Last updated on October 5th, 2023
You probably don’t give it much thought when you lean forward to stir your curry. However, you may not realize the potential strain it can put on your back and neck. It is easy to overlook the significance of the countertop height and the impact it may have on your back.
Well, let us enlighten you. A few inches here and there can change your life drastically. And we don’t mean the inches on your waist. We are talking about the dimensions of your kitchen. Let’s cut to the chase and answer some important questions.
1. Does the Height of Your Countertop Make a Difference?
The standard height of a countertop in India is 34 inches. However, you can change it to
fit your needs. Before you decide, take the height of your free-standing gas stove into consideration too.
2. Isn’t a Deeper Countertop Better?
More depth means more space. However, it doesn’t work that way. When your stove is placed against the backsplash, you may end up straining your back to stir dal or curry, leading to back pain. A depth of two feet is ideal, as it gives you elbow room for spices and other paraphernalia.
3. What about the Depth of an Island Countertop?
Well, the island depth depends entirely on you and your space. A depth of two feet can work perfectly for your prep work. With two people working in the kitchen, you can increase the width to improve efficiency. Also, make sure you have enough room to go around the island; at least four feet of space.
4. How about the Upper Cabinets?
You need a clearance of at least 24 to 27 inches for your upper cabinets. Also, it may seem like a good idea to increase the depth of your cabinets. However, you will find yourself rarely using the back portion, as it isn’t easily accessible. About 12 to 15 inches in depth for upper cabinets should be fine.
5. Do You Need to Synchronize?
Synchronizing the lines of the upper and lower cabinets is essential for a neat look. Your double-door cabinets can be around 30-36 inches wide. However, it all depends on the size of your kitchen. So, if you don’t want the bother of odd sizes, divide the space into equal slots for your shutters.
6. Where Should the Chimney Be Placed?
You should aim for a distance of 26-30 inches between the gas stove and the base of the chimney. If it is too high, your chimney will not be able to work well. However, designs vary. So it’s best to check the manual before installation.
7. What about the Fridge?
Ideally, pick your refrigerator’s design and model your cabinets around it. Remember to keep at least 3-4 inches of clearance between the wall and the fridge for ventilation.
8. How Much Space Do You Need for a Microwave?
Again, it depends on where you are going to place it. If it is a fitted affair in a modular kitchen, you can let the vendor guide you. For free-standing machines, make sure there is enough room behind the microwave oven for the circulation of air.
9. What about the Kitchen Layout?
It is easy to say that you need more space for circulation, especially if there is more than one person in the kitchen. However, if you have a small apartment, chances are you will bang on each other. But hey, that is part of the fun.
10. And Lastly, the Kitchen Sink
Kitchen experts may tell you that you will need at least 3 feet on either side of your sink for optimal functioning. However, this much space can be a luxury for many people. So go with what you have.
Summing Up
The right dimensions make your work easier, and you can ward off back pain. While these guidelines will help you decide, at the end of the day, it’s all about the space you have and what suits you. For more on kitchen decor, log in to homebliss.in.
