Making your kitchen easier to use (view report contents)
Water power
Sinks
Sinks come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and materials. But a height adjustable sink (around £960) is the only type which can be used comfortably by someone who sits and someone who stands. Alternatively, and if space allows, you could have two sinks fitted at different heights.
If you sit at the sink, your legs will have to fit underneath. Usually, the bowl shouldn't be deeper than 150mm (approx. 6"). Either insulate the bottom of the sink or choose a heat resistant material to avoid burning your legs. If you're a wheelchair user, the space under the sink should be around 900mm (approx. 36") wide so your chair will fit.
This one is by Versatility £138
Taps
Choose a lever or toggle tap if you've got limited strength in your hands and arms. Some lever taps have controls at the front of the sink so there's no stretching. They cost around £300.
Designed for those with poor muscle control. 'Jupiter' from Phlexicare £137
'Mercury' from B&Q £48
Colour contrast is useful for most people with visual impairments. 'Architect' from Phlexicare £174
Opt for levers that don't jut out over the sink when they're turned off and for a swivel spout - then nothing will be in your way when you're using the sink. Tall swivel spouts let you rest kettles or saucepans on the draining board or on the bottom of the sink while you're filling them up.
'Narran' from B&Q £125
Automatic taps that come on when they sense something underneath the spout cost around £400.
Washing machines
The most popular machines are front loading automatics. If you're a wheelchair user, make sure that the door opens wide for easy access. If your grip is poor, check that the door and dispenser drawer are easy to open and shut. You should also try to use the controls. Some dials can be hard to grip and some buttons need a firm push.
This one is a Miele Premier Novo £850
Easy to use controls and clear labelling. This one is an AEG OKO Lavamat. The range costs £350-£800
If you find it hard to bend down or crouch, a top loader may be more suitable. You need enough strength and reach to be able to pull the clothes out. If you're partially sighted, look for controls with large lettering, settings you can find by feel and good colour contrast.
Dishwashers
If you've got problems using the sink, a dishwasher will at least save you the chore of washing up. But, if you find it hard to bend down or you're a wheelchair user, check that you'll be able to load and unload the machine. Fit it so that you have room to get to the side of the racks rather than reaching over the door. Make sure the racks are stable. Check that you can use the powder and rinse-aid dispensers, the salt regulator and the filter, as well as the controls.
Helpful hints
It's possible to replace standard tap heads with long lever handles
Sinks with the waste at the rear will give you more room underneath
A strainer waste is good for catching vegetable peelings that can be difficult
to spot
You can save space with a washer drier which washes, spins and tumble
dries. They wash larger loads than they can dry at one go. So unless you
wash smaller quantities, there is more loading and unloading to do
If you need Braille or stud marked controls, tell the retailer. The manufacturer
will arrange for the RNIB to produce a marked control panel, and for a
local firm to fit it. The service is free
Some top loaders have wheels, let down by a foot lever, for moving them
from under a worktop
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
