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Kitchen Work Triangle

May 5, 2023
white wooden kitchen cabinet and white kitchen counter

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the layout and design of your kitchen can greatly impact its functionality and overall aesthetic. One important concept to keep in mind when designing your kitchen is the "work triangle."


The work triangle refers to the three main areas of your kitchen: the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. These are the areas where you will be spending the most time and doing the most work, so it's important to make sure they are arranged in a way that makes sense for your cooking and prep style.


The goal of the work triangle is to create an efficient flow between these three areas, with each point of the triangle spaced at a distance that allows for easy movement between them. Ideally, the total distance between all three points of the triangle should be no more than 26 feet, with no single leg of the triangle being shorter than 4 feet or longer than 9 feet.


Here are some tips to keep in mind when designing your kitchen work triangle:

  1. Think about your own cooking style and habits. Do you tend to use the sink and stove more often than the refrigerator? Or do you frequently move between all three areas? Make sure your work triangle is designed to accommodate your unique needs.
  2. Consider the placement of other important kitchen features, such as your dishwasher or trash compactor. These should also be integrated into your work triangle in a way that makes sense for your workflow.
  3. Be mindful of any obstacles or obstructions in your kitchen space, such as islands or cabinets. Make sure these don't impede the flow of your work triangle.

By keeping the work triangle in mind when designing your kitchen, you can create a space that is both functional and stylish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts and configurations until you find the one that works best for you!