Kitchen Essential

The busiest area in the kitchen (called the ‘work triangle’ by the experts) is around the sink,fridge and stove. Position these units close to each other, with work surfaces next to them. Doors should not interfere with the safe operation of appliances, nor should appliance doors interfere with one another.

No major traffic patterns should cross through the basic work triangle. Put tall cabinets outside the work triangle. The food preparation area should be between the sink and the stove, linked by a long work surface. The most important distance is between the sink and the hob as this is the most frequently trodden path.

THE SINK

If a kitchen has only one sink, locate it adjacent to or across from the cooking surface and fridge. Include a section of continuous countertop immediately next to a sink for food preparation. Locate the dishwasher as close as possible to the clean-up area. Include at least two waste receptacles; one near the cleanup/prep sink and a second one, for recyclable material, somewhere else in the kitchen.

Stainless steel and vitreous enamel are the most practical surfaces for sinks. Ceramic bowls are also popular. Whatever you choose, make sure your sink is big enough to cope with bulky items like roasting pans (let pots cool on the hob before you put them into the sink) and allow at least 300 mm of work surface on either side of the bowl. If work surface is at a premium, consider a sink with a slide-over draining board and look out for space saving corner fittings. Factor in a water purification system and a waste disposal system.

Cabinets above a sink contribute to a feeling of claustrophobia, so to enjoy the view and to keep plumbing costs down, position the sink on an outer wall under a window. Alternatively, have the food preparation area by the window and install the sink in an island that faces into the room.

Have a work surface next to the fridge, so that you have somewhere to put things. Tall units like the fridge and grocery cupboard must not separate two primary work centers. However, a recessed tall corner unit is acceptable as it will not interrupt the workflow.

THE TAPS

There is an enormous range of products to choose from, from designer taps and mixers in a variety of combinations and finishes, to state of the art water control technology. Consider kitchen mixers with retractable hand sprays.

THE STOVE

Even if you have a narrow kitchen, never put the stove in a corner or by a door that might bump you while you are cooking. Allow at least 500 mm between the back of the unit and the wall, and allow work space on either side for hot dishes and pots. If possible, the hob and sink should be on the same run of units rather than opposite each other.

For safety, do not position the cooking surface under an operable window. Any fabrics near the cooking surface should be flame-retardant, and a fire extinguisher should be located near the door, away from the stove.

Counter tops alongside the oven and hob should be kept free of clutter, to allow plenty of space for pots, pans and serving bowls.

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