The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-02-14
Providing Ample Storage Space
and a Practical Work Table

Portable height, thanks to intelli-
gent installation. but the built-in
cupboards and workable space
were her despair. The cupboard
doors stuck, and much tugging was
required to open them. Most of
the shelves were so high that they
were reached only by aid Of step.
stool. The workable space or
dresser was directly under the cup
boards, and in using it she had
the uncomfortable feeling that she
was going to bump her head
against the cupboard doors. Fur
tl1ermore, the table was covered
with zinc and required constant
securing.
There are too many Of these
kitchens. When building. buying,
or renting a house or an apart.
ment, the kitchen plan or kitchen
installations should be critically
examined. and the Importance of
convenient and well-constructed
workable and storage spaces
fully recognized. AS we have said
before, the best solution is I'M
doubtedly the kitchen cabinet. We
have discussed it's merits with
architects and builders and have
found that it is a piece of equip
ment unappreciated by many OF
them.
The kitchen cabinet has become
versatile piece OF equipment. 1t
comes in various colors and sizes,
from the small cabinet two feet
wide, which fits into a kitchenette
to the one twice that width, pro-
viding generously for the space
needs of the larger house. The
extra cupboards or closets can be
fitted in as door and window ar
cabinet, with its accompanying
units, lends itself in a thoroughly
flexible way to built-in conditions.
Some are definitely designed for
this purpose with a refrigerator
unit included. There are cabinets
of metal and cabinets of wood.
The portable top is of porcelain
enameled iron, although there are
other finishes as well.
In choosing a cabinet 1t IL well
to indulge in thorough checking
UP with reference to ones needs
and preferences. There is the size
of the table top when extended.
How many bins with sifters are re-
quired-one or two? Are these
opened and filled easily? And
speaking of flour sifters, there is,
in our opinion, a needed improve
ment here. 1t is the moving of
the bins and sitter from the left
of the cabinet to the right when
there is only one provided. 1t is
much more convenient. We won
der if the designer of the first
cabinet was left-handed, for the
sitter, If there is only one. Is al
ways at the left!
How many drawers are needed
and what depth is required? The
cutlery drawer should not be so
shallow that cutlery flies out when
the drawer is opened quickly.
Neither should the other drawers
be so deep that space is wasted.
Are the fittings simple and sturdy?
What is needed in storage jars as
to number and capacity? Have
these jars a wide mouth for con-
venient measuring from them, and
are the covers easily adjusted?
At the Institute we keep cabt-
nets under test for months to in.
vestigate thoroughly what we
might cali hidden values" which
are revealed only after extended
use. Does the plating on the hard.
ware resist wear? Is the hardware
rust proof? Do the catches stand
up well under constant service?
Do the doors sag owing to faulty
construction? Does the wood
warp or crack? Is the finish
durable? Are the drawer-pull
and casters thoroughly satisfac