What Is a Galley Kitchen?

If you’re looking to design or remodel your commercial kitchen, and you want something efficient, space-saving, and surprisingly practical, a galley kitchen might be exactly what you need.

Many people have come across the word “galley kitchen,” but there is usually some uncertainty about what makes a galley kitchen unique, or whether it’s right for their space. 

1. What Exactly Is a Galley Kitchen?

A galley kitchen is a kitchen design that is characterized by two parallel counters that face each other, creating a narrow, streamlined workspace. The walkway in between the counters becomes a cooking corridor: efficient, functional, and easy to navigate.

The key feature of the galley kitchen is the two parallel runs of surfaces: that is the defining feature, and everything else is built around it.

The galley kitchen design is very versatile because it works both for residential kitchens and commercial kitchens, and it maximizes efficiency, especially where the kitchen space is small. 

2. What are the Advantages of a Galley Kitchen?

The key advantages of a galley kitchen (over other types of kitchen layouts) lie in the fact that it is highly efficient, saves space, and is easy to clean and maintain.

Here’s why:

i. It Prioritizes Quick and Efficient Workflow

In a galley kitchen, everything is within reach: your sink, refrigerator, and stove can easily form the perfect “kitchen work triangle.” It is perfect for maximum efficiency

ii. It is Extremely Space-Saving

The layout is extremely space-saving, which makes it perfect for a café or small commercial food-prep area, an office, or any kind of small business. You get maximum functionality with minimal square footage.

iii. Easier to Clean and Maintain

With limited counter space and accessible surfaces in a galley kitchen, cleaning is faster and less overwhelming.

iv. Less Costly to Set up

A galley kitchen is also an extremely budget-friendly kitchen design, which is important if you are a small business owner. Fewer cabinets and counters also mean lower renovation costs over time compared to larger commercial kitchen designs.

v. Great for Solo Cooks and Small Staff

A galley kitchen is also a great setup for a solo cook. If you are just starting out in the food business without a large staff, the tight configuration reduces steps and keeps the cooking process focused.

3. How Are Galley Kitchens Designed?

Understanding the design of a galley kitchen matters because it prioritizes space efficiency: every inch counts. Since space is limited, choosing the right galley kitchen layout ensures your kitchen feels functional, not cramped.

Common Galley Kitchen Layouts

i. Classic Two-Wall Galley Kitchen Layout

The two-wall galley is the most common galley kitchen layout. It consists of two walls facing each other, both lined with counters, appliances, and cabinets. It works best if your room is really narrow.

ii. Single-Wall + Island Galley Layout

The single wall+ island galley kitchen layout looks like the following: one wall has counters and appliances, and the opposite “wall” is a parallel island. It works best for open-concept spaces.

iii. Asymmetrical Galley Layout

 One side has full cabinets/counters; the other has partial or open shelving. It is great for making a galley feel less cramped.

iv. Pass-Through Galley Layout

A galley that opens into another room via a service window or cut-out wall. It is Ideal for entertaining.

How to Choose the Best Galley Kitchen Layout For Your Space

To choose which galley kitchen design would work best for your space, you must consider the width of your room, the number of people to use the kitchen, the lighting angle, and the size of the appliances you intend to put into the kitchen.

• Room width: The narrower the space, the more traditional your design should be.

• Traffic flow: If multiple people will use the space, consider an island galley or a wider walkway.

• Lighting: Dark or windowless rooms benefit from open shelving or asymmetrical layouts.

• Appliance sizes: Large appliances may require wider walkways or staggered depths on each side.

Remember, the goal is to build an efficient galley kitchen without feeling claustrophobic.

4. Galley Kitchens vs Regular Domestic Kitchens vs Commercial Kitchens

Here’s a simple table to help you see how a galley kitchen compares to typical domestic and commercial kitchen designs:

5. What Kitchen Equipment Does a Galley Kitchen Need?

Because galley kitchens prioritize space efficiency, galley kitchen equipment has to be compact, efficient, and placed strategically to avoid crowding the walkway.

Essential Appliances for a Commercial Galley Kitchen

• Compact commercial refrigeration: Undercounter fridges, prep-table fridges, and reach-ins sized for tight spaces.

• Space-efficient cooking equipment: Narrow ranges, compact combi ovens, small griddles, induction cooktops, and countertop fryers.

• Ventilation and fire safety: Low-profile hood systems, proper ducting, and fire suppression.

• Prep stations: Foldable or wall-mounted prep tables, cutting surfaces, and knife racks.

• Storage solutions: Wall shelving, shallow racks, and mobile carts to maximize vertical space.

• Dishwashing area: Undercounter dishwasher, small 3-compartment sink, and drying racks.

• Smallwares: Pans, utensils, cutting boards, food storage containers, and thermometers.

These choices focus on compact, multifunctional, and high-efficiency equipment, which is ideal for the narrow layout of a galley kitchen

6. Best Commercial Refrigerators For a Galley Kitchen

Galley kitchens, especially in cafés, food trucks, and compact commercial spaces, tend to use slim, space-efficient commercial refrigerators. So, if you are buying commercial refrigerators for a galley kitchen, you need models that fit neatly along one of the parallel walls. 

The most common options are:

1. Undercounter refrigerators: These can be tucked beneath counters to save walkway space; ideal for prep-heavy galley layouts.

2. Worktop refrigerators: Preferred in gallery kitchens because of their versatility and space-saving design. They function as both a prep surface and cold storage; perfect for maximizing limited counter space.

3. Reach-in refrigerators (1-door or narrow models). In galley kitchens, a 1-door reach-in refrigerator provides vertical storage without taking up too much floor area.

4. Prep table refrigerators: Extremely popular in galley kitchens that handle sandwiches, salads, or pizzas; combine cold wells with a cutting surface.

5. Beverage coolers: Some galley kitchens, especially those with café-style galley layouts, use glass-door refrigerators for drinks.

Overall, a galley kitchen prioritizes compact, accessible, and front-facing refrigeration that keeps the workflow efficient without obstructing the narrow corridor.

Final Thoughts on Galley Kitchens

A galley kitchen is one of the most efficient commercial kitchen layouts you can choose: it is compact, organized, and surprisingly powerful for both consistent cooking and day-to-day use. With parallel counters, clever storage, and the right appliance choices, you can turn even the smallest space into a functional cooking hub.

For the best galley kitchen storage and refrigeration needs, look through Wilprep's commercial refrigerators, especially the 5 most affordable commercial refrigerators in the collection, for suitable options depending on the size of your space.

Emily Wilford

Emily Wilford is a passionate culinary equipment expert with extensive experience in the commercial kitchen industry. As a dedicated contributor to Wilprep Kitchen, Emily has a deep understanding of the tools and technologies that drive efficient, high-quality food preparation. With her industry knowledge and hands-on experience, she provides insightful articles that help readers navigate the world of commercial kitchen equipment. Explore her expert advice and tips at Wilprep Kitchen