Category: Kitchen Solutions

4 Good Reasons Why You Should Choose a Modular Kitchen Unit from Your Supplier

The design of a kitchen is a more complicated thing than most people realise. It often serves as the activity hub of the home – it is, after all, where meals are prepared, and most people nowadays have open plan kitchens, dining rooms and lounges so that the family can be together even while meals are cooked. In days gone by mom was confined to the kitchen alone while everyone else was in the lounge or dining room, but nowadays families want to interact more, and this is easier when the kitchen is well designed and part of an open plan situation. Of course, not all kitchens are designed this way, but the layout of the kitchen is still very important as people move in and out of it at various times of the day.

The design of the kitchen itself is important because it has to accommodate a certain amount of traffic, provide easy access to whatever is needed, and make it easy to achieve certain tasks like chop, refrigerate and cook, with as little risk of danger as possible. Designing the kitchen so that all appliances are in the right places to ease flow and make cooking and socialising more comfortable is vital. This is why considerable thought has to go into the kitchen – ideally, it should be a space that feels good to be in, and provide great convenience and high levels of functionality and practicality.

Modular kitchen units are designed by suppliers to serve various purposes and to make a functional layout of the kitchen easier.

What is a Modular Kitchen?

Your modern modular kitchen unit supplier will tell you that a modular kitchen is a contemporary term used for a kitchen that consists of previously created components, such as cabinets and cupboards that are designed to fit together and to work together as a unit. The different components are made of a range of materials, and they are made to make the best use of space in a kitchen, especially where space is limited. These units or components are usually moveable and not built-in, and can thus be removed if needed at another property. Other modular kitchen units are fastened to the wall at head height to save floor space and to provide extra storage.

A good modular kitchen unit supplier should be able to advise you on the best components and units to choose to make the most of your space. A typical modular kitchen will include various units, including a sink, storage cabinets and cupboards, counter tops and internal accessories. In some cases, all the electronic appliances such as a dishwasher, stovetop and fridge may even be added. It is the job of your modular kitchen unit supplier to determine your needs, measure the space, and design the layout and units for you, and then to install them. This means that you can have a functional kitchen in a very short space of time.

Benefits of a Modular Kitchen

1. They are super easy and very quick to install: Because all the cabinets and kitchen units are pre-fabricated especially for your needs, they just need to be delivered and assembled. There is no need for carpenters to come in and spend days building cabinets and cupboards into the kitchen – they are already made and just have to be installed in the right places.

 

1. You can take it with you: If you are moving to a new or unfurnished property, you can ask your modular kitchen unit supplier to put together a modular kitchen for you that you can remove when you move to a new property. This means that your modular kitchen is an investment that you can use again and again. It is also possible to reassemble the kitchen in a different format or arrangement to change the layout.

 

3. Save space: Modular kitchens are specifically designed to make the most of the kitchen space available and they are very popular in smaller homes. Shelves and cabinets can be designed to fit into spaces that other kitchen units may not, and this helps with using the space more effectively.

 

4. Good looks: Because your modular kitchen unit supplier designs these units in a wide variety of modern designs, you can get a kitchen that looks picture pretty. Whether you prefer a country kitchen look or a sleek and minimalistic design, a good modular kitchen unit supplier should be able to design and manufacture one for you with the look you want.

 

If you are looking for a modern kitchen design that will suit all your needs, ask your modular kitchen unit supplier to design one for you. Even better, give our team at GEZA a call and we will show you what we can do for you!

Home-Cooked Goodness from Your Free-standing Kitchen

Kitchens are the pride of so many households across South Africa, which has a rich local food culture that only keeps on growing in numbers and experience. Apart from all the foodie exhibitions and expos that will keep you busy throughout the year, we find a cultural tradition that is firmly in place regarding cooking, and that is our very own South African home-cooked meals. Although there are many households that believe in order-in food or getting some McDonalds on the way home from work, you will always be invited to a proper home-cooked meal when special occasions arise.

Since many people still prefer to cook their own dinners in South Africa, you will find a properly-equipped kitchen in most households. Some are on the cutting edge – with ovens and fridges costing more than your average car – while others are simplistic and straight-forward, but still very effective. So, what happens when you want to redo your kitchen to put it into the new, green era, and not spend a whole week waiting on installation to finish with the tiling and sealing? This is where our free-standing kitchen units deliver a simple solution.

