Kitchen Countertops: Making The Most Of Kitchen Counter Space

(HIT) - Lives there a cook in the world today, who never to herself (or himself) had this to say: "I sure could use some more countertop space in this kitchen!"?

Not very likely. We all tend to fill every square inch of available kitchen countertop space with all kinds of labor-saving devices, treasured accessories and basic utensils until there’s no room left to navigate—and then shuffle things madly about to clear a spot in which to chop, mix, blend and roll-out!

And all too often, entertaining or holiday cooking at home leaves us (literally) holding the appetizer tray or turkey platter because there’s no clear landing spot on our kitchen countertops.

"Don’t despair," advise home economists from Whirlpool Corporation. "There are lots of creative ways to generate more countertop space in almost any kitchen."

First, look at everything on your countertops. Are these items used regularly—or just once in awhile? Can seldom-used small kitchen appliances be stored out of the way in a cabinet or pantry for easy access?

What about your microwave oven? If it’s currently occupying valuable countertop space, consider some easy ways to get this versatile appliance off the countertop without losing its nearby convenience. And let your imagination run wild—because microwave ovens can be installed almost anywhere!

For example, you could install a microwave above your existing range or cooktop, on a specially designed microwave shelf that has a built-in vent hood. Or you could replace it with one of those new over-the-range microwave ovens that comes with its own built-in exhaust hood.

Other options for getting a microwave off your countertop include hanging your microwave oven underneath an upper kitchen cabinet (using special brackets designed expressly for that purpose), installing it in a cabinet above or below the kitchen counter, or setting it on a separate shelf located in a spot that’s convenient to the eating area.

Move Knickknacks From Kitchen Countertops To Shelves

Most of us have all kinds of special accessories and knickknacks sitting on our kitchen countertops. They add warmth and a personal touch to the kitchen—but they also take up valuable countertop space. Whirlpool home economists ask, "do they have to be on the counter?" Is there space somewhere else in the kitchen to display your treasures? How about installing shelves in front of a window for a dramatic showing of glassware? Is there a blank wall area or space at the end of a countertop where you could add a shallow floor-to-ceiling wall of shelves?

Add Kitchen Countertop Space With An Island

Look at the floor space in your kitchen. Is there room for an island? If so, consider adding one, even a narrow one. Not only will it add much-needed countertop space, it will also serve as a handy landing spot for food from the refrigerator or range—and cabinets below will add much-needed storage space.

And don’t overlook the possibility—if there’s room—of adding an overhang to the island counter to provide some extra countertop serving space for entertaining, a snack bar for the kids, or a sit-down area for preparing food, planning menus and writing checks. No room for a permanent island? Look for a wall space to add a drop-down countertop that can be raised and lowered as needed. Or how about an island on wheels that can be rolled out of the way when not needed?

"Look at your kitchen carefully and creatively, and you’ll be amazed at how many ways you can come up with to add much-needed countertop space," conclude Whirlpool home economists.

For more information on how to design a kitchen to make the most of your kitchen countertops, visit Whirlpool online at www.whirlpool.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center