Making your kitchen easier to use (view report contents)
Topping up the units
Worktops
What height?
It's very important your worktop is at a comfortable height (generally 3" below elbow). This can be a problem if you share the kitchen with someone who works at a different level. Compromise will be uncomfortable for everyone. If there's enough room, you could have worktops at different heights. Or you could fit a shelf to the wall at a height that suits you. This can provide space for your legs if you work sitting down. A pull-out table that can be fitted to a base unit may suit you. Pull-out ironing boards are also available. Trolleys and mobile storage units can double-up as worktops. Make sure that they are easy to move and are stable enough to work on.
Check the height suits you. B&Q £94
Pull-out ironing boards have no legs to get in the way. Other types fix to a wall or back of a door. B&Q £83
This designer one with rotating shelves is by Zeyko £1027. Others cost from £130
Adjustable height worktops are available. An electric one costs around £1,000. Manually operated versions cost around £800.
Can hold hobs and sinks. This electric one is by Astor-Bannerman from £800 (work surface and appliances are extra)
Some wheelchair users fit a longish stretch of work surface without any cupboards underneath to allow enough working room. There may be room for narrow shelves underneath. If you don't like the look of this, hang a curtain in front.
What surface?
If you're partially sighted and glare is a problem, choose a surface that won't reflect the light. Opt for a colour that contrasts with the units and walls. Try to find a worktop that is edged in a different colour.
B&Q Cheriton
Colour contrast at edge of shelf with raised lip. Can be fitted to all work surfaces. This one is by Design Matters
You can prepare food directly on resin-coated or harder surfaces such as Corian. So there's no need to worry about chopping-boards sliding around if you've got limited strength in your hands. Cleaning should also be easier. If you're unsteady on your feet, think about worktops with rounded edges and corners. Should you happen to fall, they won't cause you as much harm as sharp edges and corners.
Kitchen units
It can be difficult to reach things on the bottom shelf of a base unit if you're a wheelchair user or have difficulty bending down. If you can't adjust the unit's legs to a suitable height, you may be able to fix it to the wall at a level that suits you. Bear in mind that this may make the worktop too high to use.
Think about fitting grab rails to your units if you have difficulty with balance or standing for long periods. You may need them all round the kitchen or just where you spend most time standing.
Check they're fixed securely so they'll take your weight. This one is by Design Matters
If you don't have a strong grip, some handles may be hard to use. Small round knobs and rims along the tops of doors are among the most difficult. Large D-shaped handles are easiest. Ask your supplier about magnetic touch latches. You just push on the door and it opens.
D-shaped handles are easy to grasp. The wall rail can keep things in reach. B&Q Salsa
If you're partially sighted, wall units with sliding or roll-up doors mean there's no risk of hitting your head if someone forgets to shut them. Make sure that they're easy to open. If you don't mind extra cleaning, just leave the doors off. Remember the importance of colour contrast and non-reflective finishes.
If you're a wheelchair user or have difficulty stretching, it can be difficult to reach things on the top shelf of a wall unit. Shorter units with just one shelf may suit you and fit in with your kitchen. You can also fit narrow shelves at a height that suits you. Or you can use the wall space by hanging things on to hooks fixed to the wall or from a rail. You can also get baskets and other attachments which hang from rails. Check they are not too fiddly to use.
Keeping things in reach
Pull-out base units let you get to whatever is inside without having to reach into the depths of the cupboard. Just pull out the door and out come the shelves on non-tip gliders. It's easy to see what you want so there's no rummaging around. Units in which the door pulls out with the shelves are easier than pull-out shelves behind a hinged door.
B&Q £12 each
Pull-out larders work just like pull-out base units. But, they're tall so if you're a wheelchair user, you'll find it hard to reach the top shelves. Check that they're easy to pull out when loaded. Pull-out vegetable baskets work in the same way - choose ones that won't tip up.
Make sure the handle can be fixed at a height you can reach. B&Q £198
It's always difficult to reach things at the back of corner units. A carousel inside can solve the problem. Just push it and as it turns the items at the back move around to the front. A 270° carousel costs extra but brings things nearer than a standard 180° one.
B&Q £55
Wire rack swings round and then out for better access. This one is by Versatility £111
If you're a wheelchair user or have difficulty reaching up, a pull-down pull-out basket may help bring things in wall units within reach. Pull the bottom of the metal basket; it comes down and out so you can reach its contents.
Rack pulls out and down from a cupboard. You need some reach and strength, and the rack should not be used for breakables. This one is by Design Matters £187
You can also keep smaller things in racks fixed on the inside of cupboard doors. A vegetable basket on wheels may be useful.
Extra storage for smaller items inside unit door, B&Q £8.50
Helpful hints
A raised lip of say 5mm (3/8") will help prevent spilled liquids landing
in your lap
170° hinges fitted to base unit doors will give you greater access
Heavy duty coloured tape on work surfaces can help provide contrast
Use non-slip mats (around £10) to stop things sliding around
Report Contents
Getting
Started
Topping
up the units
What’s
cooking?
Eat,
drink and be comfy
Water
power
Keeping
cool
Let
there be light
From
floor to ceiling
Money
matters
Useful
gadgets
Getting
advice
Helpful
organisations
Major
mail-order companies
Manufacturers
What
B&Q can do for you
