The kitchen triangle theory remains unchanged since the 1920s. It’s a simple but effective kitchen design that many homeowners and interior designers still practice to this day.

In this article, we’ll talk about what this “triangle” is and why you should consider using it on your next kitchen remodel project.

What is the Kitchen Triangle?

The kitchen triangle is a design concept that states that the three most used parts of the kitchen must form a triangle to maximize the efficiency of the cooking space. These three parts are:

The oven or stove
The kitchen sink
The refrigerator

This kitchen design concept was developed by industrial psychologist and engineer Lillian Moller Gilbreth. It is believed that through this design, a cook should be able to have access to all major kitchen zones:

Food preparation
Cooktop
Food storage

Since its conception, the rules of the kitchen triangle remains the same.

Design Rules of the Kitchen Triangle

The kitchen triangle can be customized and adjusted according to layout, but it does follow three major rules:

The proportions must be balanced: When designing your kitchen using the triangle, the sum of the sides should be around 13 to 25 feet. Each side of the kitchen triangle should be no less than four feet and not beyond nine feet. This rule ensures that every zone of the kitchen is within the cook’s reach.

The triangle legs must be clear of obstructions: Your kitchen triangle design must be free from all kinds of impediments, including traffic. That means things like cabinets, tables, and countertops aren’t protruding more than 12 inches into the triangle. This rule ensures that the cook can move between each point of the triangle without obstacles.

The triangle can be used on a smaller scale: While the kitchen triangle is primarily used for the oven, sink, and fridge, it can also be used on other smaller kitchen zones. For example, the triangle can also be used on the dishwasher, sink, and garbage bin to make post-meal cleanups far more efficient.

What Are the Benefits?

The kitchen triangle offers many benefits in terms of efficiency and design. Here are some of them:

Provides space to work: For people who use the kitchen often, the kitchen triangle enables them to move and work freely and efficiently.

Optimizes the kitchen: The triangle design works extremely well with L-shaped and U-shaped kitchen layouts. It creates designated work areas and optimized routes between major appliances.

Discourages cross-contamination: Another major benefit of the kitchen triangle is that it keeps the food preparation zone far enough from areas like the sink, to prevent germs in the latter station from cross-contaminating the food prep area.

The kitchen triangle concept is easy enough for many homeowners and cooks to understand and apply. Therefore, it remains an essential design consideration when building or renovating your home.

H.E. Feldman & Son is a premier general contractor that offers professional home remodeling services. If you are planning to refurbish your kitchen, contact us today. We will help you draft a plan and provide a free estimate.