KITCHENS WITH AN ISLAND: DIMENSIONS AND MINIMUM DISTANCES

16 May 2022
The dimensions of a kitchen island need to observe specific parameters, based on the configuration of the island and the measurements and clearances of the other kitchen units.
Dimensioni dell’isola della cucina

ISLAND DIMENSIONS

First and foremost, the island dimensions must ensure maximum safety and ease of use and movement. Therefore, they may vary according to the use to be made of the island, which may include a cooking hob, but also a sink, or serve as a simple worktop or breakfast counter. The base may be used to store accessories and food, but also house a dishwasher and oven, becoming the operations centre of the kitchen.
Lunghezza, profondità e altezza isola cucina

LENGTH

Let’s start with the simplest option, where the island is a worktop/top on which to prepare food. In this case, a minimum length of 90cm can be considered functional. If the island is equipped with a cooking hob and sink, a total length of at least 200cm is advisable, with a worktop of at least 90cm.

DEPTH

The island depth is also closely linked to its configuration. In the case of an island that serves simply as a worktop or top, the minimum dimensions are 60cm, which may be 90cm up to 120cm with a cooking hob and sink, a configuration that may include compartments and drawers on both sides, or house appliances (dishwasher and/or oven).

HEIGHT

The height of the island must be suitable for good ergonomic use. Nowadays different customised heights can be chosen according to specific needs. The standard maximum height is between 90cm and 100cm.
If the island is to be used as a snack counter with stools, a raised top may be added, for example on one of the sides so that the space is exploited without forgoing the usefulness of a worktop.
Tipologia di isola cucina e dimensioni

TYPES OF ISLANDS AND DIMENSIONS

Below is a summary of the dimensions recommended for kitchen islands, according to type and configuration, bearing in mind 90cm as a reference.

  • Island with worktop/top:
    Minimum length 90cm. Minimum depth 60cm.
  • Island with cooking hob or sink and worktop:
    Minimum length 90cm. Minimum depth 60cm. Recommended depth 90cm.
  • Island with storage units and/or appliances:
    Minimum length 120cm. Minimum depth 90cm. Recommended depth 120cm.

As a general rule, the greater the depth, the more functional the island will be, as it can house compartments and storage units on both sides and even appliances, if necessary.

Quanto spazio serve per l'isola della cucina?

HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED FOR A KITCHEN ISLAND?

Solutions with islands are usually chosen for large kitchens, often included in an open space concept where there is continuity between the kitchen and living area. However, an island can be included in all the main kitchen configurations: single walls, L-shaped, double walls or horseshoe arrangement. Optimum open space solutions require a working space of at least 9 m2, which ensures good freedom of movement around the island.
Distanze minime tra isola e cucina

MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN COOKER AND ISLAND

All the studies of domestic ergonomics agree on the concept of a work triangle, calculated according to the units and appliances included in the island monobloc, its surroundings and free space needed to move easily and safely. The recommended size of a work triangle, the ideal geometric figure whose corners correspond to the cooking zone, sink and refrigerator, should not exceed a total of 6 metres, whereas the distance between two points (e.g. cooking hob and sink) should be 90cm. Where there are cabinet doors, drawers or apertures, for example for a dishwasher or oven, a minimum distance of 120cm between island and storage walls is recommended. More generous distances, e.g. 150cm or 200cm are advisable when the island is used as a table with chairs or stools.

WHEN TO OPT FOR A PENINSULA

Those who do not have enough space in the kitchen for an island but do not want to do without this useful solution can opt for a peninsula, i.e. a top attached to the wall, which reduces the volume of an island while in any case increasing the work space.