Knowing About The Kitchen Work Triangle Makes A Better Kitchen

Kitchen design is influenced by multiple factors. For example, the number of doorways influence traffic patterns, and the size of your family influences other decisions

Traditional kitchen design starts with the "Work Triangle". Use this as a guide rather than a rule because there is not one perfect solution for your needs.

Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the paths you take as you perform tasks in your kitchen. If one design has you travel farther, then your efficiency will be lower. Remember, kitchen tasks are repeated thousands of times each year! The 3 points of the work triangle are referred to as work centers. They usually are comprised of the sink, stove and refrigerator.

Work Triangle

If your family has some unusual characteristics, you will want to take them into consideration as well. For example, large families might want to add the pantry location as a work center.

Traditional design principles say that the work triangle should contain the following:

The perimeter of the triangle should be between 12 and 20 feet long.

The more equal the 3 legs the better.

Traffic patterns in the kitchen should not interrupt the work area.

Popular kitchen design include such shapes as the Corridor, the L-shaped, the U-shaped, and the straight wall set-up. Add to this design features such as islands and peninsulas, a "vegetable" sink, double ovens with separate cook top, and you can see the possibilities.