Contrary to the name, a dirty kitchen helps you keep things clean and tidy while entertaining.

Not just for cooking and eating, kitchens are often a social center, too.

But activities like cooking can be messy, loud, and smelly.

u shape nook butlers pantry

Credit: Tria Giovan

Thats where dirty kitchens come into playand in this case, the phrase might not mean what you think.

Dirty kitchens can also appeal to families.

Even when not entertaining, the dirty kitchen can be a preferred spot for meal prep.

shiplap butlers pantry with marble countertop

Credit: Lisa Romerein

How Is a Dirty Kitchen Different from a Butlers Pantry?

However, a dirty kitchen is different from abutlers pantry.

Ramsey says the butlers pantry focuses on organization and convenience.

butlers pantry with black countertop and chandelier

Credit: Werner Straube

It can also function as a bar for the dining room, offering aspace for drinksand entertaining.

Alternatively, the dirty kitchen does the heavier lifting of hosting meal prep and clean up.

The biggest considerations are space and budgetary constraints, says Hackl.

It may mean constraining the size of the primary kitchen to accommodate the secondary space, warns Hackl.

Your home’s utility bills will be impacted, too.

Ultimately, a dirty kitchen isnt for everyone.

In some cases, a full secondary kitchen just isnt something we would recommend," says Hackl.