GEZA’s Free-Standing Kitchen Units

We offer a wide variety of different products in the form of stand-alone bathrooms and kitchens that fit perfectly for installation in your house, or the apartment you might be renting out to other people. These units are so effective and applicable that you simply place them where you feel they would be most effective, and then just connect them to your house’s water supply. Let’s see what these kitchen units are all about.

We start with a melamine grocery cupboard that is ideal for storing all of your groceries in a neat and tall unit that provides enough room to perfectly utilise the space. It is tall enough to stand against a wall and provide a good base for the rest of the unit to fit in next to it without any hassle, thus providing a good starting point from which to work when planning your kitchen’s layout.

Next to the grocery cupboard is a unit with two doors and two drawers that is ideal for cutlery, plates, and other dining room essentials. You can also utilise the space underneath the drawers for more groceries, as it works perfectly for storing all of the breakfast cereals as well. Otherwise, be creative and use it to its full extent in any way you feel like. There will always be extra room to fill, so do not let it go to waste.

On top of this unit, there is room for a proper top shelf unit that features a two-door cupboard with some shelf space beneath it for easy access to plates, spices, or whatever you choose to put in these open areas. The top unit aligns perfectly with the grocery cupboard to tie these pieces together and give a polished and professional look and feel to the overall picture.

A regular cupboard unit with two doors will be added as a final piece. This unit offers even more available space, and a good idea would be to convert one of the opening doors to a trash can for all the unwanted trash surrounding regular and free-standing kitchen units in general, leaving the place looking a little bit cleaner. On top of this unit, we find the last piece to the free-standing kitchen unit.

A drop-in sink with waste disposal, together with a deck that features a sink mixer, is installed on top of the regular two-door unit to complete the set. With a full collection of everything you need, this free-standing kitchen unit is far from disappointing, and will serve any household without any problems. The best part of it all, is that this unit is easily installed to save you time and hassles.

Apart from these amazing free-standing kitchen units, we also offer all kinds of different solutions for your kitchen and bathroom, with ablution in our repertoire as well. If you are looking for some stand-alone kitchens and bathrooms, look no further than GEZA, and we will take care of all your wants and needs in our area of expertise.

DIY Versus Professionals

Only a few of us can claim that we know how to install kitchen sinks, as it is a messy and careful business that should be left to professionals, like most professional jobs. But, there are individuals among us that prefer to do everything with their own two hands. This is why the whole DIY trend became popular in the modern era, although it has been around for centuries.

A viable question that can be raised, would be to ask which path is better – DIY or professional installations? A strong case can be made for both, and can be applied to almost any appliance or device in and around your house, including the choice on how to install kitchen sinks in your house. If you are a professional plumber, then the do-it-yourself option becomes redundant, in a matter of speaking, and can be seen as a professional doing a quick kitchen sink installation in the end.

The case for DIY starts with the individual that makes an active decision to build and install something on their own time and method. You might read a manual on how to install kitchen sinks before giving it a go, but it is highly advised to only take on projects that you have prior experience with. Your first time attempting a DIY installation will always leave room for improvement, if it doesn’t turn out to be a complete failure altogether. At least you tried and learned from the experience, in order to improve upon your future efforts.

Hiring a professional to take care of it all might cost you money, but it will save you future expenses because you hired a professional to do a proper job, in order to avoid any malfunctions that you might experience when going down the DIY path. Having a trained and experienced hand doing the job has always been the smarter choice for proper installations, and will save you lots of time, as you won’t have to repair any mistakes you made during a DIY project.

