7 Appliance Features to Consider for Accessibility
There are many design aspects and features to consider when evaluating an appliance for accessibility—and this can include countertop appliances, too! Pay attention to these elements when choosing appliances.
1. Doors and Drawers
Being able to open the door or drawer of an appliance is something that can be easily taken for granted, but it is a huge part of accessibility.
You may love the look of a clean-lined appliance that lacks protruding handles, but not everyone can grip a recessed niche. Generally, appliances with handles are considered more accessible because the handle provides more flexibility with how the door or drawer is gripped to open.
However, some handles sit too close to the appliance and prevent the user from getting their hand in for a good grip, while others simply require too much force to pull open the door. Ebony Stephenson, a Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designer, reminds us to check appliance interiors, such as fridge drawers or dishwasher racks, too.
LG launched an add-on "easy handle" for laundry machines that allows someone to use their arm, not just their hands, to pull open the door or detergent tray. Some appliances are using technology to help address this potential barrier, like buttons you can push to open an appliance, rather than having to pull on a door. Samsung, for example, offers Auto Open Door technology on some appliances, including a refrigerator that requires a light touch to open the door, and a combination washer/dryer that opens when a cycle is complete.
2. Lighting
It’s important to be able to see clearly inside an appliance, and Stephenson says LED is a must for long-lasting performance. “Not having to change light bulbs in appliances is huge for accessibility,” says Stephenson. “Even better is to have LED lights that are dimmable and color changeable.” Not just appliance interiors, look for LED lighting for range vent hoods, too.
3. Alerts and Indicators
Sensory indicators may alert you to an issue, indicate when a task is complete, or simply improve the user experience by confirming you’ve hit a button. “Having chimes, noises, or alarms on appliances is great for accessibility because it makes users aware of when buttons are pressed, timers go off, or doors/drawers are left open,” explains Stephenson. “This is a key feature that is helpful for users of all ages and abilities.”
Jessica Petrino, an educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison, says you want beeps and chimes that can be silenced as well as altered, so look for adjustable volume and the ability to change the sound that’s played. Flashing lights and other visual cues are also useful indicators that may grab the attention of those who are hard of hearing.
In addition to indicators on the appliance itself, some appliances connect to smart home hubs and/or manufacturer apps, offering at-hand alerts so you don’t even have to be near the appliance to get updates.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Stephenson says easy-clean appliances are also important for accessibility. “That way, users are not having to put in any extra work to keep their appliances clean and in working order.” This includes appliances with sleek surfaces and few cracks and crevices to keep clean, as well as built-in cleaning settings to ease back on elbow grease. Stephenson adds that you should also pay attention to things like refrigerator air filters and dryer lint screens, which should also be accessible.
5. Controls and Interface
Whether it’s through a digital screen, knobs, or buttons, the interface—how and where you control the appliance—is critical to accessibility. This is about three things: how well you can understand the interface, your ability to actually use the touch screen, turn the knob, or push the button, and finally, doing those things safely.
Knowing What Happens When a Button Is Pushed or Knob Is Turned
Everything from the time settings on a microwave to dishwasher modes and oven settings should be apparent, and words and symbols should be simple and intuitive, both easy to see and distinguish between. Aligning a hard-to-see arrow on a knob with bunched-together settings is less user-friendly than one that indicates a selected setting with a light. “I make sure to have my clients engage with the appliance interface before selecting that item so they are sure that they can read the words on the display or the knobs,” says Stephenson.
Digital displays may have the most accessible interface design, but that’s only if they offer the ability to adjust font and icon sizes, brightness, colors, and contrast. Stephenson says it's important that these displays are neither too bright or dim for users to read. Some digital appliances even allow you to change the language for enhanced accessibility.
For visually impaired users, there are also add-ons, like tactile stickers from GE that include Braille words to assist with interpreting the controls. Some models also come with an option that will speak settings to help a visually impaired user navigate the controls and find the right selection.
Being Able to Actually Use the Controls
“For accessibility, we like for the buttons to be clearly labeled and easy to press,” says Stephenson.
Safely accessing the appliance interface is a particular concern for cooktops and ventilation. “Whether a design calls for a free standing or slide-in range, the location of the knobs is extremely important in a kitchen,” says Stephenson. “Having a client reach over a hot cooktop to turn knobs/buttons on/off is very dangerous, so having a range with the knobs towards the front is universal for users of all ages, heights, and abilities.”
However, she also cautions that this design does allow the potential for a child to turn on the appliance—a reminder that there’s a lot to consider when selecting the right fit for your home.
Ventilation controls are a challenge because their location above a range positions them out of reach for shorter, seated, and limited-mobility users. “If a client is shorter in stature or constrained to an assistive device like a wheelchair or a walker, then sometimes we opt for a remote system of being able to turn the hood on at a more accessible level to the user,” says Stephenson. Another option may be a wall-mount switch.
In the laundry room, stacked appliances are popular for space-saving designs, but the control panel on the top machine isn’t within reach for everyone. “Stackable washers and dryers are quickly being replaced by Washtower designs with centrally located controls,” says Petrino.
