Let’s face it, sometimes our kitchen feels like it doesn’t have enough storage or counter space.
Kitchen islands are a great way to increase storage and counter space while also adding a sleek and flawless design to your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to streamline your kitchen. An island can greatly reduce the number of appliances you use while you cook, especially if it has a built-in cooktop or range and oven! But are kitchen islands worth the try?
Before you decide, read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages of a kitchen island and see if you should give it a try.
What You Need to Know
As previously mentioned, an addition of a kitchen island can be very beneficial if you’re in need of storage space. It also helps keep your kitchen more streamlined. Though most people only get a basic kitchen island, you can very well get one with a cooktop and oven. By adding in either a cooktop, range, or oven, you’ve automatically made it more of a breeze to cook and have everything in front of you without the need of having to turn around and spin for other appliances.
One of the most favorable things about a kitchen island is being able to prep and cook a meal while still being able to actively engage and socialize with your family or guests. You’ll never have to turn your back on anyone ever again! Aside from storage, cooking benefits, and socializing, kitchen islands also produce an aesthetically pleasing design. Most, if not all kitchen islands are sleek and add a great look to any already spacious and modern kitchen. Plus, even if your kitchen is a little odd-shaped, chances are you can still fit a kitchen island, given you have the proper and minimum measurements.
Sizing
It's recommended to be mindful when thinking of installing a kitchen island as they do take a generous portion of the overall kitchen size. On average, most kitchen islands come out to 40 by 80 inches, but you also need to leave enough space around it to move into your own kitchen! With that said, you should have an average of 35 to 43 inches around for easy access. An easy way to get a feel for what a kitchen island would look like is by putting some painter’s tape on the ground and shaping it into the size you’re considering. Another great way is using a few boxes to get a real-life 3D feel for how much room you’re really working with.
Ventilation
Aside from measurements, you’ll also need to consider ventilation and whether you’re using gas or electric for the island appliances. Though generally, electric is the way to go as gas typically requires an additional gas line. Ventilation on the other hand is something you need to plan out since you could either use a hood or Downdraft vents.
An ordinary hood comes down from your ceiling and helps pull dirty air and fumes from your cooking space and up into the vents. The only downside is a hood can be very large and clunky, making it hard to pay attention to people across from you. Downdraft vents, on the other hand, work the same but in the opposite direction. These vents are usually built-in with the island and pull fumes downwards beneath your kitchen and out of the house. They’re more modern and have an aesthetically pleasing design compared to the large hoods.
Final Thoughts
The only other thing you need to know is that all kitchen islands are extremely customizable. There doesn’t need to be a preset picture in your head, it can very well be whatever you want to make it. Whether you have an oven built-in, a dishwasher, a cooktop, or a range. No matter how you’d like to customize it, Airport Home Appliance has everything you need to make your next dream kitchen! Visit us at any of our showrooms or anytime online!
