Two supplementary work centres are also
included in most well-designed kitchen installations Belfast has to offer. These
centres are not just used in this city but they tend to be more popular here
than anywhere else. Although a considerable amount of preparatory work is done
at the sink work centre, studies of kitchen activities indicate that there is
usually a need for a special preparation or mix centre. Not as clearly defined,
but never the less needed, is a serve centre, which is often incorporated with
the range centre.
Mix Centres
For the sake of convenience, there is
little difference whether the mix centre is between the refrigerator and sink
or between the sink and range. However, the latter arrangement involves more
travel because the distance between mix centre and refrigerator is usually
longer. In recent years, the mix centre has become unique in that the
countertop height is lower than the normal countertop—32 inches (8 1 cm)
instead of 36 inches (91 cm)— making it more comfortable for rolling dough and
mixing. Plan on a counter 36 to 48 inches (9 1 cm to 122 cm) long with storage
space to house such things as the mixer, blender, flour bin, baking pans,
casseroles, larger canisters, mixing bowls of assorted sizes, and utensils for
measuring and mixing. (Most packaged, canned, and bottled foods used in baking
should also be stored near the mix centre.) The mix centre also requires a high
intensity of illumination (at least the equivalent of two 100-watt incandescent
lamps) mounted either under the cabinets or in hanging fixtures. The
specialized storage can be supplied by most standard base cabinets and can be
designed to roll out at the touch of a finger and spring up to counter height
for easy use. Many kitchen installations in Belfast opt for this type of
storage, as space is often at a premium. KLR Kitchen Installation are expert installers of service centres, with over twenty years experience.
While separate wall ovens are most frequently
a part of the cooking centre, sometimes they are included in the mix area, and
the complete unit is known as a mix/ bake centre. As such, it interrupts normal
counter usage unless the oven is installed near the cooking surface. A single
counter between the two may serve both, but if the oven and cooking surface are
separated by a considerable distance, each should have an adjacent counter with
cabinets. If both the built-in oven and refrigerator must be placed at one end
of an assembly, a counter should be installed between them. The refrigerator
should be closest to the sink/clean-up centre. Wheelchair users require room
for knees below work surfaces.
Serve Centres
The serve centre is not used in conjunction
with any specific appliance, but it is generally located between the range or
cook centre and the dining area. A counter area of at least 30 inches (76 cm)
should be provided to facilitate food serving. In this centre, keep in mind
that moist and crisp warning drawers are a joy for party givers and those who
dine in shifts. If space prohibits a separate small appliance centre, it is a
good idea to use small appliances near the range rather than close to the sink.
A multi-outlet strip with a ground fault circuit can accommodate a good number
of appliances, while warning lights in this centre are pleasant extras, too. Storage
for such items as a toaster, serving platters and dishes, table items, cookies,
cakes, and other foods that are purchased ready-to-eat should be included in
the serve centre. Of course, accessibility to the eating area is most important. The kitchen installations in Belfast often contain serving centres and their use is becoming increasingly popular.
Combination Centres
Frequently in small kitchens of studio
apartments and similar areas, as well as in some second kitchens, the space is
so limited that it is necessary to combine basic work centres. The cabinets and
appliances of one centre may be combined with those of the neighbouring centres
to form a continuous assembly. It is usually best to combine at least two centres
into one continuous assembly, with corresponding storage above and below. One
of the best ways to determine the proper counter space is to select the widest
desirable counter of the two centres and then add 12 inches (30 cm) to it. For
instance, if combining the refrigerator/storage centre with the sink/clean-up
centre, the counter required for the former is 18 inches (4.6 cm), while the
minimum for the latter is 30 inches (76 cm). Thus the widest counter 30 inches
(76 cm)—plus 12 inches (30 cm) would mean that the combined counter should be a
minimum of 42 continuous inches (107 cm). The resulting counter permits both
centres to operate simultaneously.
It is important to keep in mind when
designing a kitchen with combination centres that it must contain at least 10
linear feet (305 cm) of full-use base cabinets plus 10 feet of full-use wall
cabinets. Never cut down on counter space at the expense of base cabinets.
Every kitchen needs at least 10 linear feet (305 cm) of base cabinets and 10
linear feet of wall cabinets. These are absolute minimums.
