Hi there,

In my opinion, I wouldn't place my cook-top on an island bench. I think it would be distracting trying to entertain guests whilst whipping up a mean stir-fry at the same time. I prefer an empty island bench or perhaps with a small sink. You can easily place snack bowls, drinks, serve food and have great conversation seated (or standing) at the bench. It can serve as a daytime breakfast bar or a night-time cheese & wine station.

I think prepping in front of guests can be entertaining and keeps guests pondering about what culinary delight you are putting together, without spoiling the surprise.

I love my cooktop in my island bench!

It definitely works in a social setting for us as we have people sitting around the bench - and when it is just my husband and I, I can sit on the other side of the bench & chat to him whilst he cooks.

I would never have it another way now :)

Sian, do you have your sink also in the bench?

No i have it across the walkway in line with it - that's a terrible description... here's some pics lol

Dianna and Sian, thanks. Your helpful comments from both perspectives typify how I'm struggling to know what to do. Another reason (in my mind) for the island bench is that it means we put the sink on the back wall, keeping the dirty dishes and pots less visible. My back will then be turned for clean up but that's what dish washers are for!

The inviting thing of the bench is the interactive social aspect of cooking facing our daughter doing her homework or guests enjoying pre-dinner nibbles and a glass of wine.

For me an island with lots of prep. area is more suitable for socialising in the kitchen area. l would not like my guests or particularly young children anywhere near a Cooktop in use.
good luck with what you decide.

I like my sink in the island rather than cooktop, also I'd probably forget and put a really hot pan on the top and spoil it.

I agree with Diana that an island with nothing on it or a small sink is appealing. I would never put a cooktop in an island myself or buy a house with one.I hate suspended range hoods as they interrupt sight lines and I wouldn't like anything to splatter over my guests. But as with everything, it is your house.

Because of dishwashers people spent more time at the stove than at the sink so when it comes to entertaining, it is advisable to have the cooktop away from the wall. That way you avoid looking at a wall and instead face your guests while cooking.

The disadvantage is that in most island benches you don't have a splashback. This means spills and splashes get all over the bench and the floor or even on your guests. Some people do like a little bit off privacy rather than guests checking your every move while cooking.

Therefore we suggest using an island bench with splashback and serving bench above it. This upright gives you some privacy, less visible mess and a place to sit drinks or to serve food.

I understand your dilemma openid. I am planning a new kitchen and friends, draftsman and builder are against the in island cooktop. Even so I am determined to have it that way. I like to face guests plus cook as a family so being able to do that around the bench will be much better for us. I agree as above we spend much less time at the sink.

It might be worth thinking about how much clutter you typically have on your surfaces (ie. do you always put everything away every time). I have enough clutter on my island/breakfast bench without adding dishes (if I had a sink) and pots etc. (if I had a cooktop). And I love the look of a big clean, clear expanse (when it is actually clean and clear!). Plus, I try not to be cooking when I have guests over anyway - much prefer to be just putting together nibbles while opening the red!

I have a sink in my island and it is always a struggle to keep clean and clear and takes away prep/bench space. If you like to cook at the stove when you have company, can manage the splashes and have it well positioned so as not to compromise bench space I think it would be a much better option than a sink.

Hi openid, if you like the idea of having a cooktop and/or sink built in to the island bench, to maximise space and for all the other reasons listed above, you could always opt for a two-tier island bench or one with a ledge built in. This type of design would offer guests an area to drink and eat whilst interacting with the host, without looking directly on to any mess that may occur during the preparation and cooking process. Also, a two-tier island bench frees up extra bench space.

There's a case for having a small cooktop on an island so the cook can face guests while doing some tasks (e.g. items to be quickly prepared and served immediately). But for safety I'd want to see the cooktop at a distance in from the guests' area so that jutting handles are not knocked or grabbed by children. Cooking that requires a number of pots on a cooktop for hours would be better done away from an island as it would create a barrier between cook and guests. So: choice could depend on your cuisine and culture, and we shouldn't dictate it must be one way or the other. Similar arguments apply to question of whether to have any form of sink and tap in an island.

