You may have seen it mentioned in countless Palm Beach County luxury listings or you know friends or family members who cannot live without one. You may have one yourself without even knowing it, but what exactly is a “chef’s kitchen”? A chef’s kitchen is one that is designed and laid out to meet the needs of a professional chef, or people who like to cook like one. In real estate listings and advertisements, the term is used often and loosely, without any real objective meaning. However, there are certain features, standards, and appliances that raise the bar and elevate a normal kitchen into the range of what a real chef would want and need.

Chef’s kitchens tend to be large spaces with an open floor plan, good traffic flow, and room for multiple cooks to prepare food comfortably and without feeling crowded. They will likely have a separate pantry, an island, and cabinets and under-counter storage for food, wine, dishes, pots, pans, and utensils. Most countertop space is marble, stone, or concrete.

While most of us are not the next Bobby Flay or Rachel Ray it is nice to prepare dinner in a kitchen space fit for a professional chef. Here are examples of qualifications for the ever-desirable “chef’s kitchen.”

An open floor plan or a large kitchen island will give elbow room for multiple people to prepare food comfortably at the same time. Plus, this gives the whole family an opportunity to participate in cooking and recount the details of their day.

High-end brand appliances include features like elite air purification systems, plenty of room for bulk storage, a vacuum seal to keep food fresher longer, style, craft ice, and functionality.

Gas ranges provide large hot flames that the average cooktop does not, making things like boiling water much faster, and providing a spot for an optional indoor grill to sear your ahi or filet exactly right.

Having multiple ovens whether conventional, convection, or steam, can provide ways for quicker, more efficient cooking. While you are baking the main course, vegetables can be roasted and a delicious dessert baking in another.

Warming drawers are another lifesaver if you entertain often. Optional warming drawers will keep rolls ready or prevents dinner from getting cold when diner guests are not quite finished at the same time.

Multiple sinks are lifesaving extras worth splurging for in a chef’s kitchen. The thought of washing fruit and vegetables in the same sink used for dirty dishes is unappealing. Multiple faucets can also be placed right over the stove to easily fill large pots with water.