Forget Kitchen Triangles – Work Zones Are Where It's At
Traditional triangles are giving way to task-specific kitchen zones for maximum efficiency
When I began studying kitchen design many (many!) years ago, I learned all about the much-venerated kitchen work triangle – in which the refrigerator, range and sink are placed 1.2 to 2.7m apart, forming a roughly equilateral triangle. This design principle was developed back when most people had smaller, closed-off kitchens, where only one person prepared and cleaned up meals. It’s an efficient way to lay out appliances and the sink in a small closed or semi-closed kitchen.
The work triangle is still useful today, but with kitchens that now run the gamut from tiny single-wall galleys up to large open-plan kitchens, it’s more useful to think in terms of work zones instead.
The work triangle is still useful today, but with kitchens that now run the gamut from tiny single-wall galleys up to large open-plan kitchens, it’s more useful to think in terms of work zones instead.
Work zones are really just the natural evolution of the kitchen work triangle. As kitchens grew in size and opened up to other rooms in the house, it became more of a challenge to place appliances in a neat triangular layout. We also have more appliances than ever before – dishwashers, extra sinks, microwaves, separate cooktops and wall ovens – not to mention more people working and socialising in the space. By sectioning off your kitchen into work zones, you’ll maximise efficiency in a larger space; and more cooks, as well as their guests, will be better accommodated.
Group appliances and fixtures according to use
To set up work zones in your kitchen, think of the tasks you perform regularly: storing food, prep, cooking, baking, serving, eating, cleaning, making coffee, chilling wine, etc. A work zone contains everything you use to perform each task.
For instance, you should place your dishwasher next to your sink, with a compost bin and a garbage bin nearby to streamline kitchen clean up.
To set up work zones in your kitchen, think of the tasks you perform regularly: storing food, prep, cooking, baking, serving, eating, cleaning, making coffee, chilling wine, etc. A work zone contains everything you use to perform each task.
For instance, you should place your dishwasher next to your sink, with a compost bin and a garbage bin nearby to streamline kitchen clean up.
Store what you need where you need it most
In addition to grouping appliances and fixtures according to use, give yourself enough storage in each zone for what you need to perform the task.
This timber-topped baking zone is perfect for kneading bread or rolling out pizza dough. All the bread-making and baking tools can be stored in the cabinets below. Someone can easily work at this station while another person prepares food in another part of the kitchen.
More: 7 Easy-Care Kitchen Benchtops to Make Your Life a Breeze
In addition to grouping appliances and fixtures according to use, give yourself enough storage in each zone for what you need to perform the task.
This timber-topped baking zone is perfect for kneading bread or rolling out pizza dough. All the bread-making and baking tools can be stored in the cabinets below. Someone can easily work at this station while another person prepares food in another part of the kitchen.
More: 7 Easy-Care Kitchen Benchtops to Make Your Life a Breeze
Provide landing areas next to major appliances
For safety and efficiency, consider placing a benchtop landing area next to your major kitchen appliances, especially the range, cooktop, microwave and wall ovens.
You want to be able to quickly set down something hot without having to trek halfway across your kitchen. This will also give you a cooking work zone; you can store items such as knives, cutting boards and pots and pans in the cabinets and use the benchtops for chopping and cooking prep.
For safety and efficiency, consider placing a benchtop landing area next to your major kitchen appliances, especially the range, cooktop, microwave and wall ovens.
You want to be able to quickly set down something hot without having to trek halfway across your kitchen. This will also give you a cooking work zone; you can store items such as knives, cutting boards and pots and pans in the cabinets and use the benchtops for chopping and cooking prep.
Create a kids’ zone
If you have children and a good-sized space, set up an area in the kitchen where the kids can hang out, do homework and eat snacks. This will allow you to all be in the kitchen together without the little ones getting underfoot.
If you have children and a good-sized space, set up an area in the kitchen where the kids can hang out, do homework and eat snacks. This will allow you to all be in the kitchen together without the little ones getting underfoot.
Consider a zone for guests
If you have an open kitchen and like to entertain often, you know how important it is to have an area where guests can hang out and chat while you prepare food and drinks. A large island or peninsula works well for this, since it can act as a barrier that keeps visitors from getting in your way while also giving them a place to perch while you work. Again, think about the items you use for serving and entertaining, and store them in the cabinets below so you can easily access them.
If you have an open kitchen and like to entertain often, you know how important it is to have an area where guests can hang out and chat while you prepare food and drinks. A large island or peninsula works well for this, since it can act as a barrier that keeps visitors from getting in your way while also giving them a place to perch while you work. Again, think about the items you use for serving and entertaining, and store them in the cabinets below so you can easily access them.
Widen the aisles
Whether you opt for the traditional work triangle or break up your kitchen into work zones, pay attention to your kitchen’s aisle widths. The recommended minimum aisle width is 105cm, but I prefer 120cm, especially in kitchens with multiple cooks. If you cook and entertain often and have the space, you could go as wide as 140cm. Wider than that, though, and your space will likely become inefficient, as you’ll spend more time walking than cooking.
TELL US
Does your kitchen have a triangle or zones? How does the layout work (or not) for you?
MORE
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Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: G-Shaped Kitchens
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Whether you opt for the traditional work triangle or break up your kitchen into work zones, pay attention to your kitchen’s aisle widths. The recommended minimum aisle width is 105cm, but I prefer 120cm, especially in kitchens with multiple cooks. If you cook and entertain often and have the space, you could go as wide as 140cm. Wider than that, though, and your space will likely become inefficient, as you’ll spend more time walking than cooking.
TELL US
Does your kitchen have a triangle or zones? How does the layout work (or not) for you?
MORE
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: G-Shaped Kitchens
Clever Corner-Cupboard Storage Solutions for Your Kitchen Renovation
8 Kitchen Additions That’ll Make Life a Little Bit Easier