Most people are used to the fact that the height of the desktop in the kitchen is always the same. Previously, human growth was not taken into account, and for different physical parameters, the housewives had to be content with the standard level of the countertop. Now architects and stylists take into account the ergonomics of space and the growth of the person who will host this kitchen when planning a work area.
The main areas of the kitchen
Ergonomics not only helps to correctly plan the areas in the room, but also prevents problems with well-being and health. After all, if a person who is taller than 180 cm will work behind a low countertop, then he will eventually have problems with his back. Lower people will experience inconvenience while cooking.
However, the height of the desktop depends not only on the physical data of a person, but also on the functions that are assigned to him. When planning a kitchen, the following technological zones are distinguished:
- place for food processing;
- washing space;
- serving area;
- hob;
- dinner Zone.
Each countertop should be a suitable size for convenience. But such an experiment is unlikely to be decided by anyone, and it is completely inconvenient to plan a multi-stage headset. The height of the desktop determines the level of all other zones, because it is this place that is used most often by the hostess. To spend time as convenient as possible while cooking, when ordering a kitchen set, several factors should be taken into account.
Headset height
Given that most of the work in the kitchen is done standing up, it’s worth taking into account the growth of the person who most often conjures cooking. With the standard solution, when all family members are engaged in cooking, it is better to choose the best option that suits everyone. The most comfortable will be a height of 85 to 91 cm. The ratio is taken from the calculation so that the edge of the countertop rests in a place just below the waist.
If the kitchen set is selected for a specific person, the height of the working surface of the table should take into account its parameters as much as possible:
- So, with a small growth, not higher than 160 cm, the countertop is set at 82 cm from the floor. At a higher location, the body receives increased loads, and convenience and comfort are significantly reduced.
- With growth from 160 to 180 cm, it is necessary to raise the countertop to the mark of 91 cm.
- For tall people who are above 180 cm, headsets are made at a height of 94 cm.
The above calculations are purely theoretical. Perhaps the recommended desktop height is not suitable for someone. Therefore, you need to experiment with her in a furniture salon before placing an order.
The ratio of the parameters of the kitchen
When choosing kitchen furniture in the first place there is a question: what height should the desktop be? Undoubtedly, human growth and the arrangement of countertops are taken into account. But for a harmonious location and convenience when cooking, you should take into account the ratio of other measurements. So, the lower cabinets will be comfortable if they reach the lower mark of the person’s waist, then the upper ones also should not be bully. At arm's length, without effort, the mistress should reach for them with her hand. But too low a location will bring inconvenience, and accidental injuries and bruises of the head are possible when bending.
Physiological feasibility
It has long been proven that the optimal size and proper arrangement of kitchen areas greatly reduce physical energy consumption during cooking. During the experiments, the developers of furniture standards found that with a vertical arrangement during cooking, twice less muscle effort is involved than with the same work, but in an uncomfortable, inclined position.
If the countertop is too high, not only discomfort occurs, but also hands get very tired. Cooking becomes an uncomfortable activity, and there is a feeling of too much load. Therefore, the standard desktop height is not suitable for everyone. Measurements are designed for a person whose height is at the level of 165 cm. Only in this case, you can purchase a ready-made kitchen set without changing its technical indicators.
The height depends on the work performed.
If we consider the ideal height of the working surface, then the indicators should vary, depending on the work performed. It has been proven that various kitchen operations are conveniently performed at different heights. Although rarely anyone decides on a multilevel set, it is useful to know what the height of the working surface of the table and other technological zones should be.
The main zone for slicing and processing products is most often used. According to statistics, this is where a significant amount of work in the kitchen takes place. For comfortable cooking, it is necessary to have a sufficiently spacious place so that you can cut meat, fish, knead the dough or stick cutlets.
Work on this surface is carried out with some effort. Therefore, the height of the countertop, the most convenient for hand movements, will be located at a level just above the waist.
Washing area
To determine the optimal height for the sink using a specially designed formula. It is necessary to measure the height from the floor to the arm bent at the elbow. The fist size is subtracted from the obtained value, and the desired size is displayed. With this approach, when washing dishes, the human back has a comfortable physiological position and does not strain. The hands are bent at a right angle, with the palms clearly located at the level of the washing space.
If the sink is installed taking into account the above formula, the hostess will put less effort and, accordingly, not get tired so quickly. Of course, not everyone has a kitchen space that allows installing a multi-level set. If space is limited, a wide part of the sink often takes on the function of the work surface. In this case, they are located at the same level, choosing the average height option.
Hob
Increasingly, housewives prefer the installation of a hob to standard stoves. In this case, you need to correctly choose its location and the appropriate height of the location.
To conveniently interact with pots and pans, burners are located no higher than 82 cm from the floor. In this case, even if the person’s height is above average, do not place the utensils too high. When arranging the hob, it is important to consider other factors. When installing the hood, the necessary space to its edge should be about 70 cm. This requires the safety of the unit and technological standards. It should also be noted that the height of the worktop to the edge of the wall cabinets cannot be lower than 45 cm. Otherwise, it will not only be inconvenient, but the headset may also be damaged.
Using technological tricks
Unfortunately, not everyone has spacious kitchens, where you can take into account all the recommendations for a harmonious arrangement. In this case, it is better to use small tricks that will allow you to transform the space. With a lack of space, retractable worktops can be designed. In order not to be tormented by the question of what height of the desktop is more convenient when using the headset by different people with different parameters, you can use thick cutting boards.
Many people prefer to do most of the work, sitting comfortably on a chair. Therefore, the bar and high chairs will be able to change the required height during various works. If necessary, you can use the dining table to perform some operations that require more space.
Conclusion
A standard kitchen set that takes into account all the technological nuances and fashion trends depends on the desires and capabilities of the buyer. But work on an individually selected surface, taking into account the growth of a person, greatly facilitates the difficult everyday work and reduces the load on the muscles of the back, arms and legs.