Kitchen island buying guide

Before you set about looking at different models, it's important to check if your kitchen is actually able to accommodate an island. Kitchen islands are not recommended for spaces measuring less than 14 m² unless the island is going to be installed along a wall. Another space-saving kitchen idea is to use an island to separate an open-plan room.

No matter your set-up, make sure that there is at least 90 cm between the kitchen island and any surrounding kitchen furniture. This will ensure that you can still move around the kitchen easily. However, you will need to factor in more space if your island contains an oven or a dishwasher, or is facing base cabinets. In this case, you'll need at least 120 cm around the island.

It can be a good idea to mark out your kitchen island on the ground using chalk before you make any decisions. That way you can visualise how the island will work in your space.

Next, you'll have to think about your needs in terms of what your island will have to incorporate. Weigh up the installation requirements of each option, whether you're looking for a basic worktop and dining area with seating, or a spot to fit in a hob, dishwasher or storage solutions. Finally, you will have to settle on the right shape, material(s) and size to ensure your island will be a comfortable and practical addition to your kitchen.

Kitchen islands can be used for a range of purposes.

Worktop space

Kitchen islands all provide additional worktop space. It's up to you what you do with the space whether you're looking for seating for pre-dinner drinks or a space with tall bar stools to grab breakfast on the go.

Kitchen islands with storage

Kitchen storage islands are solid units with a range of cupboards, shelving and drawers for that all-important pantry storage space.

Kitchen islands with cooktops

Kitchen islands can also be fitted with a cooking area made up of appliances such as built-in hobs and ovens. Of course these islands are more complicated to install and you'll have to think about your power source. A cooker hood will also be required to stop cooking fumes taking over the kitchen.

Leave at least 30 cm around the hob for food preparation and storage for pots, plates and so on. This space should also help to prevent food from splashing directly on the ground.

Kitchen islands with sinks

If you want your kitchen island to incorporate a washing up zone with a sink or even a dishwasher, prepare for a more complex and expensive installation as you'll need to connect to a water supply and provide drainage at the right gradient.

Leave at least 30 cm around the sink on each side for dishes and washing accessories and to prevent splashing on the ground.

Multi-functional kitchen islands

If your kitchen island incorporates both a cooking and washing up area, be sure to leave at least 30 cm between the two. Remember: water and fire don't mix!

When picking a kitchen design, your choice will mainly be driven by personal taste. But you'll also have to think about what features you want and how much space you have available. Kitchen islands are traditionally square or rectangular, but can also be round or oblong.

Kitchen islands come in all the usual materials found in kitchens. Once again, think about your tastes, the design of your kitchen as well as your budget and the type of island you're after.

For example, an island with a washing up zone or worktop must be waterproof. If you want a hob, the island needs to be heat-resistant. Some of the most common options include tiles, stone, solid wood, laminate, resin, zinc and concrete.

The size of your kitchen island must be appropriate for the room as well as what you plan on doing with it.

Kitchen island width 

As a general rule, a kitchen island will always measure at least 100 cm in width. If you plan on eating at the island, you should factor in 50 to 60 cm per person eating side by side. That adds up to about 100 to 120 cm for two people, at least 150 cm for three people, and so on.

If your island is fitted with a cooking or washing up area, don't forget to leave free space around the sink or hob for easy move.

Kitchen island depth 

Kitchen islands traditionally measure about 60 cm in depth. If you want to guests to dine facing each other, you'll need to add on an extra 20 cm.

If you go for a multipurpose kitchen island you will of course need more depth. If you have the space, it can be a good option to create your own custom-made island by lining up different units back to back.

In order to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, kitchen islands should generally be the same height as your other kitchen units. Worktops are usually set at about 87 cm in height but can go up to 93 cm depending on the height of the users.

Plan to use the kitchen island for regular meals? It's best to add about 10 centimetres to the height of your island.