Mike vs Gem: wheelchair accessible kitchen showdown. Who will win?

We're stepping into the ring in a head-to-head “Accessible kitchen showdown.”

In the red corner: Mike.

In the blue corner: Gem.

Two wheelchair users. Two kitchens. One big question… Who will emerge victorious in this battle of functionality and style?

Let's ring the starting bell and find out.

Mike enters the ring.

The gloves are off as we kick things off with a lightning-fast tour of Mike's kitchen. He wastes no time, gliding around his kitchen island with the speed and efficiency of a pro.

Mike moves with confidence and fluidity, effortlessly accessing items in his fridge and opening the oven and dishwasher with ease.

His kitchen has plenty of room with wide, unobstructed pathways allowing him to easily navigate from one appliance to the next without any tight turns or obstructions. This gives him plenty of room to move around comfortably and safely in his wheelchair.

Gem comes out swinging.

Gem bursts onto the scene, determined to prove that her kitchen is a force to be reckoned with.

She starts by showcasing her slide-out cupboard inserts, which allow her to easily access cups and plates from the lower corner cupboard.

Gem's next move is a true knockout. She rolls under her sink and stove, showing us a lowered workspace at the perfect height for her cook from her wheelchair.

What's even better, the sink and stove are positioned in a corner, which makes moving between stations super efficient.

Gem’s accessible layout ensures that daily activities, such as washing dishes, preparing ingredients, and cooking meals, are as easy as pie.

Mike's next move.

Mike’s back in the ring and continues to demonstrate his accessible kitchen. He opens his cupboards and drawers and effortlessly retrieves items from within.

For wheelchair users, drawers can outperform cupboards almost every time. Drawers offer easy pull-out access to maximise storage space and accessibility.

But Mike's kitchen isn't just about functionality; it's also a feast for the eyes.

His kitchen's modern design and the stunning view through the window make it clear that accessibility and aesthetics can absolutely coexist.

Gem fires back.

Just when it seems like Mike has the upper hand, Gem fires back with a knockout blow.

She proudly reveals her "Slide & Hide" oven. It has a unique door that allows it to disappear completely into the cabinetry when not in use, like magic!

It's clear that she's put much thought and care into creating a kitchen that looks great and is super functional.

And the winner is...

As the final round comes to a close, it's clear that both Mike and Gem have brought their A-game when it comes to adapting in the kitchen.

Both Mike and Gem have built kitchens that are functional and accessible, allowing them to thrive in the kitchen.

But the real winner here is the accessibility community as a whole.

We hope that by sharing our knowledge and showcasing our kitchens, we can help other wheelchair users adapt their space, defy limits, and thrive in the kitchen.