what is the kitchen triangle rule

The kitchen triangle

rule states that each side of the triangle should be not less than 4 feet and not more than 9 feet and the circumference of the triangle should be not less than 13 feet and not more than 26 feet. Cabinets or other barriers should not be more than 30 cm from any leg of the triangle.

Full Answer

What is the triangle rule for kitchen cabinets?

The kitchen triangle rule states that each side of the triangle should be not less than 4 feet and not more than 9 feet and the circumference of the triangle should be not less than 13 feet and not more than 26 feet. Cabinets or other barriers should not be more than 30 cm from any leg of the triangle.

What is the kitchen triangle?

The kitchen triangle – you might also hear it called 'the kitchen working triangle' or, more alluringly, 'the golden triangle' – is one of those kitchen design rules that's been knocking about since researchers at the University of Illinois School of Architecture developed it in the 1940s to cut construction costs.

How do you avoid traffic flow through a kitchen triangle?

You should avoid traffic flow through the triangle. While the work triangle's most obvious layout is the traditional U-shaped kitchen, many other layouts can work. For instance, a large, open-concept kitchen with an island can still retain the core triangular placement of the three main elements.

What are the rules for a prope R work triangle?

Here are the specific rules that dictate a prope r work triangle. The three elements (cooktop, sink, and refrigerator) must be laid out in a triangle pattern, between 4 feet and 9 feet apart. The total length of all three sides of this imaginary triangle must be no less than 13 feet but no more than 26 feet.

What is the kitchen triangle theory?

Developed in the early twentieth century, the working triangle—also known as "the kitchen triangle," also known as "the golden triangle"—is a theory that states a kitchen's three main work areas should form, you guessed it, a triangle. Specifically, the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.

Does the kitchen triangle still work?

The work triangle is still useful today, but with kitchens that now run the gamut from tiny single-wall galleys up to large open-plan kitchens, it's more useful to think in terms of work zones instead. Work zones are really just the natural evolution of the kitchen work triangle.

What replaces the kitchen triangle?

With increased focus on the kitchen being more than just the room you prepare your meals, but truly the heart of the home, the traditional kitchen triangle layout has been replaced with the five-zone kitchen.

What is the purpose of work triangle?

The Purpose of Kitchen Work Triangle The core purpose of the work triangle is to increase efficiency at all-important workstations near the cook without putting them too far apart or too close together, which might cause them to become congested.

What type of kitchen has no working triangle?

Formerly known as the “Pullman kitchen,” the one-wall kitchen layout features cabinets and appliances located against a single wall. For small homes, like studio apartments and lofts, this format keeps everything within easy reach. Note, however, that this kitchen layout does not use the work triangle.

What is the perfect kitchen layout?

The U-Shape Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.

Where should a fridge be located in a kitchen?

The fridge should always be located in close proximity to a bench with ample available space. This will allow grocery loading to be prompt, meaning the door is open for a lesser amount of time, and when gathering ingredients for food preparation one can easily grab what is required and place down promptly on the bench.

What are the 6 kitchen layouts?

There are six basic types of kitchen layouts: Island, Parallel, Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape, Open, and Galley.

What is a 5 zone kitchen?

'It generally consists of perishable food storage (fridge/freezer), dry food storage (larder cupboards), prepping (lots of work surface), cooking (oven and hob) and the wet zone for cleaning up (sink/dishwasher). '

How far should stove be from sink?

between 4 and 9 feetThe ideal distance between the stove and sink (or any two points in the triangle) is between 4 and 9 feet. If properly distanced, it should give your work area enough space for you to move around and easily maneuver without bumping into everyone else.

Why is the work triangle in kitchen important?

There are several main advantages of the work triangle: Cooking in a dedicated space is much easier as there's enough room to perform specific tasks and everything is conveniently close to hand. Minimising unnecessary traffic through the cooking space means the cook can get on with preparing meals without distractions.

Why do we need to have work triangle in the kitchen?

3. What is the purpose of the kitchen triangle? Adrian says: 'The purpose of the kitchen triangle is to allow you to move seamlessly and easily between working areas of the kitchen.

Does a kitchen triangle between the fridge stove and sink make a kitchen more efficient?

' George Miller, Home Designer at Neptune (opens in new tab) Fulham says: 'With three key elements at the core of its purpose, the kitchen triangle creates an efficient space and reduces the back and forth walking distance between each essential station of the kitchen; cook, store, clean. '

How do you brighten up a kitchen that has no windows?

10 Brilliant Ways to Improve Your Way-Too-Dark KitchenAdd a mirror. ... Hang a clamp lamp. ... Use brighter bulbs. ... Turn recessed lights into pendant lights. ... Stick up some under-cabinet lights. ... Add pops of color. ... Create contrast with an accent detail. ... Add something metallic that will reflect light.More items...•

Why is it important that your kitchen floor plan follows the kitchen work triangle scheme?

