How easy is it to cook in your kitchen? The layout is the most important part of kitchen interior design. Within the modular kitchen design, the work triangle should be taken into account to maintain kitchen efficiency. This will ensure you have a functional and ergonomic cooking environment. Designers and experts often use this idea as the basis to determine an efficient kitchen design. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What is the kitchen work triangle all about?

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The work triangle: explained!

According to the concept of the golden triangle or work triangle, the principal workstations in the kitchen — the hob, sink and the refrigerator — are placed such that their positions form the vertices of an imaginary triangle. Thus, these points are within accessible distance from each other.

Why is the kitchen work triangle important?

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Maximise efficiency in style

The hob, sink and refrigerator are the three most frequently used areas in a modular kitchen design, with most tasks requiring movement from one of these station to the other. If these areas are in close proximity, you won’t have to walk too much between zones while cooking.

With kitchens, the ergonomics are vital and can substantially be improved if the kitchen work triangle is implemented well. It makes working in the kitchen less tiresome. Additionally, you can be done with your cooking in lesser time. This also helps minimise the traffic within the kitchen.

In the parallel kitchen above, the three working spots are aligned in a way that allows the user to work with comfort.

If you’re working with a compact kitchen, check this out: How to Make the Most of Your Compact Kitchen.

How does the work triangle in modular kitchen design work?

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Easy-to-work layout

The rules governing the size and dimensions of the work triangle are additionally important for you to know.

Each side of the triangle, i.e., the distance between any two of the three spots should ideally be between 4 feet and 9 feet. The total sum of the sides of the triangle should be between 13 feet and 26 feet. This allows enough space to work comfortably at each station and move between them as well.

The work triangle should not be blocked by any other element of the kitchen by more than 12 inches. Make sure that the triangle is not obstructed by counters, cabinets or islands. Keep movement pathways away from the triangle so that the area can be kept as free as possible. For a kitchen work triangle with island to work, you can place the sink on the island.

Do you know What is a Kitchen Island and Why Do You Need One?

How do other appliances fit in a kitchen work triangle?

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A compact but efficient layout

The original idea of the work triangle didn’t include modern day appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, etc, which are now frequently used stations. However, these requirements can be efficiently accommodated into the layout by placing them within easy reach of the user. Besides, this ensures that the work triangle is not hindered.

Take a cue from the L-shaped kitchen work triangle above where the microwave is placed next to the refrigerator for easy use. Subsequently, it doesn’t block movement in the kitchen, thus making for a functional layout.

You should also take care of the kitchen work zones while planning the design. Read this for more: 4 Dedicated Zones for Every Task in the Kitchen.

How does the kitchen work triangle look like in different layouts?

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This is how you can make the golden triangle work

You can incorporate the work triangle in any kitchen layout. Here’s how:

  • In a galley kitchen, the sink and stove are on one side of the kitchen and the refrigerator is on the other side, in front of the two.
  • The kitchen island layout shows a work triangle for when the island is used as a wash area and the stove and refrigerator are placed on other countertops.
  • In a L-shaped layout, usually the sink and refrigerator are placed on one side and the stove on the adjacent counter.
  • In a U-shaped layout, the stove, sink and refrigerator are placed on three different counters.

Can it be used for a straight kitchen?

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It can form a linear line

Modular kitchen design come in all shapes and sizes! While the kitchen triangle works for most shapes, we can modify it for a straight layout. Subsequently, all you need to do is place the cooktop in between the sink and the refrigerator. This will make the kitchen more ergonomic and efficient for you!

The straight kitchen above, which is designed to be functional and aesthetically appealing, has the hob in between, located at minimum distance between the refrigerator and sink.

Besides, the next time you’re designing your kitchen, make sure you check if your layout incorporates the work triangle. Moreover, a little bit of planning and thought can result in a well-designed, ergonomic layout that will make everyday cooking a breeze.

Also check out Which is the Best Kitchen Layout & How to Make the Most of It.

Send in your comments and suggestions to editor.sg@zonemlb.com.