Traditional kitchen design calls for creating a triangle with your sink, stove, and refrigerator with each leg no less than four feet and no longer than nine feet. This triangle allows for a more “usable” kitchen. But today's kitchens often have more appliances, two sinks, or separate cooktop and oven such as a built-in oven and a cooktop on an island.
And, what about the microwave, espresso machine, and other more specialized appliances.
There is no single answer. You can create two triangles based on the rules and functions – (1) sink, refrigerator and cooktop, (2) sink 2, refrigerator and oven, or microwave. Designer Ann Morris recommends you place the microwave next to the refrigerator because most often you will be reheating items from the refrigerator.