Features of a share house kitchen
Share house kitchens have different characteristics from regular kitchens for single people or families. Because they serve as shared spaces, there are unique points regarding how they are used, equipped, and managed. Here we will explain the main features of share house kitchens in detail.
1. The space is spacious and can be used by multiple people
Since kitchens in shared houses are shared by all residents, they are often designed to be spacious, unlike the compact kitchens found in single-person homes.
- Island kitchens and L-shaped kitchens are often used to ensure ample cooking space.
- Some properties come with multiple sinks and stoves, allowing you to cook at the same time.
- They often come equipped with a dining table and counter, so they can also be used as dining spaces.
2. Cooking utensils and home appliances are well-equipped
Another feature is that the apartment is equipped with professional cooking utensils and home appliances that are difficult to obtain when living alone.
- They may also be equipped with large refrigerators and commercial ovens.
- Basic appliances such as rice cookers, microwaves, toasters and electric kettles are shared.
- Cooking utensils such as frying pans, pots, and knives are provided, so you don't have to buy them yourself.
- Some properties even come equipped with coffee makers and bread machines.
3. It is clean because it is regularly cleaned.
In shared houses, there are set cleaning rules for the kitchen, and it is often kept clean.
- Some properties have cleaning staff who come in several times a week to clean the kitchen.
- There may also be rules in place requiring residents to share cleaning duties.
- There are rules in place for disposing of oil stains and food waste, making it less likely to become unsanitary.
- Since it is a shared space, people tend to be more conscious of keeping it tidy than in a personal kitchen.
4. Role as a place for communication
The kitchen in a shared house is not just a cooking space, but also serves as a place for residents to interact with each other.
- Conversation naturally arises while eating, leading to more interaction.
- You can also share dishes and host parties.
- There are also "cooking events" held, where residents who are good at cooking give lectures.
- If there are foreign residents, it also functions as a place for intercultural exchange.
5. Rules for managing ingredients and seasonings are necessary
Since it is a shared space, there are often rules regarding how the refrigerator is managed and condiments are used.
- It is common for refrigerator shelves to be assigned to each resident.
- Shared condiments may be provided, but generally you are responsible for keeping your own.
- Many properties have a rule that ingredients must be named.
- There may be systems in place to regularly dispose of expired food.
Common problems in shared house kitchens
The kitchen in a share house is the central space for communal living, but because it is shared by multiple people, it is also a place where problems are likely to occur. Here, we will introduce some common problems that occur in share house kitchens and provide detailed explanations of their causes and countermeasures.
1. The problem of overlapping kitchen usage times
In a shared house, many residents use the same kitchen, so it is common for usage times to overlap. It can be particularly crowded around breakfast and dinner times, and you may not be able to use the stove or sink. If someone monopolizes the kitchen for an extended period of time, this can cause frustration and even trouble.
As a countermeasure, residents should take measures such as avoiding peak times, coordinating usage schedules in advance, and increasing the number of easy-to-prepare meals that can be prepared in a short amount of time.
2. The problem of leaving dishes unwashed
In a shared house kitchen, if someone leaves cooking utensils and dishes unwashed, the sink becomes messy and becomes unusable for others. Left-washed dishes can cause bad odors and pests, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.
As a countermeasure, you can make sure to wash dishes immediately after use and create a checklist to prevent them from being left out. It is also effective to set a rule that requires you to clean up any dishes that are left out for a certain period of time.
3. Problems with shared cooking utensils and seasonings
In a shared house, frying pans, pots, seasonings, etc. are often shared, but this can sometimes lead to problems. Someone uses them without permission and doesn't return them, or seasonings run out and aren't replenished, which can create a sense of unfairness.
As a countermeasure, it is best to keep condiments separate and write names on them. Also, set rules for sharing cooking utensils and make sure to return them to their original place after use to prevent trouble.
4. Refrigerator problems (food theft/spoilage)
In a shared house refrigerator, your own food may be used without permission, or food left out may rot and cause an unpleasant odor. In particular, using other people's seasonings or ingredients, thinking "it's okay if it's just a little bit," can easily lead to trouble.
As a countermeasure, it is important to write names on food items and separate spaces for each resident. Also, set rules for regularly organizing the refrigerator and disposing of expired food items will help keep it clean.
5. Odor and noise issues
The smell of cooking can fill the room, and cooking noises late at night or early in the morning can be a nuisance to other residents. Foods that leave a strong smell, such as garlic or fish, can easily cause problems if not ventilated.
As a countermeasure, you should always turn on the exhaust fan, open the windows, etc. Also, be sure to cook quietly at night or early in the morning, and try to carry out noisy work during the day as much as possible.
6. Problems with sorting and disposing of garbage
In a shared house, many people produce trash, so if it is not properly separated and disposed of, the kitchen can easily get dirty. In particular, if food waste is left unattended, it can cause a foul odor and lead to the breeding of pests.
As a countermeasure, it is necessary to devise measures such as deciding who will take turns taking out the trash, clarifying the rules for separating trash, setting regular cleaning days, etc. You can live comfortably by making it a rule to frequently dispose of food waste and to throw it away immediately when the trash can is full.
