Also called a horseshoe kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen features built-in cabinetry, countertops and appliances on three sides while the fourth side is left open. While this kitchen layout is common in older homes, it does make an appearance here and there in modern homes.
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Burlington County, a premier “kitchen remodeler near me“, sheds light on the pros and cons of U-shaped kitchens below.
The Pros
- A U-shaped kitchen offers a lot of counter space. Since a U-shaped layout features three connected walls, it creates significant space for countertops and, as long as the kitchen is not too narrow, it can easily accommodate several people at a time.
- A U-shaped kitchen creates definition. For homeowners who have an open-concept floor plan but desire more definition for their kitchen area, a U-shaped layout is the perfect solution.
- A U-shaped kitchen provides plenty of storage. In U-shaped kitchens, space for cabinets and drawers is rarely an issue. On top of that, these kitchens are often outfitted with a freestanding island, giving more options to add storage, counter space and seating. It is best to get a kitchen quote from a reputable remodeler before you finalize the features you want to add to your kitchen.
The Cons
- A U-shaped kitchen can feel restricted. If the open area of a U-shaped kitchen is not wide enough, it can feel cramped. An experienced remodeler will take this into account and ensure the “U” is sufficiently wide instead of deep and narrow.
- A U-shaped kitchen has corner cabinets. Having corner cabinets is not necessarily a bad thing, but if the kitchen is not designed properly, these corner cabinets can be a pain to access and challenging to replace if damaged. What you can do is install cabinetry that is specifically built for corners so the areas are more accessible without decreasing the amount of storage.
- A U-shaped kitchen is prone to traffic jams. Because a U-shaped kitchen only has one entry and exit, foot traffic can be difficult to manage, especially in a kitchen with limited space.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Burlington County is a full-service kitchen remodeling contractor. From design and installation to flooring and lighting, our expert team has you covered! Give us a call at (856) 656-4488 or fill out our online form to request a free kitchen estimate.