I have been planning my rebuild for 2 years. Your layout is very similar to my lounge / dining / kitchen space, except I have a large scullery off to the side. My space is open with lots of glass and high ceilings. I am having an induction cook top on a large island (3m X 1.5m) with bar style seating, for the very reason of being able to interact with family and guests whilst cooking, as well as being able to see the tv. I am having a small sink on the island, and the main large double bowl sink in the scullery. Mess is out of sight at all times. So you can hear I am in complete agreement with you. I will add that it is becoming more common place. When I started planning and designing there were no examples, but over the years there are more examples of this layout. Can I ask which Qasair have you decided on and how high is you ceiling? I am having Qasair but may need to drop down the unit due to the height of the ceiling. Good luck, would love to see piccies when done. I'm 9 - 12 months off finishing, so can't share photos yet.

Jacqui

Thanks all for your helpful responses. It's been very interesting to see a number of you preferring not to have the main sink in the benchtop and that you spend considerably less time doing clean up.

Kathy, I'm using Cosentino's fantastic Dekton material for our bench, it is utterly immune to damage from heat.

Bargainhunter, I'm planning to use Qasair's cassette system located in the ceiling, it prevents that awful visible intrusion into the room which I also dislike. With 3 powerful and quiet fans it quite effectively captures all smells.

Lemlex Joinery and KRC33, the 2 tier approach to conceal the cooktop is something we've considered, but in our opinion it fragments the kitchen and spoils the clean and uncluttered look of our planned 3.5 x 2m benchtop. A black induction hob flush-set in dark Dekton will present a very seamless and clean look. No splashback is definitely a downside. I like the idea of guests seeing the finalisation of the cooking process and in every day life family being right there infront of us during meal prep/cooking.

Jacquoz, sounds like we're going in same direction for very similar reasons. Our ceiling is 2.9m so the Qasair cassette system will work fine for us without any drop down. We are also 9-10 months away so piccies will take a while. Hope your project works out:)

using an induction top reduces the safety risk because the surface doesn't get hot. we are currently installing an induction onto our island benchtop and we will be using a Sirius downdraft which pops up during cooking and acts as back splash and suction to remove cooking steam etc. A friend had a sink on her island and it looks dreadful during entertaining with all the plates and glasses waiting to be cleaned!

I'd like to know what your bench top is made of ?Looks great especially with the black drawers .

Thanks every one, I was excited to read all your comments and it confirms what I was thinking about putting a cook top in the island, that's a big fat yes. My mum has built a new kitchen and put the cooktop at one end ( the short end ) we all sit around the three other sides it's the go to place in house we sit there for hours chatting, interestingly she put in a cheap ceiling fan vent like the ones you find in bathrooms and loves it she's never had a problem with smells, vapour, smoke.

Personally I like the minimalist look and love the look of a clear space of an island. I do agree the kitchen range hood can be very intrusive some are so in your face they are just horrible . I have seen on one of those Grand Design shows where the owner had their island bench fitted with a second bench top which rolled across to reveal a cook top, this doubled the width of the bench giving ample space for seating/dining and interaction while cooking, whilst minimal when not in use. This give the best of both worlds.

As I have ocean views from my kitchen, I've placed the cooktop on the island bench facing the views. The sink is on the opposite wall with a mirrored splash back to capitalise on the views.
Really happy with the decision. The island bench is 3m long with half of it open underneath allowing people to sit comfortably on both sides. I have no exhaust system or splash back but clean up is easy.
I love being able to prep up & cook from the same station, rather than moving from island to cooktop & being able to socialise at the same time.

Openid the Qasair extractors recommended for induction are the Westmore and Eastmore. The Westmore is recommended being installed 750mm high over the cook top, the Westmore 600mm. So I will need a duct. Has someone advised you other wise? You kitchen sounds great.

