yellow? Do tell!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Mon, Oct 11, 04 at 10:41
Okay, I just did a test on the accessories with my Cluny. The griddle is the only thing that doesn't fit, as it's slightly longer than the other accessories. Everything else fits fine, but only if you only put one thing in. For instance, I put the grill plate in and then the simmer plate. Although the simmer plate fits in and comes out very easily by itself, it's a bit of a squeeze when the grill plate is already in the drawer. I had to yank on it a bit to get it back out, as the lip on the inside of the drawer makes it just a smidgen too tight when two accessories are in. However, the drawer seems to support the two of them just fine. I didn't try more than two at a time. Hope that helps!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: SanDiego (My Page) on Mon, Oct 11, 04 at 13:10
I stumbled upon this forum in November 2002 and had never even heard of Lacanche. We actually ordered Lulu that Thanksgiving before we closed on our lot or had house plans. So, we did things backwards. We designed our house around a range. But as we all know, a Lacanche is NOT just any range! One thing that I quickly found out is that Lulu can be a bit difficult. That is, even when you start from scratch, provencal yellow is not an easy color to work with. We have picked out cabinets that are a beautiful distressed alder wood. They are a really pretty rich medium brown wood call Wildwood. The granite we've chosen is called Kodiak and it has a creamy white background with black, yellow, gray and chunks of quartz in it. (Kinda hard to describe.) The island will be a black beadboard with a Mexican travertine top. Our floor is a tumbled travertine in a Versailles pattern. Don't know about backsplash yet. Ivette, I know I've had a few of those nightly obsessions already. The only problem is that they occur at about 3 am and our 3 kitties think it's either time to eat or play when I'm awake at that time! Annalee, thanks for the words of encouragement. Dmsb, you're right. We haven't broken ground. Hope we don't get lost in the "Bermuda Triangle" of plancheck. I can't imagine what it must be like living through the construction like you are. We sanded painted and applied molding to our kitchen cabinets a few years ago and it was a mess. I can't imagine living through a new addition. At least we won't have to live in the construction dust when we start. Hope the rest of your project goes smoothly. Have a good week everyone! Susan

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Mon, Oct 11, 04 at 14:09
Hey SanDiego: I gotta tell you, what you are describing sounds really FAB-O!! I'm loving the alder and the granite and the black island. Really unique. I can't wait to see the finished pictures! I know, I know. Someday! Anna: Cooooool. Will plan on storing griddle perhaps in one of our pot pan drawers or else schlepping to the walk in pantry. So last night's bedtime obsession was how to get the stand alone sprayer to go with the curvey legged Barber Wilson faucet I've chosen. Fatlester has wonderfully offered to do some research for me on that one. So natch, one must come up with a new obssession. Tonight I believe the obsession will be what to do with the hardware on the fridge wall. As some of you may know from other threads, we're going with cream cabs on the perimeter, grey for the island, and a whiter ivory for the fridge wall. We're currently planning to panel the sub zero 700 series fridge to make it look like cabinetry. We're using cherry shaker knobs on the perimeter cabinets and the island to tie in the cherry perimeter counters and the marble topped island. BUT, knobs won't work on the fridge, need something stronger like a handle. Soooo, I did find some cherry wood handles that look like towel bars, like the ones you see in stainless all the time. They're kinda nice, but I don't know. So then I thought, I could just do a different hardware altogether on the fridge wall, since it does stand on its own and is made to seem like it's unfitted you know. But what kind of hardware?? Just can't find anything I like. I really like simple wire pulls, but would they go with the traditional English thing I'm going for in the rest of the kitchen? They'd probably be stainless steel. Or should I go with something darker, like ORB?. The counter there will be cherry as well. OR, alternatively, I could just throw in the towel, put cherry shaker knobs on the two drawers and pull out pantry in that wall and just cave in to DH and get the 700 series in stainless steel. You see what I mean? Sleep? What the hell is THAT?! I've officially lost it, Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Mon, Oct 11, 04 at 21:55
Thanks for sizing the accessories to drawer ratio, Anna! That is encouraging. SanDiego - what georgeous choices! Very distinctive! Ivette, could it be too much Starbucks at night? You are able to get into such fine detail without even having upclose access to so many elements. I am amazed that you can envision so much of the planning, after watching our kitchen evolve with all its little surprises. Color has to be the toughest because it is so affected by changing light conditions. I've finally given up on tile and wall color selections until we see the countertops & range in place and the final lighting. I understand the xenon lights will give a very different look than the fluorescents we had undercounter, so I am being patient. Besides, I am too busy trying to get 100 trees decorated for our charity festival in four weeks - that's my nightmare - the crowd will come and our committee won't be all finished. Yikes! Keep me off the forum for the next month!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Tue, Oct 12, 04 at 4:45
Oh Anna! I WISH too much Starbucks was my problem! I sooooo miss my caramel macchiatos. On the other hand, I am ten pounds lighter! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Sun, Oct 17, 04 at 15:59
MAYBE only 8 days away from a working Lacanche! Bad news is DH is in the Far East and won't be here for the big event after his magnificent obsession with it for five months! He is going to have to log in to our webshots page at a cybercafe to smell those aromas until he can return. He also missed the soapstone installation Friday, only hours after he departed. I should plan a special welcome home dinner. Any menu ideas for the Cluny? (That is, if I can get the heavy dust removed from every surface by then!) I am praying that the range can get through the now more narrow opening between the island and the peninsula since the cabs & countertops are permanently installed! I think I'll leave work the day they move it to throw quilts on either side!
Here is a link that might be useful: Soapstone Sink & Counters In

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: pamela1 (My Page) on Sun, Oct 17, 04 at 17:55
Anna-- Your soapstone is beautiful! I've been waiting eagerly to peek at your kitchen. The sink is amazing--carved from one piece, correct? It's truly a work of art. And runnels...didn't know what they were called. Now I wish I'd ordered some! Pamela

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Sun, Oct 17, 04 at 18:20
Funny - we have been planning to have runnels since we first saw them some months ago and then, last week, nearly forgot to call and have them included in the fabrication before delivery day! Upclose, they are really sharp, so I am glad we finally remembered to make the call. Yes, the sink is carved from one piece. DH fell hard for it when he saw it on the floor at Teixiera. We were planning stainless for contrast, but I now am excited to try using it. The installers told us it would need more oiling than the counters at first, but it looks super in person after the oiling, so I won't mind doing that. Thanks for your comments, Pamela!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sun, Oct 17, 04 at 19:06
Is THAT what they're called?? learn something new everyday. We're planning on getting those installed in our cherry counters as well. Anna: It really is looking beautiful and coming together so well. I'm so happy for you! I sure would love an update from Zola and Momto3Kids and Spacific!! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 04 at 1:17
Hey Ivette, Still here, but immersed in trying to make this place a home again. DH scheduled a long-delayed annual party for next Saturday, and we're still living in a war zone. Dueling cabinet makers were in today (yes, Sunday)... One installing the entertainment center and one, the open shelves in the kitchen. Both coming along beautifully. As we've had a cold snap, the Lacanche has been performing like a champ... lots of slow cooking and even a bit of baking. The hood won't be in for another week or two, so I'm staying away from any heavy duty high-heat cooking. I know...pictures still not up yet. Please be patient with me. And of course, through all this, my parents are coming in for a 2-week visit next week, and DS' Halloween costume needs finishing.... and so it goes.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 04 at 2:21
Nice to hear people's updates -- it's been quiet on this thread for the past few days, until AnnaLee posted. That soapstone is mighty pretty, and looks like great fun to touch. WHat are your cabinets, AnnaLee, btw? Custom? The finish looks very lush. Spacific-- i'm just so so curious about your kitchen -- I followed your narrative description of it probably more closely than any other I have read, since you've got that provencal yellow lacanche, just like I'll be getting. But your schema is rather different from mine, and I am thus just fascinated and eager to see it. But I do empathize with all the turmoil preventing you from posting pics -- especially the part about needing to provide halloween costumes for your nearest and dearest! Thankfully, I can recycle my now-three-year-old's first costume -- a kimono -- for my nine-month-old, but it's the three-year-old I am hoping not to disappoint! As for myself, I think I'll go incognito as a General Contractor -- I've got all the pieces of the outfit stowed in my basement by the Genuine G.C. every night, so I could just strap on a toolbelt, dirty up my hands and face with sawdust, and take a tool or two out for a spin...

