The efficient u-shape plan is versatile and usually places a workspace
alongside each of three walls. The pros of this are great storage and counter
space on three sides that maximize efficiency but this is not the best plans for
entertaining or for accommodating multiple cooks. Major traffic jams in the
kitchen! Another thing to consider is you have to have the basic 8x8 foot space
and anything less won't provide the minimum 4 feet work space that is
recommended for the center of the room. In a large kitchen for maximum
efficiency, locate one workstation in a freestanding island.
The L-shape plan allows two workstations on one wall and the third on an
adjacent wall. This layout is much more efficient concerning space than the
U-shape plan especially if the main workstations are located close to the bend
of the L. The L-shaped plan is not well suited for small kitchen spaces and you
need to allow enough open counter space between the two workstations that share
the same wall. This is at least four feet. Other things to consider is the
arrangement of the workstations which are critical. The work needs to flow from
the refrigerator to the sink and then to the stove cook top and serving area. An
ideal eating nook is the area opposite the bend of the L.
The island plan is a popular design because it features a freestanding
workstation usually including the sink or stovetop. This is a wonderful plan for
large kitchens where the work triangle exceeds the twenty-six foot rule that
dictates that for maximum efficiency. Island plans are not well suited in
kitchens where two work stations must be on opposite walls. The island is a
convenient location for specialty countertops such as butcher block for chopping
veggies or marble for rolling out those delectable desserts. Another idea is a
rolling island which can roll outside to your patio or deck when entertaining
guest. When one end of the island is anchored to a wall or line of cabinets,
this is called a peninsula plan. The peninsula kitchen packs all the versatility
of island but does not require as much space. Like islands, the peninsula plan
gives the cook a workstation and a view into another room rather than just
toward a wall. After meal preparation, a peninsula can double as a serving
buffet or bar.
The one wall plan is normally seen in smaller homes, vacation homes and
apartments. This floor plan is definitely the most space saving but is least
efficient for the cook. Normally there is a door at each end which translates
into lots of through traffic. This can create quite a few problems as well as
frustration for the cook. One wall kitchens work better when the sink is in the
center beside the refrigerator and the stovetop. If you have the space, allow
four feet of counter space on each side of the sink.
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