Ravmd- I like option 2. You wouldn't want the prep sink and range to be right across from each other...it makes it difficult for more than one person to work at the same time.

If you like the microwave, over the range (and it's not a gas range) then maybe that's the best solution, for you. Everyone has different ideas. I don't like to have to reach over the cooktop, to open the microwave, even though I'm fairly tall.

Unless you put the microwave in the island, I don't know where else it would fit. If that's an option for you, then maybe a vent would be a good idea. If you need that island space for other storage, then I think the OTR microwave will work well for you :)

Wow, I have a very similar layout to yours, down to appliances and table locations. I am struggling between your Option 2 and putting it all the way at the other end of the island (I have no overhang there) in order to get the largest amount of uninterrupted space.

I am leaning towards your Option 2 in order to have a sink on the perimeter of the kitchen for hand washers, use it as a drink bucket, etc. I also figure it will give a better work flow to have the prep sink closer to the fridge as opposed to in front of the range.. I would think that I would prefer to work and have blank counter in front of the range. HTH!

Yes that helps.. was thinking it "looked" better across from the range.. but never thought about the 'back to back ' issue.
And also the better access to hand washers/drinks!
You all make it seem so easy!

L-L: I guess it's not that I like the MW there -but honestly I don't use a MW that often and it's always been there in my current kitchen , so I have not had an issue with removing hot items. But I do really like the look of the vent -guess I need to get a better handle on cost comparison of one vs. the other.
Just noticed you said "and it's not a gas range"... is that an issue? I feel really clueless!

Yep, definitely #2. Gives you better workspace and makes the sink multi-purpose, since as you said, others can reach it and use it without going into the kitchen.

tracie.erin.. do you have your plans posted somewhere? would love to see if there is anything we missed since you said there are a lot of similarities.
One thing I feel could be improved is the 15" space between the range and fridge.. but difficult with the windows/uppers, etc

Something to consider...

When you come home with bags of groceries, where do you set them to unload? (on the island in front of the fridge?)

When you are pulling items out of the fridge to prep/cook with, where do you set them that would be easy/most useful?

Those are the only questions that might lead me to your first choice. However, others above have valid points about the back-to-back thing.... This is probably the most important consideration (unless you aisles are large enough to handle two ppl working...:))

lolauren... interesting points.
Unfortunately I am planning this kitchen from 150 miles away in a house that we recently purchased and removed and will relocate the kitchen. It will primarily be used in the summers so I have not even been there to purchase groceries and get a feel for things.
Honestly , I think I can work with whatever we end up with -prep in either place.

I am not even sure which entrance we will use -but I have a feeling I would come in thru the back entrance which are sliders to the left of the small fridge/main sink side. So I possibly could see placing bags to the right of the sink and to any open space on the island. Thanks for adding another way to approach this..

Hi Ravmd, below is the latest iteration:

A little explanation: Cabinet 3 is my prep sink, 22 is seating overhang, 6 and 7 are a 48" cooktop with 29 and 30 a 48" hood above, 31 is the micro cab, 2 is my dishwasher and 28 are my wall ovens. My dining room table is to the "south" of this room (while bedrooms are to the west and the other walls are exterior walls).

I too struggle with the space between range and fridge.. I would actually prefer it to be less so the fridge does not encroach on the DR so much but I need the MW there, so that won't happen. I think the 15" you have would be just fine.. what do you envision putting there? I had 9" to the left of the range in the previous galley kitchen and it was just fine because I had more counter on the other side stretching to the fridge; in this instance, you have the island.

Ravmd, your layout is very similar to mine (love my kitchen!), including windows wrapping around the corner. I plumbed my island for a sink, but in order to beat deadlines in getting our certificate of occupancy, I told the guys we'd put the sink in later. We never have. It's sitting on a shelf in the basement waiting for me to feel a need for it. My lovely deep 30" wide sink right where yours is serves well. In your position, I'd probably do just what I accidentally did here--keep my options open by plumbing for a prep sink toward one end or another (cheap and easy), but wait to see if I actually wanted a sink there at this time. My island's hard working, I don't maintain it for looks, but I do love the elegantly uncluttered expanse it presents when not covered with a a meal in progress.

Also, my one kitchen splurge, aside from all the windows, was to have our carpenter build a custom hood over the stove. It is the focal view on looking into the kitchen (even before eyes move on to check out the view outside). All a way of saying that for me that key position was far too important for a microwave, which is not the most handsome item in any kitchen and we just use for heating and defrosting anyway. My hood insert, a bottom-market special order from Lowe's for

I'm no expert, but I think you need a stronger vent for a gas stove. I like rosie's idea for the hood...that sounds perfect for your space :)

I vote for #2 as well.

I think pivoting around from your prep area to stovetop will be very easy and yet you still have a landing space for items coming out of the fridge.

You could go with a 21'' cabinet for the prep sink. Don't know if you have decided on one, but this seems like a nice choice.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ticor S3650

Since you are considering moving it closer to the fridge side, have you thought of moving it over even further? Here is rhome's kitchen that shows the same thing.

Tracie.erin -your plan looks like it will create an incredible kitchen! Thank you for sharing. I am glad that thru GW we moved our sink from where your cab# 13 is over some and added the prep sink -both similar to your plans. I don't really have plans for the 15" spot between the range /fridge.. if it was bigger i might consider the toaster there.

LL-will check out the venting issue for the stove. It is a 5 burner 30" Fridgidaire-not a pro range or anyting.
Rosie..your hood and insert sounds great. I tried finding you on the FKB but no luck... It is so reassuring to hear your kitchen is similar and loved! I think this is the hardest part - finishing the tweaking and letting DH order cabinets and move on! I will play around/investigate the hood deal...since it is for a 2nd home (and that was our splurge) it may be hard to justify but it is definitely a conistent recommendation here!

Rexroat.. thank you for the prep sink link! The only ones I was coming up with were round ones so great to know! I feel more comfortable at least changing out the cabinet now and knowing I have some options.

Melaska.. we must have been typing at the same time as i missed your post... I guess I hadn't as I was adding the 10" overhang on that side of the island for extra seating if needed but I have to visualize what it would look like if the prep sink cab was moved all the way over and if the overhang extended only up to the back of the cabinet on that side (width). If that 10" is better used than definitely a possibility.

Yes, I see what you mean. Good luck in whatever you decide. I'm stewing over the very same thing now.