Food preparation machines checklist
Table mixers and processors
Types
This checklist can be used with food mixers which have a stand and bowl and various accessories, and with food processors which have a stand, enclosed food container and various accessories.
For hand held food machines go to that separate checklist.
Assembly
- no fiddly actions required to secure the food container to the stand
- little force required to secure the food container to the stand
- no fiddly actions required to connect and detach the beaters/blades
- little force required to connect and detach the beaters/blades
- no fiddly actions required to fit and remove any container lid
- little force required to fit and remove any container lid
- positive feedback that all parts have been fitted securely
- all assembly actions possible one-handed
Handling
- no parts impede putting food into the container
- shape and size of any handle provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- food container is not excessively heavy
- food container is well balanced during pouring/carrying
- food container has effective pouring lip
- processed contents can be emptied without spillage
- all parts are free from unnecessary debris traps (otherwise fiddly to clean)
Controls
This section is repeated four times so that you can write in each control type above the checklist - eg on/off, speed adjustment, pulse operation
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Labelling and indicators
- maximum and minimum indicator markers are raised
- all labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
- all labelling and markings are large for easy viewing
- function of any indicator lights is clearly marked
- indicator lights in easily visible position
- indicator lights brightly lit
- processed food can be seen through the container (food processors only)
Noise and vibration
- Machine is quiet in operation
- Machine is free from vibration in operation
- Machine is stable in operation
Safety aspects
- all blades and sharp accessories have safety covers
- specific storage areas available for accessories
- all accessories are dishwasher proof
- accidental contact with sharp or moving parts is prevented (eg with security covers or restricted space for inadvertent access)
Instructions
- paper is matt or with slight sheen (glossy paper reflects light - difficult to read from)
- written in simple language, no technical terms
- clear and logical layout (main printed text in minimum 12 point size)
- printed text in sans-serif typeface
- large print version available on request (minimum 14 point type throughout)
- audio tape and/or braille version available on request
Hand held food machines
Types
This checklist can be used with electric hand held food mixers, blenders and other machines.
For table mixers and processors go to that separate checklist.
Assembly
- no fiddly actions required to fit and detach the attachments eg beaters or blades
- little force required to connect and detach the attachments
- no fiddly actions required to fit and remove any container lid
- little force required to fit and remove any container lid
- positive feedback that all parts have been fitted securely
- all assembly actions possible one-handed
Handling
- shape and size of any handle/hand hold provides good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- hand held machine is not excessively heavy
- machine is well balanced during use
- machine is free from excessive vibration during use
- machine is free from excessive noise during use
- machine is stable on work surface (when rested between operations)
- machine is free from unnecessary debris traps (otherwise fiddly to clean)
Controls
This section is repeated four times so that you can write in each control type above the checklist - eg on/off, speed adjustment, pulse operation
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Control type:
- protruding control (recessed controls restrict finger space)
- shape and size provide good gripping area (plenty of space for fingers, non-slippery surface)
- control requires momentary action to operate (continued pressure is painful and tiring for some people)
- control requires little force to operate
- control clicks into each setting
- setting position can be felt by touch (this can be achieved by raised markings on the control and its surrounds)
- all actions are possible one-handed
Labelling and indicators
- all labelling and markings strongly colour contrasted against their background
- all labelling and markings are large for easy viewing
Safety Aspects
- moving parts are shielded for accidental hand contact
- all blades and sharp accessories have safety covers
- specific storage areas available for accessories
- all accessories are dishwasher proof
Instructions
- paper is matt or with slight sheen (glossy paper reflects light - difficult to read from)
- written in simple language, no technical terms
- clear and logical layout (main printed text in minimum 12 point size)
- printed text in sans-serif typeface
- large print version available on request (minimum 14 point type throughout)
- audio tape and/or braille version available on request
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