How to Design an Efficient Kitchen
- 1). Plan a kitchen arrangement based on the "kitchen triangle." The kitchen triangle consists of the refrigerator, the sink, and the cooking area. Place a counter with ample room for keeping and prepping ingredients next to the oven, with the oven on a nearby perpendicular wall. Place the triangle outside of the direct paths in and out of the kitchen to minimize interruption from traffic.
- 2). Incorporate appliances that let you get more work done. Install a two-compartment sink so you can wash dishes in one sink and rinse in the second, increasing efficiency by letting two jobs be done at once. Eliminate redundant appliances. Get a multi-speed precision blender that can also function as a food processor. A toaster oven precludes the need for a toaster.
- 3). Designate empty wall and ceiling space for equipment storage. Install hooks above the oven to hang your most-used utensils. Hang open shelves for storing items like measuring cups or coffee cups, freeing cupboard space for cooking pots and pans. Screw hooks into the ceiling to hold baskets for fruit, garlic and onion, or spices.
- 4). Avoid using counter space for non-food-related uses. Designate an area elsewhere in the house for a desk for house business and mail. TVs, computers, and other non-food appliances can add entertainment to the kitchen, but take up room that could be used for cutting up veggies or storing a food processor.
- 5). Buy space- and energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Smaller and more compact appliances help save space and use less energy than larger counterparts. Look for the Energy Star logo, which designates that the appliance uses 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. Plan on lighting that utilizes compact fluorescent bulbs, which last up to ten times longer and use up to 50 percent less energy than regular bulbs, to cut down on bulb replacement and energy costs.