The Working Triangle
Creating An Efficient Working Space
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Frequent navigation within your kitchen often involves moving between the cooking zone (oven/hob), consumables area (fridge), and cleaning zone (sink).
Efficiency in the kitchen hinges on the strategic optimization of this path. It shouldn't be excessively distant, risking wasted time and energy, yet not overly close to induce a cramped feeling in the kitchen. This concept is commonly known as the working triangle.
The Five Kitchen Zones
Cleaning Area
The sink and dishwasher constitute a central hub where all items ultimately converge. Proper plumbing dictates their proximity, ideally positioned adjacent to each other. Additionally, it is advisable to contemplate utilizing this space for the storage of recycling, tea towels, cloths, and various cleaning materials.
In this zone are your oven, hob, and extractor fan, constituting the core elements of any kitchen. Conventionally, you would house cooking utensils, pots, pans, baking trays, and even spices in close proximity to the Cooking Area. Additionally, it proves advantageous to have baking papers and tea towels readily accessible in this vicinity.
Cooking Area
Preparation Area
At the heart of culinary endeavors lies this pivotal zone, where the alchemy of ingredient preparation unfolds. Here, the tools of the trade – pots, pans, knives, and an array of culinary utensils – find their convenient abode. Nestled between the realms of refrigeration, cooking, and sink activities, this nexus optimizes efficiency. Enhance your culinary domain by co-locating compact appliances like mixers and blenders, alongside indispensable assets such as cutting boards and mixing bowls.
Consumables Area
This designated space serves as the storage area for your food, encompassing fresh items in the fridge, frozen goods in the freezer, and dry provisions in the larder or pantry. It is the repository for all the items essential for your daily cooking and nourishment needs. Optimal organization involves storing these necessities in drawers or easily accessible cabinets.
Non-Consumables Area
This is a heavily utilized and frequently visited section dedicated to storing all your crockery, glassware, and cutlery. Contemplate the preferred accessibility for mugs, cups, and plates—whether it be from cupboards or drawers beneath the counter or via overhead cabinets equipped with efficient pull-down mechanisms. This zone accommodates approximately one third of your kitchen inventory, underscoring the significance of thoughtful consideration for the most comfortable and ergonomic utilization.