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 04 at 10:46
Thanks, Ivette and dmsb. The cabinets are custom Signature, same brand Warren used in Atlanta. We liked the flexibility they offered and the champhered (spelling?)edge treatment on the stiles and on end panels. That detail is very hard to see in the pictures because of the solid color. We almost went with Plain n Fancy, but Signature's designer offered us more options we liked at a competitive price. Spacific: I chuckled about the war zone comment and party coming up. DH wanted to do an election night party and I told him that was just too much stress to create when we don't know exactly how soon the "camping out" environment will change here. You will be doing well to steal a few moments for yourself over the next month between the move-in, family arriving and Halloween expectations. But we are so glad you are enjoying the range full of sun rays! Looking forward to seeing pictures of the two yellow Lacanches, Spacific and dmsb, when you are each ready! Ivette - loved your story about your DS dragging the knob across the floor on the ORD thread! We should all have plenty of advice for you by the time your range is installed.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 04 at 18:58
The soapstone looks terrific, AnnaLee! You went to Texeira in person? They're not all that far from me (well, same state anyway!). I've talked to Roger on the phone, and he seems like a really nice guy. For your hubby's welcome home meal, I highly recommend the simple roast chicken Zola mentioned. It comes out superb from the gas oven.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: orchidluvr (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 04 at 21:48
AnnaLee, your soapstone is to die for. In fact, your cabinet color is very similar to what I want. I have some questions about your Cobra. Did you pick out your slabs? It turned out shinier than you expected? Does Teixiera polish all their soapstone that way? Maybe I should write you an email instead... Denise

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Tue, Oct 19, 04 at 1:37
Anna & orchidluvr: Yes, Roger is a really nice guy, according to DH who has seen and talked with him several times. I only met his wife when we made a visit together. We saw their display of Cobra, which is also in their brochure, but whether it was oiling or lighting, it did not hit us as polished. In fact, a few weeks ago a designer friend mentioned a client who had honed and polished soapstone and we commented that she must not know soapstone since it is never polished. Guess she was accurate! No, we did not pick our slabs, only the Cobra sink - planned to, but Roger assured DH not to waste another trip, that he himself would carefully select the slabs and put them aside in July. The slabs are fine, quite handsome, and the seaming is nearly invisible, which is good since our island is wider than the slabs. I have not complained to Roger - just expressing my surprise here on the forum. I am still getting used to this amazing stone we now own. I liked it immediately, but was just shocked to find it in my kitchen with its shiny attribute. It has quieted down over the last few days and is actually fascinating in its changeability. It almost looks like leather tonight. There is a lot going on when you get up close, but it does look solid black from across the room, which is the effect we need in order for it to to fit into the room. This is one of those live and learn deals, but i will enjoy it, I am sure. I am anxious to get DH's reaction when he returns. Knowing now that some ss are polished, if I were purchasing again, I would specifically inquire of the fabricator about the finish.
Here is a link that might be useful: Polishing soapstone

First meal
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Tue, Oct 19, 04 at 2:21
Me again. Thanks for the roasted chicken suggestion, Anna. That would make a good, simple French meal. I'll have to scroll back to Zola's description. Thanks to you & OL both for your comments, by the way, I forgot to mention above. Joy!!! Water is actually running in the sink tonight! I wanted to climb in it and just splash! DW is working, but not secured to side cabs yet. Ran a load just because I could! Just placed my first cookbooks on the new shelf while I was thinking about that roasted chicken.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: pamela1 (My Page) on Tue, Oct 19, 04 at 2:46
Anna-- You are allowed to up at 2:20 from all the excitement. Unfortunately, I'm up from insomnia. I just read the Tex. site you linked. Under the DIY section, it notes that their Cobra is polished to 320-400 grit--everything else is coarser polished. Maybe that's why yours is shinier. The other stones are probably too soft to get that kind of sheen. It might be a good thing, over the long haul...wonder if it scratches less? Have a question for you: I think I must put in a 30" pantry like yours, with a ton of pullouts. Can you give me any tips about the function of your, and any suggestions, such as spacing the pullouts. TIA! Pamela

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Wed, Oct 20, 04 at 2:26
Pamela, my natural circadium rhythm drives me to be a night owl. Unfortunately I still have to be up early to make make meetings and show up at the office. Way too much chocolate this week during the Red Sox/Yankee games and I just do not notice the time. That's what husbands are for - telling me what time it is. Pantry question: can't comment for another week or so on function since I haen't loaded it & used it yet. It is currently spaced so I have room for tall cereal boxes at eye level, which I could not do in my old pantry; they ended up in a secondary pantry in the laundry room. I am waiting for the holes to be drilled for the pulls so I won't have to pick sawdust out of the food. Its outside width is 37," with four 30" wide pull-out trays. The top section with 3 shelves is designated for storing infrequently used items and goes all the way up to the ceiling. The jury is still out on comparative capacity until I have a chance to load it up. The old one had deep drawers at the bottom, which I suspect held more than these pull-outs with shorter sides and the lost inches for the mechanism. It was pretty much a design decision to get the long exterior doors. We are relocating our large supply of spices which used to occupy one large pantry drawer to special door racks in the upper cabinets on either side of the range. That will free up some pantry space. I did not agree with DH on this placement, preferring for the spices to go in drawers next to the range, since neither of us is particularly tall, yet the upper cabs are placed at a higher than normal level, again for design esthetic. We added more overall storage to the kitchen, so we felt we could afford to lose a little capacity in these areas. I will let you know how it all nets out soon. About the polishing thing - I am seeing that the reflection level on our Cobra is going down as we get more days away from the oiling, unlike VSS, which stayed matte-like and richer, but not shiny, when oiled. I like a lot of different soapstones for their individual characteristics. I am enjoying seeing and touching my own soapstone after the long wait. Kind of like having an eagerly anticipated baby, which you are so happy to greet, yet it appears as a small stranger that you have to get acquainted with.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: ZachH (My Page) on Wed, Oct 20, 04 at 7:04
Does anyone know of the availability of the Lacanche Macon triple-oven model, in the US? Here are the specs: (here) It sounds nice to have a 3rd oven instead of a 2nd drawer. Maybe for use as a warming drawer. On the other hand, maybe it's just overkill....

