Question: "I love one of the photographs on your website and I would really like to know what the countertop is. I have had this photo (see above) pasted as my desktop for months now; I like it that much. We are finally at the point where we are ready to replace our countertop, and this is the countertop I want." —Sandi U.

Answer: I can tell you for sure that this is a polished granite countertop with a bullnose edge. What I don't know is the color; but even if I did know that, it wouldn't necessarily be useful information

For one, granite colors don't have consistent names. Countries of origin, importers, fabricators, installers and retailers each have their own naming conventions for granite. It's sort of like finding the right paint color; my bedroom is painted "Under the Big Top," which is code for sky blue.

Secondly, photos — whether on the Internet or in a magazine — have their limitations. What looks great in a 4-inch x 5-inch photo of someone else's kitchen might not measure up in person or in your home. For that reason, you should always pick out colors — whether of paint, countertops, flooring, tiles or cabinets — where you can see the actual product for yourself.

Most importantly, every slab of granite is unique and contains variations in color, veining and particle size. This is true even if you are looking at two slabs of Absolute Black from the same quarry. That's why you can't just choose a color of granite-you have to go to the granite yards (typically a retailer/installer) and pick out a specific slab for your countertop.

Some relatively common granite colors include:

Knowing your colors in other languages can help in the search, as many granites come from Italy, Spain, India, China, Brazil and other foreign countries.

Here are a few pointers:

Finally, a few thoughts on cost: granites are typically divided into anywhere from three to six pricing tiers, depending on the seller. The most exotic, rare or difficult to obtain stones cost can cost more than twice as much as the options in the lowest tier.

Other options that affect price include the thickness of the slab, the elaborateness of the edge treatment and the type of finish.

Question: '"Is there somewhere other than Consumer Reports that gives pros and cons about different brand-name appliances? I'm trying to get solid info on Wolf versus Viking."

Answer: To make a very long story short: Wolf offers a stainless steel finish and heavier components; a wider range of Btus for cooking at extreme temperatures; and a two-year full warranty. Viking offers a stainless steel finish plus 23 other colors, a wider range of appliance types, and a three-year full warranty on the Professional Series products or a one-year full warranty on the Designer Series products.

"The number one difference is the build quality," says Chris Athanas, sales manager in the custom kitchen department of Abt Electronics in Glenview, Ill. The dealership carries both Wolf and Viking appliances. "What Wolf does differently than any other company is they use a cast-iron frame. Everyone else uses stamped steel."

The cast iron makes for a durable product that withstands the rigors of shipping and moving and can last 20 to 25 years, says Athanas.

Kirby Holekamp, sales manager for Modern Kitchens in Syracuse, N.Y., agrees, but adds that Wolf appliances, which his company represents, tend to be heavier as a result. If you have an older home, check with your salesperson, designer or installer to be sure the floor joists can support the weight.

He points to the Btu output of the burners as another Wolf advantage. On gas ranges, Wolf's burners provide 500 to 16,000 Btus while Viking's burners provide 1,000 to 15,000 Btus. Athanas doesn't consider it much of a difference, but Holekamp says that cooks who work at extreme temperatures appreciate the extra control.

Viking offers more design possibilities than Wolf, thanks to finishes such as mint julep and cobalt blue, and a 24-inch wide model that makes it possible to have a professional-style range in a small kitchen.

Another neat option from Viking that Wolf doesn't offer: a self-cleaning gas range. This is for chefs who prefer cooking with gas to electric or dual-fuel (gas cooktop, electric oven) but want the self-cleaning feature.

Viking also offers refrigerators, dishwashers, compactors, disposers and countertop appliances. Wolf's sister company, Sub-Zero, however, makes refrigeration appliances.

Prices vary by region and retailer, but comparable Wolf and Viking appliances usually cost within a few hundred dollars of each other, according to Athanas and Holekamp.

One thing your money can't get with Viking: Wolf's trademark red knobs, considered a status symbol in some circles.

Comparing Wolf and Viking

Question: "We have an older home with counters/cabinets that are only 23 inches deep. Are there any built-in dishwashers out there that will fit such a space?"

Answer: Yes, there are. Although the standard built-in dishwasher size is 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep, European dishwashers often tend to be a little narrower and shallower than U.S. models. Bosch, Thermador, Miele and Asko all offer models about 22.5 inches deep. (FYI: These will all cost at least $500.) If your countertops are stone or another hard surface, you'll need a model that can mount on the side instead of to the top.We can't emphasize enough the importance of consulting with an experienced, knowledgeable professional at a good appliance store or retailer. Such a person will be familiar with the local housing stock and its typical challenges, as well as the products most likely to work in a challenging situation. Bring along exact measurements for potential dishwasher locations; not just the depth of the counter but also the height from the floor to the bottom of the countertop.

