What is the most important thing in a kitchen?Color, home appliances, material, cost? No, how convenient it is. The wrong height of the working surface forces you to make a third more movements - hence fatigue and waste of extra time. We learned from the pros what exactly is important to take into account when thinking over the design of the countertop. Why can you spend time with pleasure in the kitchen, preparing a whole feast, and fall from fatigue while brewing a cup of tea? It's all about the organization of space - it is studied by the science of ergonomics, and not just like that, but with the noble goal of optimization. The physical parameters of the owners, their health and activity, the rhythm and lifestyle - all this must be taken into account, based on known scientific facts, in order to make the only correct decision about the height of the countertop. 1. Do not neglect your health The key to productive and enjoyable work in the kitchen is in the right body position. When we clean and cook, we use about 40 muscles, but this number doubles if we have to bend or stretch. Consider also that many production standards were created in the middle of the last century, before the acceleration of the growth of women - now they are on average slightly higher. Remember that any long-term discomfort, even if it seems insignificant and quite bearable to you, in the long term leads to at least spinal problems. What is not a reason not to neglect your well-being and remember that the height of the countertop must be calculated individually! ! 
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2. Measure the growth 
So, the base for calculating the height of the table topthe characteristic that must be taken into account first of all is your growth. If you are below 150 centimeters, the ideal level is 76-82 centimeters. 160-180 centimeters - the most common growth, for him the height of the countertop should be at the level of 88-91 centimeters, this is a certain "gold standard" of most manufacturers. At high growth (above 180 centimeters) arrange a table-top at level about meter from a floor. 
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3.Take a personal approach We have listed the standards, but aren't you unique? We work with our hands, which means that their length plays an important role. There is a great way to check the correct height of the tabletop: stand up straight, bend your elbows at right angles. The distance from the elbow to the surface should be 13-15 centimeters. More or less means that you will have to strain twice. Larisa Baraeva, interior designer: - There is a standard formula for calculating the average comfortable height of a table top: 13-15 centimeters from the bend of the elbow. Be sure to consider the height of the plinth and legs, if any, and consider placing the sink just above and the hob just below the overall level. If several people use the kitchen, consider who spends more time here. Focus on it. However, if, for example, a husband constantly takes on the task of washing dishes, choose such a countertop with a sink, so that with his growth it would be convenient for him to do it. 
4.Consider the sink area A countertop is any surface in the kitchen, including a hob or dishwashing area. And its optimal height depends on the nature of the actions performed, their intensity and direction of movement. For example, the standard sink configuration is tilted. If you don't have a dishwasher, and you have a large family, you often have to strain your spine. You can "spread straws" and avoid fatigue by making the sink at a slightly higher height than the rest of the surface - about 10 centimeters from the elbow. 
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five.Set up your work surface A large surface where you will cut vegetables and mix ingredients should be at a medium level - 13-15 centimeters from the bend of your arm. But there is a subtlety: if you often have to do operations involving the application of effort (kneading dough, butchering meat), then it is more convenient to do this on the tabletop located below, at the waist level. Consider this when planning your kitchen. It may be worth considering an additional pull-out table. 
6.Look into the pots If there is a hob on the countertop, another important parameter comes into play - the height of the pots. It should be comfortable for you to look into both the frying pan and the largest saucepan. On average, this assumes placement at a height of 80-82 centimeters. But you may have to look closely at your favorite dishes and take into account their dimensions. 
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7.Seek compromises What if people of all sizes regularly use the kitchen? It will be difficult to find a compromise in a hostel, you will have to be content with an average height for everyone, but in a small family you can still find it. One option is to take into account the parameters of only the one who nevertheless uses the countertop more often. The second is to provide separate zones for those who help with the household, for example, specializing in cutting meat, in accordance with their parameters. The third is to provide for interchangeable surfaces at different heights, for example, a sink next to the stove and another additional one on the kitchen island. Lena Gordin, head of the architectural bureau, chief architect-designer: - There is a standard level of the kitchen countertop - 900 mm. This is the height recognized as optimal in the ergonomics of kitchens and work surfaces. But, for example, German kitchens have always been distinguished by the ability to make countertops of different heights. In some cases - at a height of up to 1200 mm, allowing a smooth transition to the bar table. And it is much more convenient for tall people to work this way. On low surfaces (700-800 mm) it is convenient to put equipment or equipment that should be at hand. Thus, the two main options for tabletop heights - 900 and 1200 - can be played if there is a desire to diversify the composition. Such variability is now, however, not in vogue, everything is simplified and minimized. And often on sale there are countertops at the level of 900 mm, with a transition to the island and the bar table, which do not change their height. lenagordina.ru 
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EWE factory kitchen, Kitchen Interiors salon 8.Calculate the time It is important to consider first of all the convenience of precisely those operations that take a lot of time and effort, especially in the case when an individual approach to the height of each surface has to be sacrificed. For example, scientists say that 40-50 percent of the total time the hostess spends at the sink. But is this true for you if you are used to relying on a dishwasher? If you use your oven, pressure cooker, or microwave more often, placing them in the correct position is better for your health. 
nine.Consider storage If we talk about what else takes time in the kitchen, then a fifth of it, according to scientists, is wasted in finding the right items and ingredients. This is especially topical for small kitchens. It may be worth considering storage systems that are as open and easily accessible as possible. Organizers on the table or sink, drawers hidden in the back of the worktop, which are easy to reach with one movement, open shelves at eye level. This will save your efforts. 
10.Give preference to thoughtful design Yes, standard options cost less. But is your life the standard? No, you and your desires, features, capabilities and needs are unique. Choose not something in between, but what is right for you, and you will see how your well-being and mood will change for the better. For example, a countertop of the correct height and increased depth (more than 60 centimeters) will add both storage space and work surface area, and will increase the viewing angle, because wall cabinets will not be located close to the face. Modern is not ready-to-wear, but haute couture - and you can afford it if you value your comfort and health. 
Kitchen factory Varenna, salon Kitchen interiors 
Kitchen factory Varenna, salon "Kitchen interiors"
Table top height: how to choose the right kitchen
