Kitchens are one of the high traffic areas in our home. The possibility of surviving a kitchen without a refrigerator is very much lower than zero. That’s why it becomes the crucial element of a home. Ever thought about, where should a refrigerator be placed? If yes, this blog is for you. Before we get into the main theme, there are some considerations to be made first.
Which are…?
1. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is needed to prevent heat build up and moisture accumulation. Vent draws fresh air into the system, which helps reduce humidity formation in the surrounding area. It is also an efficient way to cool buildings as well.
2. Electrical Connections: Ensure that the chosen location has suitable electrical outlets and connections. A stabilizer is a must in most cases, which protects the refrigerator from high voltages.
3. Accessibility: To facilitate easy use, place the refrigerator in an accessible location and with clear foot space in front of them. The controls require less than 5 lbs of force to activate and should be operable with one hand.
4. Aesthetics: Consider the visual appeal of a refrigerator, including design, finish, material, style and color to ensure it complements the surrounding décor. By the way, tubular or pro style handles can reinforce a commercial aesthetic.
5. Traffic Flow: It is the way people move around the kitchen. Try placing the fridge in the kitchen entrance if it’s frequently used. If you cook a lot or entertain, place the fridge away from high traffic areas. Make sure traffic flows around the fridge by positioning doorways and aisles properly.
And we continue to the main part now…
1. Place your Refrigerator in Corners
Place them in a corner because it doesn’t block traffic or sightlines. This allows you to move around the kitchen while grabbing what you need. Placing a refrigerator in a kitchen corner can add a unique aesthetic, maximize space and create a natural flow. Like L- shaped or galley kitchens, it’s a popular choice for kitchens with limited space. Placing a fridge in the corner can free up wall space for other uses, because corners are often underutilized. After grabbing what you need from the fridge, you can move into the center of the kitchen for cooking and prep. Always avoid placing refrigerators near radiators, ovens etc. Just make sure there is a counter top across from the fridge, if there is no counter top next to the fridge.
2. Build Proper Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle is a main design concept that helps create an efficient kitchen layout by soulfully placing refrigerator, sink and stove in a loose triangle. The idea is to make cooking and food preparation more efficient by minimizing the distance between these three main work areas. The minimum and maximum perimeter of the triangle should be between 13 and 26 feet, which effectively reduces the time to walk between appliances very much and helps designate zones within the kitchen. An American psychologist and industrial engineer, Lillian Moller Gilbreth, developed the kitchen triangle rule in the 1920s. This rule can be applied to kitchens of any shape, including parallel, G – shaped, straight, U-shaped, L – shaped, and island.
3. Balance is the Main Theme Key
Like the countertops or cabinetry, make sure the fridge doesn’t over power other elements in the kitchen. Consider this in terms of how it looks and how it functions.
a. Visual Balance: It is achieved by considering the size of the refrigerator, color and placement in relation to other elements in the kitchen. The fridge size should be in proportion to the kitchen. By color we mean, the fridge can match the other appliances in the kitchen or it can compliment them with a slightly different color. Basically, try to place it near similar sized tall units, like a pantry or wall ovens and should avoid placing it near windows to maintain an open feel. Imagine, the fridge can be a part of a symmetrical or asymmetrical balance scheme. An example is, a fridge placed at one end of a back wall with an oven cabinet at the other end creates an asymmetrical balance. The fridge should be part of a coordinated set of appliances that share a consistent design language.
b. Functional Balance: The fridge should not interrupt the flow of the kitchen and be easy to access. And always make sure you try placing it near a countertop or bench or in a corner. It also helps separate the other living areas from the kitchen work zone. In a U – shaped kitchen, place the fridge at one end of a side of the U – shape. This makes it easier to access from all parts of the home. Leave at least half feet of space on all sides and top of the fridge for ventilation. Try not to install a fridge next to another heat source or stove. Allow space somewhere between 4 feet and no more than 9 feet from each point in the kitchen so you can easily maneuver. Place secondary home appliances out of the main work area. This way the kitchen access won’t interfere with cooking and cleaning up.
It is probable that, you may also wonder about organizing stuffs in a fridge
Here’s some suggestions
a. Use Organizer Bins: To store similar foods together use similar labeled bins. This helps you to know when to restock and makes it easier to find what you are looking for.
Some benefits of using bins are:
- It saves space. Bins can help you use the most fridge space.
- Air tight containers prevent air and moisture from getting in and thus helping keep the food fresh.
- Many bins can contain spills and are easy to clean
- Bins are versatile because they can be used in the fridge, freezer, pantry, cabinets and more.
b. Use the Bottom Shelf: The bottom shelf is probably the best place to store raw meat, poultry and fish because it is usually the coldest part of the fridge. When putting things in a fridge, make sure to use the bottom space for heavier items.