Kitchen islands used to be the area where friends and family gathered, as well as providing that extra counter space that cooks love so much. Kitchen islands are now not just an area for extra counter space. They can include a stove, sink, small refrigerator, microwave, wine cooler, bookcase, and many other kitchen items.
Without a doubt, there are many advantages to having a kitchen island. The first pro we’ll look at is that of extra counter space. Having resided in homes where counter space was at a minimum, the kitchen island was a lifesaver when cooking for larger gatherings. The second pro would be additional storage space. Who doesn’t need extra storage space in a kitchen? One of the kitchens was so small that the laundry room next to the kitchen ended up being turned into a pantry since there was almost no storage in the kitchen.
Another positive point of an island is that it can be designed or customized to suit the needs of the owner. As mentioned above, many islands can house multiple appliances, or can provide the storage space to move appliances off kitchen counters. The kitchen island can also be used as a makeshift kitchen office space. A kitchen island can be a place to organize meal planning, cookbooks, or help a child with homework, while still keeping an eye on what’s cooking.
There are also kitchen islands that can be moved since they are on wheels. This can be a benefit if the kitchen is small enough for a stationary island to get in the way. The mobile island can be placed when working in the kitchen and then moved when tasks have been completed.
One of the biggest advantages of a kitchen island is having that space for friends or family to gather in the kitchen area. One can place bar stools or high chairs against a kitchen island that invites that comfort zone. Most of us are aware that people tend to congregate in the kitchen area, after all, it is the heart of the home.
There are some downsides to having a kitchen island. The biggest is the cost. Putting up a permanent kitchen island with running water and electricity like many of the islands can be extremely expensive. If one is doing a kitchen remodel, adding the electric or gas line to an island during a remodel can cost a tremendous amount of extra money. Even without electricity, gas, or water, the cost of a stationary island can run into several thousand dollars, which could be better used elsewhere.
Another disadvantage is space. While it was mentioned above that there are rolling islands, if space is at a premium, an island may not be practical. There is nothing more frustrating for a cook than having something “get in the way” when he tries to prepare meals for his family or for yourself. If your kitchen is small, although you may want additional storage space and a countertop, an island might not be the best solution.
One drawback that was noted was that the placement of an island can interrupt the flow of a kitchen. Workflow in a kitchen revolves around a triangle of refrigerator, sink, and stove. In fact, an island can interrupt the flow of this triangle of work, causing more problems with prep, cooking, and cleanup. It is important to have a placement so that there is not a dead zone in the kitchen, or an area of the counter that is not used due to the placement of the island.
The bottom line on having a kitchen island would be to determine the size of your kitchen and how much you are comfortable spending. There are numerous kitchen designers who can help with the decisions.