Refrigerator: "Side-by-side" refrigerators are most appropriate for accessible kitchens. This unit provides both refrigerator and freezer storage at similar reach levels, enabling wheelchair users to locate and remove items more easily. Narrower doors on this refrigerator model are also easier for a wheelchair user to operate. If an "over-and-under" model is selected, at least a portion of the freezer space, as well as controls, should be located below a height of 4'6". Whenever possible, refrigerators should be located where doors can swing back a full 180 degrees when opened. This allows wheelchair users to position themselves more closely to refrigerator shelves.

Dishwashers: Raised height dishwashers installed like wall ovens at a height around 18 inches off the floor, can be easier to use for tall people or for people who have difficultly bending and people in wheelchairs. Dishwashers are typically located next to the kitchen sink because used water drains through the disposal into the plumbing waste lines. Unlike other appliances, dishwashers have a standard fixed height and must be installed under a 36" high counter. An ideal dishwasher location is at the open end of a counter, which allows a wheelchair user to pull alongside the unit and easily reach the racks inside.

Cook top : A cook top provides wheelchair users the option of a knee space below the burners. For cook tops an electric unit with a smooth ceramic surface allows cooking containers to be easily slid on and off burners in order to minimize spills. Cook top operating controls should be either front- or side-mounted. Rear controls create a dangerous condition where individuals must reach across burners to operate the cook top. Control knobs and switches should be configured to allow one-hand operation and should not require tight grasping, inching, or twisting of the wrist. Locating the cook top near a sink with a handheld sprayer to make it easier to fill pots on the cook top with water. Eliminating the cabinet below will allow wheelchair access, but be sure to properly insulate under the cook top to avoid accidental burns.

Ranges : A stove that is safe for someone who cooks while seated or when using a wheelchair has controls on the front edge of the range surface. This allows turning the heat down or off without having to reach over hot burners. Control knobs and switches should be configured to allow one-hand operation and should not require tight grasping, inching, or twisting of the wrist. For range tops an electric unit with a smooth ceramic surface allows cooking containers to be easily slid on and off burners in order to minimize spills. Locating the cook top near a sink with a handheld sprayer to make it easier to fill pots on the cook top with water. (paragraph for ranges. Images of several examples and links to a catalog for purchase.)

Wall Ovens : Wall ovens are more convenient for wheelchair users than conventional ovens, but spill protection must be provided. For conventional ovens, the lowered oven door provides spill protection as heated dishes are removed. For most wheelchair users a side-hinged oven door is easier to operate. This helps the wheelchair user to insert or remove items from the oven and partially protects them from spills during the process but it does not offer the same protection as a pull down oven door. Where side-hinged wall ovens are installed, a pullout shelf can be installed below the unit for spill protection and gives the user a place to sit the item they putting into the oven or removing.