What Is Kitchen Ergonomics? Part 2

Part 2 – Work Surfaces and Space to Move

A kitchen’s usability isn’t determined solely by how attractive the cabinets are or how much storage space is available. Just as important is how comfortably you can move while working, how much counter space is available, and how these areas relate to one another.

In the kitchen, many small tasks follow one another: we take out the ingredients, wash them, chop them, prepare them, cook or bake them, and then serve them. If these steps are supported by work surfaces that are the right size and in the right places, cooking will feel natural and flow smoothly. However, if there isn’t enough counter space, the sink or stovetop is in the wrong place, or the walkway is too narrow, using the kitchen becomes a chore.

The essence of good ergonomics is that the space supports our movements.

The most important work surface is located between the sink and the stovetop

In the kitchen, the most valuable countertop space is usually the section between the sink and the stovetop. This is where ingredients are prepared, chopped, seasoned, mixed, and placed in bowls. This is the zone we use the most while cooking.

If this area is too small, your workflow can easily fall apart. There won’t be enough room for the cutting board, bowls, ingredients, and prepared food. In that case, you’ll have to use other parts of the countertop, which results in more movement, more shuffling, and more clutter.
Ideally, this workspace should be at least large enough to use comfortably, and neither the sink nor the cooktop should be squeezed directly into a corner or up against a wall. The goal is to have enough space for natural hand movements.

A countertop section that’s too small becomes a nuisance over time

In a floor plan, it sometimes looks good when all the appliances, the sink, and the cooktop are neatly fitted into a compact layout. However, it quickly becomes apparent during use if there isn’t enough counter space. A kitchen isn’t just a series of components—it’s a workspace.

For example, it’s good to have a countertop next to the refrigerator. Groceries can be placed there after shopping, and ingredients can be set out there before cooking. Next to the sink, you need space for washed or cleaned items. And next to the stovetop, it’s practical to have at least a small counter space where you can place the finished dish, a lid, spices, or utensils used during cooking.

Counter sections aren’t just empty surfaces—they’re transitions between work processes. If they’re missing, every movement becomes more difficult.

The width of the walkway is a fundamental issue of comfort

In addition to work surfaces, space for movement is also important. A kitchen is comfortable when there is enough room to move around even while opening drawers, cabinet doors, and appliances. This is especially true for double-row, U-shaped, or island kitchens.

If the fronts of two pieces of furniture facing each other are too close together, this can lead to inconveniences during use. The dishwasher may not open comfortably, it may be difficult to pull out a drawer, two people may not be able to stand side by side, or an open oven door may obstruct movement.

In a good kitchen, it’s not just about fitting everything in—it’s also about making sure everything is usable. That’s why walking distances should always be assessed based on actual use, not just on floor plan dimensions.

Space requirements are particularly important for islands and peninsulas

A kitchen island is a coveted feature for many, and it can indeed work very well if the space allows for it. It can serve as a prep area, a cooking zone, a serving station, a breakfast bar, or a communal gathering spot. At the same time, a poorly sized island can easily become an obstacle.

You need to leave enough space around the island to move around comfortably. It’s not enough to simply be able to walk around it; you also need to consider whether drawers, the dishwasher, the oven, or the refrigerator door open next to it. If the island is placed too close to the kitchen cabinets, it loses the very convenience for which it was originally designed.

A peninsula can be a slightly more space-efficient solution because one side is attached to the cabinetry or a wall. Still, it’s just as important that the space around it isn’t cramped, especially if seating is attached to it.

Avoid placing the sink and cooktop right up against the wall

From an ergonomic standpoint, it is not ideal to place the sink or cooktop directly against a wall, in a corner, or next to a high side panel. In such cases, the user’s elbow, arm, or cookware can easily bump into these surfaces, and movement becomes more restricted.

Cooking requires lateral movement. We lift pots, stir, season, remove lids, and move pans. When washing dishes, there also needs to be space for your arms and for the washed or prepared utensils. If the work area is too cramped, every movement becomes less comfortable.

Of course, there are spaces where compromises are necessary. In small kitchens, it’s sometimes impossible for everything to be ideal. Even in these cases, however, it’s important to consciously address the tight spots and leave sufficient side clearance wherever possible.

Seated Work and Breakfast Bar

If the kitchen includes a breakfast bar, counter, or seating area, you must also consider the ergonomics of the seating position. It’s not enough for a chair to simply fit there. You need legroom, the right counter height, a comfortable seat height, and enough space to get in and out.

A common mistake is that the space under the counter doesn’t provide enough room for the knees, making the seating uncomfortable. It can also be disruptive if the chairs are in the way of the main traffic flow or if there isn’t enough space to pass behind the seating area.

A well-designed breakfast bar is not only visually appealing but also truly functional. It can serve as a spot for quick breakfasts, coffee breaks, conversations, or even a short study area for children—but only if it’s sized comfortably.

Lighting is also part of a comfortable work environment

Lighting is an integral part of the ergonomics of work surfaces. A nice ceiling light alone may not be enough. If the countertop remains in the shadows, cooking and food preparation become more tiring.

Countertop lighting, LEDs built into the upper cabinets, well-directed lights, and the right color temperature all contribute to a comfortable experience. The prep area, the sink, and the area around the stovetop are especially important.

Good lighting doesn’t dazzle or cause distracting glare, but provides enough light to work accurately and safely. This is important both from a practical and an atmospheric standpoint.

Ample space to move around: invisible comfort

In a well-proportioned kitchen, we often can’t even pinpoint exactly why it feels comfortable. It’s simply easy to move around in. We don’t get stuck, we don’t have to go out of our way, we don’t constantly have to move things out of the way, and we don’t bump into doors or drawers.

This invisible comfort is the result of good design. The right countertop dimensions, well-thought-out walkways, a functional island or peninsula, good connections between zones, and proper lighting all combine to create the feeling that the kitchen functions naturally.

Countertop space and room to move aren’t just minor details. They determine whether the kitchen functions as merely attractive furniture or as a truly functional living space.

A kitchen is truly comfortable when we not only fit inside it but also feel at ease while using it.