Chef James Won of Enfin Gives Expert Tips on Designing a Kitchen

1. What kind of cooking do I do the most?
Ask yourself what kind of cuisine that you will be carrying out most in your kitchen. Your style of cooking will determine the type of utensils, appliance, and technique to use. A home kitchen should be planned ergonomically, but if you lean more into a certain way of cooking, it will help define the space you need. You may work the kitchen into three triangles: the primary zone for food preparation, the secondary zone for cooking and baking and a third zone for circulation around the kitchen. Movement in the kitchen should not interfere with each zone.

2. How regularly do I cook?
Is this cooking as a sustenance, as a hobby, or just cooking occasionally? The answer will tell you how large of a space you need and how decked out your kitchen should be. Having a set of proper knives is also an essential because food preparation plays a big part in setting up a kitchen. Organise your kitchen well so that everything is at arm’s length when you need it.

3. How big is the space?
Space is always a crucial factor in design, but the dream kitchen doesn’t have to be huge to begin with. “The functionality of a kitchen is not determined by the size,” Chef James reminds. Maximizing storage space should be your focus. Make sure you have enough counter space and good lighting. Good lighting not only enable you to check your cooking, but it is also a step to safety precaution especially when it comes to handling sharp knives. Another great tip from Chef James is to never go cheap on the ventilation and exhaust, plumbing and the solid surfaces of your kitchen. Functionality should be prioritised when creating a kitchen. The chef’s own kitchen is designed in collaboration with Miele and their state-of-the-art appliances, which set the standards in enhancing the functionality of his kitchen. The kitchen prioritises circulation and flow of how he executes his cooking. The design emphasizes on a contemporary aesthetics and intuitive storage system; for example, the build in coffee machine is next to the fridge for easy reach of milk and coffee beans. Vacuum sealing drawer and Gourmet warming drawer placed at the island counter for ample work space and access to storage bags. In summary, checklist your own cooking lifestyle and take the above quiz. A pragmatic kitchen where you can make your preferred meals through the right layout, appliance and planning makes for an effortless cooking experience. As Chef James says, it’s important to make cooking fun, rather than make it a chore.

For more information visit www.enfinrestaurants.com