If you are interested in proper kitchen sinks and how to install them, GEZA is the place for you. We offer a variety of stand-alone kitchen sinks that will fit your house or apartment beautifully, and are fast and easy to install. Browse our website for images and details on our kitchen sinks on offer, and contact us if you need any further information.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Basins and Taps for Your New Home

If you are upgrading your home, or in the process of building a new one, you will probably find that you are spoilt for choice, and this can be daunting. Choosing kitchen basins and taps can also be challenging, and deciding on the right pieces for your kitchen is important, because they have to be able to fit in with your lifestyle, while still looking good. When choosing kitchen basins and taps, you have to ask yourself a few questions, and the most important of these is how the kitchen will be used. We provide you with some tips to help you choose the kitchen basins that will be best suited to your home:

• Materials: Typically, kitchen basins are made of stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, composite materials, or cast iron that is coated with enamel. Stainless steel is usually the most popular choice – it is lightweight and can be easily installed, with the added benefit that it doesn’t rust, and is hygienic. Stainless-steel sinks are also often preferred, because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear over years. While it is true that stainless steel sinks can be somewhat noisy in use, it is possible to choose a model with a noise-reduction facility. Ceramic or cast-iron sinks are beautiful and quieter, but they are not kind to fragile glass items, and it is easy to break or chip crockery in these sinks. Enamel sinks also tend to wear over time, leaving visible stains and scratches. Stainless steel is a lot more forgiving! Composite sinks are also hardy and usually cost less than the other varieties.

 

• Ease of cleaning: It is vital that all the parts of the sink can be reached easily in order to keep the kitchen clean and hygienic. Kitchen basins with solid surfaces can be properly cleaned, although putting hot pans and pots directly from the stove into the sink may damage the surface. Composite sinks work well, and there is a variety of these on the market to choose from. Polyester/acrylic sinks are usually the most popular, because they generally cost less than other types of kitchen basins, while still providing the same functionality. Even though they are not quite as durable as some, they are kinder to glass and porcelain and less inclined to chip and break your crockery. They can be a bit more difficult to clean though!

 

• How many sinks: A lot of people prefer to have a set of two sinks, such as the traditional double-bowl sink. Double bowls are usually used for washing dishes, and if you have a dishwasher, you probably won’t need a double bowl sink. In small kitchens, it is also difficult to find space for a double sink, but if you feel that a double bowl is absolutely necessary, despite space constraints, you can install a double sink that contains one large sink and a smaller one.

 

• Taps to go with your kitchen basins: Taps are usually up to personal taste, but functionality also has to be considered. In a kitchen, it is vital that a mixer tap is employed, and there are many different styles of these to choose from. The function and finish have to fit in with the lifestyle and the look and style of the kitchen. Modern, single-lever taps are becoming more popular, as the desired temperate can be set and the tap opened and closed with a push or a pull. Kitchen experts highly recommend the use of a spray arm that allows you to easily wash pots and pans. The style of the taps also plays a role; if you have a modern kitchen, it is best to stick to modern fittings and fixtures, and if you have opted for a more vintage or country kitchen, purchase fixtures and fittings that echo that ambience. Brass finishes have been popular for years, but they tend to work better in low-use applications. For more durable taps for your kitchen basins, it is best to opt for nickel, pewter, or chrome. If you simply have to have bronze, you can get a pewter tap with a bronze finish. These work particularly well in vintage and cottage kitchens.

 

If you are looking for the best kitchen basins and taps for your new kitchen, give our team at GEZA a call or take a look at our product page!

How to Select the Right Kitchen Sink and Cupboard Unit

Whether you are building a new home or just refurbishing or renovating, you will know that one of the most important rooms in the house is the kitchen. There are few things that add as much value to a house as a well-planned kitchen that is easy and comfortable to cook and work in. One of the most important parts remains your kitchen sink, and if it comes with a cupboard unit, it is even more practical. Being able to make use of the space below the kitchen sink with a cupboard unit is vital and it gives you a lot more storage possibilities. If your space is limited or you have a small kitchen, a good kitchen sink and cupboard unit becomes even more important, and it is vital to choose well when you buy.

Firstly, you have to determine the best layout for the kitchen and the dimensions of the space where the sink is to be placed. As long as the plumbing is available, it is relatively easy to install a kitchen sink unit virtually anywhere. Whether it is below a window or even against a wall in the corner, your kitchen sink has to provide great access and functionality wherever it is installed.

There are a lot of different configurations to choose from for kitchen sinks and cupboard units. You will have to find the one that suits your space the best and is the most practical for your needs. It is not only the width of the sink that counts, but also the depth, and the sink should be supported by a cabinet that is adequately sized. Remember that the sink will require plumbing and pipes beneath it for drainage, and space should be maximised by the cabinet in its design.

