Cooking Center

Carol Friedland, Kleinpeter, Shelly

LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.

Hybrid induction and radiant smooth cooktop

Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour

This cooktop combines both induction and radiant heating processes. Induction cooktops operate by copper coils transmitting energy to a pot that heats the contents. This prevents the actual surface of the stove from getting hot, which can be safer as it prevents burns. If food spills on the surface, the lack of surface heat prevents it from burning and crusting on the surface, and you can adjust temperatures much more quickly and accurately. However, only magnetic cookware will work on induction stovetops as the coils cannot transfer heat to glass or ceramic. Additionally, these are typically more expensive than traditional options.

Radiant cooktops use a more straightforward method of heating. The cooktop’s surface becomes hot, which heats the cookware regardless of the material. These are more common and much cheaper than induction. However, the hot surface can create a risk for burns, and it’s much more difficult to control the temperature.

Having a hybrid cooktop with both induction and radiant heating methods gives you the option to use a more accurate and safe induction, but you will not have to throw out non-magnetic pots and pans as you still have the option to use radiant. Additionally, it gives you more control when cooking as certain foods may require more precise temperature control compared to others.

Quiet, inline hood exhaust

This hood exhaust is extremely quiet because the motor is stored in the attic instead of in the kitchen. Because it is quieter, people are more likely to use it while and after they cook.

Using a hood exhaust while you cook is very important for your home’s indoor air quality. While you cook, invisible, fine particles are released into the air, which can irritate the respiratory system. Using a hood exhaust while cooking and for 10 minutes after eliminates this risk and keeps the air in your home healthy.

Countertop microwave

A microwave situated lower on the countertop as opposed to high above a stove is more accessible to a person in a wheelchair as it does not require a long reach or assistance to operate.

Knee space or cart storage

Knee space under counters ensures people who use wheelchairs can access the entire counter. Open space under a counter can also be used for storage and to stow away less used appliances.

Cookware drawers

It’s very important to have adequate storage space for your cooking equipment to keep the kitchen organized and dangerous objects like sharp knives out of a child’s reach. Ensuring everything is stored properly makes the kitchen safer and more efficient.

10/24/2022 7:00:12 PM
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