Considerations

Height
- Oven position will affect access to oven shelves and controls.
- AS1428.2-1992 recommends the bottom shelf of the oven be at the same height as the bench.
Location
- In the kitchen area; with space to allow bench space beside the oven or a pull out shelf. The shelf can be placed below the oven depending on height.
Controls & Programming
- Should be easy to view and reach. They may be positioned above, below or at the side of the oven. Ease of turning or pushing will vary with the size and style of knobs, buttons, dials or push pads.
- Automatic cooking programs for different food types. Select the food and weight, and the oven sets the required temperature plus cooking time.
-Self-cleaning ovens lock themselves and convert food residues into ash with 500 heat.
Door
- Should be easy to open. Large D handles are generally preferred, but the strength of the hinges and oven seal will also affect the ease of opening the door.
- Direction of opening the door affects the access to the oven, when the door is open.
Options:
- Side opening, right or left.
- Drop down.
- Some stay open in any position (without falling fully open or slamming shut)
- Drop down and slide under.
- A large enough window for a clear view inside to make sure you'll be able to see something cooking on the top shelf or the grill.
- Oven door temperature: some models have an extra low door temperature, which is important for people with decreased sensation and for parents with toddlers.
Shelves
Should be easy to adjust and slide. The presence of 'safety stops' to prevent the shelf dropping out can assist. A range of shelf positions can be handy when cooking more than one item.
Interior
An externally wider oven may not be any bigger internally than a standard size oven. The interior light bulb should be easy to replace.
Grill
Options :
1. Separate: above or below oven. 2. Oven grill only.
A separate grill will affect the height of the overall oven, as it must be accessible and should have good visibility.
Ease of cleaning - Parts should be easy to remove and replace for cleaning.
Warranty - length and conditions.
Safety - cool touch exterior and shield over element to prevent contact with fingers.
Cleaning - self-cleaning

For further information check Choice magazine, the Yellow Pages of the telephone book or talk to a retailer.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide.
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an occupational therapist at a community health centre or aged care assessment team, or make an appointment with the ILC.

Models

The following section includes details of models, which may be suitable for particular users. Models were assessed in collaboration with Choice for their Choice magazine (July 2005 issue). There is no guarantee that all models available on the market were assessed.

For Wheelchair Users
Control panels and door handles should be within easy reach from the wheelchair. Doors should be easily opened. There should be a maximum amount of space accessible in the user's reach range.
Reach range will vary between individuals, but between 230mm and 1350mm from ground height is recommended.
Wall ovens will generally need to be installed at a slightly lower than normal height, within the users reach range.
Ovens, which have side opening doors, are likely to be more accessible for a wheelchair user, such as the ELECTROLUX, BOSCH & ASKO.

For Upper Limb Impairments
Useful features to look for when buying appliances include doors that are not stiff, and handles that are thick, providing a large grip. It is often easier to use a control device that is an easy-to-press button rather than a knob. Any knobs should be large and easy to turn, with little resistance.
Products should be easy to maintain and clean.
Choose appliances with components, for example shelving or trays, which move very easily and are not heavy.
Ovens with a self-cleaning coating are easier to maintain.
To avoid excessive reaching, a shallower space is better, and having the majority of space at around chest height will be most suitable. The oven should be placed at chest height.
The KLEENMAID TO 200W, SIMPSON Evolution 83E711W and WESTINGHOUSE POL668W models are a good choice. The door on the WHIRLPOOL 6AKP635/WH is difficult to open, requiring considerable hand strength.

For Visual Impairments
For enhanced visual access, components should be large, well contrasted and tactile. Labelling which is easiest to read is black or navy blue on a white background. A simple and well contrasted picture can be better than a word label.
Other useful features include knobs, buttons and handles that are large and well contrasted to the background, and controls or labelling which are raised from the surface of the appliance. It is also useful if other components such as shelving are well contrasted to the rest of the appliance. Auditory feedback can ensure that a control has been activated. Generally fewer options are better, making choices clearer. Also look for good internal lighting.
The SIMPSON Evolution 83E711W is the best for people with vision impairment.

For Back Pain
In general, it is best to minimise bending and reaching. A wall oven installed at chest height is preferable to a freestanding oven.
Avoid appliances with control knobs at the back.

For Cognitive Impairment
The key is to keep it simple. Labelling that has a very clear and simple picture may be more useful than a word, but this will vary for different people.
Choose appliances with few options for the controls. Choose items which are safe.
Choose shelving which will not easily slide right out if pulled too hard or quickly.
Avoid appliances with auditory feedback if this will confuse the user. However, this can be useful if it successfully reminds the user to do something.
The ELECTROLUX CHEF EOC643W, FISHER & PAYKEL BI602E, SIMPSON Evolution 83E711W and WESTINGHOUSE POL668W are the most suitable in this test for cognitive impairment.

Features

aAvailable features:
. Fan forced oven for even heating.
. Rotisserie
. "Roast probe" food thermometer.
. Touch controls.
. Electronic programming.
. In built clock and automatic timer - may be illuminated.
. Self cleaning ability - catalytic vitreous coating.
. Removable door for cleaning.
. Light to indicate use / temperature of oven or grill.
. Audio temperature indicator.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
www.ilcnsw.asn.au/home/assistive_technology/standards

TGA
Many of the items on the ILC NSW website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.