I plan to have my oven built into my kitchen cabinets. But I am concerned about the heat damaging the surrounding laminates.

Sophie: The problem may not be with the laminates’ quality but the cabinet’s design. Built-in appliances have been the norm in the West for decades, but only recently become must-haves here.

Some ovens are not designed to be inserted into a cabinet, like a tabletop model. Built-in ovens come with strict installation specifications. The carpenter must make the proper ventilation allowances, so the heat will not damage the cabinet walls.

Kitchen laminates are high-tech surfaces designed to withstand extreme heat from pots placed directly onto it. It would take intense heat over a period of time before they start to blister or peel away.

Get a kitchen specialist to plan your cabinetry and be responsible for the installation of your key appliances.