Evaluate how well a Buffet meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a buffet and you've learned about the different features of these pieces. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of buffet - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the buffets available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed choices to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Buffet meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available buffets in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any that clearly exceed your price limit.
Before you go shopping, gather all the items or think about the items, you intend to store in your buffet. This will give you an estimate of the overall size and configuration of storage features that will best meet your needs. For instance, if you are you a wine enthusiast, you might choose a buffet with a built in wine rack or wineglass holder to showcase your collection.
Tip: Consider using a buffet as a stand for your flat panel television! A buffet also looks lovely in a foyer or entry hall, or in any room in your home where you desire storage and display space.
Adjustable shelving is a useful feature for a buffet's cabinetry, allowing for maximum storage potential. Some buffets feature open display shelving while others have glass fronted doors and lighted cabinets. Molding or carving on the door panel and the door hardware are unique design features that quickly catch the eye.
Lighted cabinets usually have glass shelving that allows the light to reach the bottom shelves. On lighted cabinets, look for a feature called touch lighting that turns the lights on with the simple touch of a finger to the door hinge.
Test a buffet's drawers for smooth and sturdy operation. Drawer's joints may be simply glued together, or higher quality pieces will have dovetail joints. Dovetails are mortises and tenons that form a strong, long lasting joint. The drawer glides should be sturdy and secure. Fully extending glides allow the drawer to safely extend the full length of the drawer so you can easily see all the contents, and self-closing glides gently close the drawer with just a gentle push.
Tip: To protect your cutlery and serving utensils, choose a buffet with felt lined drawers. Built-in trays for silver are also available.
Buffets can be purchased for a conservative investment, but the sky's the limit for the price range of high end buffets. You should expect to have to assemble inexpensive buffets made of plywood and laminate faux-woods. Another alternative is an unfinished buffet that you stain or paint yourself, although these pieces can rival finished furniture in price. Buffets also come in every decorative style under the sun.
When used for serving food, take care to protect the buffet top from hot dishes and spills. Alcoholic drinks can also quickly damage a wooden buffet top. Protect the top by using a serving tray; wipe up spills immediately then dry with a clean cloth. Use felt pads under accessories and lamps to prevent scratching. Everyday care includes dusting with a soft cloth and furniture polish.
Tip: Avoid using silicone potholders or trivets on your buffet, which can cause a chemical reaction that may leave a permanent mark or stain.
When you were considering your requirements in a buffet it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as size, construction material, shelving, drawers and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various buffets meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Other Names for a Buffet
- Sideboard
- Server (drawers only, no cabinetry)
- Credenza
- Dining room dresser
- China base
Buffet Features
- Cabinetry with shelving for storing china, serving pieces or linens
- Shallow drawers for silverware or cutlery
- Flat top for serving food or displaying accessories
Dimensions
- Heights range from 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91cm)
- Depths range from 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51cm)
- Lengths range from 42 to 80 inches (107 to 203cm)
Cabinetry Features
- Adjustable shelving
- Open shelving
- Glass fronted doors
- Lighted cabinets with touch lighting
- Decorative door panels
- Door hardware
- Wine storage
Drawer Features
- Dovetailed or glued joints
- Felt lining
- Silverware trays
- Fully-extending or self-closing drawer glides
Traditional Buffet Styling
- Rich finishes on oak, cherry or mahogany woods
- Inlays or veneers
- Serpentine or bowed front
- Detailed trim and moldings
- Brass hardware
- Accessorize with matching lamps, mirrors, fine china or silver
Contemporary Buffet Styling
- Deep finishes or rich paints on unadorned hardwoods like cherry or walnut
- Straight lines, sleek shape with little trim or ornamentation
- Contemporary hardware in modern finishes
- Accessorize with modern art, sculptures, barware
Casual Buffet Styling
- Painted finishes, often distressed or antiqued, or stained pine and oak
- Often feature hand painted accents, trim and moldings
- Wooden or antiqued door and drawer pulls
- Accessorize with floral arrangements, pottery, linens
Wood Care and Warranties
- Dust regularly with soft, dry cloth and wax-free furniture polish. Dry dusting causes hairline scratches that will dull the finish over time.
- After use for food serving, wipe top with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture that can raise the grain or cause veneers to separate
- Protect the top with coasters, pads and serving trays
- Keep drawers opening smoothly by running a bar of soap or paraffin along the glides and bottom edges of each drawer
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the finish over time
- Manufacturer's warranties will never cover improper use or abuse, so always follow the specific care guidelines provided by the buffet manufacturer
- Before you make your final selection, make sure you read and understand the manufacturer's warranty and the store's return policy.
- Many stores offer extended warranties, sometimes for an additional fee.
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require.
Once you have finished evaluating the buffets available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the buffets one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Buffet compares with competing Buffets
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of buffets that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which buffet on my short-list will store and display my dining wear the best?
Which of these buffets has adjustable shelving?
Which is the easiest to care for?
Which one appears to be of the highest quality?
Which short-listed buffet has the storage I need?
Which is the best style for my decor?
Which buffet do I like the best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating buffets that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the buffet, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well it is put together. Check the assembly - is the item solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the buffet from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is it prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Are the shelves easy to move? Make sure the buffet fits in your room - some buffets look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Materials and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as using unsuitable cleaning products or accidental damage from hot pots.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Materials, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are really necessary, and whether these are included with the purchase. What else is required - do you need hot pot mats, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing furniture and décor?
- What else will you need to get the most out of your buffet?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of buffets that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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