I had a similar design challenge, and was worried about the cooktop being in the island. But it was the best choice for the space. Having now lived with it I absolutely love the design. Its a very efficient space and is incredibly social. Nice wide island bench (900mm) makes it safe around the cooktop without the risk of anyone bumping a pot. And I love my deep sink for hiding dishes in a small open kitchen.
And on another note my bench top pantry with roller door rocks!! ;)
Good luck with your design!

Keita M can I please ask which company you used for your kitchen, in particular your roller door pantry!? We have a very similar kitchen which we are in the process of designing (we even have the vaulted ceiling!) and I have been looking for something like that. I also never considered installing a cooktop without an exhaust system, great idea.

Hi, I came up with the design and contracted a local cabinet maker (I'm in Gladstone Qld). They recommended Tambortech roller doors. I chose to use Elfa wire shelves inside, more costly than the melamine shelves the cabinet makers wanted to put in but more flexible in design and let's light through. Also much more aesthetic!
Also used an internal led strip light and a vinyl decal at the back, we installed our self, everyone has to touch it to believe they aren't tiles! Cheap option and easily changed to taste.

Oh yeah and in regards to the exhaust I thought I would see how it goes without it and no worries at all, and we do a lot of cooking. But I like the comment earlier using the simple bathroom exhaust if you want to save money.

Jacqui, different retailers told me the Thermidor would work with Induction and Qasair confirmed. Maybe call them yourself to double-confirm. The Flinders series models you speak of are what's best if you need a hideaway hood with built-in cupboards (against a wall). The Thermidor cassette is a viable option for your island bench cooktop. The induction risk of condensation relates to reduced heat warming the filters. Induction pot heat is less than what older cooktops pushes up into the hood. Island hoods tend to have larger filters than built-in hideaways so the air is not concentrated through a small opening, result = less condensation. For a Thermidor in the roof induction makes less difference due to the distance and large filters. I was advised the only model Qasair explicitly say should not go over induction is the older min-trim pull out. Suspect your advice is coming from someone just reading the Qasair catalogue and not checking with them.

Keita, yes please can you share details about your tambour door? The gloss finish and width look perfect!

Thanks Keita, vinyl is an interesting idea worth looking at

Be careful with a bathroom fan. Fire is a risk without a cleanable filter. It will work fine for a while but no matter what type of cooking you do eventually all ducts and fans will collect sticky dust from cooking oils, the perfect material for a pan fire to catch. Everyone is at risk of being caught answering the door and your phone when flashing a steak or something else in oil. If there is a massive height to your extraction (no flame could climb it) then you will just end up with a gross fan and duct.

What colour is your bench top , Cosentino -Dekton, In the photo it looks like stainless steel!

The Tambortech doors can be finished in most laminate colours. My cupboards are Formica 'Malibu' (gloss). Extremely happy with the colour and the gloss finish, rivals two pac at the cost of a standard finish!
I believe the width of the roller door at 1200 is maximum. Works great, the only thing to keep in mind is the bulk the door takes up inside when fully rolled up.
Otherwise very sleek finish and easy to operate. If you can spare it, there is an automatic push button option!
My kitchen goal to was to keep to all standard finishes where possible to get the overall look I was after on budget!
And thanks for advice with bathroom exhaust. Honestly I never had an exhaust with the old kitchen so didn't really see the need for one in the new kitchen, and it was going to throw the budget out considerably for an option that worked aesthetically! If I (occasionally) burn something, it's windows open and fans on. Otherwise can't see the need at my place :)

Janine, my post is about a future project. Sorry I can't help you with items from this project photo I borrowed from an earlier Houzz article

Thanks Keita

openid - when are you planning on doing this project? Would be great to see some pics!

