The efficient u-shape plan is functional and often puts one’s work area on each of 3 walls. The pros of this are great storage and counter space on 3 sides that maximize efficiency however this isn’t the ideal plans for entertaining or for accommodating many cooks. Major traffic jams in the kitchen area! Another aspect to consider is you have to have the basic 8×8 foot space and anything less is not going to give the minimum 4 feet work area that is recommended for the center of the room. In a big kitchen for maximum efficiency, locate one work area in a freestanding island.
The L-shape plan allows 2 work stations on a single wall and the 3rd on an adjacent wall. This design is much more efficient regarding space compared to the U-shape plan especially if the main workstations are located close to the bend of the L. The L-shaped plan is not well suited for small kitchen areas and you need to allow adequate open counter space between the 2 workstations which use the same wall. This is around four feet. Some other considerations is the design of the workstations that are critical. The work needs to move from the fridge to the sink and then towards the stove cooktop and serving area. An ideal eating space would be the area opposite the bend of the L.
The island plan is a popular design because it features a freestanding workstation typically including the sink or stovetop. This is a fantastic plan for big kitchens in which the work triangle exceeds the twenty-six foot rule that dictates that for maximum efficiency. Island plans are not suitable in kitchens where two work stations should be on opposite walls. The island is a convenient place for specialty countertops like butcher block for chopping veggies or even marble for rolling out those delectable desserts. Another idea is a rolling island that can roll outside to your patio or deck when entertaining guests. When an end of the island is anchored to a wall or line of cabinets, this is called a peninsula plan. The peninsula kitchen packs all of the flexibility of island but does not require the maximum amount of area. Like islands, the peninsula plan gives the cook a workstation and a view into another room instead of just toward a wall. After meal planning, a peninsula can also become a serving buffet or bar.
The one wall plan is normally seen in smaller homes, vacation homes as well as apartments. This floor plan certainly is the most space-saving yet is least efficient for the cook. Typically there is a door at each end which translates into plenty of through traffic. This can make a number of problems as well as frustration for the cook. One wall kitchens are more effective when the sink is in the center beside the refrigerator and the stovetop. If you have the space, allow four feet of counter space on both sides of the sink.
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