When arranging a kitchen, it is worth paying attention to ensure it is planned in a way that allows for ergonomic work. An ideal solution is a long worktop with the maximum amount of appliances built-in that we use when preparing meals. The two most important devices, the sink and the cooker, should always be conveniently accessible. But can an induction hob be safely installed next to a sink? We will try to answer this question.
Rational kitchen management
When arranging a kitchen, it is worth paying attention not only to its appearance but also, perhaps especially, to its functionality. None of us wants to traverse kilometers in the kitchen while preparing dinner. Therefore, a perfect solution is to create a work line, which includes worktops, a sink, and a cooker. We place subsequent appliances under the countertop so they can be conveniently reached. Usually, there is an oven there, and more and more often, alongside a dishwasher, a washing machine is also installed in the kitchen.
Interior designers often use the term work triangle principle, which denotes the most rational way of planning a kitchen. The vertices of this triangle should be the sink, cooker, and fridge. In this way, we make our work in the kitchen easier without the need for constant walking around. Of course, we cannot forget about the cabinets and shelves meant for dishes and pot storage.
Sink close to the hob
A small kitchen usually means little space on the countertop and the need for more compact furniture. In this situation, it may happen that we have to install the hob directly next to the sink. This may not be the best solution in the world and may not work in every kitchen, but truly, there are no specific premises that would exclude such a placement of these two appliances. Some even appreciate this layout of kitchen appliances, saying that thanks to this, dirty dishes go directly into the sink.
When installing a sink next to the cooker, a few rules should be remembered. While cooking, it is good to cover the pots if you intend to wash dishes at the same time. This will protect the meal from accidental additions in the form of dirty water or detergents. While washing, be careful not to extinguish the cooker's flame by splashing water too vigorously. A good decision would be to install a sink with a drainer, which will allow slightly increasing the distance between the sink and the cooker.
Advantages and disadvantages of the hob next to the sink
Owners of cookers installed next to sinks praise this solution for its convenience. For example, when draining water from potatoes or pasta, you practically do not have to move from the spot. Similarly, if you want to add water to a cooking dish. Also, cleaning the cooker in this situation is greatly simplified, simply reaching for a sponge or cloth to clean it almost on the fly. You also have the bin at hand, into which you can throw peel or burnt leftovers.
As for the disadvantages of such a solution, they mainly concern the limited amount of space in the kitchen. Lack of distance on the countertop between the cooker and the sink may slightly hinder meal preparation, as this needs to be done on the table, which involves having to move away from the cooker. Moreover, the lack of a countertop forces another location for the spices to be stored – it is more convenient to have them at hand continuously.
Concerns related to mounting a cooker near the sink
The most common concern with connecting the sink and a gas cooker is the possibility of extinguishing the flame while washing and, consequently, an uncontrolled gas leak. Modern cookers usually have a valve that cuts off the gas supply in case the flame goes out. In the case of electric cookers - both traditional and induction - some are afraid of the risk of electric shock. A properly installed and insulated hob easily withstands splashes, even being flooded with water. Therefore, if local conditions force the installation of a cooker and sink close to each other, truly there are no contraindications.