Working with the Work Triangle

Even the smallest kitchen can have smart solutions. A "landing pad"
made from a movable cart is there when you need it - tucked away when you don't.

There are three major areas in any kitchen:  the cleaning area (sink), the cooking area (range or cooktop) and the cold storage area (refrigerator.)  You spend more time walking between these three areas than anywhere else in your kitchen.  Because of this, you want to make sure that your layout is the most efficient it can be. Try to plan the placement of your appliances so that the distance between any two of them is no less than three feet, but no more than seven feet.  The total length of the triangle sides should not be more than twelve feet.  Too much space, and you’re taking extra steps.  Too few, and you might have too cramped of a work space.

Keep often-used items nearby and easy to reach in upper cabinets
and top drawers.  Place less-used tools and items in bottom drawers.

If you have a galley or corridor kitchen:  The ideal work triangle plan tries to keep outside traffic from crossing the triangle.  Obviously, in a galley kitchen this is not possible.  Most designers recommend that the sink and refrigerator be placed along one wall, with the range or cooktop placed on the opposite wall.  Make sure your aisle between cabinets is at least four feet.

If you have an L-shaped kitchen: The two joining walls form a natural triangle which is an ideal building block for your work triangle.  If activity can be kept as close to this area as possible, it frees up the remainder of the kitchen for natural household traffic.  This shape is also ideal for adding an island, and therefore an additional work space.

If you have a U-shaped kitchen:  You’re on the right track already.  The U-shape prevents the kitchen work area from being a main thoroughfare in the house, therefore allowing the most flexibility in placement of the three work areas.  Take care that your work triangle doesn’t get too stretched out – twenty two feet is the maximum recommended length of all three sides of the triangle.  More, and you’re wasting steps!

Plan in prep space next to your sink. 
You'll thank yourself every time you clean up!