Kitchen Ergonomics
Each task performed in a kitchen requires a different set of muscles. Kitchen designers have begun using ergonomics to help create an environment that lowers the stress on your body. Ergonomics is just a long word for a simple concept—taking body mechanics into account when designing products or determining how a job should be done to reduce the stress on the body and make the task easier.
When applied to a kitchen, ergonomics can create a working environment that reduces the likelihood of straining your back muscles by determining the right height and position of sinks and countertops.
If you are designing a new kitchen or upgrading your old one, the following tips can help you create an environment that is comfortable and user-friendly:
- The kitchen triangle. The three areas used most in a kitchen are the fridge, the range, and the sink. Using ergonomics, designers focus on making movement between these three points as easy as possible.
- The kitchen sink. To reduce the strain on your back while you are washing dishes, the height of the sink should be at about the level of your belly button to allow you to wash dishes standing straight up with your elbows bent at a 90° angle. The depth of the sink basin is also a consideration. People under 152 cm (5 ft.) may work better using a sink that is 20 cm (8 in.) deep, whereas people over 165 cm (5 ft. 5 in.) may be more comfortable with a sink that is 25 cm (10 in.) deep.
- Countertop height. Since the 1940s, kitchen countertops have been a standard 91 cm (36 in.) high. Recently, there has been a trend toward installing higher kitchen counters to reduce the amount of bending over required when preparing food. This is especially important for people who are above average height. The optimum counter height is one that allows you to work with your back straight and upper torso erect.
- Flooring. When deciding on flooring for your kitchen, you may want to consider choices such as cork or carpet tiles to help absorb the shock on your spine as you move around the kitchen.
- Storing goods. Weight should be the major consideration when it comes to deciding where to store your food and other kitchen items. The heaviest things should be kept between hip and shoulder height, so you can reach them without stretching out your arms. When your elbows are bent, your arms have the most strength and experience the least stress. Medium-weight goods should be stored just below or above the heavy ones, but never above eye level or below the knees. Light items, like cereal boxes, can go into cupboards that are above the head or below the knee, because they are unlikely to cause strain when they are lifted.
