What Is An Ergonomic Kitchen?
Discover the science of kitchen ergonomics that optimises productivity, efficiency and ensures stress-free cooking
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
2 July 2018
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
Ergonomics or ‘work laws’ is the method of improving the design of any space or product and optimising it for human use. The main aim of an ergonomic space is to create an environment that is stress-free, comfortable for working and ensures least waste of time and energy. In our homes, the kitchen is one such area that requires good ergonomics so that everyday cooking can become an effortless experience and does not create fatigue. This can be achieved by preventing unnecessary bending, twisting or turning to reach out for things in the kitchen.
Here are the basic principles of kitchen ergonomics. Read on.
Here are the basic principles of kitchen ergonomics. Read on.
1. Adapts to the user
Ergonomic kitchens are designed to adapt to the user and not vice-versa. For example, the height of the countertop is customised and tailor-made to suit the height of the actual user (in case they are taller or shorter than average). This allows one to comfortably prepare the meals and prevent exertion or strain on the back, by not forcing the body to adapt to the standard countertop height.
Ergonomic kitchens are designed to adapt to the user and not vice-versa. For example, the height of the countertop is customised and tailor-made to suit the height of the actual user (in case they are taller or shorter than average). This allows one to comfortably prepare the meals and prevent exertion or strain on the back, by not forcing the body to adapt to the standard countertop height.
2. Ensures good work-flow
The kitchen layout incorporates the kitchen work triangle – a time-tested concept that connects the three important work areas – the cooktop, sink and refrigerator. The distance between these three areas is minimised and unobstructed so that one can easily multi-task between cooking, cleaning and food preparation.
See more kitchens that use the kitchen triangle law effectively
The kitchen layout incorporates the kitchen work triangle – a time-tested concept that connects the three important work areas – the cooktop, sink and refrigerator. The distance between these three areas is minimised and unobstructed so that one can easily multi-task between cooking, cleaning and food preparation.
See more kitchens that use the kitchen triangle law effectively
3. Systematic utensil storage
In an ergonomic kitchen, utensils are stored in differently-sized cabinets and sectional drawers as per their sizes. Most drawers come with pull-outs so that everything can be viewed and accessed without bending too much or reaching out deep within the cabinets. Additionally, the end corners of U-shaped or L-shaped kitchens that are inaccessible due to the cabinet’s depth are converted into functional space with special modular accessories.
In an ergonomic kitchen, utensils are stored in differently-sized cabinets and sectional drawers as per their sizes. Most drawers come with pull-outs so that everything can be viewed and accessed without bending too much or reaching out deep within the cabinets. Additionally, the end corners of U-shaped or L-shaped kitchens that are inaccessible due to the cabinet’s depth are converted into functional space with special modular accessories.
4. Organised storage for consumables
The cooking supplies and consumables should be stored in single layered drawers (as in this image) or racks within cabinets so that everything is visible in one go and there is no difficulty in searching for the ingredients. To ensure easy access, it is also important to segregate the consumables as per their sizes and stack them neatly such that no item is behind or beneath the other.
The cooking supplies and consumables should be stored in single layered drawers (as in this image) or racks within cabinets so that everything is visible in one go and there is no difficulty in searching for the ingredients. To ensure easy access, it is also important to segregate the consumables as per their sizes and stack them neatly such that no item is behind or beneath the other.
5. Sufficient lighting for each work-zone
There should be sufficient lighting to illuminate each work zone properly.
Read more:
What’s the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
10 Fundamental Kitchen Measurements You Need to Know
Tell us:
What difficulties do you face on a regular basis while working in your kitchen? Let us know in the Comments section below.
There should be sufficient lighting to illuminate each work zone properly.
- The overall general lighting of the kitchen should be bright with centrally placed ceiling-mounted lights or pendant lights.
- There should be task (concentrated) lighting just above the cooktop for cooking.
- The overhead cabinetry is projected, hence it casts shadows on the countertop which makes it difficult to see. It is essential to introduce focused lighting on the countertop with LED strip lights under the wall-mounted cabinetry for food preparation.
Read more:
What’s the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
10 Fundamental Kitchen Measurements You Need to Know
Tell us:
What difficulties do you face on a regular basis while working in your kitchen? Let us know in the Comments section below.
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very useful article.Just one little point regarding cooktop lighting .It may be useful to have cook top lighting ,but with fumes and moisture around the cooking area reduces the lighting .To consider also is that,lights attract insects .
@Ajay, most chimneys come with built-in lighting.