The kitchen work triangle is a concept used to determine efficient kitchen layouts that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The primary tasks in a home kitchen are carried out between the cook top, the sink and the refrigerator.

What is the importance of the work triangle in the kitchen?

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.

What is the kitchen work triangle rule?

The traditional kitchen work triangle layout is organized around the main kitchen work areas – the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove. Evan Nelson, a kitchen/bathroom designer for Nelson Cabinetry, explains that 'the triangle represents the flow of traffic in your kitchen. Ideally, it should create a rotational movement between cooking on one side and chopping/peeling vegetables at another with storage located near a refrigerator for easy access when needed! No element should block this natural progression so that everything can function properly.'

How can the kitchen work triangle be incorporated into a modern kitchen layout?

Think of the modern kitchen triangle as a useful idea based on the rule of thirds, but for the traditional orientation around the sink, fridge, and stove, substitute the most important kitchen zones. For King, 'the three main zones in a contemporary kitchen' will probably include:

Kitchen Work Triangle

Working in a kitchen requires you to complete a variety of tasks in order to prepare a meal, the most evident and usual of which are cleaning, food preparation, and cooking.

What is the Kitchen Triangle?

The kitchen triangle is a design concept which is also called the golden triangle that controls activity in the kitchen by positioning vital functions in designated spots also known as main work areas. It is also used to design practical and visually acceptable kitchen layouts.

How To Design the Kitchen Work Triangle?

The kitchen triangle rule states that each side of the triangle should be not less than 4 feet and not more than 9 feet and the circumference of the triangle should be not less than 13 feet and not more than 26 feet. Cabinets or other barriers should not be more than 30 cm from any leg of the triangle.

The Purpose of Kitchen Work Triangle

The core purpose of the work triangle is to increase efficiency at all-important workstations near the cook without putting them too far apart or too close together, which might cause them to become congested.

Is the Kitchen Triangle Concept Completely Outdated?

The kitchen work triangle was created in the 1940s to enable single cooks working in tiny kitchens to maximize productivity by placing the most frequently used parts — the cooking, food preparation, and storage facilities – next to one another and making it a great kitchen.

Designing a Triangle Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is definitely one of the most sought-after features of any kitchen. The benefits of having an island are numerous, as it frequently provides additional prep space and storage, as well as a designated gathering area for family and friends.

Advantages of Kitchen Triangle

The kitchen triangle may help you create defined main work spaces and an optimal route between your key appliances in a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen design.

What is the work triangle in a kitchen?

This layout draws an imaginary triangle between the three most important areas of the kitchen. The stove (for cooking), the sink (for cleaning) and the refrigerator (for midnight snacks… and food storage!). According to the rule, the sum of the work triangle shouldn’t be more than 26ft, with each “side” measuring between 4ft and 9ft.

Why is a kitchen layout important?

This layout has some considerable benefits which have caused it to be a popular option for kitchens for 100 years now. It helps you organise your kitchen far more effectively, making the preparation of food a smooth process. Having designated areas for cooking, cleaning and retrieval of food will mean that you will inevitably take far less time making meals for yourself or others.

How to contact Kitchen Warehouse?

Give us a call today on 01765 640 000 or email us at [email protected] to speak to us directly, or you can fill out our online form and one of the Kitchen Warehouse team will respond as soon as possible.

Is the kitchen the busiest room in the house?

We all know that the kitchen is arguably the most important room in the home. If not the most important, it is definitely the busiest! With a lot of traffic that passes through every day, it is essential that you have a kitchen design layout that suits you perfectly. Whether you are cooking food for the family regularly, having a sit down at the dinner table to get on with some work, or having friends over to socialise, you are going to want to make sure that your kitchen space is efficient and easy to navigate.

Can you have more than one person in the kitchen?

If there is more than one person cooking in the kitchen at one time, your larger kitchen might benefit from a variation of the kitchen triangle, so always remain open minded and adaptable, so you can best utilise your kitchen space .

Is the kitchen triangle still viable in modern society?

Some may argue that the concept of the kitchen triangle is outdated in the landscape of society today. After all, these kitchen ideas were thought of in the 1920’s and, naturally, a lot has changed since!

How long should a kitchen triangle be?

It is recommended that each leg of the triangle be at least 4 feet long, but no longer than 9 feet . “Cabinetry should not intersect any of the legs of the triangle by more than 12 inches, nor should major household traffic flow through the triangle,” Davis explains. The kitchen work triangle is believed to bring functionality to the forefront.

What is a work triangle in a kitchen?

What is a kitchen work triangle? It’s the shape formed when you connect your kitchen’s main three work areas—fridge, stove, and sink—where most of the prepping, cooking, and cleaning take place. If you’re in the process of renovating your kitchen, this “work triangle” term is bound to be bandied about—and for good reason: If there’s one room in ...

Why do we need a kitchen work triangle?

The kitchen work triangle is believed to bring functionality to the forefront. In addition to considering the placement of your main work stations, it’s also important to take into account the location of other features in order to assure good flow and functionality.

