A U-shaped kitchen is a common layout that features built-in cabinetry, countertops and appliances on three sides, with a fourth side left open or featuring a cased opening or entry door. In larger spaces with enough width, U-shaped kitchens are often outfitted with a freestanding island or seating.
One major benefit of a U-shaped kitchen is that two or more cooks can operate at the same time - great for when you're entertaining or simply have a big family to feed! The U-shape layout also lends its hand to less traffic flow which helps keep people out of your hair when you're cooking.
Unlike a U-shaped kitchen, an L-shaped kitchen has just two main sides. These sides, which may be long or short, usually meet at a right angle. The two arms typically house the appliances, the sink, the cabinets and the countertops.
While both of these other designs have their pluses, ultimately a U-shaped kitchen provides the most counter space for work areas and storage of countertop appliances. A significant benefit of the U-shaped kitchen is the safety factor. The design doesn't allow for through traffic that might disrupt the work zones.
Some U-shaped kitchens may have a wall that is shorter than the adjacent two walls. Consider your workflow – for the best and most efficient work triangle, place the range or cooktop, refrigerator, and sink on adjacent walls and counter surfaces.
The U-Shape
Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.
U-shaped kitchens also provide a lot of storage, due to the cabinet potential on all the walls. This kitchen layout allows you to create an efficient work triangle with the stove, refrigerator and sink on different walls and an island in the center of the space.
What is a parallel kitchen? A parallel or galley kitchen is a classic layout with a narrow space that comprises two walls with a passageway between them. Packed with base and wall cabinets on either side, it is an easy layout to design as there is no need to worry about fitting cabinets in corners.
Also known as a parallel kitchen, a galley kitchen has two parallel runs of cabinets and countertops opposite each other, with more lengths than width. Originally designed for kitchens in ships and aircraft, this simple layout maximizes safety and space usage and works extremely well in small spaces.
There are six basic types of kitchen layouts: Island, Parallel, Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape, Open, and Galley.
There are five basic kitchen layouts: L-Shape, G-Shape, U-Shape, One-Wall and Galley. The size and shape of the room will typically determine your layout.
The greatest advantage of the U-shape is the flexibility for line balancing. A line configuration only allows balancing with the operations to the right and left of a station. A U-shape cell allows balancing with stations right and left, but also behind and to the right and left.
A large amount of worktop space which can be very practical for food preparation, cooking and baking. A large amount of storage space from the cabinets positioned around the room. The option of adding a seating area, depending on the size of the kitchen.
Ease of navigation
The simple yet efficient design of the parallel kitchen provides a perfect work triangle. Placing the sink and refrigerator on one side and the stove on the other ensures a smooth and mess-free flow of work without having to run between each point too much.
A one wall or single line kitchen keeps all the cabinets, appliances against one wall of the home to save space. This design can actually be very efficient due to the countertops proximity to appliances and the sink.
A parallel kitchen design is perfect for families with two or more cooks because it provides ample space for multiple people to work without getting in each other's way. For example, one person can prepare dinner while another person prepares dessert without interfering with each other's tasks.
For the best work triangle design, place your stove, refrigerator and sink on adjacent walls and counters. It's also best to place your refrigerator and your sink on the tips of the 'U' so that they don't break up your counter space. If you can, pair your sink underneath a window.
U-Shape Kitchens have widths that range from 9'-12' (2.7-3.7 m) and depths that vary as desired. U-Shape Kitchens should be planned with an overall area of roughly 107 ft2 (10 m2). U-Shape Kitchens are continuous kitchen layouts that locate cabinetry and fixtures along three adjacent walls in a U-Shape arrangement.
Galley Kitchen Layout
Also known as corridor kitchens, the galley layout is a lean and efficient option for small kitchens and snug spaces.
The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular layouts because it's super functional and can be adapted for almost any sized space. As the name implies, an L-shaped layout features cabinetry and appliances along two adjacent walls, creating an obvious triangle path between work zones.
The fridge should always be located in close proximity to a bench with ample available space. This will allow grocery loading to be prompt, meaning the door is open for a lesser amount of time, and when gathering ingredients for food preparation one can easily grab what is required and place down promptly on the bench.