U-shaped Kitchen Style

A U-shaped kitchen offers plenty of space for cooking and storage. We’ll show you what makes a U-shaped kitchen shape, how to plan it, and what advantages and disadvantages it has.

A U-shaped kitchen is suitable for both large and smaller rooms, but is more likely to be used in larger kitchens. The shape offers plenty of storage space and work surface and usually consists of three kitchen units:

The three elements have different lengths depending on the model. A classic U has two longer and one shorter sides. But it can also be constructed the other way around with two short and one longer sides.

In very large kitchens, there is often an additional kitchenette in the room. It is therefore accessible from all sides. The row serves either as a kitchen island, dining area or bar.

You get an open feeling of space if you only attach the tall cabinets and wall cabinets to one of the sides. Otherwise the U-shaped kitchen can quickly look overwhelming and the kitchen looks smaller.

Place devices sensibly in the U-shaped kitchen

You should plan the work areas of the refrigerator, stove and sink close together in order to make the kitchen practical. This saves you walking distances and cooking becomes more efficient when you have everything to hand.

However, the division of the kitchen depends on the size of the room. Therefore, the structure is different in every kitchen. In general, however, refrigerators should not be located directly next to the cooking area with stove and oven.

How does a U-shaped kitchen become ergonomic?

To work as ergonomically as possible, three aspects are important: the direction of work, the height of the work surfaces and the height of the built-in devices.

If you are right-handed, it makes most sense to work from left to right, i.e. clockwise. As a left-hander, it’s the other way around.

In addition, you should adjust the work surfaces to your height. That means: With an angled arm, there should be a distance of 10 cm to 20 cm between the elbow and the work area.

It is best to arrange built-in appliances such as stoves, steamers, microwaves or dishwashers so that you can use them while standing. That saves your back.

Properly plan a U-shaped kitchen

The available space should be large enough so that a U-shaped kitchen can take full advantage of its advantages. As a rule of thumb, an interior area with a width of at least 2 m is ideal. This way you can easily open cupboards and drawers.

If you have a large room or are planning an eat-in kitchen, the open shape looks particularly spacious. But even smaller kitchens can be optimized with floating kitchen cabinets. They interrupt massive-looking wall units.

You should also plan the sink in front of the window. This is the best way to make the most of daylight.

Advantages of a U-shaped kitchen

The U-shape offers generous work surfaces, plenty of space for cooking, and more storage space.
Depending on the size and model, several people can be in the kitchen. Cooking is more fun this way.
There is also enough space for non-built-in kitchen appliances such as a coffee maker or mixer.