Distance Between Kitchen Island And Cabinets. This space between the two working areas forms part of the islands clearance zone which is the space surrounding the island. This is best for enabling free and safe movement around the island and kitchen.
Any narrower and it will likely feel too tight. 42 inches minimum in a single-cook kitchen 48 inches minimum in a kitchen where more than one cook may be working. At a minimum you want 3 and ideally you want 4 or more.
If there are truly two workspaces back to back then I like 4-6.
Most people find 3 12 feet to be more comfortable for 2 people to work in the same area. Maplevilles notes that the standard distance between countertop and upper cabinets is 18 inches. While some cabinets may be slightly less coming in at around 16 inches and others may be slightly more such as 22-inch cabinets the standard height for all backsplashes is set at 18 inches. To walk around it with ease plan for at least 36 inches between the island and your kitchen cabinets.
