How To Organise Your Kitchen Into Five Zones

Keeping your kitchen tidy and functional is more than just placing ingredients into air-tight containers and dividers inside your pull-out pantry. One of the best ways to organise express kitchens is by dividing them into zones. Not only will this method make your time in the kitchen more seamless, but it maintains cleanliness and order.

Things to Consider When Organising Your Kitchen

If you're installing a new kitchen, planning often starts with a triangular layout (a.k.a. The Kitchen Triangle or 3-zone kitchen). However, since express kitchens vary in size and configuration, it's better to organise your kitchen in terms of work zones.

This kitchen organisation method is known as the 5-zone kitchen design. While it might not be possible to change the placement of your refrigerator, sink, or stovetop, you can categorise certain areas in a way that's accessible and easy to navigate. Here's how to divide and organise your kitchen into five distinct work areas.

Cooking Zone

The cooking zone is the designated area in your kitchen with your stovetop, oven or range, and microwave. Aside from your stovetop and oven, this station is the ideal place to store your pots, pans, and other cooking utensils.

This zone is the best area for all the utensils and appliances you frequently use. By grouping your most-used kitchen items in one place, you don't have to scramble through all your drawers to find the cooking tools you need.

Clean-up Zone

The clean-up zone is a crucial work area in express kitchens. You must have a designated place for your trash bin, sink, and dishwasher (if you have one).

By arranging these items from left to right, you can transition from dirty to clean in one swift motion. It will also be easier for visitors to determine where to place the dirty dishes and rubbish at one glance.

Preparation Zone

The preparation zone is the heart of every new kitchen installation. The prep area is where the chopping, mixing, and magic happen! You can designate this zone by your kitchen island or the additional counter space in your express kitchens.

The frequently used utensils like bowls, knives, and cutting boards must be within arm's reach for easy access. If you don't know where exactly to set up your preparation zone, consider placing the area near the sink.

Consumables Zone

The consumables zone is mainly where most food is stored. You can split this work area into two categories.

The first category would be the fresh foods inside your refrigerator. The second designation is your kitchen pantry for dry food, snacks, and condiments.