When planning a new kitchen—whether it's part of a home build or renovation—one of the most important design principles to consider is The Kitchen Triangle, also known as the Kitchen Work Triangle. This concept focuses on creating an efficient layout by positioning the three primary work areas—the fridge, stove, and sink—in a triangular formation.

 

 

The goal of the Kitchen Triangle is to streamline movement and maximize efficiency while cooking. By ensuring these three key points are easily accessible and free of obstructions, everyday tasks like prepping, cooking, and cleaning become much smoother.

To understand the value of efficiency, just ask a professional chef. In a commercial kitchen, every step counts. If the fridge is too far from the stove or prep area, precious seconds are lost—time that could mean the difference between a perfectly cooked dish and a burnt one. While most of us aren’t operating at restaurant speed, the same principle applies at home: thoughtful layout leads to a more enjoyable cooking experience.

 

What Are the Rules of the Kitchen Triangle?

In residential kitchens, there are a few guidelines for applying this layout:

• Each leg of the triangle (the distance between fridge, stove, and sink) should be no less than 4 feet and no more than 9 feet.

• The total length of all three sides combined should not exceed 26 feet.

This balance helps ensure that your kitchen isn’t too cramped or too spread out, both of which can disrupt workflow.

 

Visualizing the Triangle

Many people first imagine the Kitchen Triangle in a layout with an island. But this design principle can be adapted to any kitchen shape, including galley, L-shaped, and U-shaped kitchens. The diagrams, below, show how the triangle can be configured in various layouts.

Once you’ve established your triangle, the rest of the kitchen elements can fall into place. Add cabinetry, countertops, and other appliances while keeping functionality in mind. For example:

• Place the dishwasher next to the sink for easy loading.

• Decide whether your microwave will be built-in or sit on the countertop.

• Consider pantry options—a tall cabinet or a walk-in pantry.

• Plan for seating at an island or peninsula, but ensure guests won’t interfere with the kitchen workflow.

• Maximize continuous countertop space, as it provides essential room for prepping and working.

 

A Flexible Rule of Thumb

You may need to rework the triangle slightly to accommodate other features or design preferences. That’s okay—this concept isn’t rigid, but rather a helpful guideline. As long as you prioritize efficiency and clear movement between your main work zones, you’ll create a kitchen that works beautifully for your lifestyle—whether you’re a gourmet cook or a weeknight meal warrior.

 

Read more about the Kitchen Triangle here.