There are several types of wall kitchen layouts, but the most popular by far is the single wall kitchen layout that you see in most homes today.
All the major appliances are on one long wall in this layout, and you build the sink into the counter.
This placement works incredibly well if your refrigerator has an ice maker or if you have to store tall bottles or wine bottles in it as you prepare and cook meals each day.
When placed right next to the sink, it makes sense to put these appliances on the same wall because you use them at similar times.
You can place a refrigerator on the same wall as a sink, making it easier to access your major appliances on the same wall. It makes you more efficient and saves time because it’s no longer necessary to open one door and then close another to access everything you need.
How Close Can a Sink Be To a Fridge?
The distance between the refrigerator and the sink depends on your kitchen layout.
So, you can place a sink close to a fridge without any consequence except for spacing, as seen in the single-wall kitchen layout. There are pros and cons to placing a sink close to the refrigerator.
If you want to maximize counter space in a small kitchen, it’s best to put your fridge right next to your sink.
However, if you have extra space and prefer an open floor plan, try putting both appliances against an adjoining wall.
There are certain things to consider when placing a sink and a refrigerator directly adjacent.
First, putting them next to each other will leave you less room for kitchen storage in your cabinets, so you often recommend installing double sinks instead.
If you’re thinking about adding a sink and a refrigerator to your kitchen and maximizing your cabinet space, measure your wall kitchen layout before choosing a design.
Placing the fridge and sink next to each other will leave less storage in your kitchen area.
So, before deciding on your wall kitchen layout, make sure you measure twice and cut once.
Your new sink should be placed far enough from your refrigerator to allow adequate cabinet space in your kitchen, but it shouldn’t be so far away that you lose valuable countertop space.
Is It OK To Put a Fridge Next to the Sink?
You can follow a long list of modern kitchen layout guidelines, but generally, your refrigerator should be close to your sink.
Placing it on a different wall is usually not ideal because it breaks up efficient workflow and, more importantly, key areas of activity.
The top design elements in kitchens today include flat-panel cabinets, single wall layouts, and subway tile backsplash; all three can give you more bang for your buck if appropriately placed.
Still not sure if it’s OK to put your refrigerator next to your sink? Let’s break down some of these myths:
- It would be best to have a lot of space for a kitchen island: Generally, you want a minimum landing space (the distance between two walls) of 36 inches to move around and prepare food comfortably. It is true whether you have an island.
- You can’t have appliances on one wall: This is false; putting devices on one wall can make sense because it makes for easy access and doesn’t take up valuable real estate in your kitchen design layout.
- The fridge and sink can’t share a wall: While you shouldn’t place both appliances on an exterior wall, you can put them on opposite sides of an interior wall if you have enough room to accommodate both and don’t want to use a space-hogging island.
You should evaluate your wall kitchen layout plans based on your needs, not what others say you should do.
For example, if a friend or designer says it’s OK to put your refrigerator near a sink, and if you want to try it, then go for it.
#1. Pros of Putting a Fridge on The Same Wall as Your Sink
While there are many kitchen design styles, successful kitchens have one thing in common: they adhere to a particular kitchen work triangle.
Two points make up a kitchen work triangle: an activity (your sink or stove) and a storage area (your refrigerator).
To create an efficient kitchen, you want these three points as close together as possible.
- Next to your sink and stove, putting a refrigerator on your kitchen wall will create an efficient kitchen work triangle. That makes it easier to prepare and clean up dishes after meals because your kitchen supplies are nearby. You’ll also have easy access to snacks when you want a quick bite while working or watching TV.
- Having a refrigerator next to your sink can also make it easier to maintain a healthy diet. Many people keep snacks in their fridges, which means they’re right when you have a craving or are feeling tempted to eat something unhealthy. Having fruits and vegetables close by can encourage you to keep eating healthy even when you’re busy.
Putting a refrigerator on your kitchen wall has other benefits, too. You’ll have fewer ugly appliance cords since you won’t need to run them over or under cabinets.
You can use all the available space in your kitchen to store food instead of having appliances.
#2. Cons of Putting a Fridge on The Same Wall as Your Sink
There are many reasons why you might not want to put your fridge on that same wall.
- You can’t open your refrigerator door while using your sink, which could be pretty inconvenient.
- Any mess in or around your sink may wind up on or in your fridge
- Putting a large appliance like a refrigerator next to a smaller one like a sink can create an awkward kitchen work triangle; it could make it difficult for multiple people to work comfortably.
If you decide to put your fridge on that same wall, keep a few tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.
First, when it comes time to install appliances, consider making sure that there is at least a 2′ or 3′ gap between your sink and refrigerator to move freely around them both.
Final Thoughts
The wall kitchen design has many advantages that you often neglect or underrate. With a sink and refrigerator on the same wall, you can effortlessly prep and cook.
It means better ergonomics for persons with mobility concerns or reduced range of motion owing to age or other diseases. That saves money!
