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Yes, this is just a prelim drawing with no details on cabinets yet. But here's a few quick explanations based on what people have said/asked:
mp - is actually dw (upside down), so that's the dishwasher
tc - trash compactor
- reason prep sink is not on the island is because I really wanted the island absolutely clear of anything (I don't like anything on the island) so unless that is an absolutely horrible idea, I had wanted to keep the prep sink on the other wall, to kind of have two work triangles and reduce distances to get to the sink otherwise (if there was only the main sink)
- the built-in microwave is above the 2 ovens. That's how it is planned now, and I'd ideally like it near the fridge, but don't want to lose more wall cabinets, which is what will happen if we do that.
The biggest change I'm considering is putting the fridge where the ovens/microwave are to avoid the door slamming into the wall thing, and more the ovens/microwave to where the fridge is... So I'm hoping its not a bad idea to do that for any reason....
The fridge up against the wall doesn't bother me -- although you could easily swap the ovens and the fridge -- but the sink being so far away from the stove does. I'd move the sink and dishwasher to the island and ditch the prep sink altogether.
The fridge up against the wall doesn't bother me -- although you could easily swap the ovens and the fridge -- but the sink being so far away from the stove does. I'd move the sink and dishwasher to the island and ditch the prep sink altogether.
You are right. Fridges are always better next to a wall but not a built-in fridge. Built-in fridges should be next to a tall pantry cabinet.
Another rule of thumb which is quite commonly ignored is NEVER NEVER NEVER put a tall oven cabinet right next to a free standing fridge or a built-in fridge.
I figure if I interchange the ovens with fridge, then the area to the rigth of the new fridge location (on the drawing) could be used for preparing things like drinks/salads etc (anything that doesn't require heat), while the side that will have the cooktop, ovens, microwave etc can be used to cook hot foods.
Yes, this is just a prelim drawing with no details on cabinets yet. But here's a few quick explanations based on what people have said/asked:
mp - is actually dw (upside down), so that's the dishwasher
tc - trash compactor
- reason prep sink is not on the island is because I really wanted the island absolutely clear of anything (I don't like anything on the island) so unless that is an absolutely horrible idea, I had wanted to keep the prep sink on the other wall, to kind of have two work triangles and reduce distances to get to the sink otherwise (if there was only the main sink)
- the built-in microwave is above the 2 ovens. That's how it is planned now, and I'd ideally like it near the fridge, but don't want to lose more wall cabinets, which is what will happen if we do that.
The biggest change I'm considering is putting the fridge where the ovens/microwave are to avoid the door slamming into the wall thing, and more the ovens/microwave to where the fridge is... So I'm hoping its not a bad idea to do that for any reason....
I dont blame you for wanting to keep the island clear. Have you ever considered a 3 compartment sink on that peninsula? Then you would not need the small prep sink.
A micro can only be placed over a single oven, never a double oven. Keep that in mind too. In basic kitchens without a hood like you have we put the micro above the free standing range of course......
If you put even a narrow, say 15" pantry against the wall and the fridge next you will not have that worry about the fridge door hitting the wall. Besides, all fridges today have what is called zero clearance door swings which means the door swing does not intrude outside its space.
I am not sure why you want to put the micro near the fridge but I dont see any reason from a design standpoint why not.
We entertain often and I cook for days sometimes - I like my fridge, microwave, stove, access to pots and pans, large sinks (I like to drop dirty prep dishes in hot soapy water while I'm cooking) and prep area all within one or two steps of eachother. Things seem a little too spread out for my taste. I guess that is why chefs say that a galley kitchen design is the most efficient style of kitchen.
what I have found is that the configuration that is ideal for one person, can become hell when you have several cooks. My kitchen right now is perfect for one cook - everything is within reach. Oven, microwave and cooktop are all in the same place together. As soon as there is a bigger function and we have 2 cooks or more in the same kitchen, everyone is in everyone's way.
I'm sure it is impossible to design an "ideal" kitchen, but I would be happy to at least avoid designing one with some completely "stupid" flaws that will irritate me every day.
Like someone had mentioned, I'd like to have continous counter space between cooktop and sink. I have found that this is important to me - hence the prep sink where it is, not to mention that I prefer an island that is clear of anything.
Having a microwave near the fridge is nice, and I wanted that for the reason that its convenient since everything pretty much goes from fridge to microwave. But I will lose a wall cabinet if I do that, instead of stacking the microwave above the ovens.
btw, I DO see configurations with a microwave above 2 ovens - the bottom oven is just really low - 4 inches off the ground.
I still contend that the ovens should be more out of the way than the refrigerator.
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