Around 70% of Austrians suffer back pain at least once a year because of poor posture. Even leaning forward by only 20 degrees for a long period can strain the intervertebral disc and lead to long-term health problems.
Here are our 10 tips for an ergonomic kitchen that is kind to the back and joints and brings pleasure into the kitchen:
1. The height of appliances
Plan the oven, fridge and dishwasher at a comfortable height for seeing and reaching! That is usually the case when the appliances can be operated standing upright, with bent arms and without a curved back. A user-friendly height for appliances makes loading and unloading more comfortable and encourages working in a way that is kind to the back.
2. Freedom of movement
Allow enough freedom of movement between electrical and mechanical appliances!
3. Working height
Plan different working heights for different work areas!
4. Worktop
Rule of thumb for the optimum working height of the worktop: elbow height with the arm bent, minus 15 to 20 centimetres
5. Sink
A sink positioned slightly higher prevents constant stooping when washing up. Rule of thumb: worktop plus 15 to 20 centimetres
6. Hob
A slightly lowered hob gives a better view into the pans.
Rule of thumb: worktop minus 15 to 20 centimetres
7. Headroom
There should be around 50 centimetres between the worktop and the wall units!
8. Full-extension drawers
Plan full-extension drawers instead of base units with doors! That gives you much better access to your crockery.
9. Integrating electrical modules
By raising and lowering them, the optimum working height for the user can easily be set.
10. A seated workstation
This takes the strain off the spine during longer tasks.
We are happy to help you plan your kitchen ergonomically. Only if you consider ergonomic aspects such as the ideal height of kitchen appliances from the start will you lastingly enjoy your kitchen and benefit from greater comfort in everyday life.
A-3390 Melk, Josef Adlmanseder-Straße 7 | +43 2752 528 78 | verkauf@gottwald.at | shop.gottwald.at | Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 12 noon
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