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Wed, Oct 20, 04 at 10:09
Anna, your kitchen is looking fabulous! The soapstone is gorgeous - I just love the look. And your faucets are simply sparkling! Everything is coming together so beautifully. Progress is such a good thing. Wish we were making some. New people we hired 5 weeks ago have only installed our armoires and that's all. No pantry shelves - will that ever happen. I'm very frustrated, what can I say. Playing the waiting game as usual...sigh. Still love cooking on Lacanche. It is wonderful, wonderful. I got in on the national All Clad sale (YAY) and bought a great set and they arrived on Monday. The largest pan which is the 3-qt saute fits easily inside my ovens! I did not expect it to fit with the handle and was planning to get a brasier and that cute little 2-handled 3-qt pot for things that start on the top and then get put into the oven which I'll still do as I want those pieces. But it was great to find the All Clad large saute pan fits. Anna, I can't wait until you get to cook on yours. You are going to love it. :o)

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Wed, Oct 20, 04 at 11:15
Zach: Haven't seen that before, but it looks really cool! Have you called Art Culinaire to inquire about it?

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Wed, Oct 20, 04 at 13:28
Zach: I've seen that one in magazines and I think it's great. AC doesn't include it on their website, and I know there are several iterations of the Lacanche that they don't carry on this side of the puddle. But you should definitely ask. Ivette

new lacanche forum
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Wed, Oct 20, 04 at 23:29
So now some of us have been invited to launch a new forum over on Art Culinaire's website -- our very own playspace, and it will be fun to see if that takes off and how so. Every few days I piece together my provence yellow sample square alongside my cabinet door sample, my fragment of granite, my walker zanger backsplash tile, and I try to imagine them all in the places they'll finally occupy in my kitchen in a few short months. It won't be too long until my own Cluny+1 arrives at my doorstep -- ostensibly! Early November, I believe, is the estimated time-frame. And then I'll be looking at it a good while in the diningroom or livingroom, a'waiting and a'wondering. Spacific -- how's yours? So curious about the overall look yoiu've put together.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 0:40
Ok, dmsb... They're a bit blurry. Had to get rid of piles of dropcloths and paint cans, but here's the first round of pictures.
Here is a link that might be useful: Spacific's kitchen... a work in progress

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 1:52
Oh, Spacific -- what a great combination of elegant and relaxed -- well done! The Lacanche works so well in an "unfitted" style -- and you get to enjoy that enamel from three sides -- makes it a better bang for the buck(s)! What kind of hood will be going in over it? And I can't quite envision the cart. Will it go to the right of the range? Another question -- I am considering the Franke fireclay 39" double-bowl undermount but I've never actually seen a Franke fireclay in person -- can you elaborate upon yours -- its finish, and how you chose it, what else was in the running? Congratualtions on having your kitchen almost complete -- I like your style, which seems like a mix-and-match of your own assortment of super-luxurious itmes with more homey, simple/rustic ones. Fabulous.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 3:27
Spacific: It's FABULOUS!! I absolutely love it!! WHAT is that color on the walls?? A few other questions: Love your marble! Qu'est que c'est?? How high is the ceiling at the low sink wall? I think you have helped me answer the question of where to start my shelves relative to the backsplash. It's beautiful well done!!! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Momto4Kids (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 6:06
spacific....Lookin' good! It's beautiful. I love your marble (of course!). That tile looks great. Your kitchen is so beautiful now, I can't imagine the "finished" product. It'll be even more stunning! Glad to hear you're enjoying cooking! Early November...looks like there are a handful of us who will be turning our ranges on by about mid-month. That should be fun! I'm eager to see everyone's pictures!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 10:31
You guys are making me blush! To answer the questions... dmsb--the cart will go in place of the Target cart on the left now. It will be more substantial in size and better take up the space. Above it will be a stainless shelf with room for 3-4 small hanging pots. To the right will be an Enclume tall cookware stand. I have a number of large heavy Le Creuset pots. And on the wall next to where the cookware stand will be (and now is a large hole in the wall), will be an inset spice shelf. The Franke fireclay sink... as with many things I purchased it sight unseen. The finish is beautiful (it's actually a Villeroy & Boch). In the running was the Rohl 30" but in the end I chose the Franke because I needed the extra couple of inches for the width of the drawers. I also liked the fact that the drain is at the back, making the undercabinet storage quite useful. It's funny you describe my style as a match of super-luxurious and simple/rustic. That's pretty much how I view life. I often say, give me the Ritz or camping, just no Holiday Inn. Ivette-- The wall color is Pratt & Lambert Wolf, a very dark grey (I think we talked about it when you were looking at different greys). The marble is the Calacatta Oro, same as Momto4Kids'. The slab I picked has an overall lacy pattern. The sink wall is the standard 8' ceiling and it slopes upward to about 13' in the center between the kitchen and family room areas. Our lower cabinets are taller (38"). Momto4Kids--- The backsplash is the B&W tile I told you about. It should give you an idea on how it would look in your space, but your kitchen has that extra level of detailing that ours doesn't. Again thanks all!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 10:37
Spacific: Yes I do remember! It looks terrific! I am liking the calacatta more and more all the time. Can't wait to see some slabs in person. Okay just one more question please....how high up from the counter level does your backsplash go on the sink wall? 18"? 24"? More? Thanks! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 11:12
Spacific, your kitchen is stunning! I love it because it is so unique-looking. Love the open shelving, as well as your subway tile/marble combo with that stunning dark paint above it. That sink is gorgeous, as is (of course!) your Cormatin in that wonderful rich color. I particularly love the cabinetry--it looks like it came from an old kitchen in an English country estate. Nice job!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 12:04
Spacific - the kitchen is wonderful! Oh, you must be so happy. That marble is simply gorgeous and of course the Cormatin is beautiful. Love the yellow range in your kitchen. :o) Everything looks fabulous together and you know I love that unfitted style - really, great looking. This is a huge milestone and it makes waiting on the finishing touches a bit easier although still hard to wait. :o)

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 12:43
Ivette, The backsplash goes up 16-5/8" (that really shows how anal I've been on all this). It was tall enough to fit my small appliances under the shelves, and I wanted the spacing of the upper shelves maximized, so they range from 8" space on the bottom shelf, 9" space on the next, and 10" space on the top. That way we ended the top shelf in line with the top of the window trim (except that something's not even, so the right side is an 1/4" above the edge, so I need to recut a new top trim piece for the window, but I digress...) Anna---I had the cabinets custom-made by a boat-builder friend. He does beautiful work. Thanks. ZB---How are you liking your travertine floor? In spite of all the naysayers about hard stone floor surfaces, I'm really loving the slate floor. It feels good on bare feet, like I'm rooted to the earth. I will probably get a couple of heavy rubber mats for those days when I'm cooking for the hordes. This weekend we're having a party for about 70-80 people, so we'll see how this all works out. Wish me luck.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 13:30
spacific - I LOVE the travertine. I swear I do not understand the hardness of flooring being blamed for aches and pains. I stood in one place at my sink for 3 hours straight cleaning all my freshly harvested herbs the other night and NO PROBLEM. I have cooked a meal that took me about 3 hours and again no problem. I've stood on that floor for hours on end while my electrician yakked away. :o) I'm now in the process of washing larger serving pieces (that don't fit in myh DD's or any dishwasher for that matter) and new wine and champagne glasses that must be washed by hand and it is just no big deal. I'll be in there standing for hours this afternoon while I'm cooking hubby a special surprise meal and it is a pleasure because I love the beauty of that floor. I know my kitchen would not have the European "feel" I wanted with another material. It has been getting rather cold here especially in the evening and the stone feels warm and soft on my feet. I might add that I have no rugs in my kitchen and I'm either working in it barefoot or with my chenille slippers on. I must be one tough girl or everyone that thinks that stone hurts their bodies are mistaking what the problem is. I know many of those people are years younger than I am and I just don't get it. It is a breeze to vacuum with my Miele White Star - so, so easy. We haven't even sealed it yet and have dripped water and even splattered a bit of tomato sauce - oh, and hubby somehow dropped some chocolate chip cookie dough that he missed and I found the next morning - and everything wiped right up. Except for the Pepsi can hubby dropped which exploded it is a worry-free floor. Oh, and all that Pepsi wiped right up, too. :o)