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6. Remote Access
Smart appliances offer the ability to connect to an appliance remotely via Wifi or Bluetooth, often through an app or smart home hub. “Smart appliances can be a game-changer for accessible dwellings,” says Petrino. “For example, many smart home appliances can be activated with voice control using one’s smart speaker.”
Smart appliances use technology to assist with everything from monitoring laundry cycles to maintenance alerts to notifying if a fridge door is left open. Some appliances even let you engage remotely, allowing you to preheat an oven or start the washer, for example.
Smart features are available on some models of pretty much every type of appliance. There are many benefits of this technology: a user doesn’t have to be in the room to know what’s happening with an appliance; they can use the appliance without having to physically interact with it; and the digital layer allows for more assistive technology, like screen readers, magnifiers, and haptics, to help users with visual or hearing impairments navigate an appliance. Smart appliances and their respective applications often offer expanded control options for lighting and sound, as well as establish settings that are beneficial for people with cognitive impairments.
7. Automation
Reducing interactions with an appliance limits the physical impact on the body while also alleviating some of the mental load when it comes to using and caring for an appliance. “The Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, for example, can automatically track ingredient expiration, order groceries, and can let you see the inside of the fridge without opening the door,” says Petrino. “There are also smart hoods that can automatically turn on when needed.”
“Looking beyond the kitchen, we are seeing some amazing features in washers, dryers, and laundry appliances,” says Petrino. “Full-size all-in-one washer-dryer combos skip load transfer and can completely wash and dry a full load of clothes in approximately two hours.”
Some smart washers and dryers are using AI to assist with cycle selection, including communicating from the washer to the dryer to prepare for the next step, while others automatically dispense detergent. “[This] reduces the task of lifting a heavy soap bottle and causing the number one user error: adding too much soap,” says Petrino.
Where to Place Appliances for Accessibility
When it comes to universal design, the placement of appliances—both their spot within a room’s layout as well as their literal height and location—is one of the biggest factors in accessibility.
With hot surfaces, cookware, and food in play, the kitchen is of particular concern for safety. “There are two pieces to the puzzle: the products selected, and how they are placed in the kitchen design. The second part is critical,” says Petrino.
“Mounting appliances too high could be dangerous,” warns Petrino. “For example, a wall oven or microwave installed out of reach could make it difficult for people to access hot items.” Accessibility is one reason, according to Stephenson, that countertop microwaves are still popular: they’re easy to see and safely reach.
For larger cooking appliances, Petrino recommends separate cooktops and ovens so that they can each be placed at the ideal height. “Induction cooktops are the easiest to keep looking clean, are least likely to cause surface burns, and many brands now offer knob-control models,” adds Petrino.
“Under-counter drawer appliances, such as microwave drawers, warming drawers, refrigerator drawers, and dishwasher drawers, provide easy access and upscale appeal,” says Petrino. Drawers are a practical solution because they can be easily installed at an accessible height and do not require as much bending as a traditional appliance. Stephenson notes that this is a good solution for families with children and users with a shorter stature, as well as those using an assistive device like a walker or wheelchair.
Location concerns aren’t limited to kitchens. “In large laundry rooms, I love front-loading washer-dryer sets situated on storage pedestals,” says Petrino. Front-loading machines offer easier access, while pedestals add height to reduce bending down.
Tips for Shopping for Accessible Appliances
Shop in Person: “Having the ability to shop for appliances in person may help people with sensory issues,” says Petrino. “Being able to test out how doors and drawers work, explore touch screens, and ask questions about relevant smart technology can help guide selection. “
Don't Assume Everyone's Needs Are the Same: “It’s important to consider one’s unique situation,” advises Petrino. “For example, a person with visual impairment may find it easier to view a bright touch screen versus a muted control panel with small buttons. However, a person with impaired fine motor skills might prefer knobs or physical buttons to a touchscreen interface.”
Plan for the Future: Another mistake is not looking ahead; physical and mental health change, and universal design is meant to create a space that works even after knee replacement surgery or as senility takes a toll.
Accessibility Doesn’t Always Require New Features: “Is it easy to use without having to learn brand new technology?” is a question Stephenson’s familiar with. Assistive technologies are useful in many situations, but they aren’t for everyone. “There are so many bells and whistles that are built into appliances these days, but so many of my more seasoned clients are just looking for simplicity and an easy-to-use interface,” says Stephenson.
People who are familiar with a certain appliance may not be able to learn something new or different, even if it could be helpful for them. They also may not want to. “A lot of my clients have recipes that have been passed down to their families for generations, and they do not want to have to learn a new technology for their appliances when cooking those recipes,” says Stephenson. Comfort and familiarity, as well as willingness to learn, are important to consider when making a selection. “This goes for all appliances, including those in the kitchen as well as the laundry room,” says Stephenson. “Some technology is fleeting, so don’t buy into something that may not be prevalent or in use in the next few years,” she cautions.
Not All Tech Is Compatible: Not all appliances work universally with technology; many appliances only work with specific devices, operating systems, and smart home hubs. When assessing appliances, be sure to check if the features you seek require additional technology to use, as well as confirming if they will work with the devices already in your home.
