A kitchen is a place where all the family spends a lot of time. Thus, it is important to have it organized, convenient, and functional. Sometimes though space doesn’t allow to have all the items by hand.
Here is when some automation ideas are useful. With some automated devices, you can increase the space available and boost the functionality even of the smallest kitchen.
Start with a Luxury Item: a TV Set
This item is common in some kitchens while in others, it is impossible to install it because of the space lack. However, let us think: do you really have all the space on the walls taken? If not, a nice TV lift will change the situation completely. If all the walls are taken by shelves and cabinets, a ceiling installation is an option.
You need to get a reliable TV lift and that’s it. Install it in an available corner, fix the device. Probably, for cable management, you will need to hire a specialist. But if a socket is somewhere close, hiring somebody might be not needed at all. Test whether the system moves freely and whether it reaches the expected positions. Your new TV is ready, now, you don’t have to get bored while cooking.
Now, Check What Devices You Want to Install but Cannot Due to the Space Lack
Some people would like to have a food processor but there is not enough space. The same applies to a coffee machine, an electric kettle, and many other devices. While they improve life quality significantly, a small kitchen cannot accommodate everything. Or it rather can?
Let us check how it is possible to arrange your small space in a way to accommodate almost everything you want.
A Food Processor
It is a great item that facilitates all the cooking procedures. Though not everybody has time and wish to assemble and disassemble it. Placing it on a drawer or a cabinet is also not a solution because it takes pretty much space.
What about a completely different approach? You can install it on a lift platform. When you need your food processor, it will appear on the table with a push of a button. Once you have prepared everything, clean the device, place it on the platform, and remove it in the kitchen cabinet.
You don’t need to be a specialist to make a platform. Get a lift column from a reliable company that manufactures actuator lift systems. Your lift column shall:
- Have the needed stroke length: the distance at which it moves shall allow your food processor to be used properly when in a lifted position.
- Be able to lift the platform and the device;
- Be silent (if it is important, otherwise, just skip this aspect).
Now, install it on the bottom of the cabinet. In the desk, cut out an opening. Here, the food processor will appear when in a lifted position. Keep the piece of plywood that you have after having cut out the opening.
Cut out a platform for the device. You can use plywood, plastic, or any other material. Fix the platform on the top of the lift column and test it. Set up the upper movement limit so that the platform raises to the table level. Install the food processor on the platform. Test once more to ensure it moves smoothly.
Now, you will want to close the opening when the food processor isn’t used. Do you remember we recommended to keep the piece of wood after you have cut the opening? You can fix it on a hinge and use it to close the opening. You can hire a carpenter to make the opening almost invisible when in a closed position.
Now, open the drawer where the lift column is installed. Is there any space left under the platform of the food processor? You can keep it for storing some things.
Thus, with a lift platform you:
- Can have a device that otherwise you wouldn’t buy;
- Still, save the storage space that can be used for other things.
Now, such a lift column you can use for other items. Whatever you need but cannot buy because the space is deficient, you can install inside of the kitchen cabinets. And still, you will have space for all your utensils.
An Automated Rack for Spices
Now, let us think about the upper part of your kitchen. All those wall-mounted cabinets can also be used much more efficiently. For example, what about installing an automated rack for spices? While many people love them, not all can install them because they take space.
Thus, what about an automation idea that will allow you to accommodate all the necessary things? An automated rack is a solution. Again, get an actuator system for that. Fix it to the top of the cabinet.
Prepare the rack or a stand. You can make it in the form of a circle to make it look nice and move smoothly. On the bottom, you might want to install bearings to ensure silent and smooth movement.
Fix the actuator to the top of the stand. Now, with a push of a button, the stand rotates and appears the space with spices neatly arranged in it. Another push of a button and another side of the shelf opens with whatever you need there. With this system, you can forget about all the hidden corners of the kitchen cabinets. A small effort and you get whatever you need. It is convenient, and you use all the space that is available even in the top cabinets.
These are just examples but you can use them for any purpose. Instead of a rack, you can install a stand for devices, food, dishes, or whatever else you need to accommodate. Besides, your automated kitchen will be not only convenient but will impress everybody who sees it. It will require some investment but in the very end, the comfort is worth that.
Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.