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This page deals with kitchen dimensions and kitchen planning guidelines for kitchen layouts.
They're based on recommendations for the United States but standards for other modern
countries won't be far off. I've included metric conversions.
This kitchen dimensions information forms part of the kitchen design layout series.
You may also be interested in kitchen cabinet dimensions.
Just a quick note to keep us all out of trouble
This information is provided in good faith to help you think about your kitchen design. The
metric dimensions are approximate. It is your responsibility (or your architect / design
professional / contractor team) to make sure your dimensions are in accordance with your local
code or regulations.
The door swings of the cabinets and appliances on either side of two runs of units facing
each other.
So taking into account these factors we can imagine the following scenarios.
In this scenario its a small kitchen designed for one cook where one wall has no cabinets or
appliances. An aisle width of 40 inches (102cm) is adequate in this case. It allows space for the
cabinets to be opened and for the cook (or person cleaning up) to move around easily. I think if
you were pushed you could go down to 36 inches (92cm) particularly if you dont have a
dishwasher (the dishwasher has the widest door swing). With 36 inches of clearance a person
can open a drawer and stand behind it or stoop down to the base cabinets (provided theyve not
been eating too many pies).
Another reason for going down to 36 inches is that you could squeeze in a 4 inch (10cm) shelf
along the wall maybe even with a sliding door. 4 inches of shelf space is great for tins and
groceries, especially if theres a lip on the shelf to stop things falling off.
This scenario would also apply for other layouts where the obstruction doesnt have any units.
For example here it is with a breakfast bar. I added a wall of thin units at the other wall of the
kitchen for extra storage.
A minimum aisle width of 40 inches (102cm) also applies for a run of units opposite the end of
an island.
2. Two rows of facing units with one cook (watch out for door swings)
So the standard advice is that if you have a kitchen with one cook working in the kitchen at any
one time then you need 42 inches (107cm) of clearance between two runs of units.
If your household is the one cook at a time variety its all too easy to go for 42 inches of
clearance. Before you settle on this though, just check your base cabinet / appliance door
swings. 24 inch (61cm) base cabinet door swings will clash with each other, and youll have
even more of a clash with a dishwasher. So it might be worth changing the width of your
cabinets and just thinking about door swings before you decide to have an aisle separation of 42
inches.
In the arrangement shown above theres enough room for the diners to be seated 32 inches
(81cm) and a person to work in the kitchen 40 inches (102cm) making a total of 72 inches
(213cm) from the edge of the run of units to the edge of the table.
If youre pretty confident that there wont be much work going on in the kitchen while people are
sitting at the table you could maybe bring this in to 48 inches (122cm). Ive seen plenty of
small family kitchens with a table squeezed in with about 48 inches clearance.
When youre looking at kitchen counter stools make sure you buy the right height 24 inches
(62cm). And leave at least 15 inches (38cm) leg space.
When youre looking at kitchen bar stools make sure you buy the right height 30 inches
(76cm). And leave at least 12 inches (30cm) leg space.
Doorway Area
The doorway to the kitchen should be at least 34 inches wide (86.5cm).
The door swing should not be in the way of appliances or work areas. If the door swing is taking
up too much space you could put a pocket door in instead, or remove the door altogether.
Sink Clearances
There should be 36 inches (92cm) on one side of the main sink and 18 inches (46cm) on the
other side of the sink.
The 18 inches side may be integrated into the sink as a draining board.
If you're working with a small kitchen space a drying rack above the sink could work instead of
having a landing area to the side for drying.
If the cooking surface is located on an island the counter top must extend a minimum of 9
inches behind the cooking surface.
Refrigerator
When placing the refrigerator consider the door swing. Ideally the refrigerator door should open
on the side that is orientated towards the main preparation area. If the refrigerator is placed
near to a wall and the door opens onto the wall it may be necessary (depending on the hinge of
the refrigerator door) to include a space buffer (perhaps a thin cupboard) to allow the door to
open fully. If the door cant swing fully open there will be problems getting shelves in and out of
the refrigerator when its time for cleaning.
Counter Top
A minimum amount of counter top frontage of 158 inches (402cm) is recommended in some
kitchen guidelines. This can include the frontage taken up by the cooking surface and sink.
In all the kitchens I have experienced this is an ample amount for a very functional kitchen for
one cook.