When designing a kitchen, it is important to ensure that it is planned in a way that allows for ergonomic work. An ideal solution is a long worktop, built to accommodate a maximum number of appliances we use when preparing meals. The two most important devices, the sink and the stove, should always be easily accessible. But can an induction hob be safely installed next to the sink? We will try to answer this question.
Rational Kitchen Layout
When arranging a kitchen, it is important to pay attention not only to its appearance but also, or perhaps especially, to its functionality. None of us want to walk miles in the kitchen while preparing dinner. Therefore, a perfect solution is to create a working triangle made up of worktops, the sink, and the stove. Additional appliances should be placed under the counter so that they can be easily reached. Typically, you will find an oven there, and more frequently, a washing machine is now installed next to the dishwasher in the kitchen.
Interior designers often refer to the working triangle principle, which indicates the most rational way to layout a kitchen. The vertices of this triangle should be the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. This way, we make our work in the kitchen easier without the necessity of constantly walking around it. Of course, we must not forget about cabinets and shelves dedicated to dishes and storage of pots.
Sink Close to the Cooking Plate
A small kitchen usually means limited counter space and the need for more compact installations. In this situation, it may happen that we need to install the cooking plate directly next to the sink. It may not be the best solution in the world and may not work in every kitchen, but there are really no specific arguments against placing these two appliances together. Some even praise such a kitchen appliance layout, saying that it allows dirty dishes to go directly into the sink.
When installing the sink next to the stove, a few rules should be kept in mind. When cooking, it is good to cover pots if you plan to wash dishes at the same time. This will protect the meal from accidental additions of dirty water or detergents. When washing dishes, care should be taken not to extinguish the stove flame by splashing water too vigorously. A good decision would be to install a sink with a drainer, which will allow for some increased distance between the sink and the stove.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Cooking Plate Next to the Sink
Owners of stoves installed next to the sink praise this solution for its convenience. For example, when draining water from potatoes or pasta, you hardly need to move from your spot. Similarly, if you want to add water to a dish that is boiling. Washing the stove is also much easier in this situation; you just need to reach for a sponge or cloth, and it can be cleaned regularly. You also have a waste bin at hand to toss in peels or burnt leftovers.
As for the disadvantages of such a solution, they mainly concern the limited space in the kitchen. The lack of counter distance between the stove and the sink may somewhat complicate meal preparation because it needs to be done at the table, which requires stepping away from the stove. Moreover, the lack of counter space forces a different place for spices to be stored - it is more convenient to have them at hand all the time.
Concerns Related to Installing the Stove Next to the Sink
The most common concern when combining the sink and gas stove is the possibility of extinguishing the flame while washing dishes, leading to uncontrolled gas leakage. Modern stoves typically have a valve that cuts off the gas supply in the event of a flame extinguishing. In the case of traditional and induction electric stoves, some fear the risk of electric shock. A properly installed and insulated cooking plate can withstand splashes and even being doused with water. Therefore, if the premises require the stove and sink to be installed close together, there really are no contraindications for this.