How to Create the Kitchen of Your Dreams
Use this checklist of planning guidelines, developed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to help reduce the risk of accidental burns, electrocution, fire, collisions and other mishaps:
1.Keep household traffic out of the cook’s work triangle (area between refrigerator, sink and cooking surface).
2.Plan a landing space for hot dishes either next to, above, or directly across from the microwave and oven.
3.Include a minimum 15″ by 16″ space on one side of the cooktop in all kitchen plans. Also allow space on opposite side of the appliance. Include at least a 9″ wide counter space if the cooking surface is placed in an open run of counter; at least 3″ of counter clearance space if the cooking surface is at the end of a countertop which meets a wall. The wall should be protected by a flame retardant surface; at least 9″ of straight counter space if the cooking surface is on an island. Also allow 9″ clearance at the back of island cooking surfaces.
4.Select a cooking surface with control knobs at the front or side and place the microwave so its bottom is 24″ to 48″ above the floor. Do not place a cooking surface below an operable window unless the window is at least 3″ behind it and more than 24″ above it.
5.Make sure all major appliances used for surface cooking have a ventilation system, with a fan rated at 150 CFM minimum.
6.Put a fire extinguisher in a visible kitchen location, away from cooking equipment and install smoke alarms near the kitchen.
7.Be sure ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are specified for all electrical receptacles.
8.Round, curve or clip countertop edges and corners to eliminate sharp edges.
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