Your Guide to a Cool Kitchen This Summer

Keeping your kitchen cool can become challenging as summer heats up, especially when firing the stove or oven. Selecting the right materials during a kitchen renovation can reduce the heat and create a more comfortable cooking environment!

At Kitchens by Oaks, we understand that a beautifully designed space should be functional and pleasant to work in, especially during those sweltering months. So, here are some key considerations for materials that can help you stay cool in your dream kitchen this summer.

Challenges of Summer Cooking

If you have an outdoor space, you may be cooking more on the grill this time of year, but for those who like to cook inside, or do not have access to an outdoor kitchen, we have some ways to reduce the heat from a delicious dinner.

This is where thoughtful kitchen design and materials come in. Using heat-resistant appliances, reflective surfaces, and breathable materials, you can significantly reduce the impact of cooking in the heat and enjoy your space all season.

Heat-Resistant Appliances

Summer-friendly cooking isn’t just about what you cook but how you cook it. Instead of relying on your oven or stovetop, opt for no-cook meals or appliances that generate less heat.

• Air fryer: Quick, efficient, and compact, air fryers can crisp up your favorite meals without heating the entire room.
• Panini press: This quick appliance can turn a regular sandwich into a delight! Use a panini press to make grilled veggies, meat patties, or sandwiches.
• Slow cookers: These sealed appliances retain heat internally and release minimal warmth into the kitchen, making them ideal for soups, stews, and braised dishes.
• Microwave: Reheating leftovers or steaming veggies in the microwave saves time and limits heat output.

When planning a remodel, consider designing your layout to include a dedicated space for these handy appliances. Kitchens by Oaks can create semi-custom cabinets to fit your frequently used appliances, giving you the perfect alcove to use them when you need them and tuck them away off the countertop when you don’t.

Heat Reflecting Surfaces

When building your kitchen, consider opting for lighter-colored cabinetry and kitchen countertops. Light materials reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, helping to maintain a cooler environment.

Materials like quartz or granite offer stunning aesthetics and more effectively resist heat buildup than darker alternatives. Natural stone or lighter ceramic tiles for your flooring can help keep the overall temperature down.

Fun fact: Stone, brick, and concrete absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night. This can help regulate your house temperature during cooler hours! “This will make the interior space more comfortable, and greatly reduce the cooling demand and cost of air conditioning”, according to the University of Calgary.

Remember your backsplash! Using glass or reflective surfaces can create an illusion of space while also enhancing light reflection throughout the room. This can make cooking in a hot kitchen more bearable, as it reduces perceived heat.

Install a Range Hood

Ventilation is key to keeping your kitchen cool and fresh. Installing a high-quality range hood can make a major difference. These systems pull hot air, steam, smoke, and cooking odors out of the kitchen, preventing heat buildup and improving air circulation.

Look for vented range hoods that exhaust air outdoors rather than recirculating it. Modern hoods come with adjustable speeds, LED lighting, and stylish designs that blend seamlessly with your kitchen aesthetic.

Kitchens by Oaks can offer a variety of range hood styles to fit your kitchen’s needs and keep the air flowing!

Eco-Friendly and Breathable Materials

Sustainability meets comfort when you choose materials that are both eco-friendly and temperature-conscious:

• Bamboo: This eco-friendly, renewable material is gaining popularity for its natural texture and ability to keep spaces cool, making it ideal for aesthetic features, placemats, or window shades.
• Organic Cotton or Linen Textiles: Use these materials for curtains or coverings to facilitate better airflow and maintain ventilation.

Incorporating these materials into your kitchen is also an environmentally friendly way to keep the environment comfortable on summer days!

Windows and Airflow

Proper airflow can significantly lower your kitchen temperature in the summer. Make the most of your kitchen’s natural ventilation:

• Install Operable Windows: Open windows let hot air escape and allow cool morning or evening breezes.
• Cross-Ventilation: If possible, design your space to create a cross-breeze by aligning windows or adding transoms and vents.
• Ceiling Fans: These can help circulate air without adding much heat. Some range hoods even include built-in fans for improved airflow.

Consider window films or solar shades to block direct sunlight without eliminating natural light. This keeps the kitchen cooler while preserving the bright, warm kitchen look you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information about keeping your kitchen cool? We’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions. Looking for something more? Contact our team and get in touch!

What’s the best countertop material for keeping my kitchen cool?

Quartz and granite are excellent options. They’re durable, light-reflective, and retain less heat than darker or synthetic materials.

Can ventilation really make that big of a difference?

Yes! A good range hood and well-placed windows can significantly lower your kitchen’s temperature by moving hot air and steam out of the space.

Are there “cool” color palettes that actually help?

Soft whites, pale blues, muted greens, and light grays can reflect light and reduce perceived warmth in your kitchen.

Kitchens by Oaks: Quality You Can Trust

From full-scale remodels to minor updates, Kitchens by Oaks is here to help. Book a complimentary consultation with one of our professional designers to get started today. We’ll discuss all aspects of your project so you can choose the best option for you and your home, including options for creating a bathroom with your favorite green color.

Want to tackle more than one room? We offer multiple discounts and promotions if you’re considering a complet