Apr 30, 2018 the concept of the kitchen work triangle was developed in the 1940s by the university of illinois school of architecture. The triangle layout can reduce unnecessary movement in the kitchen, making your use of the space more efficient. When designing a kitchen, the three form what is known as the kitchen triangle. Pros and cons of 5 common kitchen layouts hubpages.
The work triangle is an important design concept that improves a kitchen s functionality by minimizing walking distance between the sink, refrigerator, and primary cooking surface. Jan 17, 2014 provides ample work space and kitchen storage. Jessica payne the kitchen work triangle is the path that you make when moving from the refrigerator, to the sink, to the oven to prepare a meal. Review them below to identify which is most similar to your current. While it may be apparent that long distances are a problem, it might not be so apparent that locating kitchen services too close is also a problem. The fridge, stove, and kitchen sink are positioned 5 to 10 feet from each other so that the person working in the kitchen has easy access to them no matter what task they are doing. These three points and the imaginary lines between them, make up what kitchen experts call the work triangle. Today wed like to take the opportunity to kill the idea of the kitchen work triangle as a design tool that is out of date and should be out of our thinking process. Flipping outs jeff lewis explains the secrets to smart kitchen design. When designing your new kitchen the first thing to consider is the layout. Total sides of the kitchen work triangle measure no less than 12 feet. The sum of all three sides of the triangle should be between. The golden triangle or kitchen work triangle refers to the ideal locations of the kitchen cooktop, refrigerator and sink. Kitchen work triangle and how it benefits your kitchen.
The work triangle also gives you enough room to avoid bumping elbows with your cooking partner. The distances between the three primary work centers cooking surface, cleanupprep sink and refrigeration storage form a work triangle. The concept of the kitchen work triangle developed in the 1940s in order to help single cooks working in smaller kitchens maximise efficiency by positioning the most heavily used elements the cooking, food preparation and storage areas in close proximity to one another. In a well designed kitchen, the dimensions of any one side of the work triangle is a minimum of 42. If space permits, think about placing a sink and dishwasher or cooktop on the side of the island closest to the work core. The main functions in the kitchen take place at the cook top, sink and refrigerator. The most important rule is the work triangle or kitchen triangle which involves distance between sink area, preparatory area and cooking area. How the work triangle concept can benefit your kitchen. The kitchen work triangle why it doesnt work anymore. Jun 11, 2014 the golden triangle or kitchen work triangle refers to the ideal locations of the kitchen cooktop, refrigerator and sink. In this layout, the thinking went, the cook didnt have to go far. A timetested standard, the kitchen work triangle ensures the cook has easy access to stove, sink and fridge with minimal interfering traffic. For decades, kitchen layout planning focused on putting the major appliances in a convenient triangle. The importance of an efficient kitchen work triangle.
The work triangle refers to the triangle created between the stove, refrigerator and the sink. These three points and the imaginary lines between them make up the work triangle. This will minimize the work triangle, help define traffic patterns and create a gathering spot. Forget the triangle new kitchen planning with work zones. From center points in front of each, it suggests that they should form a triangle with legs no less than 4 feet or more than 9 and that the total of all three legs should be between and 26 feet. If youre limited on space, use a small rolling cart or install a peninsula for an extra work area. The sum of all three sides of the triangle should be between feet 4. The kitchen work triangle is a concept used to determine efficient kitchen layouts that are both aesthetic and functional. The total length of all three legs should be between 12 and 26 feet. Aug 20, 2017 the work triangle was born, comprising your kitchens heavy appliance hitters the sink, refrigerator, and stove spaced equilaterally apart. The triangle creates a clear path between the area. Creating an effective work triangle is a wise rule to follow, said normandy designer leslie lee.
The kitchen triangle theory is still the best way to design a. The kitchen work triangle principle is used by kitchen designers and architects when designing residential kitchens. Step 2 create a kitchen triangle when setting up kitchen. The kitchen triangle theory is still the best way to. Placing these three major kitchen appliances in such a way that a line can be drawn from one to another and form a triangle shape, is thought to be the ideal kitchen setup. No leg of the triangle should be less than 4 feet 1. Now, the kitchen has evolved into a space of socialization and cooking done by multiple chefs at once. The kitchen work triangle kitchen simplicity by design. Why the work triangle is still relevant to kitchen design. However, you dont actually need three walls to make a threewalled kitchen. Dec 11, 20 the work triangle is an imaginary line drawn between these three zones, in the shape of you guessed it. A staple design principle, the kitchen work triangle was developed in the early 20 th century.
The idea is that when these three elements are in close but not too. Kitchen shapes, designs, islands and the work triangle. A major appliance and its surrounding landing work area form a work center. This sequence saves work motions for a righthanded person. The kitchen triangle defined by a triangular layout between stove, fridge, and sinkis still the best way to design a kitchen. It makes sense to design towards function and ease.
