The 5 Zones In Your Kitchen And What They Need
When it comes to kitchen renovations, the locations of main kitchen features are more important than the placements of things in most rooms. And the key to finding the right locations is understanding the five zones and what constitutes an ideal location for each.
1. Food Storage. The food storage zone's largest features are the refrigerator and pantry. These should be near each other but with space between for setting things down. This zone should also be close to the cooking areas for convenience and efficiency. Avoid placing obstacles between the food storage and food prep zones.
2. Food Prep and Cooking. Food preparation is a zone that often needs the most space and should be the most centrally located. Obviously, it is located near food storage, the stove, and the oven. The food prep area should have plenty of clear surfaces to work with and little clutter. You may, though, want to add those small appliances you regularly use during prep time.
3. Cookware Storage. The storage spaces for major cookware — pots, pans, baking sheets, and tins — should be closely connected to the prep area for ease of use. This zone needs little surface area but large storage spaces (often in base cabinets). It may also house the most unusual or bulky items, so storage may need to be customized for your style of cookware.
4. Dishware Storage. Dishware storage is best approached as a different entity than cookware storage. Dishware — glasses, plates, bowls, mugs, silverware, and light utensils — is more uniform and easier to create storage for. However, it accounts for a large volume of non-food storage, so give it plenty of room. The dishware zone shouldn't be placed too near the cooking and cookware zones or these will get in the way of each other.
5. Cleanup. Finally, the cleanup zone's centerpiece is obviously the sink. This is a heavy-use part of the kitchen so it should be sturdy and utilitarian. Leave plenty of space for working around the kitchen. But storage needs are limited because everything used here will be stored in other zones. The cleanup area is often adjacent to food prep zones but should be placed where it can also be used by those not participating in cooking.
By separating the functions of your new kitchen into 5 distinct zones, you can plan the best location and storage solution targeted to each. The result will be a kitchen that's more functional, more accessible, and more enjoyable. Start today by consulting with a kitchen remodeling service in your area.