Can islands be a work triangle?

(Aaron Lytal) “It can easily impede any kind of flow between work spaces,” says Lytal. But there is a way that islands and work triangles can happily co-exist. If the island is jutting into your work triangle, you can move the island, ...

What is a kitchen triangle?

As Keith Myers, Design Director from The Myers Touch, tells us, "The kitchen triangle is based on the three main work areas within the kitchen: the sink, the fridge, and the hob [or stove/oven]. According to the rule, these should be laid out to loosely form a triangle, enabling you to perform day-to-day tasks with ease and without any obstruction.”

Why don't people cook in their kitchen anymore?

But these days, “the way people use their kitchens in this modern world is so diverse,” Laing says. “The kitchen is a space to entertain friends as well as for the kids to do their homework. In a world where convenience is king, some families don’t cook in their kitchen anymore because their lifestyle demands more of an eating out culture, or family meals happen elsewhere.”

What does the triangle in the kitchen represent?

The segments of the triangle represent traffic flow within a kitchen, ideally creating a rotational movement between the tasks of cooking (stove), chopping/peeling (sink), and storage (refrigerator). So it is also important that no element, such as a kitchen island, block the flow.

How far apart should a triangle be?

According to its tenets, each leg of the triangle formed should be between four and nine feet each, and the sum distance of the triangle should not be less than 13 or more than 26 feet. So neither too far apart or too compact. (In my own kitchen, the segment between the sink and the refrigerator is far shorter than the requisite four feet, ...

What should be in a baking zone?

For example, your baking zone should have everything you would possibly need to bake—measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, baking sheets—and ideally be located near both your pantry and your oven. Your preparing “zone” has everything you need to prepare: knives, colander, peeler, trash or disposal, etc.

What is the working triangle?

Developed in the early twentieth century, the working triangle—also known as "the kitchen triangle," also known as "the golden triangle"—is a theory that states a kitchen’s three main work areas should form, you guessed it, a triangle. Specifically, the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.

Is a kitchen open to the rest of the house?

Kitchens are frequently open to the rest of the home, as opposed to a closed-off space where only behind-the-scenes tasks happen. Because of these changes, many experts now champion the idea of a sort of evolved kitchen triangle, going from three distinct work areas to creating work “zones” within the kitchen that are self-contained.

How to design a triangle kitchen?

How to design the perfect kitchen work triangle 1 The three elements (cooktop, sink, and refrigerator) must be laid out in a triangle pattern, between 4 feet and 9 feet apart. 2 The total length of all three sides of this imaginary triangle must be no less than 13 feet but no more than 26 feet. 3 Cabinets, islands, tables, and other partial-height obstacles must not stick into the triangle more than 12 inches. 4 Full-height obstacles, such as floor-to-ceiling cabinets, should not intrude into the triangle at all. 5 You should avoid traffic flow through the triangle.

When was the kitchen work triangle invented?

The kitchen work triangle idea was originally called "circular routing" and was rolled out at a women's exposition in 1929. The concept dovetailed nicely with the so called scientific management principles en vogue at the time, which promoted labor efficiency and productivity but were later criticized for treating humans like machines. The Illinois School of Architecture further developed the concept in the 1940s, bringing it to more or less its current form.

How has the kitchen changed in modern times?

Habits and needs have changed in modern times. There are often two cooks using the kitchen at once, and the kitchen is seen as more of an informal gathering space for family and friends. What's more, kitchens have grown substantially in size since the postwar era, and a long list of appliances is the norm. We ask a lot more of our kitchens today than we ever did when the triangle concept was invented. Some designers have argued that it's time to scrap the kitchen work triangle concept altogether.

How far apart should the kitchen sink and refrigerator be?

The three elements (cooktop, sink, and refrigerator) must be laid out in a triangle pattern, between 4 feet and 9 feet apart. The total length of all three sides of this imaginary triangle must be no less than 13 feet but no more than 26 feet.

What is zone kitchen?

For zones, we strive to provide a custom plan for each cabinet in the kitchen. Our programming process (an architectural term for learning everything we can about our clients' unique needs) allows us to create a customized cabinet-by-cabinet plan for each kitchen we design. While each plan reflects the owner's unique needs, in general, we locate the dishes and glassware near the sink and dishwasher. We design storage space for table linens near the table. Spices and oils are near the range. Food storage, such as zipper bags and reusable containers are near the sink.

How high should a cabinet stick into a triangle?

Cabinets, islands, tables, and other partial-height obstacles must not stick into the triangle more than 12 inches. Full-height obstacles, such as floor-to-ceiling cabinets, should not intrude into the triangle at all. You should avoid traffic flow through the triangle.

What is plate and cutlery?

Plates & cutlery (glasses, cutlery, plates, bowls, coffee maker, electric tea kettle) By placing the zones in the order listed above, you can almost form an assembly line of meal production. Food staples get carried to the prep area for cooking. Pots and pans are close at hand.