Countertop Materials

Countertop Materials

Countertop material for a dark room?


We are going to build a home for some clients who want a dark room. The homeowner is into photography and developing photographs. What material of countertops would be durable and not be messed up with the chemicals used in a dark room? I dont think she wants granite.

Stainless steel would be the best for the wet side. Look for a commercial kitchen supply house near you. Formica will stain and chip over time with some of the different chemicals one could end up using... and the same goes for plastics.. Plus, the plastics crack in time and stain easily.. Plan for future use of almost anything, including color chemicals as well as slide developing chemicals. What is said and wanted today means nothing a year from now.... I clean house paints, brushes and rollers in mine. Re-load my bulk inks from my Epson printer in the sink. Use the counter for small repairs of different things. It's NOT just a dark room at times...

For the dry side, where the enlargers are I would go ahead and use white Formica. It cleans up easy and is smooth. Many think a dark room needs to be black or dark colors. This is NOT true. If the room is light tight, it will be - dark - regardless of the colors of the walls and counters.

My darkrooms have been white walled, ceilings and counters for years now with accent colors of royal blue (Beseler Enlarger colors) and splashes of Nikon yellow and red. The red lights used for paper developing fill the room with their soft glow and the white walls allow ALL the corners to be seen well and nothing - hides - in a dark area. I have the red lights on their own circuit and have them on a dimmer switch as well.

Classes I have given in the past have benefited from this "bright" concept and took many by surprise thinking they were going to be in a dark, dim, cramped and dank, humid environment. In stead they walked into something akin to a electronics - white room - (from NASA) and it was well ventilated and airy.. The ceiling white lights are 3 banks of 2 each florescence light fixtures which looked like they could have come out of, again, a lab. They were NOT bare bulbed but were in covered housings and the tubes are of the high kelvin series to resemble daylight. The room is bright and colorful.

When doing color and ALL lights have to be off there were strategically located LED clocks and timers for the enlargers to give one a sense of direction, Cardinal Points, and it was easy to navigate in the dark (unless full of other people, then it became a classic example of Diplomacy when bumping into the wrong body parts of the wrong person)..... ;-)

But for the wet side stainless steel is almost a must unless the owners don't care about discoloration and cracking down the road. My motto is : Built it once..!! Use it forever..!

Bob - Tucson

Magic American 50332005 14-Ounce Magic Countertop Magic.
Magic American 50332005 14-Ounce Magic Countertop Magic.
Sale Price: $8.96
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

All purpose cleaner formulated to protect and maintain the beauty and gloss finish on all laminates and solid surface countertops. Recommended for Corian, Silestone, Wilsonart Swanstone, and Zodiaq. Quickly and easily removes food deposits, grease, and gr

Features

  • #50332005 14-Ounce Magic Counter Cleaner
  • MAGIC AMERICAN CORP/HOMAX
Cuisinart WCH-1500 CleanWater 2-Gallon Countertop Water-Filtration System
Cuisinart WCH-1500 CleanWater 2-Gallon Countertop Water-Filtration System
List Price: $270.00
Sale Price: $146.86
You save: $123.14 (46%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

WCH-1500 Features: -Filtration system. -2.0 Gallon tank capacity. -Dispenses hot (194 F), cold (44 F) and room-temperature filtered water. -Blue/red LED lights indicate when water is ready. -Energy saver reduces energy usage by more than 50pct. -Brushed stainless steel housing. -GF-80 filter reduces contaminants that can alter taste like lead, chlorine, mercury, benzene, cadmium, copper, tetrachloroethylene and toluene. -Filter life is 3 months' average household use (up to 48 gallons). -Overall dimensions: 17.5'' H x 11.5'' W x 13.2'' D .

Features

  • 2-gallon countertop water-filtration system dispenses hot, cold, or room-temperature water
  • Dual spigots; push-button controls; child-safety lock; LED proper-temperature indicator lights
  • Energy Saver function; removable, upper water tank with flip-top lid for easy filling
  • 3-month replaceable filter removes impurities; 12-week filter timer; brushed stainless-steel base
  • Measures approximately 13-1/5 by 11-1/2 by 17-1/2 inches; 3-year limited warranty
Cuisinart CVR-1000 Vertical Countertop Rotisserie with Touchpad Controls
Cuisinart CVR-1000 Vertical Countertop Rotisserie with Touchpad Controls
List Price: $365.00
Sale Price: $141.06
You save: $223.94 (61%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The Cuisinart Vertical Rotisserie seals in nutritious juices and drains away unwanted fat for healthier meals. To keep the temperature consistent, removable chrome insert reflects heat as the rotisserie turns, and a 3-hour countdown timer with auto-shut-off ensures perfect timing. Cuisinart includes accessories to cook poultry, fish, vegetables, roasts and shish kebabs, as well as a recipe book with even more options.

Features

  • Vertical countertop rotisserie in brushed stainless steel with 8-pound food capacity
  • Touchpad controls and LCD readout; 5 preset temperature settings; nonstick interior
  • Removable chrome insert for even heating; interior light; dishwasher-safe parts
  • Includes 8-piece skewer set, roasting rack, poultry tower, multi-purpose basket, and drip tray
  • Measures approximately 16 by 15-3/5 by 17-1/2 inches; 3-year limited warranty
Oster 6297 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel
Oster 6297 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel
List Price: $89.99
Sale Price: $59.24
You save: $30.75 (34%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

When inspiration strikes, breathe life into your cuisine with the Oster Inspire 6 slice toaster Oven. This Toaster oven is stainless steel with silver accents to enhance contemporary kitchens. It has a convection technology to speed up results and extra space inside to allow for 12" pizzas. This toaster oven is truly exceptional.

