Kitchen and Types of Kitchen Layouts
The kitchen is one of the most important and difficult spaces to design as various activities such as cooking, washing utensils, cutting fruits and veggies, appliances, and equipment required for efficient working, and storage spaces have to be carefully organized to ensure a smooth functioning and visually coherent space. Let us explore various types of Kitchen Layouts.
It is necessary to coordinate working and circulation spaces harmoniously for an efficiently designed kitchen.
The height of the work counter, circulation between cabinets, accessibility to overhead and under-counter storage spaces, proper visibility, and ventilation are the primary aspects to design an efficient kitchen.
Three elements are fundamental to the placement of kitchen planning: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove. These elements define the preparation zone, the washing zone, and the cooking zone. Together form the working triangle.
- The washing zone:
- It consists of a sink and dishwasher. The sink can have either one or two compartments depending on the space for washing and rinsing. It is also ideal for having a trash bin close to the sink to dispose of the trash.
- The Preparation Zone:
- It consists of a refrigerator and an adjacent counter workspace for preparing food. The refrigerator should be placed in close proximity to the pantry so that it is easily accessible for preparation.
- The Cooking Zone:
- The cooking zone consists of the stove or a combination of a cooktop and a wall oven. There must be sufficient heat resistance counter space on both sides.
Working Triangle
The ideal length of the segments that comprise the working triangle is 12 to 22 ft.
Types of Kitchen Layouts:
Types of Kitchen Layouts vary depending on the space available and each layout is arranged along the walls, carefully planned to organize appliances.
Single wall Kitchen
A single counter with a row of appliances arranged against a wall.
Ideal for long narrow rooms or studio apartments where the kitchen is made the central focus of the room.
The most practical plan should include counter space on both sides of each major appliance. The refrigerator should be placed at one end of the wall.
Galley kitchen/corridor kitchen
A galley kitchen has two parallel counters. Typically accessed from both ends.
Practically, the sink and stove (cooking and washing zones) should be located on the same side of the kitchen and the refrigerator should be located on the opposite side of the wall.
The counters should be at least 4 feet apart to provide adequate working space.
L-shaped Kitchen
In this layout, counters and appliances are organized along two walls continuously.
This arrangement can work for both small and large kitchens; however, the working triangle should be kept in an optimal range.
The L-shaped kitchen allows for the location of a small breakfast area in the opposite corner.
U-shaped Kitchen
In this layout, counters and appliances are organized along three walls.
A U-shaped plan is the most efficient providing floor space for several simultaneous activities.
Ideal for large-sized kitchens, however, the working triangle should be kept in an optimal range.
Island Kitchen
The island kitchen has a U-shaped counter along with a central workstation.
Provides extra space for various culinary tasks.
The central workstation can also be designed for either cooking or preparing a meal depending on the preferences of the user.
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