# Kitchen work triangle: layout and examples

> The kitchen work triangle connects the sink, cooking area and fridge. Use it to discuss how you move between the three, then check doors, appliances and the actual routes through your room.

[Read this guide](https://kitchform.app/kitchens/kitchen-work-triangle) · [Edit this example](https://kitchform.app/design?template=kitchen-work-triangle)

## Example plan

Illustrative 480 × 380 cm room with 260 cm ceiling. Measurements are not verified for your site.

![Example plan](https://kitchform.app/assets/guides/kitchen-work-triangle-plan.svg)

## What is the kitchen work triangle?

The work triangle is a planning idea connecting the sink, hob or range, and refrigerator. It helps you think about the route between washing, cooking and food storage. The numbered diagram below joins the centres of those components in this example. The straight lines are a visual explanation, not a measurement of your actual walking route or a guarantee that the layout is safe.

## Check the example layout

The example uses a 480 × 380 cm L-shaped room. The sink and hob sit on the main run; the fridge is on the return. Open the plan and locate the three numbered components. Doors, windows and services are not included, so add your own before deciding whether this arrangement suits your home. You can move the appliances and compare the result in plan and 3D.

## Look beyond the triangle lines

Check where people enter and whether an open fridge, dishwasher or drawer interrupts a route. Leave useful preparation and landing space near the work areas. A second cook, an accessible route, an island or a pantry may change how the room is used. The work triangle is a starting point, not a rule that overrides the needs of the people using the kitchen.

## Review real appliance requirements

Record your existing plumbing, extraction, electricity and openings before moving components. Ask suppliers for the sizes, ventilation, heat separation and installation requirements of the chosen appliances. A drawing can help you discuss alternatives; a designer or installer must check the actual site and product requirements before ordering or construction.

## Work triangle example

![Numbered sink, hob and refrigerator](https://kitchform.app/assets/guides/kitchen-work-triangle-triangle.svg)

1: sink · 2: hob · 3: refrigerator. The lines connect component centres, not an actual walking route or verified clearances.

## Sources

- [The Home Depot: how to design a kitchen floor plan](https://www.homedepot.com/c/ai/how-to-design-a-kitchen-floor-plan/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90198755a57)

## Questions before you start

### What are the three points of the kitchen work triangle?

The sink, cooking area and refrigerator. The idea describes the relationship between these work areas, not a prescribed arrangement for every room.

### Does every kitchen need a perfect triangle?

No. A one-wall kitchen can place all three along one run, and households may work in several zones. Review the actual people, routes and appliances.

### Does Kitchform verify work-triangle compliance?

No. The diagram illustrates the example. Check walking routes, accessibility and appliance requirements with your designer or installer.

## Example cabinet and appliance list

Width × depth × height in centimetres. These generic planning components do not identify purchasable products.

| Ref. | Component | Width (cm) | Depth (cm) | Height (cm) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 01 | L-shaped corner cabinet | 133.3 | 133.3 | 90 |
| 02 | Sink cabinet | 80 | 60 | 90 |
| 03 | Dishwasher | 60 | 60 | 87 |
| 04 | Base cabinet | 40 | 60 | 90 |
| 05 | Base cabinet | 45 | 60 | 90 |
| 06 | Filler strip | 1.6 | 60 | 90 |
| 07 | Drawer cabinet | 80 | 60 | 90 |
| 08 | Base cabinet | 40 | 60 | 90 |
| 09 | Induction hob | 60 | 50 | 4 |
| 10 | Extractor hood | 80 | 40 | 25 |
| 11 | Wall cabinet | 71.9 | 36 | 80 |
| 12 | Wall cabinet | 71.9 | 36 | 80 |
| 13 | Wall cabinet | 71.9 | 36 | 80 |
| 14 | Wall cabinet | 71.9 | 36 | 80 |
| 15 | Wall cabinet | 72.3 | 36 | 80 |
| 16 | Wall cabinet | 40 | 36 | 80 |
| 17 | Oven + microwave tower | 60 | 60 | 230 |
| 18 | Integrated fridge | 60 | 60 | 230 |

## Wall elevation

![Example wall elevation](https://kitchform.app/assets/guides/kitchen-work-triangle-elevation.svg)

Verify site measurements, chosen product dimensions, appliance instructions and construction requirements with your supplier before ordering or installation. Digital materials are not physical samples.

## Related guides

- [How to plan a kitchen layout](https://kitchform.app/kitchens/how-to-plan-a-kitchen-layout.md)

- [L-shaped kitchen planner](https://kitchform.app/kitchens/l-shaped-kitchen.md)

- [12 × 12 kitchen layout ideas with island](https://kitchform.app/kitchens/12x12-kitchen-layout.md)

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