Challenge accepted: What makes good furniture?
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Challenge accepted
The Schubert family are in good spirits as the Blum test begins. Parents Max and Annette know that they will be testing different kitchen cabinets. But what they don't know is that the cabinets are identical on the outside, and the differences can only be seen once they are opened. The tasks are not easy, as twins Golda and Zeta will be giving their parents instructions. The pair are looking forward to this with glee – finally a chance to tell the adults what to do for a change!
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The test set-up
Good element: The left-hand cabinet shows the basic interior, as used in many kitchens.
Better element: The middle cabinet features pull-outs in place of a door with fixed shelf inside which improves the ergonomics. A flexible inner dividing system makes finding items clearer and easier.
Best element: The right-hand cabinet shows what an optimum configuration might look like: the pull-outs can be opened electrically with just a touch and are equipped with high-quality inner dividing systems. Even the AVENTOS wall cabinet lift system opens as if by magic.
Let's get started!
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The girls set their parents four different tasks from the director's table.
Task 1: Cutting an apple
Mum: Good element
Dad: Better element
The apple is ready and waiting but where is the knife? Thanks to the practical inner dividing system in the drawer, Max finds the knife he needs right away. He's already cutting the apple into tidy slices while mum Annette is still rummaging through the poorly organised drawer.
Even reaching for the stack of plates in the wall cabinet proves difficult for mum, as she is too short. Max is a gentleman and puts his ambition to one side to assist her. The plates were stored in a pull-out in his cabinet for convenience, so he's already completed his task.
Score: 1:0 to Dad Max
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Task 2: Wrapping an apple
Mum: Good element
Dad: Better element
Golda and Zeta whisper excitedly, their parents are now to wrap the apple in cling film. Who will be the master of this task? Dad is in luck as the film dispenser in the Better element saves time – you don't have to fiddle about trying to find the end of the film. While mum tries in vain to unravel the end of her roll of film, Max completes the task. "Dad won!" agree the girls.
Score: 2:0 with Dad Max in the lead
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More about short distances in the kitchen:
Task 3: Getting some juice
Mum: Best element
Dad: Good element
The contest continues. The children decide that their parents should move on to different elements now; Annette swaps to the Best element and Max to the Good element. "We're thirsty, make us something to drink," demand the children with a giggle. Max takes a glass from the wall cabinet with door, while Annette opens the wall cabinet lift system. "Wow, mum's is automatic," says Golda amazed, as the front with moves upward as if by itself.
Now Max is struggling: first he has to kneel down at the base cabinet with shelf to find the bottle of juice at the back. The girls almost feel sorry for him. Their mum, on the other hand, gently nudges the front of the drawer with her foot and grabs the bottle of juice. "Mum's done it," say the kids with delight.
Score: 2:1 with Mum Annette catching up
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Task 4: Preparing a snack box
Mum: Best element
Dad: Good element
Poor dad has to reach deep into the base cabinet to find the right lid for the box. Annette has it easier as the containers and lids are stored separately in the Best element with an frame. Lids and containers are within easy reach so the apple slices are popped inside in seconds. Mum scores again!
Score: tied at 2:2!
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Tips for improved ergonomics in the kitchen:
A clear winner: here's to the equipment!
The contest ends in a draw. How successful our participants were clearly depended on the cabinet's equipment and not their efforts. Curled up together on the sofa, the Schuberts can relax now as they discuss their impressions.
The parents found it interesting to directly compare the units themselves. "The Best element made everything really easy," the couple agree. Annette was particularly struck by how tidy and well organised the cabinet contents were, while Max liked the smooth and easy flow. "Everything was so easy: open – close, open – close!" laughs Zeta. Their conclusion is clear: all members of the family would opt to equip the units in their new kitchen like the Best element. "It's a shame our kitchen isn't as great as this," shout the twins in unison. But things can always change.
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Get support for planning your kitchen here:
All advantages at a glance:
Pull-outs in base cabinets for a good view of and easy access to the contents
Flexible inner dividing systems organise interiors and provide clear visibility of contents
Lift systems in the wall cabinet means the doors move up and out of your way
Electrical opening support system provides additional convenience
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