NWG Resources :: Designing a Kitchen

Kitchen Geometry

Traditionally a kitchen layout is based on a triangle(s). The perimeter of the triangle should not be greater than 26 feet. This is a triangle from sink to stove to refrigerator, or from island work surface to sink to range or from an island to sink to refrigerator. When an island is introduced, more than one triangle is generated. It is not unusual to have 3 working triangles in an efficiently planned kitchen and multiple work/preparation surfaces.

Traffic patterns are an important part of planning an efficient kitchen and should not interfere with the primary working triangle (work surface, sink and range). Try to place the traffic pattern on the other side of an island from the prep and cook area (triangle with stove/range).

When planning the locations of major appliances, there are several primary rules to consider:

Dishwasher - Are you right or left handed? Allow sufficient space between the dishwasher door and cabinet when dishwasher is installed in a corner (allow a minimum of 3 inches from open door to the face of a cabinet, when the cabinet is set in a corner). Walking area in front of an open dishwasher is important and is often overlooked. A good kitchen planner will allow for a minimum of 21 inches of standing room on the loading side of the dishwasher. Do not exceed 36" inches of distance from the center of the sink to the nearest edge of a dishwasher when installed on the sink wall (often called the plumbing wall).

Wall Ovens - Do not place a wall oven beside a major entry to kitchen area as a open hot oven door is a hazard to children and pets. A wall oven opening parallel to the traffic pattern is permissible. A wall oven that opens perpendicular to a narrow island corridor is also a safety hazard. Place a wall oven in a non-traffic pattern corner or a minimum of 30" past the end of an island to allow front access without interfering with traffic patterns or at least 48 inches from an island cabinet face when place behind an island.

Microwave - When planning to install a microwave in a base cabinet, set it just below the counter (minimum of 24 inches to floor from bottom of door). If set in a tall cabinet, try to keep the bottom of the door no more than 48 inches from the floor. This rule of thumbs goes out the window when a wall oven/microwave combination is used. Forget that drawer below the oven when using an oven/microwave combination as the microwave becomes too high. Remember that microwaves produce very hot items. When a microwave is installed as a microwave/hood combination, always follow the manufacturer's specifications for the distance above the range as the air flow capacity is based on the height above the range and falls quickly the greater the distance from the range.

Refrigerators - Beware of setting a refrigerator into a corner. Allow sufficient space beside the wall and the side of the refrigerator to allow the door to open enough to permit the interior drawers to easily open and be removed for cleaning (usually 15-16" minimum). This is a common problem and is often overlooked. Allow at least 42" (48 inches is preferable) from the face of a refrigerator and an island cabinet face. A refrigerator should have an adjacent counter on the side opposite the door hinges to allow for loading/unloading. On a double door unit, the counter is adjacent to the side opposite to the freezer side (then one does not have to reach around the door to place items on the counter). If possible allow an inset into the wall where a refrigerator is installed to allow for better ventilation and room for water and electric lines. Allow a counter area 15 inches deep minimum when the refrigerator opens towards an island.

Countertop allowances are the last major item to consider. The main food preparation area requires at least 36 inches of clear width not shared by any counter appliances. This preparation area is generally beside the sink or in front of the sink cabinet when placed on an island. When an island is used try to allow at least 24 inches of clear space on one side of the sink (think right/left handed) with a minimum of 18-20 inches on the other side of the sink. You should have at least 15-16 inches of clear counter on one side of the range/cooktop and a minimum of 9 inches on the other side (again, think right/left handed). A wall oven needs at least 15-16 inches on one side of the oven to allow for loading/unloading (generally this is placed on the sink or range side of the oven).

Bar or eating areas that are part of an island or against a kitchen wall should have a clearance below the counter (knee space) that is a minimum of 12 inches deep to face of wall or cabinet below. If the counter is supported by wall mounted corbels or brackets, allow a minimum of 16-19 inches (your kneecaps will appreciate it).

Lighting is a big consideration in a kitchen but will be addressed in another document.