What is Kitchen?
[[File:Måleri, genrebild. Köksinteriör - Skoklosters slott - 88962.tif|thumb|300px|Kitchen interior, circa 1565]] The '''kitchen''' is the [[room]] in the [[house]] where [[food]] is [[cook]]ed. Sometimes, people eat in their kitchens, too. [[Hotel]]s, [[school]]s, and places where people work often have kitchens as well. A person who works in a kitchen in one of these places may be a kitchen worker or a [[chef]] (depending on where he/she cooks). ==History of Kitchens== Kitchens have evolved significantly over time. Early kitchens were basic areas with open fires for cooking, often separate from the living areas due to the smoke. In the Middle Ages, larger homes featured separate kitchens with chimneys. The industrial revolution brought advancements like cast iron stoves, making kitchens more efficient. By the 20th century, kitchens became central to homes, equipped with gas and electric stoves, refrigerators, and sinks for running water. Modern kitchens integrate both cooking and social spaces, often forming part of open-plan living areas. ==Types of Kitchens== Kitchens can vary in size, layout, and purpose. Common layouts include: - **L-shaped Kitchens**: Popular for small spaces, offering two connecting walls for work areas. - **U-shaped Kitchens**: Efficient for cooking, providing workspace on three sides. - **Galley Kitchens**: Narrow and compact, often used in apartments. - **Open-plan Kitchens**: Integrated with living or dining areas, creating a communal space. Outdoor kitchens are also common in warm climates and are used for barbecues and gatherings. ==Key Elements of a Kitchen== A typical kitchen includes: - **Appliances**: Stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. - **Workspaces**: Countertops and islands for food preparation. - **Storage**: Cabinets, shelves, and pantry areas for food and utensils. - **Lighting**: Task lighting for preparation areas and ambient lighting for aesthetics. Modern kitchens often include smart appliances, such as refrigerators with touchscreens or ovens contro