Do you know the most important kitchen design measurements? If you do not, you absolutely need to stop any design work and learn them. If you do not do this, you can end up with horrible problems that can easily be avoided.
Remodeling is always a challenge. If you do not know key building measurements and the organizational guidelines that you have to respect, you will most likely be so frustrated that you will never let visitors check out your kitchen and you will not use it to cook.
Related: 4 Very Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes
The kitchen is where you store cookware, food, cook, and more. Actually, you spend a lot more time in your kitchen than you think if you are the kind of person that cooks or bakes. Due to this, make sure you get kitchen design measurements right.
Disclaimer: All the kitchen design measurements mentioned are considered to be ideal by interior designers. However, your personal preference should be taken into account and some leeway is always available.
The Most Important Parts Of Your Kitchen
Dry-goods and refrigeration storage should ideally be located close to the entry point of your kitchen. Then, the cooking area should be placed closer to dining spaces. Your sink is ideally between the two.
This combination is what is known as the work triangle. In order for it to be proper, it should be under 21 linear feet, which is 6.4 meters. If the work triangle is longer than 26 feet, which is 7.9 meters, moving becomes inefficient.
Storage Measurements
Most interior designers will tell you that dry-goods and refrigeration storage has to be placed at the entry point of your kitchen. You can put the pantry on the left or right and a countertop with a length of 15 to 24 inches (that is 38 to 61 centimeters). When you do this, you have enough space to set down all items that you take out of the refrigerator for easier handling.
In the pantry, you can put all the dry goods you need, plus supplies and brooms. Drawers inside the pantry can be used to store plastic bags, or foil, or anything similar. When placing cabinets, you need to use them to store measuring utensils, cake pans, mixing bowls, and all that you need when you assemble meals.
Preparation Area
Cleaning and prep space is ideally placed right around your sink. This is where you find everyday dishes and glasses, together with your dishwasher and trash receptacles.
You need enough countertop space, 18 to 36 inches (that is 45 to 92 centimeters) on both sides of the sink to cook.
An important rule to remember about the preparation area is that it needs to be clear of anything else except what you often use for cooking. You keep taking out utensils, plates, and bowls in the area. Uncluttered countertop space is necessary if the kitchen is small and when the kitchen is large, you can go over the limit of 36 inches (92 centimeters). Also, make sure that the area is well-lit.
Cooking Area
Cooking areas have to be arranged around the cooktop, wall ovens and range. Put frying pans, baking sheets, and pots close to the ovens and burners. Small appliances like coffee makers and toasters also should be placed here so that the preparation area is not obstructed.
On both sides of the cooktop you need 21 to 36 inches of countertop, which is 53 to 92 centimeters. Whenever possible, put wall ovens close to a free countertop so that hot food can quickly be set down when needed. Potholders, breadboards, and seasonings should be put in nearby cupboards and drawers.
Other Important Kitchen Measurements To Consider
Every single piece of the kitchen should have proper dimensions or you wouldn’t be properly using the available space. That is why you need to remember the following.
Refrigerator Depth
The common refrigerator width is around 36 inches (around 92 centimeters). Usually, the problem is the depth. There are many manufacturers that decided to build deeper, going over the standard 24 inches (61 centimeters), which is also the size of most base cabinets.
Shallower refrigerators are available but you still need to be careful with the dimensions. Usually, the depth should be under 30 inches, excluding the handles. Only opt for more if the kitchen space can properly accommodate deeper units. Also, do not forget about swing direction.
Cabinet Height
Upper kitchen cabinets are usually placed at a height of 18 inches (around 46 centimeters) above the kitchen countertop. Their height ranges between 30 and 42 inches.
The average maximum reach into the upper cabinet is 70 to 80 inches above floor level. If your cabinets are put at a height of over 7 feet, you require a step ladder to access them. When the cabinets are at a height of over 8 feet, access becomes really difficult.
Base cabinets have the standard depth of 24 inches and height of 36 inches. Usually, homeowners now opt for a height of around 38 inches.
The Distance Between Your Cabinets
The last very important dimension you have to consider is the distance between kitchen cabinets. Entry points are as little as 36 inches if a cabinet is placed on 1 side. You should stay at a minimum of 42 inches from a cabinet’s face to the cabinet on the other side. When you go over 60 inches, it is usually way too wide. When the kitchen is U-shaped, a maximum of 96 inches is ok.
