In any kitchen refurbishment, one thing determines whether the design will be comfortable and functional: the measurements. At ROBEYAN we know this well. So if you are planning your new kitchen, the first step is to know the standard and recommended sizes for each element.
The worktop height, the distance between units or the clearance in front of appliances are details that make a difference in daily use. In this guide we tell you everything you need for your kitchen to be practical, safe and adapted to your needs.
Recommended heights for a comfortable kitchen
The worktop height should suit whoever works in the kitchen most often. Most commonly, a base unit (80 cm) plus a plinth (between 6 and 10 cm) gives a base of between 86 and 90 cm. The thickness of the worktop is added to this, which can range from 12 mm to 60 mm depending on the material and design chosen.
With this combination, the total working height is usually between 88 and 92 cm, although it can be adjusted for each user. A worktop that is too low forces you to bend, while one that is too high can make precise work difficult. For projects that need a higher worktop or more storage, there are 84 cm base unit models, such as those offered by our kitchen furniture supplier, INKO.
Wall units should be fitted leaving a gap of 50 to 60 cm above the worktop, which ensures a clear work area and comfortable access to what is stored, without unnecessary effort.
The usual height of wall units is 90 cm, although it can be adjusted to the design and ceiling height. For high ceilings, bespoke solutions that use all the vertical space are ideal. In these cases, INKO offers special modules that take the units up to the ceiling, gaining capacity while keeping a continuous, functional look.
Unit depths and proportions
The most common depth for base units is 60 cm, plus the thickness of the front or door, allowing appliances to be integrated without sticking out and comfortable work on the worktop. There are also options with usable depths of up to 68 cm, plus the front, which increase storage capacity and enlarge the work surface. In this respect, INKO, our kitchen furniture supplier, offers many configurations adapted to the needs of each project.
In kitchens with an island or peninsula, especially if they include a sink or cooking area, a minimum depth of 70 to 75 cm is recommended to ensure a comfortable, functional work surface. Whenever space allows, a depth of 90 cm is the best option, as it provides more surface at the back, minimising splashes on the floor and improving safety in daily use.
Walkways
An ergonomic design requires good planning of circulation spaces. It is recommended to leave at least 100 cm of clear walkway between fronts, especially where oven, dishwasher or fridge doors open, to ensure comfort and freedom of movement in daily use.
If the kitchen includes a bar for breakfast or informal meals, it is advisable to allow 60 to 80 cm per person, both in width and clearance, to ensure it is comfortable to sit at and move around. This measurement ensures the bar is practical, especially in shared spaces.
For American-style fridges, it is important to allow an extra 10 to 15 cm at the side to open the doors easily. Their greater depth must also be taken into account, as they usually stick out beyond the units. However, today there are shallow models, such as those offered by PANDO, our appliance supplier, which integrate better into kitchens planned to the millimetre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal worktop height?
The most common working height is between 88 and 92 cm, the result of combining the base unit, the plinth and the worktop thickness. This measurement can be adapted to the height of whoever uses it most.
How much space should there be between the worktop and the wall units?
A gap of 50 to 60 cm is recommended to ensure comfortable use and direct access to what is stored, without effort.
What is the minimum space I need for a kitchen with an island?
To fit a functional island, a minimum of 1 metre of clear space around it is recommended. In terms of total area, the kitchen should be at least 20 m² if you want to include an island with a cooking, washing-up or storage area comfortably and in good proportion.
Design your kitchen with the confidence of expert advice
At ROBEYAN we design kitchens that combine aesthetics, functionality and ergonomics.
We know the ideal measurements and the most common mistakes, which is why we help you from the very first plan to create a comfortable, practical space made to measure.
