In this section
- Planning your kitchen
- Buying your kitchen
- Appliances and furniture
- Kitchen care
- Handy hints
- Accessible kitchens
- FAQs
Special features
KBSA Consumer Guide
Our FREE guide contains practical advice for consumers who are considering buying a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office.
Accessible kitchen FAQs
By Adam Thomas of Design Matters KBB Ltd
Please click on a link below for more information.
- Do I really need a specially designed kitchen?
- Aren’t accessible kitchens more expensive than conventional kitchens?
- Why can’t I use standard appliances?
- Can I get any help with funding?
Do I really need a specially designed kitchen?
Adam says: Only you can answer that. If you are already having difficulty using your existing kitchen, then the answer is probably ‘yes’. However you may find that you just need to choose your appliances with care, and select pull-out interiors to make a conventional kitchen accessible for you.
An experienced designer with a thorough knowledge of mobility and access issues will be able to advise you. We have attempted to adapt conventional furniture in the past, and found that it lacked the flexibility we needed to set plinth, appliances and worktops to the precise height and depth required. There are many features that can only be incorporated into a kitchen through the use of bespoke furniture. So if you want to access all areas of your kitchen, and build in flexibility for the future, it is best to start from scratch with a kitchen designed specifically for you.
Aren’t accessible kitchens more expensive than conventional kitchens?
Adam says: No they shouldn’t be more expensive, but as always you get what you pay for. If you select cheaper appliances and furniture you will pay less, and if you go for a premium brand with more features and flexibility you will pay more. Bespoke kitchens will always cost more because they are made to order, with each piece of furniture manufactured as a one-off to the precise specification of the designer. This takes more time in the factory, which increases labour costs. Bespoke ranges also tend to offer a wider range of options and finishes. Remember that furniture ranges manufactured exclusively for the use of disabled people areVAT-exempt, and will therefore be better value. Going to a KBSA Retail Member means you will be seen by a qualified designer, and supplied with quality furniture and appliances put together to suit your own requirements. This will last longer, and therefore offer better value over the lifetime of the kitchen.
Why can’t I use standard appliances?
Adam says: You can. All appliances are standard! Some of them simply have features that are safer or offer improved access. Many of our clients are happy to keep their existing fridge/freezer, if they can access most of the shelves. No problem. However, expecting a wheelchair-user to reach across a drop-down oven door to handle heavy pans is madness. Side-opening ovens are the simple answer to this particular design challenge; however not all manufacturers offer a side-opening single oven, so product choice can occasionally be limited if safety and accessibility are your goal.
Can I get any help with funding?
Adam says: A grant may be offered by your local council, but this is likely to be means-tested. Contact your local Social Services department for more information, or click here and visit Directgov for the long answer.
Alternatively, some charitable organisations offer modest bursaries and grants to help out with the cost of adaptations
All funding options take time to organise, so allow plenty of time for the money to come through, and begin the process as early as possible.