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: mstargardener1 (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 13:50
Spacifc, You have done it, pulled off a very unique style that I love. Can you tell me about the folding doors. Are they orig to the house or did you put them in? And love the color of your alder cabinet can you tell me the brand stain and glaze you used? I just purchased a few unfinished alder pieces for our bedroom and yours is a close match to the color I would like to achieve. I hope you will post more photos as progress is made? Just beautiful and simple elegance. MG

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Jamesk (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 15:02
In case any Lacanche owner is looking for answers to technical questions not found here, you might want to check out the new bulletin board created by Art Culinaire for the exchange of information related to Lacanche and Caumartin ranges.
Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche/Caumartin User Exchange

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: cooking_SB (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 15:13
Spacific: I've been gone so long from this thread trying to complete my own home remodel I can see I've missed alot. I LOVE your kitchen! It is simple and elegant at the same time. It is timeless as well. You will not look at it 5 years from now and have any regrets. The marble is beautiful and having seen both yours and Debs I'm wishing I shoulda, coulda, woulda. Also of special note the Chicago wall mount is the perfect faucet for that space and the detail below the farmsink (the stone ledge) is both beautiful and incredibly practical as those aprons tend to drip like crazy. You will be very happy you did it it will save you a lot of grief in the future. I meant to do the same thing but forgot until seeing yours. I must remember to fix that. Great job and I'd love to see the final pictures. Please continue to share. I suppose I am one of those that expects to have my black Cluny + 1 fired up in mid-November as well. We are just waiting for the kitchen floor to be finished and backsplash to go in and we should be on our way. I will try to share some photos as well when the time comes. Mom to 4 kids keeps promising to give me a tutorial on setting up an album and a link. We're all too busy tryng to finish our homes. As they say.."They are still building in Rome" Vive Lacanche! Meryl

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 15:33
mstargardener1--- The folding doors (and the entire room) are new. I see you're in California. Feel free to email me directly for details. The slide system is called Eclipse (Australian, I think... all stainless steel). The doors are custom. The cabinets were custom-made (stock doors and cd tray inserts purchased). The stain is an overall cherry stain with a rosewood glaze over it. Meryl, thank you for the kind words. I'll post in the gallery in a week or two when a few more bits get finished. You're going to love the Cluny+1. If the room would have supported it (or the budget) that would have been great. Our stove's in constant use these days. All our friends seem to drop by around 5-6 pm, so I'm feeding the neighborhood regularly. Jamesk--- I too just got the note that the forum is beginning. I think it's a great idea. I hope it becomes very active. On that note, back to Lacanche info. If anyone is contemplating purchasing the French top option, feel free to email me with questions. I've found the learning curve next to zero. It's such an intuitive way to cook. I tend to make large pots of long simmering stuff (ragus, pulled pork, coq au vin) and it's been perfect for that. We live in So. Cal. and have found no problems with excessive heat radiating in the kitchen. I also like using the wok ring option. Haven't done any stirfry yet (range hood not yet installed), but it worked great for paella. I think one of the most significant things I like about the range is having a large (physical, not necessarily BTU) burner. I have a number of large cast iron pots and stock pots... everything heats so evenly. With a few more burners (like yours Momto4Kids), I would have no qualms at all running a restaurant with a Lacanche. It's that substantial, that simple and carefree, and a total workhorse.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 04 at 23:17
I was out early this morning and just back to find the great unveiling of your kitchen, spacific. I've been dying to see your design esthetic translated into the new space. Wonderful! I adore the combination of the exquisite paint,tile and marble - it really sings! I have not seen this type of installation before for the sink, with a shelf projecting slightly out from under it. Very nice detail! All in all, you've created a wonderful room to enjoy using and living in around that golden hearth. The large light fixture is so appealing. I can just imagine having the kitchen become an extension of the patio in warm weather with those fabulous doors. Thanks so much for sharing.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Fri, Oct 22, 04 at 10:30
the detail below the farmsink (the stone ledge) is both beautiful and incredibly practical as those aprons tend to drip like crazy. Great tip that I'm definitely going to make a note of! And so nice to see you again, Meryl! We've missed you.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Fri, Oct 22, 04 at 10:45
Meryl, I have to chime in here and say we've had our farm sink installed for a few weeks now and there is absolutely no problem with dripping over the front. I posted this to someone on the kitchen forum who asked about it and I noted when I went to give my sink a good cleaning the other day I wiped the front and thought I didn't even need to because it had not a single drop of water that had dripped over the edge. I have more of a problem getting splashing on the back where my faucets are installed on my marble but NEVER over the front. And I only get that splashing if I hold things too high up as I have a faucet with a high arc so if I hold things down inside the sink I don't even have the problem of splashing towards the back. It may have something to do with faucet placement but I can't imagine how it would/could ever be a problem.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Fri, Oct 22, 04 at 13:27
Meryl, I guess that will be a perk of the design. Though I haven't noticed that marble shelf even getting any water yet. As ZB commented, I think alot of splashing is more a function of the faucet you choose. We've got a Chicago Faucets one where the spout is a straight out folding arm (a style like many of the pot fillers). I find it can fold and swivel and reach nearly everywhere in the sink, and it's fairly low so we don't get much splash. I also opted not to get a sprayer. I've never had one, so I've never seen a need to get one.

Calorie Commando!
· Posted by: Claire_de_Luna (My Page) on Sat, Oct 23, 04 at 18:23
Well, wouldn't you know I was sitting at my keyboard with the TV on, and I looked up and Calorie Commando was on the FOODTV network. Lo and Behold! WHAT do I SEE?!!! A Cluny in the background!
Here is a link that might be useful: Calorie Commando

