Advice...
Appliances
Design criteria and solutions for Skyline_lab
This section offers practical advice on designing a Skyline_lab
layout together with technical information on the features of this kitchen, which was mainly designed to overcome the obstacles connected with physical disability.
Extractor hood
Given that the extractor hood is positioned up high and is difficult to use for a person sitting down, a hood featuring an automatic switching on and off device, depending on the production of fumes and smells from the hob, is also available. For the hood to work properly, the fumes must be conveyed outside the kitchen (extractor version).
This hood, in any case, can be operated from a distance with a remote-control device. Moreover, in the event of a black-out, it acts as a safety lamp as its spots stay on at half power for approximately 30 minutes thus providing sufficient lighting for the user to move around and reset the power supply.
If there are no special requirements and it is difficult to use the automatic hood (Top version), the normal version (Basic version), in the same style and fitted in the same unit, can be used both in the extractor version and in the filtering version with filtered air recirculation.
Sink
It should be remembered that the depth of the sink basins must not interfere with the legs of people sitting in a wheelchair to allow them to use the sink in perfect comfort.
To this end, there are two sink options (round basin and large single basins) both featuring shallow basins and accessories for simplifying use. In all cases, it is best to choose sinks with rounded and not sharp edges, which are also easier to clean and adapt better to the shape of the kitchen. The siphons and drains, which remain where they are, must be of good quality and appearance (chromed).
Mixer
The possibility of using mixers should be assessed as these are easier and more comfortable to use; an easy-to-use “clinical“ lever plus a pull-out hand-held shower, so as not to have to move saucepans full of water, or a soap dispenser.
Hob
Electric ceramic hobs may be used instead of traditional gas hobs. These make it safer to position saucepans, prevent accidental burns which can occur with gas, make it easier to move saucepans and are more practical to clean.
The heated areas, however, must indicate when they are hot in order to prevent accidental burns. In special cases, ceramic induction hobs can be used. These have the advantage that they do not heat the glass surface (no risk of burns, therefore) though they do require the use of special saucepans with thick steel bottoms, which are generally very expensive. In these cases, it must also be ensured that the generally high current input of these hobs is compatible with the load provided by the electricity board. In any case, it is best to choose hobs with rounded and not sharp edges which, moreover, adapt better to the kitchen.
Oven and microwave
Traditional ovens with the doors opening downwards should be replaced by ovens with right-to-left or left-to-right opening doors (folding) which make it easier to use for people sitting down. They can also be combined with a pull-out shelf located immediately under the oven and aligned with the worktop.
Fridge and freezer
Traditional fridges can be used but it is best to choose models with at least a few shelves or a pull-out basket.
Dishwasher
As an alternative to traditional dishwashers positioned on the floor that are not very comfortable to use, there are 55 cm wide versions recessed in a unit at a suitable height (with flap door and therefore accessible from the side) or versions with the pull-out trays that are also easy to fill from the front.
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