Honestly, I’d always go for more prep space between the fridge and stove if I had to pick. You can never have too much counter, especially when you’re trying to unload groceries or chop veggies without feeling boxed in. Pantries are great, but if the workflow’s off, it just makes cooking feel like a chore.
Funny thing—I worked on a kitchen last year where the fridge and oven doors literally blocked each other. You had to close one to open the other. The owner thought adding a pantry would fix it, but moving the fridge a foot over made a way bigger difference. Sometimes it’s just about shifting things a little, not a full gut job.
Curious—has anyone actually regretted adding a pantry? I feel like storage is always a win, but maybe I’m missing something.
Never thought I’d regret adding a pantry, but honestly, I kinda do. We squeezed one in during our reno, and it ate up a chunk of what used to be my main prep zone. Now I’m always juggling cutting boards and bowls in weird spots. Storage is great, but if it messes with your flow, it’s not worth it. Sometimes less is more, especially when you’re actually cooking every day.