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 2:21
Zach, You can order the Macon model stateside thru Art Culinaire, but currently it would be the U.K. version without UL certification, I believe. I believe they are thinking about offering it in a U.S. version, but aren't there yet. I was interested in the Macon, too, but ended up going with the Cluny.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 3:00
Spacific, Love your kitchen (sorry all, I'm a bit behind the curve b/c for the last 2 weeks I've been preoccupied with our renovation; the GC swooped in 8 weeks earlier than thought -- hooray -- then proceeded to make tons of nerve-wracking mistakes -- yikes!! Hopefully most of those problems are behind us). I love that you combined both contemporary and more traditional details. Very fresh and unique with wonderful attention to detail. Okay -- I'm a graphic designer, too! On my kitchen, I'm scared I will fall into current trends too much, while I really want to go my own way. It's a bit like being afraid to be pulled into the undertow. Anyway, I just love the provencal yellow!! When I first thought about going with a Lacanche, my husband immediately said that if the Provencal Yellow was my gut choice, I should do it (it is the color of my bridesmaids' gowns from my wedding 16 years ago -- I sewed 3 gowns in Provencal Yellow moire taffeta to go with the yellow in the armload of purple irises they carried!). Then the letdown was that it really wasn't best with a natural wood finish, which we felt was a requirement (DH is a woodworker...) -- what a letdown. Hence, my choice of 'British Racing Green' which goes great with all natural wood tones except walnut! Oh well, I am NOT complaining, just recognizing the compromises made... just love that wonderful yellow!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 3:36
Hey kitchengirl -- if you love the provencal yellow, and it made you so happy when you first saw it and makes you think of other great occasions in your life, there will certainly be some natural wood tones to complement it! Several mid-toned cherries looks fabulous next to it (I can say so since I have carted along my little square enamel piece of provencal yellow that Art Culinaire sent me to more showrooms than I should admit, both kitchen and flooring). It looks fantastic with some brazilian cherry flooring, as well as african sapele. Wow! I have oak floors everywhere except the kitchen in the main floor of the house, and now we're going to bring that oak into the kitchen-to-be to match the rest. But the oak we've got elsewhere is, of course, original to the house (1920's) and it's got great variation, from the orangey-yellow tones to the much darker, more nut-brown tones.Taking the provencal yellow into account, we've chosen to emphasize the less-orange, more neutral/nut-brown tones in a prefinished oak flooring precisely to keep the warmth of the provencal yellow offset by a cooler, deeper foundation on the floor. I also have to say that I think the provencal yellow could look just smashing in a hybridized setting, say, for example, with a blonde-toned wood, either a pale quartersawn oak, or a maple in just the right light stain, accompanied by a fairly streamlined, contemporary aesthetic. In the end, in my own kitchen, I've gone with creamy white painted cabinets and hope that my Cluny+1 in Provencal Yellow will live most merrily alongside them, and the rest of the details/materials, some on the verge of being decided, others already on order. If you love something, you will keep on loving it. I agonized between ordering the yellow and the burgundy, and though mine hasn't come yet (just a few more weeks!!!) I feel so excited at the idea of a golden hearth anchoring my kitchen/home. The Green is very handsome, but go with your heart. There's my two cents -- unsolicited, except, of course, that if you're posting out here, you are tacitly soliciting opinions to begin with, so I don't feel so badly offering up mine to you!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 6:51
I have to agree that the Provencal Yellow would look beautiful amidst wood. But then again, so will the British Racing Green!! You're just like me, still wondering if we shouldn't have gone with the Ivory (DH said it was boring), or Provencal Yellow (I didn't have the nerve), instead of the Navy. It will be gorgeous and I will never regret it. But you can't help but wonder! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 10:08
Tomorrow, tomorrow! Lacanche Burgundy moves into its own space at last. I keep wanting to cook eggs & then remember that I have to wait. Friday the knobs and pulls & feet went in. Moldings were cut but not installed. Updates are on my webshots homepage.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 11:44
Kitchengirl, It's the most interesting thing with the range. For as strong a color it is, it is quite neutral and a bit chamelion-like. At the end of the remodel, with $$ running low, we decided to just get a basic Ikea table until we could take the time and find something just right. The table we picked was solid birch. Not a wood I would have thought that would look right... it mixes just fine. In the adjoining room, is a cherry stained/rosewood glazed entertainment center lots of orange/red/burgundy highlights. The range looks beautiful with it. Maple butcherblock, again beautiful next to it. To me, woods are natural living entities that go with everything. Just look at the overall balance of light and dark, positive and negative space, and all the other tools you use in graphic design and the same principals apply. (All that to say, go with what you love and as the total picture evolves it will come out great.)

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 13:37
Thanks all for your thoughts on my misgivings about green vs. provencal yellow: I have ordered the green, and I doubt Stan wants to hear from me further as much as I'm willing to float the idea! I really should have asked you all before I bit the bullet on the green. I did the green b/c it is an essential kitchen color -- my accents (checkerboard floor and towels) in my VA natural cherry kitchen were green -- and of course, veggies are green -- not b/c British Racing Green is my favorite color. I thought it was practical w/o being black, which is the ultimate neutral... After the fact, perhaps not the best way to approach a very costly purchase. I will not dislike it, it just isn't THRILLING the way the yellow or Portugese blue would be! Oh dear.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 14:18
My hubby saw the green Lacanche in Woodinville and absolutely loved it, said it is stunning. If red wasn't his favorite color (bringing him to choose the burgundy), then he admired the green perhaps the most. He did love the yellow, too, so Lacanche makes it hard for all of us to bring home only one range. I think you'll be really in love with your green when all your pieces come together.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 14:37
Well that's just EXACTLY it. There are so many colors and they're all so darned beautiful. I know that if I had picked the provencal yellow, I'd be wondering about the french blue, or something else. You can't win!! ha ha! So, I have decided to be perfectly content with my beautiful french blue range. You know, the one I won't even SEE until this time next year if I'm lucky. Kitchengirl: if you really want the provencal yellow, and your range isn't in production yet, by all means at least float the question to Stan. Either way though, I think your logic on the green range is perfectly sound and I think the green range will be perfectly GORGEOUS! The wedding gown was easier, Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: cooking_SB (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 04 at 17:54
Thanks Zola & Spacific for your 1st hand feedback on the farmsink drips or lack thereof. Glad to hear it since mine (carrera marble prepsink) was not built with the shelf. I was goind to have the stone guy add it but I think I will hold off for now and see how it goes. The original tip came from my kitchen consultant who has had it (sinks that is) both ways and really had no vested interest otherwise. She said it depends on how much you "wipe down" the sink and cabs below. She also made the analogy between an apron tub and sink and said when either is full and there is movement inside that the water tends to sheet up, over and down. I think just being aware of this makes us all a bit more conscious of wiping down after using it. I have wood floors in the kitchen as well as so anything to keep the water off the floor. Anyway, this is boring stuff and it IS the Lacanche thread so I'd rather talk about beautiful ranges and kitchens. Keep those pictures coming! Meryl

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Mon, Oct 25, 04 at 1:39
Meryl, I had a Kohler cast iron single bowl apron-front sink for 9 years in our previous home. I loved being able to "belly up" to the sink front (I'm only 5'1"). Initially, I never had water spill over, but as we lived in the house longer and got over its newness, I would sometimes slosh water over the front, which would run down between the framing of my sink cabinet door and its panel. Being a (too) meticulous person, I would dry everything (very) carefully, so my cabinets never suffered for it. That said, I am going with an apron-front sink in this house as well, b/c they are great-looking and super functional. But I may look into the shelf, or consider how far forward or backward to place my sink, to minimize water on the doors below. I thought Spacific's marble shelf looked great. It is particularly successful b/c its color is similar to the sink, I believe.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Mon, Oct 25, 04 at 13:05
Yahooooo, the Cluny has gas!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Mon, Oct 25, 04 at 15:20
Thanks ALL for your feedback and moral support on my "color crisis". I always get into these mind muddles on tough choices. In retrospect, I have to question my overly practical approach to my color. Most of you, it seems to me, chose your color based on absolute love of the color, which makes it a really joyful purchase. My way lacks a bit of "joie de vivre", I have to say.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: marcymct (My Page) on Mon, Oct 25, 04 at 15:27
Kitchengirl, go with your heart if possible. You really can't lose with the green (or any of the rest of those gorgeous choices!) but if a color talks to you, listen. I think Stan will work with you if at all possible. Doesn't hurt to try! I've been looking at all of your posts on the Lacanche for quite some time now, and this is my first post. The only reason I haven't ordered mine yet is because I still love my beautiful, sturdy, dependable vintage stove -- but it does have some limitations and I want to expand my cooking skills. I'm almost there! A big thank you to everyone for sharing their experiences. It's to important to us considering taking the plunge!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Mon, Oct 25, 04 at 19:02
I agree with the chorus. If your heart is singing a different tune, Kitchengirl, you have nothing to lose by inquiring about a change, if it hasn't shipped yet. They are very reasonable people. The green in production could go to the very next green lover in line. The yellow, the blue, the black and even the green, in addition to our burgundy, coulda worked for us. Just wish we all could have mimi-sized Lacanches to slide in and out with a sample wall of cabinets of our choice, so we could all REALLY be sure!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Tue, Oct 26, 04 at 13:42
kitchengirl - If you don't ask; the answer is no. :o) Anna - Are you cooking!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: matdrew (My Page) on Tue, Oct 26, 04 at 19:56
Guys i am so jealous.I really really want this stove. I live in a NYC attatched house. There is no way for outside venting. People have told me that with my situation I can't have a professional style stove. Today i got the broshure and I am so sad. Love love love this stove. Last ditch effort anyone think I can get it in my situation??