When the number of legs of the kitchen work triangle is more than three. The triangle theory of kitchen designs focuses on three kitchen items the sink, the fridge, and the stove. When points on the triangle are too close, drawers may clash with doors, refrigerators may open directly onto stoves, and sinks may be too close to stoves to permit space for preparing the food. Kitchen design guidelines to know before you remodel better. In order for your kitchen to be considered functional, it needs to have a proper layout. Planning a kitchen work area home designer software. If you have a small kitchen, and as a result a small work triangle, you almost dont have enough space to maneuver. Traditionally, it measures and suggests the relationship between the sink, the stove and the refrigerator which are the primary work centers in the kitchen. The primary tasks in a home kitchen are carried out between the cook top, the sink and the refrigerator. Aug 31, 2011 the work triangle in a kitchen is defined as the distance between the sink, the refrigerator and the cook top. The work triangle vs work zones in the kitchen understanding the muchrevered kitchen work triangle kitchen design is very important in the design of your kitchen workspace.
More accurately, why the kitchen work triangle doesnt work anymore. The importance of an efficient kitchen work triangle slow. The sides of any leg of the triangle should be between 1. Mar 31, 2015 the work triangle is also designed to minimize traffic within the kitchen so the cook isnt interrupted during food preparation.
The most used spaces in a kitchen are the sink, cooking range, and refrigerator. Applying the kitchen triangle design concept means that you have automatically solved a host of kitchen design problems relating to ergonomics, workflow, and aesthetics. May 22, 2017 kitchen work triangle faqs what is the kitchen work triangle. During the research, a few kitchen design guidelines were developed. Cabinets or other obstacles should not intersect any leg of the triangle by more than 12 inches 30 cm. The importance of an efficient kitchen work triangle youtube. The kitchen triangle is one such shortcut that has been used for decades and still holds true for many kitchen design projects. Youve probably heard kitchen designers talk about the kitchen work triangle. This is a situation whereby the refrigerator, range and sink are positioned 4 to 9 feet apart, forming a more or less equilateral triangle. Find your kitchen floorplan below and discover where the triangle is situated.
The recommended work triangle is easy to incorporate, and might minimize the distances you have to travel between sink, stove and fridge. The kitchen work triangle is a concept used to determine efficient kitchen layouts that are both. The kitchen work triangle is defined as the distance between the sink, the refrigerator and the cook top. Specialized work zones help kitchen tasks flow more smoothly than the oldfashioned triangle plan. Most kitchen designers start with the basic work triangle, also known as the golden triangle. The kitchen triangle shows the area where most of your work in the kitchen will happen. According to the guidance of the national kitchen and bath association, each leg of the triangle. The kitchen work triangle is a term created to define the efficiency of the kitchen. The kitchen work triangle concept has been around since 1929.
Kitchen work triangle faqs what is the kitchen work triangle. Get 22 page pdf on the beginners guide to kitchen layout. Mar 16, 2010 the kitchen work triangle is a design concept that can help create efficient use of kitchen work spaces. No work triangle leg intersects an islandpeninsula or other obstacle by more than 12. The concept was developed in the 1940s, to provide a balance in the kitchen space. The third wall could be an island, which allows more flexibility and easier workflow through the kitchen. The work triangle was devised in the 1920s as one of the first measures of efficiency in a residential kitchen. The kitchen work triangle refers to the area from the refrigerator to the cooking range to the sinkthe three points are the three corners of the triangle. In america in the 1950s, kitchens were invariably a separate room in the house, but already a lot of thought was going into their design. And this is where the concept of a kitchen work triangle. The ideology behind this layout is that you maximize efficiency in the kitchen by placing the refrigerator, range, and sink 49 feet apart, forming a rough equilateral triangle.
Pdf determining effects of kitchen design rules on kitchen. Of course all of these areas would be useless without a countertop to work on but still. The kitchen work triangle is a design concept that can help create efficient use of kitchen work spaces. Kitchen design guidelines to know before you remodel. Nkba kitchen planning guidelines with access standards. The main goal of the work triangle is to make the kitchen as efficient as possible to work in. The kitchen triangledefined by a triangular layout between stove, fridge, and sinkis still the best way to design a kitchen. It began as an attempt to standardize home construction.
What is a kitchen work triangle and the best kitchen design. The concept of the kitchen work triangle was developed in the 1940s with the goal of maximizing efficiency and creating a userfriendly space. Sep 07, 2010 flipping outs jeff lewis explains the secrets to smart kitchen design. The work triangle is used in most kitchen designs for its ergonomic applications. For comfort and safety, the sum of the three distances should be no more than 26 feet, and each stretch of the triangle should measure between 4 and 9 feet, even. The idea is that when these three elements are close but.
The kitchen work triangle concept dates from the 1940s when kitchens were rapidly modernising from a free standing sink, stove and fold out work surface, to a fitted glimmering vision of post war modernism. Jan 14, 2009 having a kitchen work triangle that gives you enough prep area and storage is the difference between being able to use your kitchen easily or having to compromise on comfort and convenience. Can be used effectively only in mediumsized or large kitchens. The work triangle was born, comprising your kitchens heavy appliance hitters the sink, refrigerator, and stove spaced equilaterally apart. These are the areas that work best when configured in an imaginary triangle like shape for the most efficient kitchen. The work triangle, defined as an imaginary line drawn from the centre of the cooker or hob, to the centre of the sink, to the centre of the fridge and back to the centre of the sink, has been an important factor in kitchen design in order to keep the main zones of the kitchen in close proximity. As the baby boomer generations wealth increased, lifestyles changed and kitchens grew in size and function, becoming more of a social center and place to entertain friends and family. Learn how to layer this classic approach with modern.
