Varieties and tips for choosing kitchen work tables

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of a cutting table for hostesses. After all, you have to cook almost every day. Therefore, everything should be as convenient and practical as possible. But we must not forget about the aesthetic side of the issue. Let's figure out what types of cutting tables manufacturers offer us, and how to choose the right option.

Unlike an ordinary kitchen table, a cutting (or work) table should have a number of advantages and features. These minor improvements and additions greatly facilitate and speed up the entire cooking process.

• Hole in the countertop for food waste. You can even make such a revision yourself on an already finished worktop. When cleaning, slicing and shredding vegetables and other products, there is no need to open the trash can every time. In addition to being convenient, it is also safe from a hygiene point of view. After all, you do not have to touch the lid of the bin with your hands every time. On the technical side, this is an ordinary hole to which a container or other container of the corresponding shape is attached. As it fills (or immediately after cooking), it is removed and the contents discarded.
• Additional drawers and pedestals. The cutting table can be equipped with convenient storage spaces for cooking utensils and tools. All of them will be at hand in their places. At the same time, there will be no need to run all over the kitchen and look for a suitable knife or remember in which of the many drawers the peeler is stored.
• In most cases, professional (production) cutting tables are collapsible or modular. If necessary, they can be easily disassembled and translated, or simply changed the configuration.
• Often a cutting table is equipped with small sides. They do not interfere with the cooking process. Their main task is not to let any product fall from the work surface. In terms of convenience and hygiene, this is a great solution.
• The cutting table is not always a free-standing item.... Several modules can be placed under one worktop. But each section will have its own purpose. It is very convenient in the conditions of small dimensions of kitchens. At the same time, do not confuse the usual section of a standard kitchen set with a cutting table. In this design, everything is thought out and as convenient as possible: the presence of open shelves, holes for waste, a wear-resistant surface, etc.

It is the material of the countertop that largely determines the style and image of the cutting table. It can be made from various materials. The choice of one of them will be based on your preferences, financial capabilities and the style of the room itself.

• Stainless steel. These are the tables that can be seen in professional kitchens, cutting shops and restaurants. They owe their popularity to a special set of qualities. Steel does not absorb odors, is not damaged by minor impacts and is easy to clean. In addition, the structure is collapsible, so it can be easily supplemented with the necessary sections, drawers, baskets, shelves or hooks. But there is also one significant drawback.

• Plastic. One of the most popular materials for countertops. Manufacturers offer more variety of colors. It can be both monochrome solutions and imitation of natural materials (stone, marble, wood). The price can also be attributed to the indisputable advantages. And although there are quite expensive models in this segment, plastic remains one of the most affordable materials. The material is resistant to mechanical damage and retains its properties for a long time. He is not afraid of direct sunlight, moisture, or even high temperatures.

• Fake diamond. Such countertops compare favorably with plastic. It is rather difficult to distinguish material from natural stone. Moreover, it is more wear-resistant. There is a wide variety of shades and colors on the market. Therefore, it will be possible to easily match the countertop to the existing kitchen design. The material is resistant to fading, detergents and abrasives. In this case, chips can be restored using grinding. But it will cost more than the plastic version.

• A natural stone... Lovers of everything expensive, natural and luxurious will like this option. Of the materials presented, this is the most expensive one. If you do not want to imitate marble, stone or granite made of plastic (or artificial stone), then manufacturers will be happy to offer you just such an option. But it should be understood that then the rest of the decoration should correspond to such an ambitious countertop. In addition, natural stone is very heavy, and it will not work to install a countertop on a flimsy (for example, plastic) structure.

One of the most important parameters when choosing a desktop. Ease of use will completely depend on the correctly selected dimensions.

If it is assumed that the desktop will stand separately, then there are no restrictions on the choice of height. In this case you have to focus on your growth. Keep your back upright when cutting and cooking food.If the table is low, you will have to bend over, which will lead to rapid fatigue (and even spinal problems). A table that is too high will also not please.

The shredding process, for example, will be difficult because the hands will be at an unnatural height. It is easy to find the height when there is only one hostess in the kitchen. But if the family cooks both the wife and the husband, and even the growing children, then it will be more difficult to choose. Try to find a compromise height that is comfortable for everyone to cook. For children, you can provide small stand-up chairs.

The standard height of the desktop in Russia is considered to be 85 cm.It is interesting that in the USA it is 5 cm higher. take into account one more point. If the table is located under the same tabletop with other surfaces, then their height will be identical. In the presence of a conventional (not built-in) hob, this can be difficult. Since all surfaces can be at different heights.

There are also generally accepted standards for wall options (headsets). Countertop manufacturers are also guided by these parameters. And they offer options with a width of 60 and 70 cm.Even a slightly larger width of 80 cm you will have to do on order. But it is precisely this width (60-70 cm) that is sufficient. It allows you to conveniently place everything you need on other surfaces (if it is a headset) and leave space for work on the cutting table.

An exception can only be made for the island table. In this case, it can be approached from all sides, and a large width will not hurt. In the wall-mounted two-door versions, the area near the wall will not be used, and it will be inconvenient to get the dishes out of the depths of the drawers.

Like every piece of furniture, cutting tables have their own merits and demerits. When considering them, it will be possible to understand whether you need a cutting table in the kitchen or you can get by with the standard option. The pros are as follows.

• Convenience and speed of food processing... These tables are designed with this purpose in mind. Ease of use is their main concern.
• The ability to select individual content. You yourself can decide which boxes, baskets you need. Whether it will be a table with open shelves or a two-door option. You can also plan out the sink area, waste openings, etc.
• With such a specialized table, you will ensure the safety of other surfaces. After all, all the most dangerous mechanical processes will take place on it. When the table becomes unusable, it will be possible to replace only it, and not buy a whole new headset.
• By choosing a stainless steel worktop, you will ensure the safety of your family. Chips and cracks do not form on it, in which bacteria can multiply. It is easy to clean it from any dirt. In addition, such structures are often mobile, which is very convenient.

There are also disadvantages.

• In the production of plastic and artificial stone, substances harmful to health can be used.
• If the quality of the countertop leaves much to be desired, then scratches and chips will appear on it very quickly. This not only looks unaesthetic, but can also become dangerous (due to the multiplication of microbes and bacteria in them).
• Quality natural materials are very expensive.

For information on how to choose a kitchen desktop, see the next video.