The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Dream Kitchens
At the same time, a new window was added on the east wall.
This room is 10 feet wide and 14 feet long. By using a minimum-size double-bowl sink (see the table below) 44 inches is left on either side for working surface. The base cabinets on the east and west walls which form the U are each 24 inches wide. That leaves 20 inches for standing room on each side of the sink; 18 inches is the minimum.
For convenience, the refrigerator ought to be next to the food-mixing counter; the range close to the dining room. If an electric range is used, no chimney is necessary. The refrigerator can then go on the east wall; the range on the west.
If you are right-handed, you will wash dishes from right to left. Counter space at left of sink will provide for draining and stacking clean dishes, with dish storage overhead. You will want to use counter at right of sink for stacking soiled dishes and preparing food, with storage for staple groceries and cooking utensils above and below the counter and readily accessible.
On the east wall next to the refrigerator, 30 inches of counter is available for mixing.
On the west wall, between range and sink counter, is a 24-inch base cabinet with a large door.
The oven on the left side of range allows serving space on both sides of burners. For safety, 6 inches clearance is allowed at end and rear of range. Coal or wood ranges need greater clearance.
Next, consider the wall cabinets. In your own kitchen, as in this one, you may want 6 inches between wall cabinet and window for good spread of light. If more storage space is needed, cabinets can come to the window trim. Wall cabinets should be 14 to 16 inches above the counter.
Cabinets over ranges are less satisfactory than over counters. If such storage is necessary, leave 24 inches from bottom of cabinet to top of gas or electric range. Insulate bottom of cabinet as recommended by the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
Wall cabinets over a refrigerator are also hard to reach, but are all right for articles not often used. At least 12 inches clear space above the refrigerator will allow for air circulation and for putting in a larger refrigerator later, if this becomes necessary.
The U-type kitchen allows space on the south wall for a small table with chairs. But this is not a satisfactory location for regular meals since it is in the traffic lane. As you work out your own kitchen plan, allow 30 inches of clearance at each end of the table in order to push back chairs. Allow 3 feet for passageway between table and range or other object.
