Maximising Space in an Adapted Kitchen: Efficient Kitchen Storage and Additional Countertop Area
In a modern kitchen, using space effectively is important. This is especially true when it comes to adapted kitchens, where accessibility and functionality are the priority. Maximising space in an adapted kitchen helps create a space that can provide a comfortable and enjoyable cooking experience for individuals with specific needs.
In this article we will delve into the best ways to maximise storage space in your adapted kitchen by utilising pull-out baskets and shelving, and how to increase convenience and countertop space with pull-out tables, and foldaway shelves. Adding these products to your kitchen design will help you to create a well-organised and versatile kitchen environment that caters to your unique requirements.
Kitchen Storage Solutions
Hafele Pull-out Basket
The Pull-Out Basket Set by Hafele is a storage solution that enables easy access to the entire contents of a kitchen base unit. The set includes two storage baskets, with a maximum load capacity of 25 kg per basket, ensuring ample storage space for various kitchen essentials. With its full extension feature, even items stored at the back of the cabinet are simple to reach, maximising the usability of the space and making it a great product to add to an adapted kitchen.
There are a range of different sizes available, meaning the system offers flexibility in installation. Additionally, with the option of wood or steel, the twin baskets not only provide durability but also add a touch of elegance to the kitchen decor. The two different finishes give you the freedom to opt for a modern, minimalist aesthetic with the steel baskets, or a rustic, farmhouse style kitchen with the wooden baskets.
To ensure smooth and reliable operation, the Hafele basket system comes with two pairs of galvanised full extension ball bearing runners. These high-quality runners facilitate seamless sliding of the baskets, providing easy access to items stored within, especially for those with limited strength.
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Vauth-Sagel Cornerstone Maxx Pull Out Corner Base Unit
The Pull-Out Storage Unit with Twin Independent Power Assisted Movement Pull-Out Shelves is a versatile storage solution, designed to optimise corner storage space. It can be placed in left or right-handed cupboards. The unit features metal shelves with curved sides, providing both functionality and a sleek finish.
It has power-assisted movement, so that the shelves can be effortlessly moved in and out, allowing easy access to stored items without obstructing the adjacent cabinet. The power-assisted movement (PAM) ensures smooth operation and enhances the overall user experience. This is beneficial to individuals with limited strength as the items can be reached with minimal effort needed. It also has a maximum load capacity of 25kg (evenly distributed), so the shelves offer ample space to accommodate various kitchen items.
The unit is designed with a single fixing point on the cabinet's centre post, simplifying the assembly process. The EasyFit feature allows for tool-free assembly of the shelf elements on the support arms, making the installation hassle-free.
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Hafele Nuvola Pull-out Corner Base Unit
The Nuvola by Hafele is a pull-out corner storage unit that offers two independently operating shelves. The unit has white melamine wooden trays with polished chrome plated round wire rails, combining functionality and aesthetic appeal. It is specifically designed to fit into existing furniture, making it a convenient choice for kitchen renovations or upgrades.
Each tray in the unit has a maximum load capacity of 20kg (evenly distributed), so you aren’t restricted in items that can be stored. It also includes two white plastic guides and a pivoting mechanism to facilitate smooth movement of the trays, making access to the kitchen items effortless.
The Nuvola is the cheapest corner unit available, so it is a great option if you are looking for a budget-friendly, but still fully functional storage solution for your adapted kitchen.
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Hafele Pull and Swing Corner Unit
The Hafele Pull and Swing storage system for kitchen corner base units is a clever and efficient solution to help make the kitchen a more accessible space. It is designed to fit both corner and straight kitchen cabinets. When the cabinet is opened, the mechanism swings out, allowing easy access to all the contents of the cabinet, perfect for individuals with limited reach capability. The system includes four silver-painted linear wire baskets, with a maximum load capacity of 19kg each. Therefore, the baskets offer ample storage space for kitchen essentials.
