Kitchen Design
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Determine the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen
Kitchen work triangle got you running around in circles? Boiling over about where to put the range? This guide is for you
The kitchen work triangle can feel like a mystery to some homeowners. The term is thrown about quite often in kitchen design — but how necessary is it? Since appliances can easily be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, deciding what can fit into your new kitchen and where it will go is an important and personal decision. These professional tips from four Houzz architects and designers can help you figure out an appliance layout that works for you.
“The kitchen work triangle doesn’t have to be a triangle,” says architect Hiromi Ogawa. “I think it’s called a triangle so that people understand that those three pieces work together. But the most important thing is workflow, and this can be different depending on the space and the owner’s needs.”
Above all else, make sure the route between your three work centers — prep, cooking and cleanup — stays clear and direct. “It’s OK to spread them out, but just make sure the cook doesn’t have to go around the island to get from one spot to another,” says architect Heather McKinney.
For larger kitchens, these work centers can be divided into different zones with their own individual work triangles. A prep sink might be located next to the refrigerator, while the microwave and cleanup zone might be closer to the main sink.
Above all else, make sure the route between your three work centers — prep, cooking and cleanup — stays clear and direct. “It’s OK to spread them out, but just make sure the cook doesn’t have to go around the island to get from one spot to another,” says architect Heather McKinney.
For larger kitchens, these work centers can be divided into different zones with their own individual work triangles. A prep sink might be located next to the refrigerator, while the microwave and cleanup zone might be closer to the main sink.
Some less frequently used appliances might be better off placed away from the main kitchen work zone. Wall ovens can be set remotely if the cooktop is central. Make sure you zone the kitchen for cooking and for socializing. “If you can keep circulation from crisscrossing the chef’s work zone, it really helps to keep the kitchen feeling and functioning more efficiently,” says McKinney.
Picking Appliance Sizes
"It's important not to get too hung up on the appliances or the cabinets," says Ogawa. "Let them inform the other." Sometimes a large appliance can compromise storage or counter space. If you have to compromise on something because of an appliance, ask yourself if the appliance — no matter how much you love it — really needs to be that big.
"It's important not to get too hung up on the appliances or the cabinets," says Ogawa. "Let them inform the other." Sometimes a large appliance can compromise storage or counter space. If you have to compromise on something because of an appliance, ask yourself if the appliance — no matter how much you love it — really needs to be that big.
While 30-inch ovens are standard in the United States, ovens run closer to 24 inches throughout most of Europe. Architect Amy Alper suggests looking into an oven between between the two sizes — around 27 inches wide — if you’re running low on space. These smaller ovens heat quickly and are very economical.
Shop ovens on Houzz
Shop ovens on Houzz
Glen advises keeping your appliances in proportion with one another. A 48-inch refrigerator might end up overwhelming a 30-inch range. Having a massive refrigerator that sticks out beyond your counters won't just interrupt your traffic space; it's unsightly too.
Alper also suggests looking into undercounter appliances. While they're often more expensive because they need to be built in, they help minimize counter clutter and can be easily accessed. Countertops often work well for appliances not used every day and that can be stored away most of the time.
Alper also suggests looking into undercounter appliances. While they're often more expensive because they need to be built in, they help minimize counter clutter and can be easily accessed. Countertops often work well for appliances not used every day and that can be stored away most of the time.
Small Kitchens
Appliances can be tricky in kitchens with limited square footage. While a smaller kitchen may have a more straightforward work triangle, sometimes it just won't work with the layout. Even so, a smaller area also makes it easy to keep everything close at hand.
Appliances can be tricky in kitchens with limited square footage. While a smaller kitchen may have a more straightforward work triangle, sometimes it just won't work with the layout. Even so, a smaller area also makes it easy to keep everything close at hand.
"The style of kitchen and space available sometimes dictates what achieves the best space overall," says Glen. If you can't get an appliance triangle to work in a small kitchen, make sure your storage for food and tools is in an appropriate space — that can help with the workflow. Alper suggests a galley style as an alternative — having the sink, oven and fridge on one wall and the prep space opposite can work well in small kitchens.
Be honest about how much space you can devote to appliances. “I can think of almost no useful appliance that doesn’t need 2 feet of depth,” says McKinney. But also think carefully about what you truly need. A range and oven may provide a small kitchen with more counter space, but if you really need two wall ovens, stick with those instead. In the end, it’s always about what works best for your home.
Consult a kitchen designer about your appliance layout
More:
Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen
Kitchen Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
Consult a kitchen designer about your appliance layout
More:
Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen
Kitchen Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
"The work triangle is important, but it isn't the only solution," says interior designer Alison Glen. Traditionally, kitchen layouts revolve around a basic connection between the refrigerator, stove and sink. While this shape keeps everything within arm's reach while you're cooking, sticking to it too strictly can actually make a kitchen's design more complicated.
More about the kitchen work triangle