Features

  • 6-slice toaster oven with convection technology for faster cooking
  • 2 rack positions; 150- to 450-degree F thermostat; light to dark toast settings
  • Glass door; 60-minute timer with auto shut-off; Cool-Touch side handles
  • Nonstick interior; removable crumb tray; baking pan and broiler insert included
  • Measures 17 by 14 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler
List Price: $185.00
Sale Price: $82.61
You save: $102.39 (55%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The Cuisinart Griddler makes multifunctional an understatement! With five separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and Panini. A floating cover, and one set of reversible plates that snap in and out, turn the Griddler into a Contact Grill, a Panini Press, a Full Grill, a Full Griddle, or Half Grill/Grill Griddle. Dual temperature controls ensure everything is perfectly cooked!

Features

  • 5-in-1countertop unit works as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
  • Brushed stainless-steel housing; sturdy panini-style handle; floating cover to adjust to thickness of food
  • Removable and reversible nonstick cooking plates drain grease for healthy cooking; integrated drip tray
  • Adjustable temperature controls with indicator lights; gourmet recipes and scraping tool included
  • Plates, drip tray, and scraper are dishwasher-safe; 3-year limited warranty
Extra Long Screws with Clips for Thick Countertops
Extra Long Screws with Clips for Thick Countertops
List Price: $29.00
Sale Price: $18.56
You save: $10.44 (36%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

LK463 Use this set of extra long sink screws with clips for thick countertop installations. This package includes 3 sets of 14 screws, 28 nuts, and 1 set of 14 clips. Features: -Package includes 3 sets of 14 screws, 28 nuts, and 1 set of 14 clips -Fits U channel sinks -Use with 1.625'', 2'', 2.5'' thick countertops Specification Sheet and Installation Instructions

Features

  • Elkay
  • LK463
  • Sink Installation Hardware
Waring Pro DF55 Professional Mini 1-2/7-Pound-Capacity Stainless-Steel Deep Fryer
Waring Pro DF55 Professional Mini 1-2/7-Pound-Capacity Stainless-Steel Deep Fryer
List Price: $95.00
Sale Price: $49.99
You save: $45.01 (47%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Waring has been making products for commercial kitchens for over 60 years. Today, Waring Pro brings the experts right in to your kitchen, with premium, commercial quality products for home use. The Waring Pro Mini Deep Fryer is a compact and efficient way to quickly fry up restaurant style foods at home. Convenient easy way to operate and easy to clean, Waring Pro products make family meals entertaining simple and delicious.

Features

  • Stainless-steel deep fryer with 1-2/7-pound food capacity
  • 1500-watt immersion-style heating element for fast results
  • 2-quart oil container; adjustable heat; "power" and "ready" indicators
  • Heavy mesh frying basket; stay-cool handles; dishwasher-safe parts
  • Measures 14 by 10-1/5 by 11-4/5 inches
Black Diamond CC24OZ Granite Cleaner, 24-Ounce
Black Diamond CC24OZ Granite Cleaner, 24-Ounce
Sale Price: $9.99
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Features

  • Streak Free
  • Non Toxic
  • PH Neutral
  • Leaves your counters looking great
  • Ready to use
Cuisinart WCH-1000 CleanWater 1-1/2-Gallon Countertop Water-Filtration System
Cuisinart WCH-1000 CleanWater 1-1/2-Gallon Countertop Water-Filtration System
List Price: $185.00
Sale Price: $97.15
You save: $87.85 (47%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The most convenient way to enjoy cleaner, fresher water anytime you want it - chilled or room temperature. The Cuisinart CleanWater Countertop Filtration system dispenses refreshing filtered water right from the kitchen countertop, and eliminates the need for costly bottled water alternatives. It's healthy, smart and simple - CleanWater is the future of drinking water.

Features

  • Countertop water-filtration system dispenses chilled or room-temperature water
  • Blue LED light indicates when water has properly chilled to 44 degrees F
  • 1-1/2-gallon capacity; removable, upper water tank with flip-top lid for easy filling
  • 3-month replaceable filter removes impurities; handy 12-week filter timer
  • Measures approximately 11 by 10-1/2 by 17-1/2 inches; 3-year limited warranty
Cuisinart CMW-200 1-1/5-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill
Cuisinart CMW-200 1-1/5-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill
List Price: $450.00
Sale Price: $229.99
You save: $220.01 (49%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Cuisinart presents a countertop oven that's the ultimate combination of size, style and smarts. The big, 1.2 cubic foot Microwave Convection Oven and Grill looks like it belongs in a high-end commercial kitchen. Brushed stainless steel and black frame a sleek control panel that offers single and combinations settings for an unlimited number of cooking options. A multi-stage cooking feature that automatically shifts form one function to another makes perfect results easier than ever. This is a new generation of microwave - and It's from Cuisinart, of course!

Features

  • 1000-watt countertop convection microwave oven and grill
  • 1-1/5 cubic-foot interior; 12-inch rotating glass tray for even heating
  • Touchpad control panel; 9 preset options, plus grill function; multi-stage cooking
  • Defrost by weight or time; reversible grill rack; instructions/recipes included
  • Measures 23-2/3 by 21 by 14-3/5 inches; 3-year limited warranty