A Step-Saving U Kitchen

1949

National Agricultural Library

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Miscellaneous Publication Number 646, Slightly revised

Maximum convenience for the homemaker at her work is the aim of this step-saving kitchen, planned primarily for the farm home. It was designed in housing and household equipment laboratories of the Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Economics.

Basic plan, — The unbroken U shape was chosen for arranging equipment because it forms a compact dead-end work center through which household traffic cannot pass. It also allows the dining corner to be planned and decorated as a separate center.

As shown on the plan (opposite), the three key pieces of equipment are brought within easy reach of each other — sink at center of U, refrigerator and range at ends. Other arrangements of these pieces in a U or an L might be equally convenient.

The U as shown here, while compact, is large enough to give two women comfortable working space. There is also ample storage to accompany the activities usually carried on in a farm kitchen when there is a separate laundry and workroom.

Smooth production line. — This kitchen is planned to cut walking, stooping, and stretching to a minimum in accordance with modern work-simplification ideas. It is planned so jobs can progress smoothly from one work center to the next. The production line is from right to left, as preferred by most right-handed women.