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?
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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 inches | Width in inches | Depth in inches | |
Kitchen counter | 34 | Customisable to kitchen | 24 |
Cabinets above counter | Starting 24 inches above countertop | Each module between 18 to 36 inches wide (depending on design) | 12 to 15 inches |
Cabinets below counter | Up to the counter height, with a 4-inch skirting that is recessed to allow easy toe-space | Each 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 chimney | 26 to 30 inches | 24 to 36 inches | Depending on chimney design |
Refrigerator | Leave a clearance of 2 inches on all sides for ventilation | Leave a clearance of 2 inches on all sides for ventilation | Leave a clearance of 2 inches on all sides for ventilation |
Microwave | Base should be 12 to 18 inches above countertop for optimal usage | Leave clearances as per manual | Leave clearances as per manual |
Passage between counters in a galley or island kitchen | Not applicable | 48 inches or 4 feet | Not applicable |
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!
By submitting this form, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of use