Tips for planning a wheelchair-accessible kitchen

Sidelift with hanging cabinets on the outer edges.

The terminology for our kitchens can vary. Sometimes they are called disabled kitchens, but they can also be referred to as adapted kitchens. An adapted and wheelchair-accessible kitchen must be functionally and ergonomically designed to best serve individuals with disabilities as well as other family members.

Countertops, storage cabinets, sinks, and appliances should also be designed to maximise functionality and allow the kitchen to be used effectively by all individuals.

When designing an adapted kitchen it is important to consider storage options. To make the space wheelchair accessible, certain parts of the kitchen often have free space under the worktops, sinks and stovetops. This can reduce the storage available, so it's important to design additional storage cabinets and waste sorting bins into your kitchen.

When an adapted kitchen is designed you should take into account both individual requirements and where compromises may need to be made. Therefore it's crucial for your kitchen to pay close attention to detail.

Existing kitchens can also be adapted for accessibility and transformed into functional wheelchair accessible kitchens. This can be done by replacing your standard worktops and cupboards with height adjustable worktops and rise and fall wall cabinets. However, when remodelling a kitchen you may find that there are often more limitations as the new design must be tailored to the existing kitchen layout. Therefore this will require meticulous planning.

Checklist for planning a wheelchair-accessible kitchen

• Determine the optimal height for the built-in oven and other appliances.
• Ensure you include height adjustable work surfaces, sinks, and hobs.
• Carefully consider storage as the rise and fall worktops will have fewer base cabinets to make them wheelchair accessible. How will you organise waste sorting?
• To enhance accessibility to kitchen items in higher wall cabinets, consider incorporating electronically lowered wall cabinets into the kitchen.
• If possible, choose wall cabinets with sliding doors instead of hinged doors to aid access.

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Make space for the essentials

Cooking requires creative thinking and freedom, to be able to cook comfortably the ergonomics of the space play a vital role. Being able to move freely and have access to workspaces at a comfortable height are both essential features in an adapted kitchen to allow all individuals to enjoy cooking.

To ensure the best ergonomics and functionality for everyone in the family, it is a good idea to include  electronically height adjustable worktops.

The typical area between the kitchen furniture of 1.20 metres should be expanded to 1.50 metres to accommodate a wheelchair in accordance with the European standard DIN E18040-2.

This will mean the kitchen has enough space for a wheelchairs turning radius, allowing them to move freely in the space. It's also important to have wheelchair-adapted countertops, particularly the sink, which should have a shallower sink bowl to enhance comfort when used.

In terms of storage, rolling carts and waste sorting bins serve as excellent additions beneath the countertops. They can easily be moved to create the necessary leg space for seated work, so that you can maintain accessibility without reducing your available storage options.

We recommend a knee-clearance space under the countertops of 70 centimetres, and plinth heights of 30 centimetres to ensure optimal ergonomics in your adapted kitchen. You will find that small adjustments can dramatically enhance comfort in a wheelchair-accessible kitchen.

An overview of the workstation is provided below to aid understanding:

To make it easier for wheelchair users to work at the sink, it should be wheelchair accessible. Therefore, the sink must be designed without base cabinets.

Worktops

In modern flexible kitchens, countertops can be automatically adjusted to the height of each individual. Raising or lowering the worktop to a comfortable height creates a more enjoyable cooking environment. We include a safety feature that prevents the countertop from accidentally coming into contact with the wheelchair, so that you can use the kitchen with peace of mind.

Extra worktop space

Pull-out shelves are great options, especially near appliances. They allow you to quickly and easily place hot pots and pans on a heat-resistant area. For example, this could be a useful feature beneath the oven.

Additionally, pull-out shelves next to the dishwasher facilitate loading and unloading, making the whole process much easier. 

Cabinets

Storage cabinets are always a significant thing to consider when designing your kitchen, especially in a wheelchair-accessible kitchen.

There are many ways to make a kitchen more functional. For instance, wall cabinets and shelves that can be automatically lowered create additional storage space that is easily accessible to the whole household.

You should avoid cabinets with doors. Cabinets equipped with drawers, pull-outs, or carousels enable easy opening, viewing, and simple access to kitchen utensils and accessories.

Individuals with restricted vision particularly benefit from wall cabinets with sliding or folding doors. This is because hinged doors are often not clearly visible and can lead to accidents.

Sinks

The sink is used multiple times a day in every kitchen, so the worktop with the sink should receive special attention when planning the kitchen.

The correct working height is crucial!

For optimal comfort, the sink should be fitted within an electrically adjustable lift module.

Even in a standard kitchen, the sink should be installed higher than the work surface to reduce back ache and strain.

Sinks with height adjustable capabilities, which can be raised or lowered to the desired height, are ideal for wheelchair users, but also work well in standard kitchens. We have built in a safety feature to prevent the sink from accidentally coming into contact with the wheelchair, as this could lead to damage to the wheelchair or the individual.

Cooktops and Hoods

The cooktop should also be electrically height adjustable, facilitating comfortable kitchen use by having it at the correct working height. This is especially important due to the risks associated with hot pots and pans.

Opt for an induction cooktop to minimise the risk of burns. This is because as soon as the pot is removed from the cooktop, the hob itself does not remain hot.

When installing a conventional hood, choose a remote-controlled model or one that intelligently operates with the stove via Bluetooth. This will mean that a wheelchair user can easily access the controls for the hood, maintaining their independence.

By including all this equipment, you will find it simple to create a wheelchair-accessible kitchen!