You don't mention the width of your base cabinets. Standard built-in dishwashers are about 24 inches wide, give or take half an inch. Built-in dishwashers also come in compact 18-inch models, which may be a better option for your cabinetry. Try to select a location near your sink that won't interfere with your ability to open and close cabinet and refrigerator doors.

By the way, installing any dishwasher in a kitchen that has never had one is a challenge, so we strongly recommend hiring a professional. Not only will you need to cut out a section of your base cabinets to create space for the dishwasher, you will have to run dedicated water and power lines to the dishwasher. This electrical and plumbing work will require opening up the wall, which has the potential to uncover rot, code violations and other not-so-fun stuff. 

Question: "My husband and I have been saving for our kitchen remodel for a long time. We both love to cook and we want to buy a commercial-style range, but we can't decide on which one. We've never had anything more than a regular gas stove. We know we want a dual-fuel so we can get a convection oven and gas burners, but otherwise we're not sure how all the brands are different. Can you help us?"

Answer: If at all possible, try before you buy. You can test drive a new car-why not a new appliance, especially if it's going to cost as much? Many local showrooms give consumers the opportunity to see and touch cabinets and counters, but functional kitchens that are fully plumbed, fueled and available for cooking dinner are harder to find.

A number of appliance manufacturers have interactive showrooms around the country. They offer live demonstrations, fully functional vignettes and culinary classes. They're a great place to try a range, cooktop or oven you've been eyeing; have your questions answered by professional chefs, designers and installers; and learn firsthand what features are must-haves and which you can live without.

Dacor Showroom & Culinary Centers ( www.dacor.com; Atlanta, Ga., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco)

Offerings vary by location but include product demonstrations, use and care workshops and cooking classes. Call ahead to make an appointment.

KitchenAid Experience Store ( www.kitchenaid.com, Greenville, Ohio)

Test major appliances and countertop appliances, see product demonstrations or attend a cooking class.

Sub-Zero/Wolf Living Kitchen Showrooms (www.wolfappliance.com; more than 30 locations, including Scottsdale, Ariz.; Denver, Colo.; South Norwalk, Conn.; Fla., (Orlando, Hollywood); Duluth, Ga.; Honolulu; Boise, Idaho; Glendale Heights, Ill.; Lenexa, Kan.; Milford, Mass.; Columbia, Md.; Auburn Hills, Mich.; Minnetonka, Mont.; St. Louis, Mo.; Charlotte, N.C.; Pine Brook, N.J.; N.Y. (Manhattan, Roslyn Heights, Syracuse, Latham, Cheektowaga); Ohio (Mason, Parma); Tigard, Ore.; Pa. (Philadelphia, Bridgeville); Carrollton, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Richmond, Va.; and Seattle, Wa.)

The heart of each Living Kitchen is a demonstration studio where you can learn how to use and care for the company's appliances or watch skilled chefs in action. Each showroom sets its own schedule of events, most of which require reservations.

Viking Cooking Schools ( www.vikingcookingschool.com; Anchorage, Ala.; Kenai, Ark.; Atlanta, Ga.; Cleveland, Ohio; Glenview, Ill.; Fairfield, N.J.; Greenwood, Miss.; St. Louis, Mo.; Bridgehampton, New York, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Memphis, Nashville, Tenn.; Dallas, Texas; Walnut Creek, Calif.)

The Viking Cooking Schools offer hands-on cooking classes and culinary demonstrations. Viking Test Drives and Outdoor Kitchen Test Drives (not available in all locations) demonstrate range and cooktop features as well as cookware and cutlery lines.

Question: "I am presently designing a kitchen for my new home. I am tired of the "wood" look and that of white/ivory. I was thinking of doing something different and having RED cabinets built. My floor is dark hardwood.

The question I have is about color. What could work for a granite top and a backsplash? Also, would tile be the best choice for the backsplash (as opposed to glass/stainless steel)?" —Donna from Canada

Answer: Sometimes we all just want something different. You can definitely put red cabinets in the kitchen-just know that if you're going to sell sooner rather than later, red might not be to everyone's taste. In fact, you might tire of the look after a few years. Consider breaking up the red cabinets with cabinetry in a complementary neutral shade. For example, the culinablu kitchen shown here features red laminate wall cabinets and light gray island cabinetry.

You could also use the red cabinets to make the island a focal point, like the green island in this castled-themed kitchen. Another alternative would be to use red cabinets to make the cooktop or range a focal point, as with the green cabinets in this country kitchen.

Your material and color choices for the countertop and backsplash will depend partly on your design style. However, I recommend choosing lighter colors to balance out the dark shades of the cabinets and floors.

