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Design 101: Elements of Ergonomic Kitchen Design

By - July 28, 2024

You’re bending down, reaching out at an angle. Next, you’re standing on tip toe and pulling down something from above. You’re twisting to see what’s happening over your shoulder. All this isn’t intricate yoga—it’s just you, putting together a quick meal in your kitchen! Sounds difficult? It need not be—not if your kitchen is designed ergonomically!

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and it’s very important to get the workflows and comfort levels just right. This is where the elements of ergonomics play a key role. Kitchen designers must take an in-depth look at the space circulation within a kitchen. The ways in which you move around, the demarcation of different work zones, working heights and space clearances are important factors when it comes to your comfort and safety.

What are the essential elements of ergonomic kitchen design? Here’s a comprehensive guide that even a layperson can understand, so that you know what to keep in mind when designing the perfect kitchen!

First up, what exactly is ergonomics?

Ergonomics Defined

When it comes to interior design, ergonomics can be defined as the science behind creating rooms and spaces that maximise productivity, while ensuring optimal convenience, safety and comfort. In your kitchen, this would mean creating efficient spaces that use appliances at the correct heights for safe use, allowing you to move quickly and efficiently and access whatever you need with ease.

An ergonomically designed kitchen is a joy to work in. You can multitask easily, moving between meal prep, storage and washing areas without unnecessary movements that will cause you to get tired. You will get a kitchen that’s as high on functionality and efficiency as possible, with optimal storage and workspaces that will reduce time and effort and maximise comfort while you work.

With an ergonomically designed kitchen, you will be able to adopt the correct posture while working, and will not be required to overstrain yourself to get things done.

This article serves as a primer to help you understand the concepts behind kitchen ergonomics. Read on to know more!

The Kitchen Work Triangle

The Kitchen Work Triangle is a design concept that defines the space between the three main work areas of the kitchen; namely, the cooktop, refrigerator and sink. According to this postulation, these three areas should be at the three apices of a hypothetical triangle, with each of the sides of the triangle between 4 and 9 feet in length to maximise efficiency.

Kitchen Workflow Considerations

There are three main workflows that happen in any kitchen—cooking, cleaning and preparing food, and as such there should be three clearly demarcated zones. The fourth (and equally important) zone is storage.

Here, you should consider storage for perishables, which will be refrigerated, and non-perishables, which will be stored in the pantry unit or store room.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when designing these zones.

  • Utensils and crockery should be placed near the sink and dishwasher, so that putting away clean items is easy.
  • Food storage areas and the refrigerator should be as close to the preparation counter as possible, to avoid moving back and forth as you cook.
  • Place spice jars, oils, sauces and condiments close to the cooktop for easy reach during cooking.

  • Pots and pans, stirrers and spoons that are needed while cooking should also be within reach without having to step away from the stove.
  • Waste bins should ideally be located right below or near the sink.

  • As you cut veggies, chop up meat, and so on, a lot of organic waste is generated. If you do this next to the sink you can put this waste into the sink disposal or the waste bins at once.

Work Zone Considerations

When you are working, you may need to stay standing in one position for a long time in each work zone (cooking, cleaning and food prep zones). To reduce fatigue, you should keep these points in mind:

  • The counter should be at a height that allows you to work without having to bend down or strain upwards. The ideal height is between 4 to 6 inches below the height of your elbow when standing.
  • The oven or hob should be at standing height, so that you can easily check on what’s cooking or remove heavy and hot items easily.

  • Heavier utensils such as the pressure cooker and larger pans should be stored in the drawer just below the cooking counter, so that you can take them out without having to bend.
  • Make sure there is adequate task lighting on the counter. LED lighting strips just below the upper cabinets will provide the right level of illumination as you work. Pendant lights from the ceiling offer ambient light. Additionally, the chimney above the cooktop will also have in-built lights which are focused on what you are cooking.

  • Consider the locations where you will be using appliances like the mixer-grinder, coffee maker, hand blender, sandwich maker, and so on. Provide electrical points close by, to avoid wires trailing all over the counter. This could be dangerous as the kitchen is a wet zone.
  • At least 3 feet of space next to the sink should be left clear to keep washed dishes before they are dried.

Storage Considerations

Food storage zones should be well planned, keeping in mind adequate space for perishable and non-perishable items.

If there is no separate store room or pantry, a tall larder unit can be planned with shelves that can be pulled out, so that you can view all the stored items at one go.

Also consider storage for cooking utensils, dishes, glasses, cups and cutlery. You can have drawer units below the counter that are designed to store each of these items neatly and in an organised manner.

Items that are not used often can be stowed in the loft, for use when needed. Try not to keep anything very heavy in the loft, as it will be difficult to remove it without hurting yourself. Extra-heavy items can be stored close to ground level. Use fixed shelves for very heavy items, as the weight might stress and damage channel drawers.

Optimal Measurements for Efficient Workspaces

The table below shows the optimal dimensions for an Indian kitchen. These, of course, can (and should) be customised to suit your special needs.

Height in inchesWidth in inchesDepth in inches
Kitchen counter34Customisable to kitchen24
Cabinets above counterStarting 24 inches above countertopEach module between 18 to 36 inches wide (depending on design)12 to 15 inches
Cabinets below counterUp to the counter height, with a 4-inch skirting that is recessed to allow easy toe-spaceEach module between 18 to 36 inches wide (depending on design)22 inches (1.5 to 2 inches lesser than countertop depth)
Distance between stove and chimney26 to 30 inches24 to 36 inchesDepending on chimney design
RefrigeratorLeave a clearance of 2 inches on all sides for ventilationLeave a clearance of 2 inches on all sides for ventilationLeave a clearance of 2 inches on all sides for ventilation
MicrowaveBase should be 12 to 18 inches above countertop for optimal usageLeave clearances as per manualLeave clearances as per manual
Passage between counters in a galley or island kitchenNot applicable48 inches or 4 feetNot applicable

Important Considerations to Keep in Mind!

  • If you are left-handed, then your kitchen should be designed to suit your convenience. For instance, you should be able to open cabinet shutters with your free right hand, and the kitchen sink should have the drainboard on the right rather than the left.
  • The kitchen counter should be adapted to suit your height, so that you do not have to strain yourself while working. Ideally, the worktop height should be 15 centimetres (6 inches) below your elbow height.
  • Will you be the only worker in the kitchen, or will you have help? If two or more people are using the kitchen at the same time, then to avoid bumping into each other the passageways should be wider than usual.
  • Spice jars, oil jars and so on that are positioned to the right for right handers should be switched over to the left. If you are hanging utensils on the wall, position them on the wall to the left for easy access.
  • In a compact kitchen, instead of wide hinged doors or drawers that open out, consider pull-up or sliding doors that will not cut into the space. Open shelves take up even less space, but you will have to ensure that they are dusted and clutter-free all the time!

Kitchen designing is complex to say the least, which is why it is best left to the experts. Don’t have the expertise yourself? You know where to look! Call HomeLane for support and guidance at every step, and get the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of!

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