The kitchen is one part of the home everyone frequents. It’s not hard to understand why, considering it’s where meals are made, and everyone needs to eat. However, modern kitchens now feature more than food-making equipment — many have advanced tech.
It’s not uncommon to find automated systems in kitchens. These devices rely on some sort of motion mechanism to work, and many employ actuators. Let’s look at three ingenious examples of actuator-driven systems in kitchens.
1. Automated Cabinet and Drawer Systems
The first example here are automated cabinet and drawer systems. Basically, these setups allow you to access storage locations without doing much manual work. For instance, you can open the cabinet or drawer by simply pressing a button, and that’s possible with an actuator.
Automated cabinets and drawer systems will typically feature linear actuators. That’s because they mainly open in a straight pattern, like when you pull out a drawer horizontally. Notably, how the motion device helps the system work is straightforward.
The actuator will usually be installed within the cabinet or drawer, attached to their mechanism. Hence, if you activate the motion device, the rod extends and opens or closes the cabinet. It’s the most basic way an actuator can work in such a setup. FirgelliAuto has actuators that can meet these specifications.
Having automated cabinet and drawer systems in your kitchen comes with many upsides, including:
Convenience
You won’t need to walk up and open the drawer or cabinet whenever you need something. Depending on the control system you’re using — remote or switch — you can conveniently operate the system from a distance. With this, handling tasks around the kitchen becomes much more seamless.
Privacy
Some actuators feature a lock mechanism. Hence, without access to the remote or switch control, opening the cabinet or drawer won’t be possible. So, you can store some personal cooking items in these locations and be rest assured that no one else can find them.
2. Height-adjustable Countertops and Islands
If you have a countertop and island in your kitchen, both will typically stand at a fixed height. You can change that and make them flexible with actuators. The actuator’s primary function is to raise and lower the countertop and island to your preference.
Actuators used in these kinds of systems usually need high power. That’s because countertops and islands have weight, which the motion device will have to lift. Not to mention, you’ll typically place other kitchen items on top of them. Hence, if the actuator doesn’t have enough power to handle the load, it’ll break down.
The good thing is that many actuators that can handle such systems exist. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a heavy-duty device. A simple electric actuator with the right size capacity will work. If you install actuator-driven height-adjustable countertops and islands in your kitchen, these are the benefits you enjoy:
Customization
This is, of course, the chief advantage because you get to adjust the height of the kitchen systems to your preference. You may wish your countertop was higher, while some other person at home wants the height reduced. Generally, different people will have varying requirements. With an actuator adjusting the height, everyone gets what they want without owning individual countertops.
Ergonomics
You’ll appreciate this benefit more if you have a small cooking area. If that’s the case, a large countertop or island will easily occupy substantial space, leaving little room for other items. If the countertop is height-adjustable, then you can easily lower it when not in use to create more space. You can leverage it for storage purposes, so simply get more room while you prepare meals.
3. Touchless Faucet Systems
You need water to prepare meals, so faucet systems are constant in every kitchen. To operate these systems, you usually have to rotate the handle. Some modern options allow you to get the water running by pressing a button. The bottom line, however, is that you’ll likely touch the faucet.
Thanks to actuators, touchless faucet systems are now a thing. You can turn on the tap without having to go near the area. That works particularly if you install a motion device with a remote control — or, better yet, a sensor.
If it’s a traditional faucet design with a handle, a linear actuator will work. However, if it’s the type where you have to turn the head, then, you’ll need a rotary actuator. Whichever, you get the following benefits:
Better Hygiene
If everyone touches the faucet handle, it’s easy for germs to spread. Hence, considering how important hygiene is nowadays, having a touchless faucet in your kitchen is a health advantage. You get even better hygiene if you use an actuator with a sensor as opposed to one with a remote. That’s because different people will still handle the remote. Meanwhile, with a sensor, the faucet will automatically turn on once you place your hands under it.
Aesthetics
Functionality is most important when getting kitchen systems. However, sometimes, a little aesthetics won’t hurt. Indeed, it’s an interesting sight when you activate your faucet remotely. The same applies if the water starts running automatically when you place your hands under it. You find such sensor systems as luxury home appliances, which sell for huge amounts. With a simple device as an actuator, you can implement the same without spending as much.
Other Examples of Actuator-driven Systems in the Kitchen
Besides the three mentioned above, there are other actuator-driven systems in the kitchen that may interest you. Check them out below:
- Pop-spice racks: with this system, you can install a concealed rack to house your cooking spices. The rack only comes into view when you need it.
- Lift systems: if you have heavy appliances in your kitchen, you can employ an actuator-driven lift system to move them around.
- Rotating shelves: these systems are rather complex in design, but they’re workable with actuators. The advantage is that you get more deep spaces and easy access to items.
Conclusion
The systems discussed in this article are only a few kitchen projects you can perform using motion devices. Beyond your cooking area, you can still leverage actuators in many other ways at home.