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appliance placement-edgewood cabinetry

Kitchen appliance placement is an important consideration when it comes to planning the layout for a new or remodeled kitchen.

The goal is to increase efficiency while decreasing the number of unnecessary steps the cook has to take. If the layout also looks pleasing, that’s the frosting on the cupcake!

While it’s important to eliminate extra steps, it’s equally important not to create other problems from having the appliances too close to each other. If you can’t open the oven door while someone else has the refrigerator door open, they’re too close! Leave at least four feet between major work areas such as the refrigerator, stove, and clean-up area. Ideally, they won’t be more than about nine feet apart.

It’s also important to have counter space nearby. Think through how you use each appliance: when you take that pan of cookies out of the oven, is there someplace to set them? Or would you have to walk across the kitchen before you can set it down? Every additional step increases the chances of burning yourself or tripping over a pet or child.

Is there a place next to the refrigerator to unload groceries that go inside? How about the dishwasher – is there a place to set dishes until they’re loaded? Even if it’s only an extra step or two, those extra steps every time you’re in the kitchen add up to frustration. Careful planning can eliminate a lot of that frustration before it even begins.

Since everyone tends to gather in the kitchen, plan for your company to sit facing the cook rather than in the work areas. If possible, include a refrigerated drawer and snack cupboard apart from the working part of the kitchen. That way, snack and drink seekers aren’t under the cook’s feet. 

Most importantly, keep the path between your appliances clear – no island between the stove and refrigerator, please! You want to be able to move freely and directly between each of the three major work areas: prep, cooking, and clean-up.

If you’re confused about how to design an appliance layout that works for your space, contact us. We can help you find just the right place for that refrigerator!

under cabinet fridge drawer-edgewood cabinetry

Most people at some point or another wish they had more refrigerator space. If you’re one of them, under counter refrigerator drawers could be the solution to your dilemma. Here are eight of the top reasons why adding an under-counter refrigerator drawer is ideal.

  • Saves Space

Because they fit underneath your existing countertop, and are installed flush with their surrounding cabinets, refrigerator drawers take up very little space. As such, there’s no need to struggle with finding room for them, which is something that might be necessary when adding a dorm-sized refrigerator.

  • Can be added anywhere

You may use them in a family room, game room or even an outdoor kitchen to help with entertaining.

  • Less costly than upgrading your refrigerator to a bigger sized unit.

You could actually save hundreds of dollars by choosing a refrigerator drawer instead of a slightly-larger appliance.

  • Easy to keep clean

Since there are no shelves or brackets to remove, all that’s needed is to wipe the sides and bottom down with a damp cloth to remove spills.

  • Can be used to store other things when not being used as a refrigerator.

You could even use your refrigerator drawer to hold pantry items such as flour, sugar and rice to prevent weevils from getting into them.

  • A refrigerator drawer works well with any décor

It can even blend in with existing cabinetry to provide your kitchen with a seamless look.

  • Available with a variety of features

Refrigerator doors have features such as door alarms that will alert you when the door has been open for more than 10 minutes, and additional lighting to make finding things easier, even in the dark.

  • Energy efficient, and costs very little to operate.

These are just a few reasons why adding refrigerator drawers could be beneficial to you. To find out more, contact us.