What is a work triangle when referring to a kitchen?

Question:  What is a work triangle when referring to a kitchen?

Answer:  A major appliance and its surrounding landing/work area form a work center.  The distance between the three primary work centers (cooking surface, cleanup/prep sink, and refrigeration storage) form a work triangle.  In a kitchen with three work centers, the sum of the three traveled distances should total no more than 26’, with no single leg of the triangle measuring less than 4’nor more than 9’.  When the kitchen plan includes more than three primary appliance/work centers, each additional travel space should measure no less than 4’ nor more than 9’.  Each leg is measured from the center front of the appliance/sink.  No work triangle leg intersects an island/peninsula or other obstacle by more than 12”.  These are the recommendations of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Don Jason

If you have any questions you would like to ask, send them to me via email at [email protected].