Big pantry/smaller pull-out pantry distances

12 years ago

Hello all,

We're getting conflicting recommendations from two KD's related to pantries. We have a 12' 3" wide x 31' long kitchen we're remodeling.

First KD: Just to the right of 30" wide built-in double ovens on one wall (about 25" deep) directly opposite a peninsula extending 60" from the opposite wall, leaving about a 5' passageway, he places, in a 27" wide cabinet, a tall 24" wide double door pantry with pull-out shelves which pull out into a 3' wide space between the peninsula and an island (the island's edge nearest the pull-out pantry is the same as the end of the peninsula). In other words, the space for the pull-out pantry is about 3' wide and about 8' deep (147" wide kitchen minus two 25" counters on opposing walls). The pantry, by the way, is to the left of about 30" of counter space which is left of the sink. We understand that placement of the pantry because of the extended pull-out distance (about 8') and its proximity to the prep area (the counter top, peninsula, and island space).

Second KD: About 8' to the left of the double ovens, all the way to the end of the room along the same wall as the ovens - about 8' from the nearest edge of the peninsula but with about 6' of adjacent counter space to the right toward the ovens - he has placed a larger semi-walk-in closet-type pantry (about 36" W X 40" D with perimeter shelving, and the depth is not a problem because it matches the depth of cabinetry at the other end of the 31' space along the same wall) with a left-swinging regular door with a regular door knob and latch, just like any typical bedroom or bathroom door, in the same finish as the rest of the cabinetry.

Of course you can guess the question: Is a large pantry 8' away from a prep area a bad idea? The pluses seem to be a larger storage area that will accommodate canned and dry goods, small appliances and larger cookware such as crock-pots that are rarely used, a broom and mop, and even, with wireless technology, a printer). The only negative we can see is the 8' distance, which one KD thinks is ridiculous. We would have ample other cabinet space (upper and lower) for regularly used pots and pans, a lazy-susan in a lower corner cabinet nearer the prep area, and large, wide drawers nearer the cook-top. Plus, we could really use the pull-out pantry area recommended by KD # 1 for installation of a microwave and TV.

We think we've kind of answered our own question here by writing it out, but would still be interested in your opinions.

Thank you.

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Comment (1)

lascatx
12 years ago
It really depends on how you work and whether you have room in the main working part of the kitchen for some of your food items.

I had a kitchen with a pantry across a wide aisle from the kitchen itself. There was little cabinetry in the kitchen itself -- more dish storage and such across from the breakfast nook so everything, including a little of this spice or that had to come from the pantry. And it was about 7 or 8 feet deep with narrow shelves on one side. I loved the kitchen when we bought the house and couldn't stand to work in it by the time we left.

My corner pantry in this house was an improvement in location, but not organization. I changed it to pantry cabinets with rollouts and a pullout that are actually a bit further form my main work areas (a few steps), but I also use some of the space in my main work area for flour, sugar and other baking supplies in deep drawers, my spices in a top shallow drawer and oils, vinegars and such right at hand above. I don't have to make as many trips to the pantry as I did before and it's not as far. For me, this is working out best of all.

I can see either of your design choices working out well, but you need to thing about the type of cooking you do, how you work and how you would use the space -- what you would store in each cabinet and drawer. It's a pain to break everything down that much, but it's necessary to see how it all works for you.
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Big pantry/smaller pull-out pantry distances

Comment (1)

lascatx

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