To use my own work flow logic (and nothing else), then yes, the cooktop should go over to the left side of the island to allow more prep space on the right side. But then, work flow logic isn't the ONLY consideration. You also want adequate counter space on both sides of the cook top and an appealing visual design, so I'd probably leave the cooktop centered.

Well actually, if it's new construction and moving plumbing lines isn't a consideration, I might try a counter-clockwise pattern, putting the sink and DW on the island (since I prep by the sink) and cook on the back wall with the cooktop placed between two smaller windows.

But overall, a very efficient layout - either way ;-)

I do want to chime in....there's a thread right now discussing a range/cooktop in a peninsula (Sink or stove in peninsula). I have concerns about anyone putting their stove or cooktop in the an island or peninsula from a safety standpoint if you plan to have seats (and it looks like you do)...

I know, others have dismissed the issue, but we had that option and said no when it was pointed out to me by some here that reaching over it is dangerous and, if you have children, it will happen...no matter how times you tell them not to! And then there's the grease splattering, etc. If you have at least 24" b/w the seats and the back of the cooktop/range, it may be OK...but I wouldn't have anything less!

Thanks Sweeby, I considered the sink in the island and just didn't want to do it that way for aesthetics reasons I guess. It didn't feel right for me. Maybe b/c I cook facing the family in the LR and DH washes up and doesn't seem to care if he's facing away from everyone? So the cook top is definitely going in the island.

I can see the merits of having it centred and having it to the left. Maybe I'll mock it up this weekend and pretend to cook. That should get DH and the other workers at the house laughing ;)

Buehl, I think it's a valid concern too. At first I wasn't planning stools in the island but more recently I've been looking at the space and considering it. I'm leaving that decision until I'm sure I have 24" of clear space. The last thing I want is hot stuff splattering on people! I only have one child that is beyond the age of touching the stove so that's one thing I can worry less about.

ajpl, I have a very similiar set up to your diagram (I had an L off the sink/DW wall) I had it for over 20 yrs, when we redid the kit 5 yrs ago, I insisted the basic triangle stay the same as it worked so well. I loved being a part of family/guests in liv din rm while cooking.

FWIW, I have my cooktop on the island with a raised seating area on the other side, and like it very much. (In case you're wondering Ajpl, my prep sink is on an adjacent island, so I prep on the island also.)

The safety and venting concerns are real, but there's lots you can do to prevent potential problems. Island hoods can work very well (love mine!) and either raising or lowering the seating area, or assuring it's plenty deep should be fine. I don't really agree with the 'kids reaching' argument since kids can reach any cooktop from the cooking side all the time anyway. It's possible, but IMO, not so likely as to trashcan an otherwise good design.

One more thing.

On your pantry (I'm assuming that's what it is - tall cab to left of fridge?) -- If you go with something deep and narrow, be sure to get full-extension pull-out shelves or baskets so stuff doesn't "die" back there. Or simply reduce the depth to 12" since the back space will be so hard to reach anyway.

Or best of all - if that's not a wall on the top left side, flip the cabinet so it's short and wide and opens from the other side, rather than narrow and deep.

eandhl, good to hear the basic shape has worked well for you! I'm reallyl ooking forward to wiorking in this kitchen. Someday I should post the layout of our current kitchen. Ugh.

sweeby, Well, that tall cabinet to the left of the fridge is basically to allow the fridge to open easily. It is in the corner of two walls so it has to open that way. I was sort of thinking of making it look like a hutch with a mini counter and half depth top but I'm not sure. I haven't seen anything yet that screams to me for that spot.

I have a large closet pantry through the doorway to the left. It won't be IN the kitchen but very close so mosly for the not so everyday stuff. There's nothing that *has* to go in that space but it does have to be there to cover some above head plumbing. I'll definitely have the extension drawers. My Mom just put full extension pull outs in her kitchen and loves them!