Kitchen Work Triangle Calculator
Work Triangle Validation
Check if your kitchen layout meets the optimal work triangle requirements (13-26 feet total, each leg 4-9 feet)
Trying to figure out the most efficient spot for each appliance can feel like a puzzle, especially when you want the kitchen to flow smoothly and stay safe. The right kitchen appliance layout not only saves time but also reduces fatigue, keeps heat and moisture away from food prep, and makes cleaning easier. Below you’ll get a step‑by‑step plan that covers the big players, the small helpers, and the safety gaps you might overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Place the refrigerator, oven/range, and dishwasher in a clear work triangle for optimal movement.
- Maintain at least 24‑inches of clearance in front of the fridge and 30‑inches between the stove and any combustible surface.
- Group similar appliances (e.g., microwaves near the prep zone) to cut down on trips.
- Ensure proper ventilation for ranges and dishwashers to avoid lingering heat or steam.
- Use the checklist at the end to verify spacing, power, and safety before you start installing.
Understanding the Kitchen Work Triangle
First, get familiar with the classic kitchen work triangle - the invisible line connecting the refrigerator, the sink, and the cooking zone (oven or cooktop). This design principle, created by the Home‑Builder’s Association in the 1940s, aims to minimize foot traffic and keep the most used stations within easy reach. The ideal triangle adds up to 13‑26feet with each leg between 4‑9feet. Anything shorter feels cramped; anything longer forces extra steps.
When planning, position the refrigerator is a large, insulated appliance used for storing perishable foods at low temperatures at one corner, the sink is a plumbing fixture used for washing dishes, hands, and food items near the prep area, and the oven is a heat‑generating appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling (or a cooktop) at the third point. This triangle will guide most of your subsequent placement decisions.