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: goodfun58 (My Page) on Tue, Oct 26, 04 at 20:51
Call Stan at the frenchranges.com He can tell you how or if it is possible. Good luck, Sue

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 2:19
AnnaLee -- so curious about you and your kitchen today! I looked at your pictures yesterday of the in-progress kitchen, which is looking so fabulous, and today must have been awfully exciting for you! I hope so. Keeping my fingers crossed.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 2:39
Zolablue: Not cooking yet, but gas is piped in since Monday. I have barely gotten out of the office & I am simply snowed under with trees this week - 62 and counting that are set to be decorated. Running out of new themes for trees, but we need to turn out at least another 15. Festival of Trees is in 2 weeks, then I can play in new kitchen. DH returns Thursday from Far East and has missed all progress in last 2 weeks. Wanted to prepare a big meal that night to break in the Cluny, but I have a business obligation that evening and no time to grocery shop. Looking like Friday might be the night! One sour note: the gas technician who came to hook us up chose to make snide remarks about our purchase of a French product. He spoke with disdain about the French people, ignored the printed materials (saying he couln't read French, even though it was obviously printed in English) and then indicated that other customers give him tips in the range of $100 for his work (which is salaried). His work took about 15 minutes, then he spent another 10 minutes telling me about his wealthy customers who owned Morices and AGA's. Mentioned that he did not understand why I didn't buy an AGA. Amazingly enough, he left without a tip.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 2:53
AnnaLee, You have to wonder who would tip your gas tech! I guess the ones who's ranges he loves and goes on about...

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 4:02
Oh GAG. Too bad Anna, but he's gone now! And your lovely range is in and plumbed. I can't wait to see pictures. Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: pamela1 (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 8:33
Anna-- Can't believe how quickly you are progressing. You must've been very organized for this remodel. OT question--I am using your built-in pantry (in your before-remodel kitchen) for my inspiration for designing mine. Yours is so perfectly full...not much wasted space that I can see. Could I ask what would you suggest for mine? It's built-in, 32" or 36" wide (haven't decided) and could be about 7-1/2' feet tall. I could do a couple lower drawers, or all pullouts behind cupboard doors. How tightly spaced should these pullouts be? I really like that you don't seem to have wasted airspace between them. I assume you organize by all cans, all med. size boxes, all large boxes, bottles, etc. On the top, I can put seasonal stuff (cookie press, terrine pans, etc.) so I won't have to get out s stepstool daily. I must maximize every inch of this small pantry. (Thanks Lacanche folks--I hated to start another new thread.) Thanks AnnaLeeF (Is DH Lee?)! Pamela

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 10:11
Pamela, This is the one of the few steps I really regret in the remodel. I want my old pantry back! As I have been unloading the boxes, the new one holds a fraction of what the old one did. Pull-outs have unnecessarily robbed us of valuable space. I gave in to the KD on the specifics on this, just because we were so focused on other aspects, and let her completely design it. She did not like the appearance of yet more drawers in the kitchen - thought we had too many already and strongly recommended we go with the long doors to conceal roll-outs. I am thinking of ordering more roll-outs, thereby decreasing the air space between them. The sides (height of trays)) are very shallow, which I hate. The old pantry did hold an enormous amount of stuff and we categorized contents - coffees and teas in one drawer, baking supplies in one, canned good in one, rices & pastas together, cooking oils & vinegars all on top pull-put for air space above. They were all pretty tightly spaced, but the beauty of having the drawers below was they were fairly deep, except for the spice and the tea drawers. This encouraged me to keep probably more than we need on hand, but I never worried that we would go hungry in a snowstorm. Moral - not everything old needs to be improved upon. DH - no, actually my screen name is my elderly mom's first and middle names and last initial F - a way to think of her every day as I sign on because she lives far away in Texas.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 11:21
Matdrew: We had our Lacanche Cluny installed last September but have not yet remodeled our kitchen, so I have been using it without any hood for over a year now. It's not optimal, and I don't intend to use the grill plate until we have ventilation, but for now, I just open the windows when I do something that causes a lot of smoke. I remember when we were house-hunting one owner, who was a professional cook, had a Garland range that was unvented. There was a lot of grease on the drywall above her range, so I would have put in some tile that could be easily cleaned. I second the recommendation to talk to Stan about it. AnnaLee: Outrageous about the rude plumber! I'd call his company and complain fiercely.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: abqMOM (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 13:07
I have been following these posts for over a year. We purchased a Burgundy Cluny in July - it arrived two weeks ago. We were ready to install the range in our current home, when our favorite historical house came on the market. We purchased it and want to restore the kitchen to the period of the home - 1928 Mediterranean revival. Thinking of ivory cabinets with soapstone or marble. All my friends have granite and I want something softer and different. Any suggestions for cabinet, counter choices suitable for a burgundy Cluny are appreciated!
Here is a link that might be useful: New House

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 13:54
Anna, that is simply uncalled for by your installer and I might add sure takes away from the fun at a big moment. Listen, I do not wish to get political here as I've seen others do so and I simply cringe and this is not the place. However on this subject I must say that the whole French boycott thing is such a crock if one is truly being diligent about what and from whom they purchase goods I would ask them who owns the companies that make their shirts, jeans, cars, food they eat (may be imported...horrors :o), computer they use, TV they watch, airplanes they fly on, etc., you get the picture. It is phony is my point. My hubby's company sells a product that is French owned so I am sensitive to the issue as I don't want people boycotting French and not doing business with my husband - an American businessman. And Art Culinaire is an American company that we are supporting with our Lacanche purchase so that is just unreal to treat you that way. I'd have kicked him in the behind. (And I also must say having read some of the threads on tipping installers - I've never heard of doing so and don't agree with the practice. In restaurants, yes, large tips for great service, very much believe in that and do so. But not for workers who I've already paid a large sum to hire the company and I feel it undermines the owner. JMO. :o) abqMOM - I could not see your photos. Try again or is it just me?

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 14:37
abqMOM, I couldn't see your pics either, but congratulations on the new house. By the way, I think honed marble, soapstone or even slate would be wonderful choices for the counters. Annaleef has the soapstone counters with white cabinets and mine are creamy white cabinets with marble. Momto4kids also has the white marble counters. Anna, glad to hear you're hooked up and ready to go. Sorry the technician was such a boor. I too would complain to his supervisors. I would doubt they'd be happy to hear their techs are soliciting tips. I'm finding I have little tolerance for that kind of behavior, especially as it seems more and more prevalent. On the other hand, we had a dishwasher technician (plumber installed, but it wouldn't run a cycle) come out and he couldn't be nicer... complimented the kitchen, gave me lots of tips regarding optimal use of the appliance, chatted for a few minutes about his own pending remodel, and left (without any mention or expectation of a tip). Gotta look at the balance. By the way, your kitchen's coming along beautifully. Kitchengirl...are you staying with the green?

