by Lenora Reynolds

Created on: May 04, 2008

Kitchen islands are a convenience. If it was a necessity everyone would have one. It is a convenience that has never graced my kitchen. Having recently purchased a new home it was not something that was even considered. Looking at different houses there were a few with islands. It seemed to make the kitchen look and feel smaller.

My husband always said that my cooking was one of the main reasons he married me. He would rather eat something I made as opposed to eating out. Cooking and baking from scratch as well as mixes for cakes can all be accomplished without an island.

My kitchen is too small to put an island in the middle of. My last kitchen was also far too small. Lack of space would seem to be the main reason not to have one. Another is that it is just unnecessary. As long as there is some counter space and a good stove anything can be created in the kitchen. Given a choice between an eat-in kitchen and an island, my preference would be a nice breakfast nook in the kitchen.

Outside of cooking shows on television, most people do not have cooking islands in their kitchens. The main reason it is used on television is for the television camera and crews. I have met people who had islands installed and love them. They talk about how convenient they are, and how much easier it is in the kitchen. Making life easier is definitely not a necessity.

The islands add counter space, storage and extra burners. When it comes to storage, in my opinion, there is never enough space. Adding storage can be accomplished without a large set island in the middle of the floor. Larger cabinets and shelving can add quite a bit of storage space.

In a large kitchen with an island in the middle, there is less distance to run for ingredients from the refrigerator and cabinets. Instead of running across the kitchen it is only necessary to run half way to the island. How much time that really saves is open to debate.

While there are many pros and cons to getting a kitchen island, it is definitely not a necessity. People have been creating wonderful meals, cakes, cookies, etc. in the kitchen with out islands for generations.

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