Kitchen Work Centres

The basic kitchen is a place for storage of all the implements and ingredients necessary to the preparation of a meal. The activities of homemaking that are concentrated in the kitchen are complex, so they must be carefully planned in a sequence of events moving from storage, through preparation, to cooking and serving. To accomplish this sequence, there should be three main or basic activity areas, ‘commonly referred to as work centres, in every kitchen:

1. The refrigeration or storage area
2. The sink or preparation and clean up area
3. The food preparation and cooking area

The organization of these three main activity centres should be the first step in the formulation of any new kitchen plans, since they are the basis of any good design.  An ideal kitchen installation includes proper distribution of appliances, work counter surfaces, and cabinets within these three work centres. Each work centre should include the major appliances, the food, the cooking equipment, and any other supplies used in that activity. In other words, each activity centre should provide efficient working conditions for the particular functions that are performed at each appliance—refrigerator, sink, or range.

Refrigeration Units

The refrigeration or storage area should be arranged to expedite the storage and removal of foods. Perishables must be moved to and from the refrigerator and the freezer. Canned goods, cereals, and staples are contained in the base, wall, and pantry cabinets that surround and are fitted to this centre. In recent years, the refrigerator/storage centre has become increasingly more important as food processing and pre-packaging has changed. More ready-to-use foods are being used by families, and many of them require freezer storage. With families using more pre-packaged foods. The pantry is considered an essential storage space in any well-planned kitchen.

To expedite the storage and handling of foods, the refrigerator/storage centre should be located immediately adjacent to the kitchen’s service entrance.  A refrigerator combination or a separate freezer unit allows longer storage of many foods. As a separate freezer is not used as many times a day as the refrigerator, it may be located out of the main kitchen work area, for example, in a line of tall cabinets or another wall if it is an upright model, or in a garage, basement, or utility room. Allow at least 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm) of countertop next to the refrigerator, with the refrigerator door opening on the side toward the counter. With a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer remember it is easier to reach across the closed freezer door to load and unload the fresh food section than to reach around an open door to a counter on the wrong side. A combined total of at least 36 inches (91 cm) of counter space should be allowed for this centre. Of course, with a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer it is a good idea, when possible, to have an equal amount of space beside the freezer.

Best Practices

Some refrigeration models have doors that can be hinged to swing in either direction. Have the homeowner consider this idea carefully before ordering a new unit. Also, check the specifications of the intended model for the height of the box and recommended clearance for air circulation as well as for width. Avoid putting a refrigerator in a corner, beside a wall, or next to a line of cabinets. It is usually necessary to open the door more than 90 degrees to remove crispers and shelves. When designing a kitchen, if the homeowners like pantries, the refrigerator/storage centre is where the pantry belongs. If they prefer cabinet food storage, this is where the appropriate cabinets belong. Tailor everything to their habits and preferences, but be sure to group it all efficiently so they do not have to keep walking from one side of the kitchen to the other. When planning the storage space for the refrigerator/storage centre, be sure to include several adjustable shelves to allow for odd-sized packages and bottles. The refrigerator/storage centre should be placed next to the clean-up centre, and there should be at least 42 inches (107 cm) of uninterrupted countertop between the two.