Recommend location and type for kitchen speakers

In-wall speakers ceiling mounted are a great alternative. The space behind in-wall speakers affect their performance, with .5 cubic feet being the lower limit.

Most ceilings face open attic space, providing easy installation and fewer acoustical problems.

You might consider two pair, with one pair at each end of your space, so you may enjoy comfortable listening levels without high sound pressure levels.

I choose B&W Signature 7 nautilus as my in-wall speaker. They are bi wire and bi amp, with great sound in a small package. There are plenty of other manufacturers with similar products, depending on what you like and want to invest in the project.

Swampwalker, I would like to add the thought that since this is a "working" area you should throw out all the concepts of your sweet spot listening area. I have two rooms where I use this type of set up, one is in my surgical suite at my vet clinic, and the other is a second system playing music where I do the exciting business of ironing my clothes. Since I am standing up in both situations, I have monitors mounted high, (6.5' and 8',) and play usually in mono. One room uses some PSB 400s and the other I have some PE Leon Primas. It gives me everything I am looking for. BTW, if you have some company at a party and they migrate to the kitchen, (and don't they always,) you have a new party system. Cooking with music! Watch the grocery bill. Good luck. Charlie

~~~Hi, Is there any room above cabinets or do you have soffits above,(a convenient space not usually considered)? Albert is definitely correct about spreading sound around to keep it even throughout the room. Have you considered a subwoofer in a out of the way locale to free up speaker size considerations? How about a sub, self contained midrange, ribbon tweeter, and your own crossovers.
The mids can be located more easily without trying to fit a box. The ribbons are small enough to blend in to decor. You must be creative if WAF in interjected into the scenario.
~~~If you have cold seasons or are in a high humidity region, the ceiling thing, if not done properly, might cause a mold or wood dry rot situation. What is the layout of your kitchen area and ceiling height?
~~~~One other thing, (This is from experience) Install seperate 20 amp lines. I put 7 separate 20 A. lines in my kitchen (not counting stove 30 A. and dishwasher). You would be surprised how fast one runs out of capacity during a gathering. Microwave, coffee pot(s), electric roaster(s), crock pot(s), blender..... It is easy while the wall is opened up, and inexpensive, if you pulled your own permit and do the wiring yourself.
~~~~What was the topic, Was I rambling again? Oh yeah! Kitchen speakers. I think I plowed too much snow today! Yes, I was using my tractor and not my car!
~~~~ OK DEAR-- time to pray with and tuck the children in bed. Hope I didn't bend your ear too much!