A Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Makeover

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025
2:42 pm

A Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen Makeover

Who doesn’t love a good kitchen renovation show? Watching a room go from meh to mah-velous packs a punch every time. While I didn’t have a TV-worthy budget, I did upgrade my 18-year-old wheelchair-accessible kitchen.

When I purchased my condo in 2007, I changed the design and layout of the kitchen to make it accessible: 34-inch countertops and a roll-under sink and workspace. I also wanted the stove next to the sink to easily slide heavy pots and pans into the sink. My kitchen has worked well, but I was ready for a change. After I received an unexpected gift, I decided to upgrade the kitchen countertops, stove, and sink.

Choosing a stove

The stove I’ve used since 2007 was a standard GE electric range with knobs on the front. It was 36 inches high (or a bit more with the burner coils). The stove has been functional, but the coils wobbled and made hot pots and pans a spill- and burn-risk. The height made it difficult to see what I was cooking, and when stirring, my shoulder would get a hefty workout.

Many wheelchair users suggested an induction stovetop. The surface doesn’t get hot to the touch so it’s great at preventing accidental burns. But induction requires special pots and pans (an additional expense). Other people recommended a roll-under cooktop with a separate side-opening oven. However, I had neither the space nor the budget for that option.

So, I opted for a glass-top range. As I researched, I came across a Whirlpool 34-inch Glass Top Electric Range. Thirty-four inches? Surely, that couldn’t be correct. Well, it was. Whirlpool is the only company that makes a 34-inch tall (or short) stove. But, of course, it was more expensive than the 36-inch stoves. (#CripTax strikes again.) Ultimately, I decided to go with the more accessible one.

And it’s been worth it. Pots and pans no longer slide off the coil burners and it’s so easy to clean. One thing I don’t like is the placement of the burner knobs. They face up—rather than out. It’s difficult to see since it’s at my eye level, and they require a decent amount of strength to push down and turn. But it’s not a deal breaker. The lower height is wonderful. I don’t use the oven (except for storage) since I can’t safely get items in and out, so I can’t comment about how it cooks.

Shopping for countertops is overwhelming

Not knowing where to begin, I spoke with friends about countertop options. Quartz countertops seemed the best option since they are stain-resistant and easy to maintain.

But no one warned me how difficult it is to choose countertops. Well, a countertop that is within budget. As I went to warehouses to search for the perfect quartz, the pricing system was confusing. The first one I fell in love with was $1500 over my budget. After multiple trips—and very patient salespeople (shout out to Santiago and Jessica)—I finally found one that “would do.” I hated to settle, but I couldn’t go over my budget.

But guess what? The countertops are so pretty!

An ADA sink?

Did you know ADA sinks exist? Yes! They are 5 ½ inches deep to leave room to roll under the sink. I chose a single-bowl sink, rather than the double bowl I’d had for years. While the sink is the same size as my old one, since it is under-mounted and looks much bigger. It’s easy to rinse out pot and pans with just one sink bowl.

A few additions

I made a few additions for both form and function:

I asked the contractor if he could move the outlet to a location I could reach. This is something I forgot to do when I built, and I’ve had to use an extension cord to plug in kitchen appliances.
I found a dish soap dispenser that is installed under the countertop to clear clutter around the sink.
I added a sliding storage cart to roll out of sight under the sink.
A new LED light. The original builder-installed fixture was dated and the light bulbs were difficult to change (even for my caregivers). This LED light has five color settings (bright white to soft white).
Decorations over the soffit. When I first moved in, I didn’t put any effort into the soffit. I wanted to lighten and brighten the area, so HomeGoods had artificial plants that finished off the kitchen nicely.