I have had both arrangements (stove in island bench and now on a wall) and each was exactly the right solution to the particular challenges of each particular house – taking into account views, orientation, passageways and articulation with other parts of the house as well as the number of people in the household etc. I would say though that when we had the stove in the island bench that island bench was a very deep one so that people sitting along the non-working side of the island were well clear of any spatter and still had space for their meals (if it was just family sitting up at the bench for breakfast or lunch) or for guests with drinks and nibbles in front of them). And for both situations I felt the need for a high-quality, very quiet exhaust system – there is no point having an exhaust system that only shifts (or recycles) a small amount of air or sounds like a jet taking off (the worst is a combination of the two) – if you want to use your kitchen for a combination of serious cooking and socialising (and you don't have staff!) then you need a super quiet, super efficient exhaust system to make the combination work.

So Tim, how did it work out for you?

We have a 1 x 2.1m island and are contemplating an island cooktop or an island sink. It is one or the other as we don't have the bench space to to have an island without on of those items.

Hi Tom,

After an epic struggle mostly with finance and then with builder can you believe 4.5 years later we’re only now installing the kitchen? It’s allowed me to change from an impractical short wide island to a long 1050 x 4300 island. Still have the cooktop in the island. We’ve also changed from Dekton to marble, a designer sold us on the value of being around natural materials. The original Qasair Thermidor ceiling mounted range hood gave way to twin drop down Qasair Albany hoods, again the designer. We think it’s looking good even without the benches and are over waiting. Stools in the rendering aren’t our choice

I have my cooktop on a large island 1.5 X 3, I also put a small sink at one end, plus I have pot filler tap at the induction cooktop. I have bar seats/stools where people sit whilst I cook. It works so well. So happy with it. I have a seperate scullery with large double sink.

I would way up the amount of time prep vs cook top work. The island can be a better buffet area than a wall bench in most kitchens and the cook top can compromise this.

I think it really comes down to personal preference. In our build, we have kept the island free of sinks and cooktops as we want to have the whole space unobstructed. We have put the sink by the window which gives us the full Island to spread out on. (ps not having a wine rack above the fridge!)

I'm about to put a cooktop on the 2.3 x 900 peninsular (island with only one free end ( in my new galley kitchen. I am using an induction top so it can be fitted flush with the benchtop surface, allowing me to use the whole area as benchtop when not in use. I intend to have bar stolls on the living room side for entertaining. My joiner has suggested making a beautiful, thin timbercover to go over the glass induction surface for added protection. I just need to decide on down draft induction hob or a ceiling casette. My main aim is to remove the smelly cooking smells from my unit. The smell from one evening of cooking indian chicken curry currently lasts at least a week! Any advice?

if you are seriously cooking, go for ceiling cassette. I have my induction on the island (3m x 1.5m) with stool seating so I can engage with guests whilst I finish cooking. I also have a small sink near by and pot filler At the induction. Care though....induction glass scratches fairly easily. Go for it.

I am in the process of designing my kitchen and have chosen to place the cooktop centred in the island as well (1.2 x 2.5) with the sink on the opposite wall facing the window as I think my island would constantly look messy with a sink and 3 kids. I’m looking at installing the abey gas cooktop that sits flush with the bench (like the one in the 1st photo) and like Sarah thought to getting the joiner to make a thin timber cover. I think the ceiling cassette would be the best but I believe they are expensive. The cooktop in the island does make me feel a bit anxious but I feel it will work well.

Depth of island seems good allows 600 mm behind which should help stop kids teaching over and leave usable space

This is so timely. I’ve just had a semi-lightbulb about flipping our stove top to the island. I didn’t realise you could not have an extractor which is pretty cool.

I noticed that most cooktops in islands are positioned towards one end like in Keita’s photos towards the fridge. This set up is the same as mine however my island will be 2.5m long and I was planning to centre it. Any thoughts on the position would be appreciated.

Depends on how you cook. For me a central position would divide the prep space

This is my second kitchen with the cooktop installed in the island, current island is 2700 x 1200 with the 900 cooktop centered which I love as it allows great space on 3 sides

I too will have a 900 cooktop siriuskey. So that leaves 800 on each side. Decision made. Thank you.