60% of kitchen buyers realize too late that not enough space was planned for the items they want to store in the kitchen. You can avoid this by grouping your storage items into zones and carefully considering the cabinets needed to hold these items.

Consumable Although the "Consumables" kitchen zone plays an important role in the kitchen, it often doesn't get the attention that it deserves during planning. Studies show that many kitchen buyers wished, in retrospect, that they had more space for storing food items.

The "Consumables" zone is used to store food items. These are items that are used for cooking and baking which then must be replenished. These include both chilled and unchilled foods. That's why both the refrigerator and freezer cabinets are a fixed part of this zone. Open packages usually belong in the "Preparation" zone.

Commonly stored items in this zone:

• Bread
• Coffee, tea, cocoa
• Cereals
• Tinned Goods
• Pasta, Rice
• Ready-to-eat products
• Sugar, flour, dried fruits etc.
• Refrigerated food (in refrigerator and freezer cabinet)
• Snacks

Non-consumable The "Non-consumable" zone is the largest work zone in the kitchen. On its own this zone holds one third of all storage items in the kitchen, therefore functionality for easier access to items are important to consider.

The "Non-consumables" zone is used to store items that are used on a daily basis. It is mainly used for kitchen utensils, cutlery, dishes and glasses. For ergonomic reasons, it even makes more sense to store often-used dishes in the pull-outs of the lower cabinets instead of the top cabinet.

Commonly stored items in this zone:

• Cutlery
• Dishes
• Tea sets
• Glasses, dessert bowls
• Plastic containers
• Odds and ends
• Seldom used small electric appliances

Cleaning Due to its intensive daily use, the "Cleaning" zone is one of the most important areas for functionality and ergonomic consideration. That's why care must be taken when planning the "wet and waste disposal areas" of the kitchen. Everything required for dishwashing can be easily stored in pull-outs under the sink - always within easy reach. The sink (with fittings) and the sink cabinet, as well as the dish-washer are located in the center of the "wet zone".

Commonly stored items in this zone:

• Waste
• Cleaning utensils
• Household cleaners
• Detergent
• Garbage bags
• Tea towels
• Paper and plastic bags
• Preparation

Prep Space Food preparation for cooking or baking involves many different activities. Cutting, peeling, mixing, stirring - all of these different activities take place in this zone. This zone is a pivotal point in the kitchen. This zone is also where small kitchen appliances are stored and used. From here, dirty kitchen utensils go directly into the dishwasher and perishable items go back into the refrigerator. Pantry items that have been opened are often used and then are stored here.

Commonly stored items in this zone:

• Kitchen utensils
• Work aids
• Different kinds of small electric appliances
• Cutting boards
• Vinegar, oil, sauces, etc.
• Spices
• Mixing bowls
• Food processors
• Scales
• Plastic containers (filled)
• Cooking

Cooking Area There are an increasing amount of electric appliances that are used in this zone. Cooking utensils that are used on a regular basis should be stored near to the relevant appliances. The "Cooking" zone is arranged around the stove, oven, microwave and rangehood. Cooking is closely related to the preparation zone, so it is important this zone is positioned next to or at least close to the "preparation" zone. Pots and pans should be stored under or near the range and cooktop for easy accessibility

Commonly stored items in this zone:

• Cooking utensils
• Pots & Pans
• Special hob/oven pans
• Baking trays and racks
• Baking tins and foil
• Baking utensils and baking ingredients
• Oven gloves
• Cookbooks

Studies show that organization saves time and frustration. If you choose cabinets with adjustable organization systems, creating a space for everything is easy - even when there are new things to store!

This article has been provided by Acorn Kitchens. For more information, visit www.AcornKitchens.com .