Should you put a stove on your kitchen island?
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, one decision you’ll need to make is whether or not to include a stove or cooktop on your kitchen island. While some people prefer to keep their cooking appliances against a wall, incorporating a stove on an island can have many benefits. In this article, we will explore the advantages of placing a cooktop or stove on a kitchen island and provide tips for making the best design and cooking decisions if you decide to proceed with this option.Advantages of placing a cooktop or stove on a kitchen island
Placing a stove on an island provides various advantages over keeping it on a wall. Here are some of the major benefits:- Additional work space
- Additional burners
- Additional cooking space
- A more convivial environment
Additional work space provided by a stove on a kitchen island
A stove on an island provides more counter space for prep work and serving, particularly if you choose a stove with a flat surface. When entertaining, an island stove allows guests to sit on one side while the cook carries on with activities on the other side. The island stove also provides an additional workstation that a cook can use independent of the main kitchen area, which can particularly be beneficial when preparing multiple dishes at once.Avoiding overcrowding while cooking with an island stove or cooktop
With an island stove, you can avoid overcrowding in the main cooking area. When cooking family dinners or entertaining guests, the main workstation space can become jammed, making it more difficult to operate on tasks effectively. An island stove can act as a second main stove and alleviate traffic in the primary cooking area.Centralized stoves and their ability to create a more social cooking experience
Island stoves provide a warm and relaxing environment for cooking and entertaining. A centralized stove creates a space where guests can hang around and watch the meal preparation progress. In addition, a cook or chef will be able to converse with family or friends while performing tasks in the kitchen.The possibility of adding barstools to an island with a stove or cooktop
An island stove through incorporating barstools allows those in the kitchen space to dine, converse, and have drinks as they observe the meal preparation activity. This modern kitchen design makes it feasible to use the kitchen as another place to entertain family and friends.Design considerations for incorporating a stove into a kitchen island
A central stove may come at the expense of storage space in your kitchen island, if you are using a freestanding island. Building an island with a stove and storage drawers or cabinets under the countertop addresses this concern. Island stoves require electrical and gas lines, so it is critical to ensure the island design incorporates the necessary provisions to support the stove or cooktop installation safely.Cooking considerations when placing a stove on a kitchen island
Cooking with a stove on an island is somewhat different from using a stove against a wall. Here are some considerations when cooking with a stove in your kitchen island:- The island stove could make the kitchen very hot since it’s not against a wall. Ensure proper ventilation is installed prior to starting the project.
- Make sure that utensils used for cooking are kept within the cooking space so the cook is not running back and forth between the island and the kitchen several times.
- Implement the kitchen workflow capacity when incorporating the stove on your island so that clutter is avoided and the preparation and cooking space incorporates smooth flow.