Each leg of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet long. The work triangle in a kitchen is defined as the distance between the sink, the refrigerator and the cook top. This is the shape the work triangle theory was devised for three sides of countertops, cabinets and appliances, putting everything within easy reach. Traditionally, it measures and suggests the relationship between the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. Pdf one of the most studied areas for increasing interior design performance. There actually are several universally agreed upon guidelines to follow when designing a kitchen work triangle. Oct 06, 2016 the work triangle also gives you enough room to avoid bumping elbows with your cooking partner. The kitchen work triangle seems pretty simplistic you wouldnt be alone in saying so. The typical kitchen is rectangular or square in shape with the cabinetry and other installed appliances lined up against the walls, having a clear space in the center. And why the kitchen work triangle doesnt work moss.
The work triangle is an imaginary line drawn between these three zones, in the shape of you guessed it. Your kitchen is an extension of your living space and one of the most used rooms of your home. The work triangle is also designed to minimize traffic within the kitchen so the cook isnt interrupted during food preparation. The basic kitchen work triangle can be placed anywhere along the length the overall length of a the work triangle should be a maximum of 8 feet drawbacks not efficient for multiple cooks cooks must cross over work paths corridor kitchen consists of work space on two opposing walls. The mix center, therefore, is at the right and is followed by sink, range and serve. There is no single best work triangle configuration. Jul 23, 2017 what is the kitchen triangle and how does it work. Basically, the work triangle creates a more efficient work space. Centers may be taken out of sequence, reversed or even isolated.
The work triangle is a timetested guideline of kitchen design that helps plan out efficient kitchen work spaces with clear traffic lanes. The distances between the three primary work centers cooking surface, cleanup prep sink and refrigeration storage form a work triangle. With the least amount of space between each work space and a logical trail to follow when cooking or preparing in the kitchen, it reduces time, stress and energy depletion. The concept of the kitchen work triangle was developed in the 1940s by the university of illinois school of architecture. Apr 26, 2017 in america in the 1950s, kitchens were invariably a separate room in the house, but already a lot of thought was going into their design. At this time, fridges were still rare and food was being stored in a pantry or even a cellar. Well, it is simply a work efficiency concept to determine how well a kitchen is laid out, or should be laid out. There actually are several universally agreed upon guidelines to follow when designing a. One floor plan fundamental is an effective work triangle, which is the relationship between your cooktop, refrigerator and sink. As a result, a double triangle or zones have emerged.
The complete guide to kitchen layouts kitchen magazine grundig. The idea is that a line drawn to the refrigerator, sink, and range should create a relatively evensided triangle within which the major kitchen activities take place. In a well designed kitchen, the dimensions of any one side of the work triangle is a. The segments of the triangle represent traffic flow within a kitchen, ideally creating a rotational movement between the tasks of cooking stove, choppingpeeling sink, and storage refrigerator. Once you have determined the space that you will use for the work area of your kitchen, you can plan the locations of the three work centers. Ideally, each leg of the work triangle should measure between 4 and 9 feet in length. A lot has changed since the 40s kitchens now often need to accommodate two cooks and other activities. In a galley kitchen layout, food is taken from the refrigerator, prepared by the sink and then moved to the range or microwave area for cooking. The idea behind the kitchen work triangle is to clearly mark out distinct spaces or work centres for each of these fundamental tasks, and to plan an ergonomic work area to reduce the distance and effort required to work effectively in the kitchen. The work triangle is a concept employed by kitchen designers to make work more efficient in the kitchen and prevent wasted motion. In a kitchen, imagine a triangle with its three points representing the locations of the. The kitchen work triangle is an old concept, used to reduce the number of steps needed to move around a kitchen while preparing a meal. Tuesday we talked about how the open kitchen is more than an aesthetic design update its a realignment of the kitchen with todays manner of living. The work triangle was the best choice for a kitchen layout because it guaranteed the cook proximity to all essential items.
The work triangle vs work zones in the kitchen home. If youre about to embark on a kitchen remodeling journey, a simple design concept that will save you time and energy is the work triangle. Imagine a triangle that connected your cooktop, your sink, and the refrigerator. The work triangle is the recommended relationship used in kitchen design between the cooking, storage and preparation areas. Ideally, a person should be able to move effortlessly in the center of the work triangle while quickly switching between stations. In the past, industrial efficiency experts determined that the triangle connecting range, refrigerator and sink determined how efficient and safe the space was for the single cook. This floor plan creates the kitchens work triangle the path that you make when moving from the refrigerator, to the sink, to the range to prepare a meal. There are five different kitchens layouts, the g, l, u, single, and galley. Sep 05, 2014 the kitchen work triangle is an interior design practice that dates back to the 1940s.
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