A cook's path between sink, refregerator, and stove
The work triangle is the walking pattern that the cook makes in the kitchen when preparing a meal. It’s the path between the three main areas of the kitchen in order to get from one major appliance to the next. These stations, or zones as they’re also called, are the:
1. Food storage zone (the refrigerator)
2. Clean-up zone (the sink)
3. Cooking zone (the oven)
The placement of the sink, refrigerator, and the stove creates the points of the triangle and defines the way that the cook moves from one task to the next. Ideally, each area is separated by enough distance so everything that’s needed to complete a task within that zone is close at hand.
For example, at the cooking station, cabinetry storage can organize all your pots and pans. Cooking utensils can be easily organized in a larger storage drawer with Cutlery Dividers.
When talking with your kitchen designer, describe how you and your family cook and interact in the kitchen. He or she will consider this information while they study the kitchen’s existing work triangle to provide you with the best cabinetry solutions for your new kitchen.
What’s the Perfect Work Triangle for a Kitchen?
Some work triangles are larger than others. It all depends on the kitchen layout and arrangement of the three major appliances. While there is such thing as an ideal work triangle, every kitchen is different and the layout of your space will be somewhat unique.
But first, let’s talk about the most effective work triangle for your kitchen.
The most efficient walking path for the cook is when the length between each point of the triangle (the distance from the refrigerator, to the sink, to the oven) adds up to 12-26 feet. A space this size conveniently positions the cook within a few steps of everything necessary to create a meal without sacrificing countertop space or storage.
This doesn’t mean that a smaller kitchen, with a work triangle that measures less than 12 feet, can’t be incredibly functional. To find out how smart cabinetry solutions can help you make the most of a small space, read our article on The 5 Most Common Kitchen Layouts.
The New Trend in Kitchens
The trend in major appliances is to create two of each—dual refrigerators, dual sinks, sometimes even dual stovetops (or one with six burners and/or perhaps a grill feature). This new development in appliances is a result of more people gathering in the kitchen to cook side-by-side.
With two of everything in the kitchen, including cooks, more people are moving away from the guidelines of the traditional work triangle. Instead they’re applying the theories: Remove obstacles and keep enough distance between work stations. Install cabinets next to each work station for easy access to everything you need to complete a task.
Does Your Work Triangle Work For You?
Before you finalize your room design and cabinetry selection, look at your existing work triangle and ask yourself these questions:
- When looking at each work station—do you have all the storage solutions you need to make best use of the supplies you need to complete the task at that station? For example, are the spices and cooking utensils conveniently located by the cooking station?
- Are you walking too far to get from one station to the next?
- Are there any obstacles that you have to move around while you cook?
- Are you the only person who cooks in the kitchen or are there times when two people are preparing a meal or you’re baking with kids and grandkids? Are there any problematic issues you would like to solve, like not enough sinks or counter space?
- Is there enough room in the area for your guests to socialize with you while you cook?
- Does the flow of traffic through the kitchen get in the way of you preparing a meal?
These are great questions to discuss with your kitchen designer so he or she can provide you with the best cabinetry solutions for your kitchen.
Learn About the Design Possibilities
Perhaps you’re happy with the existing layout of your kitchen—that’s great! Let’s look at cabinets and design ideas.
Browse through our galleries of beautifully designed kitchens and get inspired.
View kitchens that reflect your lifestyle.
Get detailed design ideas for your kitchen.
Discover the storage solutions that will make living and functioning in your kitchen a breeze.
However—if after you’ve looked at your kitchen's existing work triangle and you’ve realized that there is room for improvement—keep reading. KraftMaid reports on the 5 basic kitchen layouts most commonly found in homes so you can select the work triangle and overall room design that works best for you.
Learn more about the 5 most common kitchen layouts.