Quick answer: A wet and dry kitchen separates heavy cooking (the wet kitchen) from light prep, appliances and dining (the dry kitchen). Cabinets around the sink and hob face the most steam, grease and moisture, so waterproof aluminium is ideal there, while the dry kitchen has more freedom in finishes. Good planning keeps the work triangle short and puts storage where you use it.
What Is a Wet and Dry Kitchen?
The wet kitchen is for heavy cooking: the gas or induction hob, sink, hood and the messy work. The dry kitchen is for lighter preparation, small appliances, serving and sometimes dining. Many Singapore homes use this split to keep smoke and grease away from living areas.
Planning Each Zone
| Zone | What goes here | Cabinet priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Wet kitchen | Hob, hood, sink, wok and heavy pots | Waterproof, termite-proof carcass; easy-clean surfaces; ventilation; deep drawers for pots |
| Dry kitchen | Prep counter, oven or microwave, fridge, small appliances, pantry | Appliance bays, tall pantry, finishes that match the living area |
Layout Tips
- Keep the work triangle short: sink, hob and fridge within easy reach.
- Plan ventilation early: hob and hood positions decide ducting and cost.
- Confirm appliance sizes first: built-in ovens, dishwashers and fridges must be known before fabrication.
- Add storage where you use it: pots near the hob, plates near the dishwasher or sink, small appliances in the dry kitchen.
- Think about lighting: under-cabinet lights make prep easier and safer.
Why Aluminium Suits Wet Kitchens
Steam, splashes and occasional leaks are daily realities near the sink and hob. Aluminium does not absorb water, so it does not swell or rot, and it gives termites nothing to eat. Read aluminium vs plywood and termite-proof kitchen cabinets.
Common Mistakes
- Moving gas points or hoods without checking guidelines. Some changes may need approval.
- Choosing cabinets before confirming appliance sizes.
- Using wood-based cabinets in the wet zone.
- Ignoring bins and recycling space.
Explore HDB and BTO kitchen design ideas, the price guide or our kitchen renovation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-part kitchen where heavy cooking happens in the wet kitchen and lighter prep, appliances or dining happen in the dry kitchen.
Aluminium is a strong choice because it is waterproof, termite-proof and does not swell like plywood or MDF near the sink and hob.
Some changes, such as moving gas points or hoods, may need approval. Check the current HDB or management guidelines before you start.
Yes. Many homeowners use a durable easy-clean finish in the wet kitchen and a finish that matches the living area in the dry kitchen.