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 15:00
abqMom: Your pictures are still unaccessible. What you're planning sounds beautiful with a burgundy range. I think either one, the soapstone or marble would be beautiful. As would slate. Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: abqMOM (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 16:27
See if this works. Sorry I am new to this.
Here is a link that might be useful: new home

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: spacific (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 16:51
What a cool house! It definitely is calling for a new kitchen. So much else seems wonderfully original. I agree, a non-polished surface would be great. What about doing part of the counters in wood and part in stone? You're going to have so much fun with this! Keep posting progress.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 17:26
Okay, not fair! I love those Mediterranean homes and I don't have one. POUT! :o) You have a lovely new home and will be such fun doing a kitchen for it. I also have white Carrara marble counters and I love them. I already know I'd put them in again. I think that house calls out for marble. I mean...check out the photo below. Do you see that great combination - marble counters with burgundy Lacanche! :o)
Here is a link that might be useful: Burgundy w/Carrara

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Wed, Oct 27, 04 at 23:27
spacific, I think I'm staying with green, altho I've been carrying the Provencal Yellow sample (that I've yet to mail back to AC) around with me for the last several days. This a.m. I floated the idea of changing our tile choice w/DH and he was (expectedly) volatile (so, he's native Italian...). As Pirula might remember from the Technicolor Ranges thread, I have had a mixed greenish slate-textured tile (w/ stone-like additions of tan, gray and white) selected since July, but not ordered. I chose that when we did not find a slate or slate-like tile that my husband liked to go with the Provencal Yellow (the idea was slate floor, white oak cabinet, golden range. White oak b/c we are using white oak trim thruout this '75 SoCal contemporary house). So I think I'm going this way. Surely it will be a final decision this week, and if I change (and actually CAN change, I'll let this crowd know!) Thanks much for your interest. j.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: abqMOM (My Page) on Thu, Oct 28, 04 at 0:41
I am tempted to demo the range wall and install the Cluny immediately...is that insane? I cannot wait to make paella and roast a chicken! Zola: My sister, an architect in Malibu, also suggested Carrera. A local KD tried to dissuade me from marble, "Cut on it, squeeze lemons on it, pour wine on it!". I chose samples, one with a beautiful honey color and burgundy veins. Spacific, I'd like a butcherblock topped island for prep. Thanks for suggestions & inspiration! Will update after the move.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Thu, Oct 28, 04 at 6:38
abqMOM: Lovely house, really really pretty. That Burgundy Lacanche is perfect for it! Keep us posted! Kitchengirl: Yes I do remember the greenish slate floor now. I wouldn't let that stop you if you really want the Provencal yellow. Do you have a floor sample? How does it work with the Lacanche sample. I agree I think I would prefer the yellow with a truer gray, but greenish and yellow work too! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 0:35
Thanks all for the kind kitchen comments a few days ago and for confirming that the gas tech tipping situation was a liitle out of line. abqMOM and matdrew: welcome to Lacanche posting. Good luck with your Lacanche quest, matdrew. abqMOM: what a unique home you've adopted - living in it should be a charming experience. I too think marble will look great with the burgundy Cluny. If you want to see it next to soapstone, click on the picture below. There are several shots of the counters next to the range if you scroll. A few little wrinkles in the last round of installations: the compactor panel doesn't fit perfectly and the DW panel is a bit too high. They are passable at a glance, but really should be re-done or adjusted. pamela - hope you are enjoying your soapstone now.
Here is a link that might be useful: Soap N Cluny

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 1:25
AnnaLeeF: Would love to see your new photo, but an error msg. pops up.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: pamela1 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 3:04
Got to AnnaLee's photos through her "My Page" link. Gorgeous kitchen. You're going to make everyone wish they had ordered a burgundy range! The hutch wall design is so graceful and pleasing to the eye...and the mantel surround over your hood is beautiful. It'll be fun to decide what to display on it. Your idea of painting the backsplash is interesting--it's easy to paint a posterboard to hang up to see what you think. And we can all vote because we're not shy!! Thanks for asking about the SS--it's still pretty blotchy. I think the stone is just too hard to hold the oil. If I can't even it out, I'll try pure tung oil, or that Tenax Ager stuff. But I won't worry immediately. And nothing happens quickly in my kitchen. We (I should say "I") think everything to death... Pamela

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 4:30
Hi Anna! Wow it's beautiful! I can hardly believe how much progress you've made in only a couple of months!! You must be very happy indeed. May I ask you two things?: How much space do you have between your island and your range? That space looks very comfortable and I'd like to compare the size to what we have in our plan. Are you doing cabinetry on your fridge or stainless? I am still waffling on the fridge. It's gorgeous in stainless and that's what hubby wants (SZ 700TCI) but I keep thinking it would look better with cabinetry. And I know most here feel that way. But if you're going with stainless, I'd love to see how that looks. Will I ever decide? I had pretty much decided since I was so ambivalent, and DH so much prefers the stainless, that I'll just do the stainless, but I just don't know..... Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: anna_chosak (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 10:20
Your kitchen is looking abfab, AnnaLee! I had picked out those same knobs over a year ago (some day we'll actually get around to doing the remodel!). They're SO French and gorgeous. In fact, your whole kitchen looks like it was lifted out of Provence and shipped over. Enjoy! Is your hubby back yet and totally thrilled?

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 10:25
Good morning - thanks for the feedback, Ivette and Pamela. Not sure why that link did not work - it works on my end, but I'll do another below. The cabinetry panel is scheduled to go on the frig today, Ivette. We really did not want to see extensive stainless surfaces. At the risk of being boring, we covered everything. I know we are working against the current unfitted, multi-color cabinet trend. We thought the floor, counters, tile backsplash and artwork over the hood mantle would bring in the necessary color contrast, since there are very strong color blocks. I'll include the pantry (arggg - although the outside looks fine) and frig end photos after the frig is finished, although that end especially won't look finished until we paint - now THERE is another whole month of agonizing over wall color! Several months ago we tried several shades in the red family on the frig wall backsplash leaning towards either the range or floor color and got no where. I actually think one large color block there is not necessarily the way to go. We know a talented faux painter & at the moment we think adding red-ish detail in the indentations on the beadboard which might tie it together without being a large enough source of color to fight with either the range or floor. She may offer her own suggestions, and of course, I trust you guys to offer up good solutions. Thanks for offering, Pamela. We are about to tear out the brick fireplace and have a wooden surround built and are also faced with what to do with paint or stain there. Opps, late - gotta run to the office to decorate a French country tree! See you tonight!
Here is a link that might be useful: Newest photos

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: abqMOM (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 11:47
Ivette, my husband is insisting on SZ650G. I want integrated panels, but will probably cave on the glass door. Anna, your kitchen is lovely! Now, I am convinced to go with my gut feeling of white cabs with Soap. Your hood is striking. I have been agonizing over plaster with no upper cabinets, but do not want to sacrifice the storage. I like the continuity of your hood and cabs. What wood and paint/stain are your cabinets? Beautiful! Beth