The kitchen sink is an integral part of the kitchen and performs a lot more tasks than just the washing of dishes. Remember that the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen can be affected by the kitchen sink and cupboard unit, so choose one that fits in with the overall appearance and feel of the space. Of course, the main considerations are practicality and function, but appeal comes a close second, so it is best to find something that works on both fronts. Also ensure that you get the size and the shape right – this can make all the difference!

If you are looking for a kitchen sink and cupboard unit, please give our team at GEZA a call. We have a wide range of kitchen and bathroom appliances for small and large spaces, and we will help you to find the perfect range for you.

Advantages of Using Freestanding Kitchen Units

When people think about updating or renovating a kitchen, they often associate it with permanent wall-mounted and floor-mounted units that are installed as part of the kitchen. This can be a scary idea! What if you want to change your mind about the layout of the kitchen as your needs change? Freestanding kitchen units in South Africa are becoming more popular nowadays and they can look great while also being functional and versatile. Here are some of the benefits your will experience if you decide to stick to freestanding kitchen units instead of the inflexibility of permanent floor- and wall-mounted units.

• You can move them: If you decide to move to another place with no kitchen units, you can take your own freestanding kitchen units with you and install them at the new place. This gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to selecting another property to move to. It means that even if the new place only has a partial kitchen or not much of a kitchen at all, you can take your units over and you will soon have a fully functional kitchen up and running. In addition to this, you can also change the shape and the layout of your kitchen as the needs of your family change. If you get bored with the current look of your kitchen, you can instantly update it by moving some of your units around.

• You can build in more storage when needed: It is possible to start off with just one or two units and add to them as your needs change. It is also a practical way of building more storage, to supplement your permanent kitchen units.

• Easy to clean: It is often difficult to reach all the nooks and crannies of permanent kitchen cupboards, because you cannot move them out of the way, but freestanding kitchen units are easy to clean. They usually also have removable panels that can provide access to the entire unit for cleaning.

• Easy to install: Compared to permanent kitchen units, installing freestanding kitchen units in South Africa is a doddle! You really only have to find the best spot for your cabinets and ensure that plumbing is installed where needed. With the help of a few tools, you will have a practical kitchen and lots of storage in no time.

If you are looking for high-quality freestanding kitchen units in South Africa, give our team at GEZA a call to find out more about the outstanding range we have in stock.

Nine Kitchen Design Ideas for Small Kitchens

Upgrading your property can be a lot cheaper and easier than you think. Instead of investing in renovations and rebuilding, why not invest some money in upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms? Anyone will tell you that a well-planned, well-designed kitchen and a new bathroom will undoubtedly increase the value of your property, and if it is just an upgrade you require for yourself in your home, this is also the way to go. While bathrooms are easy to upgrade, kitchens can be trickier, especially if they are small. Here we provide you with some great ideas for kitchen designs for small kitchens that may help you in your quest for a kitchen upgrade:

1. Use the height: If your ceiling is high, you can use the available height for above-counter storage. Build storage racks and cupboards almost up to the ceiling and use a roller ladder (like the ones in libraries). Of course, it makes sense to store the items that you regularly use on lower shelves, but for the tea set, crystal glasses, or crockery only used on occasion, storage at a high level is quite acceptable. The ladder can be made to fold or stow away easily, and you will still have ample storage space in your small kitchen.

 

2. Light: To create the illusion of more space and light, stick to light colours in the kitchen – white if possible. Nothing says, “small and dingy” like a dark space, and keeping the window dressing to a minimum and as light as possible will admit more light and emphasise the light colours in the kitchen, creating a perception of space. Lighting is also crucial – place lights in a way that emphasises different areas in the kitchen to make it look more spacious. Place them under overhead cupboards to focus on the counters – this will light up spaces that are potentially dark and that can make the kitchen look small.

 

3. A pot rack: Pots and pans can take up a lot of space, and easily clutter small kitchens. Get a pot rack to hang from the ceiling and use this for all your pots, pans, ladles, and other cooking utensils that you would normally store in a drawer or cupboard. A pot rack also makes it easier to access the pots, pans, and utensils you need while you cook.

 

4. Light counters: Darkly coloured counters can make the kitchen look even smaller than it is. To create the perception of space, keep kitchen counters light and interesting.

