Attention! All tests were conducted under the supervision of specialists; it is strongly not recommended to replicate them in domestic conditions!
To determine the boundaries of what's permissible in the kitchen, we headed to Saratov. It is here, in the Middle Volga region, that one of the largest Russian kitchen furniture manufacturers is located—the "Maria" factory. Production workshops with the most modern equipment are spread across an area of 100 thousand square meters. In less than twenty years of operation, over 450 thousand kitchens have been produced here, using materials and components from leading manufacturers in Europe, the USA, and Japan.
The showroom of the factory became our testing ground. More than 20 kitchens are gathered here, many of which are unique and crafted in a single copy. We were given the opportunity to conduct experiments on display models and experimental samples specially made for our tests.
«Killing» the Countertop
Let's begin, naturally, with the countertop—the primary surface of the kitchen. It is made of DuPont's Corian artificial stone. In terms of its working characteristics, artificial stone is one of the most optimal materials for manufacturing countertops, allowing the realization of the most daring ideas in kitchen design. For our test, we were allocated a light-gray countertop: on the one hand, it allows for a brighter kitchen space, on the other hand, all defects will be immediately visible.
Let's start with some simple experiments: cutting food directly on the countertop without using a cutting board. We're not taking the easy way out, and we're diving right into slicing beets. Not only are we subjecting the countertop to the sharp edge of a knife, but we're also generously adding vibrant beet juice to the mix. The results are impressive. Yes, we have some small scratches from the knife, but there is no trace of the beet juice after wiping the surface with a damp sponge.
We complicate the task by pouring a vial of iodine onto the table. It seems that we are about to get a permanent blue-yellow stain. For the purity of the experiment, we let the spilled iodine sit for a bit. We easily remove the majority of the liquid with a dry cloth, but a faint trace remains on the surface. Attempting to eliminate the consequences with a regular detergent, but there is no certainty that it will work. A few effortless circular motions, and before us is the surface in its original state. It's hard to believe that the medical preparation disappears without a trace after the application of a simple cleaning agent.
We move on to tests with hot objects. We sequentially place a frying pan, taken off the stove, on the countertop, cool down a tray heated to 200 degrees, pour caramel, and let a candle drip. None of these actions leave any traces on the artificial stone countertop. The hot objects and products test has been passed excellently.
However, we still found a way to cause a defect on the artificial stone countertop by placing burning charcoal for a hookah on it. We got carried away with the experiment and left the glowing charcoal at a temperature of 500 degrees for more than 10 minutes. After removing the small fire, we discovered two white spots the size of a ten-ruble coin. We attempted to rectify the situation using abrasive cleaning agents, but the 'burns' are so deep that even with this method, we cannot remove them ourselves.
A service team from the company comes to the rescue here. Ten minutes of polishing and sanding, and we once again see the perfect coating, just like before the tests began. All the small scratches left by knives, sponges, and other objects have disappeared without a trace. However, it was not possible to completely remove the stains from the hot coals, but their size has significantly decreased. So, with a repeated sanding later on, it will be possible to get rid of them as well.
Hell for the Facade
After the countertop, we move on to the kitchen cabinet fronts. They are, of course, less susceptible to the negative influence of kitchen utensils, but they shape the beauty and coziness. They are also the first thing guests notice. As a test sample, we have chosen the Antro Stone model. Its facade is a fusion of scientific achievements, quality, aesthetics, and design. It is made of slate stone veneer and is an entirely natural material. Thin sheets of stone are obtained by splitting slate rocks, unlike cutting other similar materials. On the reverse side, the stone is reinforced with fiberglass and special resin, resulting in a thin layer of sufficiently large formats for use in the furniture industry.
The arsenal of tools for experimenting with facades is impressive: knives, brushes, a dustpan, a plate, a gas burner, and even a child with a set of toy cars. Can a modern facade panel withstand the pressure of such artillery? The tools change, and the panel only receives minor damage. Small scratches and light chips—that's all the consequences. Moreover, all defects can be easily polished with a damp microfiber. Minor imperfections disappear right before your eyes, and larger ones become less noticeable after a few procedures.
The biggest concern in this experiment was the process of using the gas burner on the material. Despite the use of slate in the finish, its thickness is small. If the surface is heated uniformly with a flame, no injuries will be inflicted. However, localized heating can damage the surface, so it is not recommended to deliberately direct the flame to one point!
The drawer game
As a final experiment, we test the durability and functionality of pull-out drawers equipped with German Hettich hardware. We invite a four-year-old child to climb into the box and play in it. The child's weight has no impact on the functionality of the drawers. They can be easily pushed in with a light hand movement.
To make it more challenging, we fill the storage compartments with weights. We have three projectiles weighing 16, 24, and 32 kilograms in our arsenal. Only when fully loaded do we need to exert a little effort to close the drawer. It is worth noting that the accumulated weight is not the limit; we could easily add several more kilograms. So, if you plan to turn part of your kitchen into a small gym, feel free to do so. And as for putting too many frying pans and pots in one pull-out drawer, you don't even have to worry about it.
For our experiment, we chose the most advanced materials and hardware used in the production of kitchens by the 'Maria' factory. We subjected them to extreme loads that they are unlikely to encounter in normal life. The results were truly impressive. Many everyday situations that happen in the kitchen will not disappoint you with damaged furniture. This means it will bring joy to your family for many years. By the way, in 2018, 'Maria' kitchens doubled the warranty on their products to 20 years.
Source: "Popular Mechanics"