Kitchen layout feedback

a_minnie · May 05, 2022 4:33 pm

So we're almost finished out house plans and trying to finalise the kitchen layout. It's a bit of an unusual design, but we have lots of limitations on the layout and this is what we have to work with!

We're a family with school-aged kids and like having folks over to eat with us, so plenty of space to cook/serve etc is a must. I really cant decide where to put the cooktop though. Cooking splatter from the hotplates is a bit of a consideration (we don't do much frying though, so not too bad of an issue). We want to use induction hotplates so don't have any concerns about gas ventilation & open flames. We do use our microwave & kettle a lot (steaming veggies and making cups of tea!) so easily accessed locations for those are important. We definitely prefer not to put the microwave or oven underbench (too low! we use them lots and lift in heavy dishes etc).

I've come up with a few possible layouts (see below). All the floorplans have a walk-in pantry behind the staircase so that's a fixed item. Happy to answer questions and hear suggestions!

Layout 1: Sink & cooktop under windows on long bench (3.9m long)

Layout 2: cooktop on the far wall (that bench is 1.5m wide) and a shorter bench under windows (it's still 2.8m though)

Layout 3: Cooktop on the island and shorter bench under windows

Layout 4: cooktop on the island, long bench under windows

Evelin · May 05, 2022 5:08 pm

Hi,

it would help if you supply room measurements

SJT76 · May 05, 2022 5:16 pm

I'd go with option 1. I think that you'll lose a lot of use from the island if you put the cooktop there. I think you would still be able to use it a bit better if you put the sink there and hotplate where you have the sink in the other designs, but don't think it's worth it.

Option 2 would be my second choice, but personally would find that space a little cramped for cooking (I like space for the ingredients next to the cooktop).

Allnamesrgone · May 05, 2022 6:51 pm

Option 1 would be my choice from those plans. I really dislike cooktops on island bench, specially one that has seating and didn't buy a house a few years ago solely because this was the layout in a new kitchen.

With option 1 an induction cooktop gives you lots of bench space (when not cooking) to serve and/or prepare food. In the past I have never used the cooktop for prep, but since owning an induction cooktop in a mid-size kitchen I use it often as there is no chance of it being switched on accidentally due to the master switch on the splashback.

Spazzen · May 05, 2022 7:27 pm

Option 1.

I like cooktops in islands, its what i've put in my new build.

but the island doesn't face the living area, so even if you use it you're not facing the people at the table etc anyway.

TBH i'd assume theres an option with the island paralell to the dining table rather than at a right angle.

A cooktop in the island in that situation would have you facing the guests at the table and the alfresco, a better trade off for the loss if bench space.

Jason526 · May 06, 2022 10:37 am

Option 1&2 are probably the better two options, with Option 1 being the preferred one.

A few suggestions for Option 1:
1. Swap the position of cooktop and sink. It creates better work flow, fridge>wash>cook>serve.
2. Would you consider making the window bench in Option 1 shorter, as same as in Option 2? I feel like that the kettle/toaster section is in a corner and a bit of stretch to reach. Also you have a corner underbench cabinet which can be useless sometimes. If you make the window bench shorter, you get proper cabinets/drawers under the kettle section.

a_minnie · May 06, 2022 7:28 pm

Jason526

Option 1&2 are probably the better two options, with Option 1 being the preferred one.

A few suggestions for Option 1:
1. Swap the position of cooktop and sink. It creates better work flow, fridge>wash>cook>serve.
2. Would you consider making the window bench in Option 1 shorter, as same as in Option 2? I feel like that the kettle/toaster section is in a corner and a bit of stretch to reach. Also you have a corner underbench cabinet which can be useless sometimes. If you make the window bench shorter, you get proper cabinets/drawers under the kettle section.

Thanks, that's an interesting suggestion. It would also solve another concern - reaching over to the kettle etc when there is something hot cooking on the stove (and steam or splatters burning me!). I'll try mocking it up.

As for shortening the bench, I'm a bit worried it would get too tight? I think I need to allow at least 60cm either side of the sink & stove, plus maybe 90cm between them (shared space). So...

(60cm space) + 60cm cooktop + (90cm space - maybe more with dishwasher under?) + 80cm sink + (60cm space) = 350cm

It's currently a 390cm bench at full length but allowing a standing space at the end of the bench would make it about 300 or so, so not enough, I think??

Jason526 · May 09, 2022 3:25 pm

a_minnie

Jason526

Option 1&2 are probably the better two options, with Option 1 being the preferred one.

A few suggestions for Option 1:
1. Swap the position of cooktop and sink. It creates better work flow, fridge>wash>cook>serve.
2. Would you consider making the window bench in Option 1 shorter, as same as in Option 2? I feel like that the kettle/toaster section is in a corner and a bit of stretch to reach. Also you have a corner underbench cabinet which can be useless sometimes. If you make the window bench shorter, you get proper cabinets/drawers under the kettle section.

Thanks, that's an interesting suggestion. It would also solve another concern - reaching over to the kettle etc when there is something hot cooking on the stove (and steam or splatters burning me!). I'll try mocking it up.

As for shortening the bench, I'm a bit worried it would get too tight? I think I need to allow at least 60cm either side of the sink & stove, plus maybe 90cm between them (shared space). So...

(60cm space) + 60cm cooktop + (90cm space - maybe more with dishwasher under?) + 80cm sink + (60cm space) = 350cm

It's currently a 390cm bench at full length but allowing a standing space at the end of the bench would make it about 300 or so, so not enough, I think??

That's true...maybe sink move to the island?