Rules and manners for using a shared house kitchen comfortably
Since the kitchen in a share house is shared, it is important to follow the rules and manners to avoid any issues. In particular, you need to be careful about coordinating usage times, cleaning, and how to use the shared space. Here we will explain the specific rules and manners to use the kitchen in a share house comfortably.
1. Adjust your kitchen hours
In a shared house, multiple people use the same kitchen, so it is necessary to devise ways to avoid overcrowding. If everyone uses it at the same time during peak times, the stove and sink will be full, which can be inconvenient. To counter this, residents can decide on rules in advance, such as staggering usage times and adjusting breakfast and dinner times, to ensure smooth use. Creating a schedule is also an effective way to do so.
2. Put things away immediately after use
Once you've finished cooking, it's important to immediately wash the pots, pans and dishes you used, and keep the sink and counter clean. If you leave them thinking "I'll wash them later," other residents won't be able to use them, which can cause trouble. Also, if dishes are left to pile up, it becomes unsanitary and can lead to the breeding of insects. The basic rule is to wash them immediately after use, wipe off any water droplets with a cloth, and return them to their original place.
3. Set rules for shared cooking utensils and ingredients
In a shared house, it is common to share knives, frying pans, microwaves, etc., but if someone leaves them there or takes them away without permission, it can cause discontent. Using seasonings and ingredients without permission can also easily lead to trouble. As a countermeasure, you can make rules such as writing names on seasonings and ingredients and always returning cooking utensils to their original place after use to make the operation go smoothly.
4. Organize your fridge space
Since many residents use the refrigerator in a shared house, it is important to properly manage food and drinks. If someone uses your food without your permission, or if food is left out and spoils, it can cause trouble. By strictly following rules such as assigning a space for each person to store food, writing names on each food item, and regularly disposing of expired food, you can keep the refrigerator clean.
5. Be mindful of smells and noise
Since the kitchen in a share house is close to the living space of other residents, you need to be careful about smells and noise. When cooking foods with a strong smell, such as garlic or fish, you should turn on the exhaust fan and open the windows. Also, avoid cooking late at night or early in the morning as much as possible, and if you absolutely must cook, it is good manners to try to work quietly.
6. Separate garbage properly and manage it in shifts
If garbage is not properly separated, the kitchen can become unsanitary and lead to the infestation of pests. It is important to follow the rules of your local area and properly separate burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable garbage. Also, by deciding who takes turns taking out the garbage, you can prevent the burden from being placed on certain residents and maintain a clean environment.
7. Residents communicate with each other regularly
In order to use the kitchen comfortably, it is important for residents to communicate with each other. If rules are not followed even after they have been decided, or if trouble occurs, it is necessary to hold regular discussions and find a solution. Also, when new residents move in, it is important to share the kitchen rules with them and create an environment that everyone can use comfortably.
Recommended for those who love to cook! What is a share house with a private room with a kitchen?
Kitchens in share houses are generally shared, but for people who like to cook, this can be stressful as their cooking schedules overlap with other residents' and they can't use the kitchen freely. For such people, we recommend share houses with private rooms that have their own kitchens. With private rooms and kitchens, you can enjoy the benefits of a share house while still maintaining your privacy. Here, we will introduce in detail the features and benefits of private rooms with kitchens.
1. What are the features of private rooms with kitchens?
In a normal share house, the living room and kitchen are shared, but in properties that have private rooms with kitchens, each room has a mini kitchen. In many cases, they are equipped with an induction stove, sink, small refrigerator, and microwave, so you can cook freely as if you were living alone. Private rooms with kitchens are often found in fully private shared houses and one-room shared apartments.
2. Advantages of a private room with a kitchen
① You can cook whenever you want
In the case of a shared kitchen, you may have to use it at the same time as other residents, but if you have a kitchen in your private room, you can use it without worrying about the time. You can even cook late at night or early in the morning.
② You can use it freely without worrying about other residents.
Since you don't have to share cooking utensils or ingredients, you can cook at your own pace. For people who love cooking, being able to cook stress-free is a big advantage.
③ Easy hygiene management
Although there are cleaning rules in shared kitchens, they may not be kept clean depending on the residents' attitude. With a private kitchen, you can clean it whenever you want and keep it hygienic.
④ You don't have to worry about cooking smells or noise.
In a shared house, strong smells and noise can be a problem in the shared kitchen. With a private kitchen, it's easier to be mindful of ventilation and noise, and you can avoid trouble between residents.
5. You can keep your living expenses low while still maintaining privacy
The rent is cheaper than a typical one-room apartment, and you can enjoy the social interactions that only a share house can offer. For people who mainly cook their own meals, it is an ideal environment to live comfortably while saving on food costs.
summary
Share house kitchens have many appealing features, such as their spaciousness, comprehensive facilities, and the fact that they serve as a place for residents to interact with each other. However, they can easily become a source of trouble, such as conflicts over use times, leaving dishes unwashed, and garbage management, so it is important to follow proper rules and manners. For people who love to cook, we also recommend share houses with private rooms equipped with kitchens. Choose a share house that's right for you and enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable communal life.
