The spine and lower back are most affected when a person sits for hours while working. However, other parts of the body are strained too which leads to many complications. The arms, wrist and shoulders are also bound to get tired especially when using the computer. Therefore, it is advisable to use an armrest to make up an ergonomic workstation. However, basic task chairs do not come with armrest. The solution is to use an arm kit to fill in this missing piece. 

Why is an armrest important?

An ergonomic workstation is composed of properly adjusted and balanced desk, office chair and computer in terms of height and length. In most offices, basic task chairs are used, which in a way supports the lower back and the spine. However, without an armrest, the design is undermined.  The comfort of the neck, shoulders, arms and upper back areas are compromised. Since most task chairs are without armrests, an arm kit makes up for this. Said device provides the needed cushioning, comfort and leveling the arms need to keep it from sliding off beneath the desk while typing or doing other tasks.

What is the right height of an armrest?

Arm kits come with an adjustable armrest. But how would one know if the armrest is set at an appropriate height? The arms should be at 90 degrees angle when resting and the shoulders are kept straight. An office chair with a low armrest would result to sprawling and a hunched back. An armrest that is set too high on the other hand will result to a crooked sitting posture and a tendency to lean forward to the computer. 

What to look for in an armrest?

Since there is a great variation of attachable armrest in the market, how does one know which one to buy? There are three things that should be considered when buying an armrest – height, width and functionality. As mentioned, height is important to sustain the comfort on specific body areas (neck, shoulders, upper back and arms); width on the other hand helps align the shoulders and elbow properly for added comfort.  Functionality is important because it helps position the shoulders and the neck especially if a person suffers from a condition called Kyphosis. An armrest that allows a user to turn in and out improves good posture, blood flow and lessens strain. 

An ergonomic workstation is easier to achieve if a person knows the proper equipment and the proper positioning. The armrest is an important part of an office chair, and using a task chair arm kit helps sitting more comfortable and an employee more productive. 
 

Compact ovens can be a great space saver in a small kitchen and an exciting addition to a kitchen full of the latest gadgets. Compact ovens are usually seen as microwave ovens, convection ovens or NuWave ovens. In modern home design, compact ovens can make up for different convenient appliances. They fit into a small kitchen space without taking up much room.

When looking for the best compact oven, it is important to consider these things : 

Counter Space

It is imperative to get a compact oven small enough to fit in the given space along with other cookware. When choosing a compact microwave, look for one with a capacity of at least 0.7 cubic feet or 0.0198 cubic meters. Anything smaller and it might not be able to fit a dinner plate inside.

There are plenty of compact ovens that have an interior capacity of 0.7 cubic feet. This only take up about 18 x 11 inches of surface area. This makes them the ideal size to place on a shelf, cabinet, or other stable surface where space is limited. 

Cooking Features

Features range from simple presets like popcorn and beverage heating to preset time and power levels for defrosting and cooking things like frozen vegetables, baked potatoes, and prepared meals. Though many of the smaller ovens do not have all the capabilities of the larger models, some of the extra cooking features can be expected. Compare different model features to be able to determine which one is best for regular use.

Price

It is important to determine what features are to be used. Additional features could also mean added expense.The price range for compact or small microwave ovens can vary, but many good options are available for not much money. 

Style

In modern home design, style is important. Since this object will most likely be visible in one's kitchen, it is a good idea to at least think about how it will look. Most compact microwaves are either white or black. However, there are also stainless steel or colored models. But these are usually more expensive. 


It is possible to get a better microwave than one could normally afford. By buying the used machines can be a good solution for many people. Unfortunately, microwaves do break, and choosing a used model may prove a disappointment. A new compact microwave oven is guaranteed to work and may even come with a warranty. Which choice is the best depends on the risks the consumer is willing to take.