For a cozy country or Old World feel, go with warm red cabinets and gold-toned granite, possibly Kashmir Gold or one of the Juperanas. A cool red would look good with a light gray or white granite. Similar colors in quartz or solid surfacing would also work well.

In a contemporary kitchen, try a honed finish instead of a glossy finish on your granite, or choose a stainless steel or laminate countertop.

As for the backsplash, your options are limitless. You can continue your countertop material up the walls to your cabinet. A stainless steel backsplash behind the range can work in a traditional or a contemporary kitchen. For an Old World look, go with brick or stone

Glass, ceramic and stone tile backsplashes can work in nearly any style of kitchen. Tumbled marble or other stone tiles, often with metallic accents, are popular right now. So are hand-painted ceramic tiles or glass mosaic tiles, both of which are great ways either to add color or to pull together different colors used throughout the kitchen.

Sealing Granite Counters in the Kitchen

All natural stone is porous, which means water, spaghetti sauce, cooking oil and other liquids could seep into and stain it. In addition, acids-whether found in citrus fruits or household cleaners-have a corrosive effect on stone. That's why when it comes to natural stone kitchen counters, most pros recommend using a non-toxic, food-safe penetrating sealer or impregnator.

Although granite is a hard substance that resists most chipping, heat, stains and scratches, it can still be damaged. Kelly DaSilva, president of La Pietra Custom Marble and Granite in Connecticut, takes a strong preventative approach to stone care by using two coats of sealer and a resin treatment. It makes the price of the stone higher for customers more, but reduces maintenance labor and costs in the long run.

DaSilva recommends StoneTech Professional BulletProof sealer, which the manufacturer says lasts three to five years for interior surfaces. With two coats, DaSilva says homeowners only need to reseal every six years. The factory-applied resin treatment helps to strengthen the granite and enhance its beauty."Resin treatment adds 35 percent extra to the cost, but it covers all the natural pits and fissures," says DaSilva. "That's why you don't want to use abrasive cleansers. They eat the seal and treatment, and damage the finish."For daily cleaning, she recommends using Rock Doctor or a similar product designed specifically for stone care. 

Avoid Marble in High-Use Areas

Marble is much softer and less durable than granite, susceptible to chips, scratches, stains and burns. In fact, DaSilva, like many stone experts, prefers to avoid installing marble in kitchens.

"You have to be more careful with the marble," explains DaSilva. "Make sure you don't get acids on it, they will burn into it. It's easily scratchable. I never recommend marble for kitchen countertops-keep those fine surfaces for bathroom surrounds and other areas."

Still, many homeowners can't resist marble's beauty, and it's a great surface for working with dough. If you're going to put marble in the kitchen, DaSilva says you should be especially careful to keep vinegar, citric acids, household cleaners and knives well away from it. Marble requires more frequent sealing than granite. 

Regular Cleaning and Spills

The Marble Institute of America recommends the following regular care for granite and marble counters: 

• Clean surfaces with mild, non-oil-based detergent or stone soap

• Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing

• After food preparation, clean up with a sponge or cloth and warm water 

• Do not let spilled ingredients sit overnight

• Blot all liquid spills immediately 

• Don't wipe; it will spread the spill 

• For wine, blot with a paper towel and then flush the area with warm water and a non-petroleum-based soap; rinse several times, then dry with a soft cloth

 

• Protect counters with coasters, trivets or placemats; this is especially true for calcareous stones such as marble, limestone or travertine-alcohol, citric juices and other common foods can easily etch or dull these surfaces, while hot cookware, ceramic dishes and silverware will burn or scratch them

 

The institute also says homeowners should avoid cleaning with any of the following:

• Vinegar, lemon juice or other naturally acidic substances 

• Cleaners that contain acid, such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners 

• Abrasive cleaners such as dry or soft cleansers, scouring powders or creams;  they can scratch the stone 

• Using a mix of bleach and ammonia, which creates a toxic and lethal gas; you can use a solution of ½ cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water to remove soap scum, but be aware that frequent use of ammonia eventually dulls the stone

 

Question: "What is the difference between 'convection cook' and 'convection bake'? I have both options on my Viking stove and I don't know when to use which option."

Question: "I am putting in a Dacor Epicure cooktop with approximately 85,000 Btus. I want to use a Zephyr Milano glass canopy island hood with a capacity of 715 CFM (cubic feet per minute). Do you think this will be a problem?"

Question: "I am looking at purchasing a GE Profile 30-inch, dual-fuel, freestanding range (model P2B912SEMSS) that uses a 120-volt hookup for the oven. I know that most ovens and ranges need a 240V hookup, so I am curious as to how this works, and is it as efficient as a 240V? It would be great to not have to add a 240V outlet, as I am a contractor and know it will take some work to get a 240 line to the existing range area." —Kainoa D., Hawaii