The storage system has a soft-close mechanism, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. This improves the overall user experience, and makes it a product that is convenient and comfortable to use in your adapted kitchen.
Additionally, the set includes various components for easy installation, such as a rear hanging frame, base mounting track, door hanging frame, and door frame. Additionally, there are door panel hanging plates provided for secure attachment.
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Vauth-Sagel Swing Out Corner Storage
This product is another swing out storage system, offering a clever solution for maximising storage space in your adapted kitchen. It features four mesh wire baskets, providing plenty of accessible storage, and contributing towards a modern and minimal kitchen design. When the cabinet door is opened and pulled away from the cabinet, the rear baskets automatically follow the movement of the front baskets. This ensures easy access to all baskets when the unit is fully opened. The front baskets can hold up to 8kg each, while the rear baskets have a capacity of 9.5kg each.
To enhance the user experience, the integrated damping system enables quiet and smooth closing of the pull-out mechanism. This is made possible through the inclusion of shock absorption and self-closure features.
This storage system is more expensive than the Hafele system, but comes with a 10 year guarantee, providing you with the peace of mind that you are purchasing a product that will continue functioning effectively for a long period of time.
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Additional Countertop Space
Hailo Rapid Pull-out Table
The Hailo pull-out table presents a convenient solution to creating extra countertop space. It can be fitted into existing base unit drawer boxes, making installation simple. Due to its unique design it eliminates the need for table legs, meaning it is a great way to make your kitchen more accessible as it allows wheelchair users to have plenty of legroom.
These versatile tables come in a range of colours, including stainless steel, white and cream and have a laminated finish, ensuring durability and providing a reliable surface for various activities. Not only do they function as an extra worktop space, making them a space-saving addition to any home, but they can also be utilised as shelves, such as beneath a tumble dryer. With a maximum load capacity of 100kg, they offer robust support for various activities and items.
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Granberg Unilift 870
The Granberg Unilift 870 is a fully electric system that can be controlled using either a wired hand control or a wireless remote control, granting you flexibility and ease of operation. This innovative lifting system raises appliances forwards and upwards from the cabinet in a gentle arc motion, effectively catering to both seated and standing users, improving overall accessibility in the kitchen.
The Unilift is a great product to include in your adapted kitchen because it removes the need for lifting heavy appliances out of the cupboard, bringing them up to the correct height with the touch of a button. This is ideal for those with limited mobility or strength. It can also serve as extra worktop space and because there is no obstruction underneath, it creates a comfortable workspace for wheelchair users.
The installation of the Granberg Unilift 870 is compatible with kitchen cabinets of varying widths, including 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm. When not in use, its clever mechanism effortlessly folds away, allowing the cabinet door to close smoothly and seamlessly.
The Unilift comes with a white shelf, but the installer has the opportunity to create their own shelf to complement the existing kitchen worktop.
Hafele Heavy Duty Parallel Foldaway Shelf
This Hafele product is another example of a foldaway shelf. It has a practical and straightforward manual mechanism that can support heavy kitchen appliances, such as food mixers, with a maximum load capacity of 8kg. This stops the user having to lift these appliances out of the cupboard onto the work surface, allowing them to be stored out of view without compromising accessibility.
When fully extended, the shelf seamlessly aligns with the worktop above the base unit, providing a convenient and functional additional surface to prepare food, especially for wheelchair users, due to the legroom available. To put away the shelf, lifting slightly releases the locking mechanism, allowing it to fold back effortlessly into the cupboard.
The folding appliance shelf is constructed with white lacquered steel and equipped with galvanised steel tension springs, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The inclusion of cranked mounting brackets prevents interference between the door hinges and the raised shelf, enhancing overall functionality.
This foldaway shelf is also a more cost-effective choice compared to the other shelf system available. However, bear in mind that it is a manual foldaway shelf, so if electric would suit your needs and preferences better, it may be worth considering the additional investment.