 

5. Folding doors: For tiny apartments, such as bachelor pads, a small kitchen can be obscured from the rest of the living space by folding doors, yet the kitchen can be expanded when in use by folding away the doors to create more space.

 

6. An island: If space allows, get an island to go in the middle of the floor space. This will give you an extra work surface and provide additional storage for other items. If possible, get a moveable island that you can move around according to your needs. Just ensure that it has wheel locks to immobilise it in the location you choose.

 

7. Mirrors: Experts who do kitchen designs for small kitchens recommend that you reflect the available light with mirrored cabinet doors to create a more spacious feel. The mirrors will also reflect the opposite wall or space, and create more depth in a small kitchen. You can also use a mirrored backsplash to create more depth.

 

8. Electric stovetop: Because modern electric stovetops have smooth, glassy surfaces, they can also act as additional work surfaces. The sleek look of a glass stovetop also creates cleaner lines and looks less cluttered than a gas stove.

 

9. Overhanging island counter: If you have an island, create a top that overhangs the one side of the island. This can create the ideal space to enjoy meals. Use simple, backless chairs in a light colour that can fit under the overhang for seating. Backless chairs make for uncluttered lines that create better flow throughout the kitchen.

 

If you need more kitchen designs for small kitchens, speak to our team of experts at GEZA today – we have all the design knowledge and innovative ideas to make your kitchen look wonderful.

Choosing the Right Taps and Kitchen Sinks

If you are in the process of upgrading your kitchen or building a new home, you will know that your kitchen is probably the room in the house that needs to be the most practical and functional. This does not mean that you should sacrifice beauty, and if you choose well, you can have a stylish, highly functional kitchen that is a pleasure to cook in. There are so many different types of taps, counter tops, fixtures, fittings, and kitchen sinks in South Africa to choose from that it could be a little daunting to find the right ones for you, and here we provide some advice on how to choose the most suitable types for your kitchen.

A good kitchen sink is vital. These items must be durable, easy to use, and easy to maintain. You should ask yourself how you will be using the kitchen sink, and whether more than one may be necessary. Here are two factors to consider when choosing kitchen sinks for your kitchen:

• • Materials: There is a wide range of materials for kitchen sinks available in South Africa today. Stainless steel is usually the most popular, because it is easy to clean, hygienic, and rustproof, and usually also the most reasonably priced. There are also sinks made from ceramic, granite, marble, or stone available. New on the market are composite sinks, made from materials such as polyester and acrylic.

• Uses: If you are looking for a sink to just rinse vegetables and fruit, or wash smaller items, a smaller sink with a filtered tap may be all that is needed. For the washing of regular crockery and glasses, you can use almost any type of sink, but fine crockery and glasses may chip or break when bumped against heavy ceramic sinks. Stainless steel sinks tend to be friendlier to crockery and glasses, because the metal surface is more yielding. If your sink is subject to rigorous use and it has to be in constant service, lower-grade stainless steel is usually the best. If you usually use a dishwasher for dishes and crockery, you will have more freedom to choose the type of sink you want.

If you are looking for more advice about which kitchen equipment, fixtures, and fittings to choose, talk to our team at GEZA! We know all about kitchen sinks in South Africa and will be able to advise you on the best choices for your kitchen.

How You Can Get More Use Out of Kitchens for Smaller Spaces

Many of us would love the expansive kitchens with endless cupboards and countertop space that won’t quit, but it simply isn’t on the cards for everyone. Does this mean that you have to resign yourself to not getting the same enjoyment out of your smaller kitchen than others get to experience in their larger spaces? No! With some crafty design ideas and a whole lot of inspiration, you can make your smaller kitchen live up to the demands of modern life. Ultimately, it is not the size of your kitchen that counts, but what you do with the space. Tiny kitchens are becoming the norm not only for affordable housing developments, but also many other densely populated urban areas across South Africa.

Many people merely use their teeny kitchens as a place to reheat takeout food and store drinks, but it doesn’t have to be that way. So how can you get more use out of small kitchens? What are some practical tips that can help you get more done in your kitchen today? Let’s delve a little deeper!

Use Your Oven for Storage

If you have limited cabinet and shelf space in your kitchen, think about storing baking sheets, muffin tins and cooling racks in the oven. The trick, however, is to remember to take them out before turning on the oven!

