How should the work triangle in the kitchen be arranged?

Proper arrangement of elements in the kitchen in order and distance between them plays a key role in ensuring its functionality. Correct ergonomics allows you to reduce the time spent on cooking, searching for the necessary ingredients and equipment. In order for custom-made furniture to in the kitchen were arranged correctly, the rule of the work triangle was developed.

Definition of the work triangle

The work triangle is the area in the kitchen that encompasses the area between three points, namely the refrigerator, stove, and sink. This is where the main movement of a person involved in preparing meals and setting the table occurs. Therefore, the location of these appliances and the distance between them are subject to certain rules.

Ideally, the distance between the three points of the work triangle (where the corresponding elements are located) should be from 120 to 270 cm. This will facilitate the free movement of a person without inconvenience. The concept of a modern kitchen is based on the following recommendations for planning the work triangle:

• the distance between the refrigerator and the sink should allow you to quickly get products for their further processing (washing);
• the sink should be located between the refrigerator and the stove, as it is an intermediate link;
• The space between the three components should not be cluttered with other furniture or devices that will impede movement – no stools, trash cans, etc. in the area of movement between the refrigerator, sink, and stove.

The three key elements for cooking should not be located too far from each other. After all, in this case you will have to travel many kilometers, especially for housewives who cook every day. On the other hand, too small a distance will not allow you to move freely, especially when there is more than one person in the kitchen at the same time. Therefore, a distance of 1.2-2.7 meters is the optimal option.

Arrangement of the work triangle according to the kitchen layout

The finished kitchen can be of different sizes and layouts, which does not affect the consistent principle of the arrangement of the elements of the work triangle and the distance between them. However, it is worth noting the features of different kitchen options:

1. A corner kitchen is the most common option with furniture arranged near two perpendicular walls, so it is better to place the sink and refrigerator near one wall (the bottom side of the triangle), and the stove near the other wall (the top of the triangle);
2. Parallel kitchen – in long, narrow rooms, the work elements are arranged in two rows, separated by a passage. Then the sink and refrigerator are installed on one side, and the stove on the other, and the distance between the rows should be at least one meter.
3. U-shaped kitchen. It is assumed that the work surfaces will be located on three sides, thus forming the letter “P”. Then the sink is located in the middle row (the top of the letter), and the stove and refrigerator are placed on different sides.
4. Kitchen with an island. This format assumes that not all work surfaces will be located along the walls. One part is located in the middle of the room, forming a kind of “island”. In this case, it is best to place a stove on the island, and its distance from the main surfaces should be more than 120-150 centimeters.
5. Linear kitchen – the simplest format, in which the work surface is located in one row near one of the walls. Then, according to the principle of the working triangle, the sink is located in the center, on the sides of it – the refrigerator and the stove. In this case, there will be no classic triangle, but the established principle can be preserved.

proposed options for kitchen furniture with the arrangement of the refrigerator, sink and stove in a triangle format at a sufficient distance from each other work for spacious kitchens. However, in our country, many “achievements” of Soviet construction remain to this day – the so-called “Khrushchevs”. In small apartments, small kitchens with an area of several square meters. Maintaining the minimum distance of 1.2 meters will be problematic.

The way out of the situation is to move the refrigerator to a separate room or install a miniature model. Yes, this creates inconvenience, but there is no other solution. Here you can reduce the recommended distance to less than 120 centimeters, but you do not need to place the sink and stove close to each other.

Additional tips for designing your work triangle

The following recommendations will help you properly organize furniture in the kitchen :

• a preliminary understanding of which way you will move while cooking;
• arranging additional space between the stove and the sink for cutting ingredients – the optimal length should be approximately 60 centimeters;
• Properly setting the side in which the refrigerator will open will save additional space;
• installation of kitchen cabinets and drawers for storing dishes, cereals, glasses, cutlery, appliances – it would be best to use the upper tier of the kitchen set for this, elements built into the work surfaces;
• accurate measurement of optimal distances – it is better to be safe and involve specialists with professional equipment in this (a miscalculation of even a few centimeters can be critical for the proper arrangement of the work triangle).

Only a detailed calculation and adherence to the principles of the working triangle will make the kitchen space functional and comfortable. The production of kitchen furniture must be entrusted to professionals, and direct work should begin only after measurements have been taken and a technical kitchen design has been developed. Each component must have a clear place for installation so that cooking culinary masterpieces can take place without any obstacles.

If you take into account all the tips mentioned above, cooking will be extremely enjoyable, and the space will be comfortable.