There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning a kitchen. One key but often overlooked aspect is ergonomics.
From baking and cooking to washing the dishes, you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Optimised kitchen ergonomics prevent uncomfortable postures, create short distances and help you stay healthy and relaxed as you work in the kitchen. However, different areas require different solutions, which we will cover in this blog article. We’ll explain to you how ergonomics works in the kitchen.
Working in comfort starts with the correct working height. This can easily be determined using the ‘elbow method’.
Stand up straight with your forearm at a right angle and measure the distance from your elbow to the floor. Subtracting 10 to 15 cm from the resulting measurement will give you the optimum worktop height.
This will help you prevent painful bending and stretching in the long term when preparing meals and will make everyday tasks effortless.
Find out here why the working height is so important and what basic rules should be followed.
Different heights for different work areas are extremely ergonomic, especially when planning kitchen islands.
However, kitchen chores don’t just involve food prep on the worktop.
Filling and emptying the dishwasher and using the oven are frequent tasks that could be ergonomically optimised.
Installing such appliances higher up pays off day after day: crockery can be put away quickly in a few easy steps while maintaining a comfortable posture.
Take the vegetables out of the fridge, wash them in the sink, chop them on the worktop and add them to the frying pan on the hob – when you’re cooking, many steps come together that should ideally be ergonomically coordinated.
Short distances between the different work areas allow you to cook efficiently and save you from moving around too much.
Here too, it is essential to find the right balance: if the space between the island and units is too narrow, there is a constant risk of bumping into things, which is both inconvenient and impractical. To ensure good ergonomics, a clearance of at least 90 to 100 cm should be maintained, preferably 120 to 130 cm.
Kitchen ergonomics also means avoiding heavy lifting where possible to make everyday tasks easier. The solution: clever planning and accessories that work for you.
Alternatively, the shelf can be integrated into a corner lifter that is raised together with your kitchen appliances at the push of a button and then concealed in the worktop the same way. A clever solution for kitchens with no corner unit.
The top unit with a folding door also takes advantage of unused storage space. Positioned parallel to the worktop, kitchen appliances can be easily pulled out and stored away again.
A breakfast cabinet or cupboard with roller-shutter are alternative planning options that create easily accessible storage space at chest height. The possibility of integrating pull-out shelves eliminates the need for heavy lifting. Ergonomic, practical and nice to look at too.
Conveniently stow kitchen appliances in the cupboard with a roller-shutter
The breakfast cabinet at the ideal working height
As in the kitchen, ergonomic principles also need to be considered when planning larders or adjacent utility rooms.
Everyday kitchen aids like cleverly placed chopping boards are small details that are ergonomically effective and become invaluable over time.
Organisation systems in base units help prevent long periods bent over as you search for things at the back. Full pull-outs give you an excellent view of contents and minimise effort when carrying out everyday tasks – for seamless flow in the kitchen.
An ergonomic kitchen design combines comfort, functionality and health. Optimum working heights, short distances and smart storage solutions result in a kitchen that makes daily tasks noticeably easier.
Take a look at our ergonomic examples for planning today and find the perfect kitchen to suit your lifestyle.
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