Recommended height for cutting surface?
Obviously this is a matter of personal preference to some extent. But I'm thinking there must be a general guideline for greatest efficiency, least fatigue. I'm thinking along the lines of surface height relative to the user's position. For instance, my kitchen came with relatively high counters. This is a great thing overall, but my block surface sits 3-4 inches higher. If it's on the counter, my forearms are parallel to the work surface (elbows at right angles). Fatigue, decreased control, etc., are concerns. If I use the block on the kitchen table, my arms are at about a 45-degree angle, which seems to work OK.
Is there an ergonomically ideal position? I'm interested in your personal experiences as well as any "expert" opinions that might be out there.
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6 Comments:
As a shorter than average person, I've often wondered the same thing. Standard kitchen counter height feels a touch too high for me, and my kitchen table a little bit too low. My dream kitchen would include counters that adjust to one's preferred height with the push of a button. :)
Alaina Browne at 5:37PM on 01/15/08
Here is a scientific answer.
On the "un"scientific side, I offer the following. You should not have to scrunch up your shoulders to lift your arms so you can cut on the counter (it's too high). You should not have to stoop down so your arms hang or you have to hinge at the waist. (It's too low.) You do need a little bit of downward play in your arms to apply weight behind any cutting motion but too much is no good.
therealchiffonade at 7:17PM on 01/15/08
How tall are you? (If you don't mind me asking.)
moibec at 7:36PM on 01/15/08
moibec, the last time I checked -- it's been a while -- I was shy of 5'-4" in my stocking feet. Of course, I'm getting older, and have no doubt I've shrunk! 5'-3.5" would probably be a safe bet. What I think is more relevant to the question is that, if I bend my arms at a 90-degree angle, my forearms are ~41" off the floor (in my sneaks).
I saw one study that determined the best height for chopping, ergonomically speaking, was about 33" but obviously this will vary with your own height. (I didn't see anything about the average height of the test subjects, but it was probably there someplace.)
The need for sufficient leverage (downward pressure) while not having to hunch, stoop or bend is definitely key. I did the kitchen table again last night and it's a bit too low, actually putting my arms at a lot less than 45 degrees.
I have no doubt I can find a subjective "sweet spot" for myself. I guess I'm just curious whether, technique-wise, there's a "proper" degree of angle for the forearms.
In case you haven't guessed, I'm way too analytical for my own good
:-D
LoCo at 12:56PM on 01/16/08
According to my Architectural Graphics Standards (the bible of numerical data for architects), the ideal height for kitchen counters for women is given as 34-36 inches above the floor. This is based on an average height for women at 5'-5.5". Their ideal counter height for men is 36-38 inches above the floor, based on an average height of 5'-10".
They also indicate that work surfaces for "heavy work" (the example given is ironing) could be lower than this ideal counter height while surfaces for "delicate work" (no example given) could be higher.
Hope this helps.
Michelle_of_Montreal at 10:57AM on 01/17/08
Have you tried an Ulu chopping knife? They are superior to regular cutlery because the handle is directly over the blade so you get much more force without needing much exertion.
My gourmet friend purchased a BonVie 4-in1 Cutting and Serving Board from QVC, but when I went to get one they had sold out.
Recently a blogger directed me to Amazon where I found them listed. The BonVie is really classy with integrated Ulu and grater and 4 pursposes built into one at a much better price than other Ulu type producst such as Calphalon's Mezzaluna, which sells for around 50 bucks. The BonVie is really neat, a one of kind product that is stylish and functional.
St Simon
StSimon at 10:45PM on 01/19/08