Kitchen Layouts

Kitchen Layouts

Modular Kitchens have some basic layouts. Based on the size of the family and the size of the kitchen, you can decide on the layout of the kitchen. Cooking can broadly be divided into preparation, cooking and serving/storage. If these activities can be done efficiently, this means the workflow in the kitchen is good.
Work flow in the kitchen is expressed as a triangle. The triangle has the sink at one corner, the stove at another and the refrigerator at the third corner. What this represents are the preparation (sink), cooking (stove) and serve/store (refrigerator) areas. For anyone who has spent some time in a kitchen knows the importance of having ingredients at hand, where to find the utensils, and reliable appliances. The classic triangle addresses just that. Equally important therefore is the layout of the kitchen, which optimally uses the spaces and aids easy the work flow.
Some basic questions you need to ask before choosing a layout are: 1. Do I need to walk far to take water to boil the vegetables on the cook top? 2. How much preparation space do I need to peel, chop and dice? 3. Are the common ingredients I need to cook near the stove or are they out of reach? 4. Can two or more cooks do their work at the same time without intruding into each other’s space? 5. Do I need an eating area in the kitchen? In cities where space is a premium, small apartments generally have small kitchens. These kitchens are sometimes long and narrow.
One-wall kitchen
A one-wall kitchen design is perfect for such kitchens. The classic triangle will most likely be in a single line. To avoid walking long distance while cooking, it is ideal if the sink is in the middle.

L-shaped kitchen
The L-shaped kitchen design plan is very popular, and is good if the family likes spending time in the kitchen. This kitchen allows for more storage than a one-wall kitchen. A preparation area needs to separate the sink, fridge and stove.

U-shape kitchen
The U-shape kitchen design plan can be thought of as a corridor-shape plan—but with a closed end. The closed end gives extra room for a range or a sink. This arrangement maintains good workflow. The closed end also provides plenty of space for extra cabinets. The fridge, sink and stove can be spaced out well. This arrangement maintains good workflow.

Galley kitchen
The galley kitchen or parallel counter kitchen layout is the preferred kitchen layout for chefs. The space between the countertops must be adequate to prevent congestion. A minimum of 2.5 feet and optimally of 4 feet should be there between the counters. The sink and stove are put on one side and the preparation and storage sides on the other.

Island kitchen
An island kitchen is the right choice for those with more space. An independent unit can serve as cooking or preparation area with ample storage space below the counter top of the island. Sometimes families use islands as an informal dining area for the family. This allows the cook to interact with the rest of the family while cooking.

It is important that the island does not have point corners. If the island has appliances fitted in, the doors could open onto people seated around the island. Adequate space needs to be provided around the island for movement. A good layout ensures easy cooking and fun culinary experiences for the family. So think about the cooking and eating habits of your family before you zero in on a suitable kitchen layout.

Author: Editor

Comments

Posted By: Vox Populi	Date: 2/3/2009

great article!

Posted By: Vox Populi	Date: 2/3/2009

Do you have photographs?

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