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Sue Flowers explains: “The Slide & Hide® door can easily be opened with one hand and conveniently slides away, while Telescopic rails can be fitted on three or four levels, depending on the oven. This allows the tray to be pulled out without the worry of tipping.”
An accessible kitchen should be designed
around the user and their needs, an appliance NEFF oven range offers users ease of use. This includes their innovative Slide & Hide® oven which has been improving kitchen experiences for over 20 years.
14 Cooking Without Barriers:
he kitchen is the heart of the home; however, many appliances are not made with everyone in mind. People with accessibility needs are frequently overlooked, leaving them with limited independence in their own kitchens. Storage areas such as wall-mounted cabinets and high shelves are safety hazards for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility if they attempt to climb or stretch to reach items. Kitchen countertops are typically placed at a fixed height, which may not suit all users. Many appliances, such as ovens, are designed with few adaptive options, making it difficult for those with limited motor mobility.
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NEFF has been curating kitchen appliances for over 140 years and has set the standard for quality. From the Slide&Hide® oven to adaptive controls, NEFF is committed to improving the kitchen experience for the accessibility community.
As Sue Flowers, NEFF Brand Manager explains: “NEFF has a range of unique features within our appliances, we haven’t necessarily designed them to be accessible but, they’re accessible through their design.”
Cooking Without Barriers: Designing Accessible Appliances For All
Why Accessible Kitchen Design Matters The accessibility community is a diverse network of individuals and organisations dedicated to ensuring spaces, experiences, and products are available for everyone to enjoy. There are over 11 million people in the UK living with a disability and 1.2 million wheelchair users. Though it is not often talked about, it is incredibly important to create kitchens which are accessible to everyone.
It is essential that kitchen designers and manufacturers embrace inclusive design principles and implement accessibility standards. Doing so not only improves usability for those with specific needs but creates better experiences for all users.
NEFF Appliances Leading the Way The oven is one of the most essential appliances in any kitchen. However, accessibility is often overlooked in its design. For example, opening the oven door can be challenging for wheelchair users. Traditional door designs typically prevent users from getting close enough to the oven, making it difficult to check on food or safely place items in and out.
The Slide & Hide® includes notable features which include the disappearing door which slides under the oven reducing barriers to access what is being cooked. It can also be customised to the users needs as mentioned by Sue Flowers:
“The oven, with some really simple adjustments to the furniture height, can be installed at several heights which allows wheelchair users to get as close as possible. The door can be easily opened with one hand meaning it’s easy if the user has poor dexterity or a restriction with a limb replacement.” “A further benefit is the fitting of telescopic rails that mean the shelf can be pulled right out of the oven without tipping, meaning it’s safe and won’t fall out.”
The Slide & Hide® can be installed at any height, and by partnering with bespoke kitchen furniture suppliers, a fully customisable solution is achievable.
Induction Hob and Hoods
While oven design often poses challenges for wheelchair users, the same applies to cooking surfaces. Traditional gas or electric hobs can be difficult to use safely and efficiently. Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they combine safety, energy efficiency, and modern convenience, making them an excellent choice for accessible kitchens. For anyone in a wheelchair, an induction hob is the perfect solution. As one user explains: “it’s totally smooth surface means that pots and pans can be slid across the surface- minimising lifting. Also, as it’s induction it doesn’t remain as hot as other surfaces which minimises burning.” Additional features like the intuitive Flex Zone in NEFF hobs further extend ease of use, as explained by Sue : “The hob is able
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