The 5 work zones of a modern kitchen
It goes without saying that the kitchen is the nerve centre of a house. The whole family visits it several times a day. It is a regular meeting point for lunch or dinner and, in recent times, even for work. However, it is primarily a space for cooking.
The tasks surrounding the preparation of a meal are many. Food needs to be available, washed, processed in appliances or heated for cooking.
For all of this, it is ideal to have spaces that are adapted to each task. The work areas in a kitchen will be areas for the different tasks that will make the process flow smoothly. Functionality, comfort and aesthetics are sought.
We offer you the list and description of the 5 work zones of a modern kitchen. Keep it in mind for your next renovation. Let’s start.
1. Cooking zone
This is probably ground zero in the kitchen. It is the place where the hob or glass ceramic hob and oven are located. Ideally, this cooking zone should ideally be close to the preparation area. The reason is that once the food has been cut or prepared, it can be cooked immediately. It is also a good idea to have pots, frying pans or casseroles where the food can be placed.
The traditional systems for heating are gas hobs and electric plates. However, in recent years there have been some interesting innovations in this field. An interesting option for gas cookers is the system of cookops integrated into the worktop. Known as Pitt Cooking, this arrangement ensures complete visual continuity because the burners are integrated into the worktop.
If you prefer electric power, a ground-breaking possibility is the invisible induction system. In this case, the hob is hidden under the worktop and is not visible to the naked eye as usual. Only small cross-shaped markings provide a clue as to its location.
In this cooking zone, it is essential to install an extractor hood. This accessory, in addition to eliminating cooking fumes, plays a very important decorative role.
2. Preparation area
The second of the work zones of a modern kitchen is the preparation area. This space for food preparation occupies an area on the worktop or may be the kitchen island. It is advisable for it to be located close to the cleaning area so that it is easy to remove any waste that is produced. It should also be located next to the cooking area.
Ideally, the worktop should be uncluttered and free of obstacles. This makes it much easier to cut, chop or knead on it. It is also important to have space for hot trays that may come out of the oven.
It is advisable to place some drawers containing cutting tools and pieces of kitchenware under this area of the worktop. The last piece of advice regarding the preparation area is that it should be well lit so that you can work in complete safety.
3. Cleaning area
The heart of the cleaning area is undoubtedly the sink. This is where food is washed as well as kitchen utensils and utensils. Depending on the type of kitchen, it may have a single or double-basin sink. In addition, the dishwasher, which is almost indispensable in many households, must also be installed in this space. When transferring dishes and glasses from the sink to the dishwasher, if they are in close proximity, drips on the floor or worktop can be avoided.
Under the sink it is also common to place the waste bins. From Molins Design we would like to remind you of the importance of recycling in the home. So, in this cooking area you should place the bins to collect glass, paper, plastic and organic waste.
Finally, it is also advisable to reserve a space in this area of the kitchen to store cleaning products, polishes and disinfectants.
4. Pantry area
We are now talking about one of the most important work areas in a kitchen. This is the pantry space. This is where the fridge, freezer and cupboards for storing food are located.
The size of the fridge should be adjusted to the space available and the size of the family living in the house. Remember to place fruit and vegetables in the lower part of the drawers and in the door, products that do not need to be kept cold. Use zone 0 to store meat and fish and the central shelves to keep food that has already been opened properly. Always check that the freezer closes properly and avoid introducing food that is still hot.
With regard to the pantry that you fit out in the cupboard, it is important that it is tidy. To do this you can use mobile shelves, dividers or baskets. Remember that access to the stored food must be quick and easy.
5. Storage area
The last of the working areas in a kitchen is the storage area. This is where the various electrical appliances that are used on a daily basis should be placed. For example, the toaster, the juicer or the blender. One option is to leave them on the worktop, but they will take up space, stain more and prevent the worktop from being cleaned quickly.
This is also the place for kitchen utensils such as trays, jugs and pots and pans. Utensils and kitchenware that you do not use so often should be placed on the upper shelves.
Kitchen work areas + layout = Dream kitchen
The type of kitchen according to its layout will also determine the location of the different work areas in a kitchen. Remember that it is interesting to combine the distribution of the areas with the right distance in the work triangle.
Without a doubt, having a kitchen with all the work areas operational and assigned in the correct order will make work much easier. The preparation and cooking tasks will follow one another in a natural way.
On the other hand, the cleaning area must be well equipped and germ-free. Finally, the pantry area and the storage area must be combined in such a way that food does not perish or spoil.
If you manage to combine these areas in the right way, you are sure to have a dream kitchen.
