STEP 4 – LOCATE YOUR WORK CENTERS
Each of the major appliances at the three points of the work triangle dictates the location of the primary “work centers” in the kitchen.
Appliance Work Center
Refrigerator = Mix-and-Store Center
Sink = Cleaning Center
Range = Cook-and-Serve Center
Note: Not all kitchens have defined, separated work centers as in the U-Shaped Kitchen to the left. Most have overlaps.
Ideally, the kitchen should be planned so that the work progresses from right to left. The countertop for the mix-and-store center should be located to the left of the refrigerator with the door opening nearest the counter. This center, realistically, should be closest to the outdoor entrance to save carrying groceries any farther than necessary. The cleaning center should be next in line, between the other two centers, because most all food preparations require water, and all require cleanup. The cook-and-serve center, which follows, is at best advantage if it is close to the dining area, with counter space for dishing up foods to the left of the burners, closest to the doorway or dining table.
The secondary centers, not included in the work triangle, evolve around other large appliances or furniture – a separate built-in oven, or a microwave unit, or an eating bar, or a planning desk, or an additional sink. The built-in oven should be close to either the cook-and-serve or mix-and-store center. The microwave unit, however, is best situated near the dining area since most foods coming from it are “table ready”. The eating bar should be adjacent to the cook-and-serve center, and, if directly next to the burners, can transform into a buffet counter with the handy “warmers” close at hand. An additional sink should be located either near the refrigerator or the dining area, depending on how it is used. If it is used in salad making, it needs to be close to the refrigerator; or, if primarily used in clean-up, or as a wet bar, it is best located near the dining area. The planning desk needs to be close to the mix-and-store center in order for you to readily check food supplies, but, at the same time, kept away from the busy work triangle to assure a quiet workplace. Do not overlook the possibility of using the eating bar or kitchen table as a substitute planning desk.
CHECK YOUR OWN KITCHEN:
Check out Lifestyle Systems complete line of drawer and shelf organizers for the home and office at www.lifestylessystems.com. If you want to be an active participant to change/plan your kitchen download the corresponding worksheet for the workshop by clicking on the worksheet below:
Worksheet 1 – Cooks Profile
Worksheet 2 – Draw Your Kitchen
Worksheet 3 – My Work Triangle
Worksheet 4 – Location Of My Work Centers
Worksheet 5 – Measure My Counterspace
Worksheet 6 – Measure Heights of Work Surfaces
Worksheet 7 – Part 1 – Kitchen Storage Test
Worksheet 7 – Part 2 – Measure Your Kitchen Storage
Worksheet 8 – Part 1 – Kitchen Equipment Checklist
Worksheet 8 – Part 2 – Kitchen Equipment Checklist
Worksheet 8 – Part 3 – Tableware Storage Checklist
Worksheet 8 – Part 4 – Tableware Checklist Continued
Worksheet 8 – Part 5 – Supplies and Food Items Checklist
Worksheet 9 – Measure Points You Can Easily Reach In Your Kitchen
Worksheet 10 – How To Place Items In A Work Center
Worksheet 11 – Part 1 – Suggestions For Maximizing Storage Space In My Kitchen
Worksheet 11 – Part 2 – Suggestions For Maximizing Storage Space
Worksheet 11 – Part 3 – Suggestions For Maximizing Storage Space In My Kitchen
Worksheet 11 – Part 4 – Suggestions For Maximizing Storage Space In My Kitchen
Worksheet 12 – A Shopping List For Kitchen Equipment And Tableware
Worksheet 13 – Survey The Lighting And Electrical Outlets In My Kitchen
Worksheet 14 – Decorating Your Kitchen
Worksheet 15 – Gather Samples For My Kitchen
Worksheet 16 – Part 1 – Sources And Appointments
Worksheet 16 – Page 2 – Budget and Priority Schedule For My Kitchen
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