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 13:35
abqMom: I LOVE the glass door!! You don't know how close we came to getting that. But in the end, the configuration of the 700 series both the TCI and the BR fridge drawers in another part of the kitchen worked better for us. Anna: So you're doing cabinetry. Darnit!! I just don't know what to do. And I am SO sick of thinking about it! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: kitchengirl (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 14:16
AnnaLeeF: Your floor, range and cabinet details really are lovely. I'm putting in my vote for great decorative tile behind the range, and simpler paint choices elsewhere, so there will be one or two clear focal points. Just one opinion, and my taste runs toward clean rather than Mario Buatta... I didn't notice whether the interiors of your cabinets that are lit are painted -- that could be a great place to go for color, and adds depth rather than doing an accent wall color, for example.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: dmsb (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 14:53
Ivette -- I thought I'd weigh in on the fridge issue -- I decided not to panel mine, got the KitchenAid Stainless 42" built-in, and it is the ONE thing I already have (have had for a few months now) because the week our contractor arrived to start on the addition to our house, the old fridge knew and crapped out, so we had to decide the fridge before anything else and get it right then. I LOVe the fridge -- it is quiet, well organized, and has a nice, clean look. It may well end up the only stainless thing in our kitchen, since I am considering doing a fireclay sink, but haven't ruled out the stainless yet, either. Dithering! But I always think when I see your posts that we have similar tastes and similar debates. I am paneling the dishwasher (I know you are influenced by fatlester's experience to avoid the miele incognito, but I'm taking htat plunge anyway) and so decided not to panel the fridge in order not to have a semless, all-cabinet look. It would have been a lot of creamy white cabinetry -- a tad too much for me. I figure the stainless fridge will speak to the stainless elements on the lacanche and add in a bit of metallic sheen, whereas everything else will be creamy white and then golden granite and golden lacanche. THere's my two cents for the day!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 15:04
dmsb: Really??? Oh I'm do happy to hear you're happy with the stainless fridge. We're going to go with the Touchtronic, in view of Fatlester's experience and my personal peeve with wet dishes, so decided to go with the stainless control panel if we go with the stainless fridge. I don't have a problem with too much creamy cabinetry, on the contrary. But my DH does and more importantly, he says he doesn't like the idea of the fridge campaigning as cabinetry. I think it's lovely, but he doesn't like it. I was all set to just go with the Stainless fridge and make him happy when my brother, of all people, tells me we should do the cabinetry. Sheesh! What does HE know?? :) I'm just afraid that suddenly I may have too much going on with our kitchen. I'm hoping that the hardware being the same throughout will balance and bring things together. And I agree with you that a little stainless at the fridge and the dishwasher will balance the stainless top of the Lacanche. Plus I just really like the look of that SZ 700 in stainless. It's beautiful. Thank you so much for letting me know it's working in your kitchen, and that it won't be a fatal mistake if we go with the stainless ourselves. Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Fri, Oct 29, 04 at 22:43
anna_chosak, sorry did not see your message last night which came while I was composing and nodding off over the computer! Thanks! Those knobs you bought were our very easiest decision of all; we saw, we bought, we were done! No second thoughts, for a change. Yes, hubby arrived back last night while I was at a function. Saw him briefly this morning for coffee, but he is VERY excited with the evolution of the kitchen. He was pooped from jet lag & totally asleep when I returned tonight from a rugged day with chinese soup, but I suspect he spent the whole day in the kitchen. He is very into design and cares about every detail. Ivette: measured and the space between island and range is 40" now, but will be 42" when we push back the range after the tile goes in. I am measuring only to the towel bars, not all the way to the front surface of the range. The distance across from island to cabinet is 47 inches. We had a much wider corridor in the old kitchen, so this is cozier. Beth: the hood mantle & adjoining cabinet design came about because I wanted a whole wall of tile with the hood and no upper cabs, while DH insisted on having uppers to hold spices. Neither of us wanted standard cabs that went down to within 15 or 16 inches of the counter because we wanted a more open sight line to the family room. We compromised, with the aid of the KD, with these 12 inch deep cabinets 25 inches off the counters. I argued that they are too high for spices & he should really use the top drawers for spices, but they delivered nicely devised spice racks in the uppers, so I alphabetized the spices, beginning in the left cabinet & filled them up as a trial. I grouped the various salts, peppers & cinnamons which get used a lot on the lowest shelf. In the cab to the right, I finished the spices in the door rack, then filled the main cab with all the oils and vinegars we like to use. Admittedly, if we leave everything as is, we'll have to pull out a stool to reach items on the top shelves. These aren't for everyone because they sacrific function for design for those who are vertically challenged. kitchengirl: thanks for your feedback. Actually, our two glass cabs are not lighted, per DH's preference. I agree with you on the use of color as background in them. Currently they are painted the same as the cabs because, despite having a thousand paint samples, we ultimately could not make that decision by our deadline, swaying from range shades to floor shades, plus dozens of greens. Our KD has a display with a berry tone cab background & backsplash used with light ivory (to the tan side) painted cabs. It works very well there, but not a tone we could use. Re our cab color, we have a custom mixed color, having given our KD a sample piece of Ted Wood cabinet color we loved & asking our manufacturer to match it. I wish it were a standard color so that we could reproduce it more easily. They used paint grade hardwoods of their selection, which probably saved us money over our specifying a particular wood. They are wonderful quality, though.
Here is a link that might be useful: Signature Cabinets website

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Sat, Oct 30, 04 at 13:51
AnnaLeeF - Your kitchen is looking so good - I love that "soft rock" look of soapstone which is how I feel about my marble as well. The colors look FABU together and you've made some wonderful choices that are shaping up and bringing it all together in a very lovely way.

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sat, Oct 30, 04 at 15:54
Deb has been awfully quiet lately..... I wonder if she's making wonderful progress with the final details? After all, we are almost to November, her ETA. Deb!! How are things? Best, Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Momto4Kids (My Page) on Sat, Oct 30, 04 at 19:00
Hi! It's me! Well, my range is now installed and operable! Yahoo! I turned the gas on the other day and ......WHOOOOOOSH!!!! The power is amazing. I haven't cooked anything since we haven't moved in yet. Two more weeks and counting the seconds at this point. Ivette...very funny! I've been thinking about all of you. In fact, I think I've made a major backsplash decision. But I'm not telling!!! Tease! I just have to say, when I took DH by the house today, I looked over and saw that red light on, and oh, how I wished I could never leave! The range sitting there, calling me, begging me to cook. Just wait, darling, I say. Soon. Very soon! I'm sure those of you already cooking know exactly what I mean!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sun, Oct 31, 04 at 4:53
Deb: You're not telling? YOU'RE NOT TELLING??? Tell!! ;) That is great news!! It won't be long now! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: AnnaLeeF (My Page) on Sun, Oct 31, 04 at 11:16
We have been overcome by events around us and have not had meals at home, only managing to break in the wonderful griddle yesterday morning so far. Many of my cookbooks are still buried in boxes, as are most of the cookware and dishes, but we are determined to roast a chicken tonight in-between treat or treaters. Care to share any of your favorite roasting techniques for chicken in the Lacanche? Anna_C and Zola - did I read lemon, garlic and rosemary in an earlier thread? I am leaving for a funeral just now, but any roasting tips appreciated!

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Pirula (My Page) on Sun, Oct 31, 04 at 15:24
Spacific: Could you please tell me what tile you used on your kitchen wall?? I love them! Thanks! Ivette

RE: Lacanche Ranges, Part 14
· Posted by: Zolablue (My Page) on Sun, Oct 31, 04 at 17:33
Great news, Anna! Please let us know how you love cooking on Lacanche. :o) I'm in the middle of baking and also making another Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) recipe but thought I'd check in quickly. We made her "Perfect Roast Chicken" and I find it is no longer posted on the FoodTV site but I found a link to it I'll post below. If you aren't making gravy you don't need the onions on the bottom. Enjoy! Btw, I have all her cookbooks and just ordered her latest "Barefoot in Paris" which came out a couple days ago and can't wait. I love her and love her cookbooks! Somebody better make a "Lacanche Ranges, Part 15" thread!
Here is a link that might be useful: Perfect Roast Chicken