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Imagine your kitchen with a modern island. What essential kitchen accessories could you see on it? An island bench in the kitchen can be designed in a variety of ways to suit the needs of your family. Sinks and dishwashers are often found underneath large kitchen islands. Other options include wine coolers, cooktops or microwaves, as well as a range of wire pullouts.
But in order to install certain units into your island, it must meet certain criteria. Kitchen island benches should meet parameters, such as proper sizing, depth, height, and structural support. Plumbing, electrical wiring, and ventilation are crucial factors as well to address before integrating appliances into your island design.
Appliance Options for Island
Kitchen island benches have become a typical component of kitchen design. The best part is that they are not required to be just a block with a bench in the centre of the kitchen.
You can choose the items you want to put into your island based on your taste and your vision of kitchen design. It’s important to understand the kitchen dimensions available and whether the kitchen can fit the standard island bench size. What are your needs to increase its functionality?
An Island Bench with A Sink
A sturdy kitchen island can be not only the centre stage in the kitchen. It might feature a cleverly installed tap, sink and dishwasher. Include a sink when designing your island if you intend to cook a lot. A kitchen sink island can improve the efficiency and convenience of your cooking zone.
The plumbing for island sinks is usually a tricky point. they cannot be vented like regular sinks. These vents maintain consistent pressure, ensuring a steady flow of water and waste through pipes. Slow flow can cause clogs, while excessive suction risks siphoning water from the P-trap, potentially letting sewer gas into your home.
The plumbing vent connects the sink drain and must be raised six inches above the level of the overflow before it can go horizontal. A pipe venting on a kitchen island cannot achieve this.
There are two ways of venting the drain for the island sink to prevent waste water from clogging:
- For islands there are special vents that go as high inside the sink cupboard as they can, then loop under the floor and on up to the main vent.
- The second option is an air admittance valve (AAV), which does not require external venting. It’s also much easier to install.
To determine if you can make either of the options, contact your local plumber and ask about their pros & cons. Be sure to get your local inspector’s approval before installation.
Kitchen island with dishwasher
A sink can be paired with a dishwashing machine on the kitchen island bench because they both share the plumbing. Both are useful because the dishes can be placed into the dishwasher after being rinsed without extra movement.
There are many different styles of dishwashers that can be installed in kitchen islands. There are conventional units that have hinged doors and open outwards. A dishwasher with sliding-out drawers is another option that’s available for kitchen islands.
Keep in mind that sometimes, AAVs can’t handle high-volume dishwashers if they require pressure of up to 22 gallons in a minute.
The Cooktop on The Island
Cooking can be more fun when the stovetop is located on an island. A kitchen centre island with a stovetop allows the chef to have access to more of the kitchen. And if your kitchen has enough space to accommodate a large island, there is an extra bench on either side. If you want to add a stove on the island bench, you will need to add 8 inches to the depth of your island. An island with a stovetop is usually 36 to 42 inches deep.
It is essential to plan the installation of an island kitchen stove in advance. Electric units require a professionally-installed dedicated 240-volt circuit while gas models will need a supply line. Induction cooktops combine the power of gas and the ease of electric hookup.
No matter which type of stovetop you choose, you’ll need a vent to reduce steam, smoke and smells. Some of the most popular choices are listed below.
- Your ductwork will vent through your ceiling to the outside of your home for island range hoods. If you do not have ductwork in your kitchen you’ll need to call a local HVAC contractor or a builder for installation.
- Consider the ductless alternative if you find ductwork too complex. The ductless island hood collects the smoke, filters the air and pushes it back into the room much cleaner. Installation of this type of hood is usually a priority for island cooktops.
- Downdraft ventilation integrates right into the cooking surfaces, eliminating the necessity for an overhead exhaust and saving space above the island. These systems can capture smoke particles, grease particles, steam, and odours on the surface of the cooktop, and then pull them away from the kitchen. This makes them a great solution for open-plan kitchens or those with kitchen island cooktops.
A Microwave in The Island
In recent years, microwaves have become a common addition to kitchen islands. It can be installed to the island, to keep the cabinets organized and allow for more bench space. It is much easier to pull something hot out from beneath your head rather than above.
You may find it more difficult to reach your food if you bend over, though. Additionally, a kitchen island with a built-in microwave often has poor ventilation.
It is worth paying attention to the safety considerations if you have kids around. Microwaves that sit low are available to little explorers to put anything inside and turn on.
While more microwaves now come equipped with door locks, children can be clever enough to unlock the secrets of smart devices faster than you think.
Beverage Fridge Under Island Bench
You might add a vibe of luxury and install a fridge unit if you have an island in the kitchen. Store your favourite drinks in an island beverage fridge with temperature control for the perfect taste.
It is important to remember that an under-counter fridge needs to be vented. That means it may require 2 or more inches between the side and rear of the unit. Otherwise, you can choose a wine shelf that can also help to decorate a kitchen island with a wine theme.
A Kitchen Island with Just a Work Bench
Having nothing on your island is an excellent choice as well. An island with seating turns into a big gathering space that can serve as or take the place of a dinner table. This option is great if you have limited space.
A kitchen island bench provides a spacious surface for various tasks while maintaining an uncluttered appearance.
Whether you opt for a minimalist approach or prefer a multifunctional island, the key is to design it according to your lifestyle and space requirements. When incorporating essential appliances into the kitchen island, there’s a plethora of choices to suit your needs.
Remember to consult with professionals regarding plumbing, electrical or ventilation solutions, to ensure seamless integration and safety in your kitchen.
