Kitchen zones – an alternative to the kitchen work triangle

What’s the best way to lay out a kitchen? How do you make it practical and efficient – a joy to cook in? The kitchen work triangle is a tried and trusted method – but there is an alternative design method that builds on it and allows for the many different ways we use our kitchens in real life. Here’s an expert guide to the concept of kitchen zones…

What is the kitchen zones concept?

These days, a kitchen serves a whole range of different purposes, and kitchen zones work by dividing the kitchen into different areas according to specific tasks, such as preparation, cooking and cleaning, as well as leisure or family activities.

Kitchen zones allow you to accommodate the many different roles and layouts of a modern kitchen, including open concept kitchens, so you can create a layout that’s efficient, comfortable, and that works for your space and your needs.

Kitchen zones versus the kitchen work triangle

The kitchen work triangle is a design concept that dates back to the 1940s, and its main principles are still applicable to today’s modern kitchen designs. The basic idea of the kitchen work triangle is that with the right layout, you can create a kitchen that’s efficient, ergonomic and easy to navigate.

Under the kitchen work triangle rule, the three main working areas of the kitchen – the cooker, sink and refrigerator – are laid out as if they are three points on a triangle, with imaginary lines drawn between them.

This arrangement ensures that they are close enough together (but not too close), creating a good workflow and minimising the number of steps and the amount of time, energy and physical exertion required to move around the kitchen.

Those are all valid and useful kitchen design principles – but the kitchen zones concept builds on it for a wider approach to kitchen planning…

What are the main kitchen zones?

There are 5 or 6 key zones which are normally used by designers when creating a kitchen. The main kitchen zones are:

1) Food storage zone – including the pantry, larder and any other cupboards used for storing foodstuffs

2) Non-consumables zone – for storing non-food items such as plates, bowls, cups, glasses and eating utensils

3) Preparation zone – incorporating available worktops and kitchen island surfaces

4) Cooking zone – including the oven and hob, kettle and microwave

5) Cleaning zone – the sink and drainer, under-sink storage, dishwasher and bin

6) Entertainment or family zone – for snacking or enjoying a coffee, doing the homework, crafts with the kids, and so on.

Of course, kitchen zones are not mutually exclusive, and there is often a natural overlap between them: for example, it makes sense to store essential cooking ingredients such as salt and pepper, oils and spices close to where you will be cooking.

The great thing about zoning is you can create whichever zones best suit your kitchen and your lifestyle.

How to design a kitchen using zones

When designing your kitchen, it’s important to consider what your priorities are and how you use the space on a daily basis, as this will help to ensure that you create the best layout for your needs. A keen chef or budding baker might require more extensive preparation and cooking zones, for example, while a busy family might benefit from an entertainment or family zone.

Here’s the lowdown on how to approach each of the main kitchen zones, and what they should include…

1. Food storage zone

The food storage zone is where you store your consumables. This includes fresh and dried food, and will normally include the pantry, larder and sometimes the refrigerator (although this isn’t essential), plus any other cupboards used to store foodstuffs. Storing the majority of your food in one main area of the kitchen makes it much easier when it comes to accessing and preparing food, unpacking the shopping, and so on.

Within the food storage zone, it’s a good idea to store everyday items such as bread, cereals, pasta and rice close to hand, while less frequently used items can go on the higher shelves. Including some quality bespoke storage will allow you to tailor the food storage zone to fit your exact needs. From bespoke pantries and hidden larders, to vertical space towers with pull-out drawers, you can keep your food storage zone looking neat, tidy and stylish, while accommodating everything you need day to day.

2. Non-consumables storage zone

The non-consumables zone is for storing non-food items, such as plates, bowls, glasses, dishes and everyday utensils. It can be useful to situate this zone close to the cleaning zone, as this makes it much easier when unloading the dishwasher or drainer.