Pro Tip: For extra security, consider only placing oven-safe dishes and steel cooking trays in the oven should you ever forget to take them out.

Install Hooks Wherever You Can

This seems like a simple tip, but you are guaranteed to be surprised at its handiness. Use them for hanging oven mitts, strainers, spatulas and anything else you can think of. It makes these items handy to grab when you need them, but it also helps you get around your lack of drawers.

Pro Tip: Keep a hook by the sink to hold towels.

Create Your Own Pantry

Ah, a pantry is a handy addition to any kitchen. Unfortunately, it frequently comes at a premium that many properties cannot make allowance for: extra space. Not to fret, though, because you can create your own pantry by using an old wooden wardrobe, or something similar. The pantry doesn’t only need to be for storing food. Use it to house your coffee pots and baking dishes and just about everything else you need to find a space for in your kitchen!

Pro Tip: Use your new pantry to store dry goods like pastas, beans, canned goods, grains, baking items and tea and coffee.

It’s All In The Organisation

Organise things by how and when you use them. An example of this is where you store vinegars and spices, preferably on together on one shelf above the sink, so they are removed from the heat and humidity of the stove. Use your butcher block as extra counter space.

Pro Tip: Try to keep your drying rack close to your cupboard, so it is within easy reach when you put away clean dishes.

Store Pans and Pots Up High

Sometimes there are several feet of free space between the tops of cabinets and the ceiling. Instead of leaving that space unoccupied and gathering dust, store your big pots and pans up there.

Pro Tip: Take care when using a kitchen two-step ladder when reaching up to pull things down when you need them.

In Search of Kitchens for Small Spaces? GEZA Has You Covered

If there is one company that understands designing and manufacturing kitchens for small spaces, it’s us. GEZA has been at the forefront of helping South Africans make the most of their small kitchens and bathrooms for nearly 20 years. Our products are admired both in the public and private sectors, and we have garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years.

What’s more, our unique products continue to deliver when others give up. Our clients enjoy efficient after-sales service, as our full-time maintenance team operates throughout Gauteng. They are available Monday to Friday, as well as for after-hour emergencies. All our bathrooms and kitchens for small spaces are guaranteed for a minimum period of one year. So contact us to learn more about our innovative solutions, and enjoy spending time in your kitchen again.

Add Functionality and Value to your Property with Beautiful, Compact Kitchen Units

Smaller kitchen units do not need to play second fiddle to larger kitchen spaces at all. You can create a warm and inviting space where your family spends important moments of their days. How is this possible? GEZA is an acknowledged leader in the design and manufacture of compact bathrooms and kitchens, and we continue to help South Africans from all walks of life get more out of their living spaces.

Since our inception in 1999, we have fought tooth and nail against the notion that the affordable housing market had to be satisfied with overpriced and inferior quality kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, we built our reputation on refuting this harmful myth by countering it with quality products admired by both the private and public sectors. What does this mean to you? Guaranteed quality underscored by dedicated after-sales service. All of our compact bathroom and kitchen units are guaranteed for a minimum period of one year. In addition, our full-time maintenance team in Gauteng also offers after-hours service for emergencies. After all, we know that emergencies do not stick to office hours, do they? And neither do we.

Yes, your Compact Kitchen Can Do What Larger Units Do

There is no reason why you cannot prepare a Christmas lunch for 12 people in your compact kitchen unit. Our units are fully functional kitchens that maximise the available space to get the most use out of it. All of our products have been designed, developed, tested and refined over a 16-year period to provide our clients with the bathrooms and kitchens they are after.

Our GEZA bathroom unit with built-in geyser has been patented, and is exclusively available through us. It is only one example of how we continue to set the cat among the pigeons in our industry. In order to provide the best quality service and product, we have partnered with various suppliers in the course our design and manufacturing process. These leading suppliers include Vaal, Apex and Kwikot, as well as National Glass and Libra, to name only a few.

Thanks to our large buying power, we are also able to keep our products and rates as competitive as possible. This ensures maximum market penetration, making it possible for as many South Africans as possible to enjoy the great benefits that come with top-quality compact kitchen units. Let us help you enjoy spending time in your kitchen again with our beautiful and fully functional kitchen units.