How to Arrange Kitchen Appliances

A well-designed kitchen starts with a plan for arranging kitchen appliances. Proper placement of the two major appliances and the sink adds to efficiency by removing unneeded extra steps. Keep traffic patterns and the locations of doors in mind as you plan the room. Take into account things that can become obstacles, such as pet bowls, and plan a separate spot for them. Start with the basic work triangle design, even in a small room, and customize your kitchen around it.

Instructions

1. 

   Design the kitchen so that the refrigerator, sink and stove can be placed in a work triangle measuring 4 feet to 9 feet on each side. This cuts down on steps between major appliances while keeping the work area clear.

2. Install the dishwasher next to the sink for easy rinsing and loading. Place under-the-counter wine coolers at the ends of counters or in islands. Place trash compactors conveniently for food preparation and after-meal cleanup under the counter, equidistant from the sink and eating area.

3. Place wall ovens in an area free of obstructions but near a counter where hot dishes can be put down as they come out of the oven.

4. Install an over-the-stove microwave/hood fan combination. Put frequently used small appliances in the areas they're most commonly used. For instance, if your family frequently cooks breakfast and makes toast, put the toaster near the stove.

5. Put lesser-used small appliances in cupboards where they can be easily reached when needed so they don't take up counter space.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the walkways in the triangle clear. Place islands outside of the work triangle. If you have a galley kitchen, arrange the appliances equidistant from each other along one wall.

References

• Kitchen Planning

Resources

• The National Kitchen & Bath Association
• Kitchen Design
• Kitchen Tips and Design Ideas