Key Zones in your Kitchen Design to Consider

Three Major Areas In Your Kitchen

Sound kitchen planning takes account of the activities that occur most regularly and ensures sufficient space is allocated for each, making the kitchen run efficiently and safely. A kitchen area is a 'zone' of major activity. Studies of how typical kitchens are utilised have revealed three key areas:

1. Food storage

The food storage area centres on the fridge and pantry or food cupboard. This area is primarily used for unloading groceries; retrieving items from the pantry and fridge; and preparing drinks and snacks.

2. Food preparation

This area centres on the cooktop and oven. This space is used mainly for food preparation (cleaning, cutting and so on); cooking; baking; plating up food.

3. Clean up

The third key area concerns the clean up that comes after preparing food. This area centres on the sink and dishwasher. Typical activities include cleaning dishes, utensils, pots and pans; packing and unpacking the dishwasher; disposing of waste and recyclables.

Although there is a certain amount of crossover between the three key areas, each has its own particular requirements and appliances. It may be helpful to consider how these three areas in your current kitchen operate: Is there enough space to prepare and store food? Is the dishwasher located near where you store your crockery and cutlery? Are two people able to be in different key areas of the kitchen without getting in each other's way?

Of course, depending on your kitchen, additional key areas, such as a breakfast bar or laundry, may also need to be taken into account.

The Work Triangle is an often used method for helping with placement of these zones. See our article on The Kitchen Work Triangle here

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