ᐅ Planning Ikea Metod Kitchen Units Ergonomically and Space-Efficiently

Created on: 25 Jul 2020 09:17
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Zargrayson
Hello everyone, I am currently planning my new kitchen with Ikea Metod and facing the challenge of designing the kitchen layout to be ergonomic while also as space-saving as possible.

I am particularly wondering how to optimally adjust the working height, as I have read that this is crucial for ergonomics. I am also interested in how corner cabinets can be used to maximize storage space without making it impractical.

Has anyone had experience planning Metod kitchen layouts, especially with a focus on ergonomic workflows and space-saving solutions?

What tips do you have, for example, regarding the arrangement of the individual units (base cabinets, wall cabinets, countertops) and the integration of appliances to avoid long distances and unnecessary movements?

I would appreciate concrete suggestions, possibly including advice on common mistakes to avoid.
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Zargrayson
26 Jul 2020 08:11
dijan schrieb:
Corner cabinets are great, but carousel units can sometimes take up more space – it’s better to measure carefully.

That sounds helpful, thank you. What do you mean by the space loss caused by carousel units? I hadn’t really considered that during planning. Are there any tips to make better use of that space?

Also, I’m wondering how much distance makes sense between the sink and the stove if you want it to be minimal, but still leave enough room for quick meal prep.
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vincent46
26 Jul 2020 10:30
I had the exact same question and tried out different layouts using the planner at Ikea. Here’s what I learned:

- There should be at least 60 cm (24 inches) of free countertop space between the sink and the stove, preferably 75 cm (30 inches), to comfortably prepare food.
- Corner cabinets often look spacious, but the internal compartments can be hard to access. I optimized this by using a tall cabinet with pull-out shelves instead.

It was important for me to keep the workflow as short as possible so I don’t have to move around unnecessarily while cooking.
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ralfsau
26 Jul 2020 14:01
Quick tip: For optimal ergonomics, you can choose the base cabinet with soft-close drawers.

Corner cabinets should only be used if the space cannot be arranged more effectively otherwise.

The countertop should be at least 60cm (24 inches) wide between the main work areas.
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Joshbe
26 Jul 2020 16:45
One important aspect that is often underestimated: the height of the countertop is not ideally suited for everyone. Ikea offers modules with heights of 80, 90, and 100 cm (31.5, 35.4, and 39.4 inches).

- A height of 90 cm (35.4 inches) is usually suitable for people of average height.
- Set the distance between the upper cabinets so that you can work comfortably underneath (about 50 cm (20 inches) of clearance).

For corner cabinets, drawer solutions are generally more ergonomic than rotating carousels, as everything is easier to access.
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dijan
26 Jul 2020 18:37
Zargrayson schrieb:
What do you mean by the loss of space due to carousel cabinets?

Good question! The carousel mechanism requires quite a bit of interior space to rotate. This means you effectively have less usable storage than the actual cabinet size suggests. It’s not always ideal, especially for tall pots or bulky dishes.
Zargrayson schrieb:
Also, I’m wondering how much space makes sense between the sink and the stove

For me, 70 cm (28 inches) is optimal. You can still fit a cutting board, bowls, and ingredients comfortably there — and you don’t have to make a marathon trip. But this is a matter of personal preference and depends on cooking style 🙂.
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Naomige
27 Jul 2020 09:05
One more tip on ergonomics and space saving for Metod kitchens:

- Use kickboards with integrated storage for rarely used items
- Plan drawers with dividers to keep things organized and speed up tasks
- Make sure trash and recycling bins are located close to the sink

I was initially worried about not having enough space, but with clever organizer systems, even a small kitchen layout was very practical.

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