Kitchens Elements of a welldesigned kitchen Common materials

Kitchens *Elements of a well-designed kitchen *Common materials used *Accommodating those with special needs.

Well-Designed Kitchens Include • • Adequate storage Lighting Counter space What else? ? – Traffic flow – Amount of use

Kitchens: “Heart of the Home” • Whether a simple campfire or an elaborate modern kitchen, the kitchen is a place where families and friends gather. • What are some things that you think are important to have in a kitchen design?

Location • The kitchen is part of the service area of the house. Service areas are parts of the house where work is done. • The kitchen is the center for meal preparation and clean up. • The kitchen should be located near the dining room and service entrance to the home.

Work Centers • Work centers are the areas in the kitchen where specific tasks are performed and equipment is stored. • There are three main Work Centers in a kitchen: – Food Preparation and Storage Center – Cooking and Serving Center – Cleanup Center

Food Preparation and Storage Area • This center focuses on the refrigerator. • 8 -10 cubic feet of refrigerator space is needed for 2 people, plus another cubic foot for additional persons. • Types of refrigerators include top freezer, bottom freezer, and side-by-side. – The center should have cabinets for food storage and counter space beside the refrigerator for use as a mixing center.

Cooking and Serving Area • The cooking surface is the center of activity. The cooking surface could be a free-standing, slide-in, or drop-in range. • Power can be gas or electric. • Ovens may be part of the range or separate. – At least 24 in. of heat-resistant counter space is needed on each side of the range.

Cleanup Area • This area focuses on the sink, but may also include a dishwasher and disposal. • Sink types include stainless steel, solid surface, porcelain, and granite. – 36 in. of counter space is needed for stacking dirty dishes and 18 in. is needed for clean dishes. • Storage is needed for dishes and cleaning supplies.

The Work Triangle • Kitchens are arranged so the 3 work centers form an imaginary triangle. – The work centers should be equally spaced so that the sum of the three sides does not exceed 22 feet. – Kitchens are more efficient if traffic goes around the center of the work triangle. – Cross traffic should be avoided so as to prevent spills and other accidents.

6 Basic Kitchen Types • • • Kitchens should be well organized. Kitchens are often the center of the home. The work centers of kitchens can be arranged into a wide variety of designs. – There are six basic kitchen types.

Island

U-Shape The most efficient kitchen shape!

Peninsula

L-Shape

One Wall The most economical kitchen shape!

Corridor/Galley

Adequate Storage • Space for: – Food – Dishes – Small appliances – What else? ?

Lighting • What types of lights do you generally see in kitchens? • General • Task • Accent

Counter Space • Should be adequate – To prepare for cooking – To mix – To roll out cookie dough or pie crust – To stack dirty dishes by the sink – To dry clean dishes