Frequently used items such as mugs, cups and plates should be kept within easy reach, while larger items can be stored in the lower cupboards. Bespoke storage solutions such as carousels and articulated corner caddy units can make it much easier to access bulky items, while also making the most of the space.

The preparation zone is dedicated to preparing meals and snacks, and consists of the available worktop space and kitchen island surfaces, plus everything you need to prepare a meal. These areas should be kept clear of any excess clutter, and used to store essentials, such as knife blocks. Ideally, the preparation zone will be situated close to the cooking zone and the food storage zone.

Other food prep related items such as scales, mixing bowls and measuring jugs can be stored away in drawers and cabinets. Bespoke storage solutions such as vertical separators and drawer organisers can make it much easier to organise and access chopping boards, trays and utensils such as peelers and graters.

4. Cooking zone

The cooking zone contains the cooker and hob, and potentially appliances such as the microwave, kettle and toaster, together with all the key items you need to cook a meal. The cooking zone is often situated in a central spot within the kitchen, close to the food storage and preparation zones. If you enjoy entertaining, you might want to position the cooking zone so that it allows you to socialise with your guests, for example by incorporating the hob into a central kitchen island.

In terms of storage, it’s helpful to keep some essential items close to hand within the cooking zone. Large cooking utensils such as spatulas, wooden spoons, tongs and ladles can be kept in an open canister on a nearby worktop, or in a dedicated drawer, while pots, pans and lids can be stored on an overhead rack, a hidden drawer underneath the cooker, or secured in a handy pegboard drawer. Meanwhile, herbs, spices and oils can be accommodated in a dedicated pull-out drawer.

The cleaning zone incorporates the sink and drainer, dishwasher, bin and the area underneath the sink. Having these items close together will make it easier for pre-rinsing, washing, loading and clearing away items, and will make the process more efficient and ergonomic.

The area underneath the sink can be used to store cleaning essentials, such as sponges and brushes, washing up liquid, gloves, dishwasher tablets and cleaning sprays. Including some bespoke under-sink storage can help to make the best use of this somewhat awkward space, and make sure things are neat, tidy and easy to access.

6. Entertainment or family zone

The kitchen is a hub of the home, and these days many kitchens double up as spaces for relaxing, entertaining and family activities. A dedicated entertainment and leisure zone can be a good way of separating these activities from the main working areas of the kitchen. A bespoke kitchen island, peninsula or breakfast bar can be a good option as a place for friends and family to gather, while also offering useful hidden and open storage options.

The great thing about creating an entertainment or family zone is that you can include pretty much anything you like... a tea and coffee zone, complete with a coffee machine and cup storage; a kitchen island with seating and integrated wine fridge and wine rack, a cosy reading nook - whatever suits the way you love to live!

At Naked Kitchens, we can build a beautiful, practical kitchen that’s tailor-made for your life. Find out more today.

Kitchen zones - FAQs

What are kitchen zones?

Kitchen zones are specific areas within a kitchen that are dedicated to a particular task, such as food storage, preparation or cooking. By dividing your kitchen into different zones, you can create a space that’s practical, easy to navigate and more enjoyable to spend time in.

What’s the difference between the kitchen work triangle and kitchen zones?

The kitchen work triangle concept is based on the idea that the three main working areas of the kitchen – the cooker, sink and refrigerator – should be positioned within a set distance of each other. Kitchen zones work on a similar principle, but divide the space into 5 or 6 main areas which are dedicated to specific tasks, and allow a little more flexibility in terms of design and layout.

What are the benefits of kitchen zones?

Kitchen zones allow you to create a kitchen layout that’s efficient, ergonomic, and that works for you. As well as catering for the main working areas of your kitchen, you can prioritise specific zones according to your lifestyle, such as a drinks zone, a baking zone, an arts and crafts zone or an entertainment zone.

See also

The kitchen work triangle - an expert guide

Kitchen Organisation Tips - 11 Tips to Inspire You

Kitchen Ergonomics - Make your Kitchen More Efficient