Guides / Kitchen · Published 2026-10-30
Kitchen landing areas: 15″ by the fridge, 24″ + 18″ at the sink
Every appliance needs counter beside it.
The NKBA kitchen guidelines give each appliance a landing area. Fridge: at least 15″ (380 mm) on the handle side, or on an island up to 48″ across. Sink: 24″ on one side and 18″ on the other, with the dishwasher within 36″ of the sink. Cooktop: 12″ on one side and 15″ on the other, so never at the end of a run. Wall oven: 15″ beside or above; microwave: 15″ above, below or beside. And a 36 × 24″ prep area right next to the sink.
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