A TV lift can boost the style and elegance of your cooking space. At the same time, it introduces entertainment. Different types of TV lifts can go into your kitchen. Drop-down, slide-out, pop-up, and wall-panel lifts are all examples. In our experience, however, a pop-up is most suitable, especially if your primary goal is to save space.
Purchasing and installing a pop-up TV lift in your kitchen may sound too technical. However, it’s not a difficult task. We’ll explain how to go about it step by step and we begin by discussing the working mechanism.
Working Mechanism of a Kitchen Pop-up TV Lift
The operating mechanism of a kitchen popup tv lift is simple, your television stays hidden within an enclosure and only pops out when you want. The enclosure is usually a cabinet or kitchen island and slides up with the device once activated. Now you can prepare meals as usual, and when needed use your TV without it taking up extra space.
They come with an electric motor, providing power and lowering the screen. Notably, a metal frame attaches to the TV and slides up and down a rod or pipe. You can facilitate the movement using an actuator. Other lifting mechanisms — like scissors lift, for example — can work, but actuators are the best for accuracy and precision. They’re also compact, affordable, and easy to operate.
Linear Actuators for Kitchen Pop-up Lifts
Actuators are of different types. However, since the pop-up TV lift moves up and down, linear actuators are the most suitable. We recommend them because they simplify the working mechanism of kitchen pop-up TV lifts. They use an electric motor, gear system, and screw mechanism to push the frame, ensuring the lift pops up in the proper position.
Notably, linear actuators from firgelliauto.com will work for many other home automation tasks as well. But when it comes to pop-up TV lifts, here’s how they function:
- The motor receives electrical current, which powers the gear system and screw mechanism.
- This effect creates the linear motion that allows the actuator to work.
- Next, the screw mechanism pushes the rod that lifts the television from the kitchen countertop.
You can attach the linear actuator rod directly to your TV or, alternatively, on a mounting plate. We recommend the latter, but this entirely depends on your device type. However, please pay more attention to the electric motor, as it determines the force and speed at which the actuators work.
If you own a large TV, you’ll need a linear actuator with a high-power motor. You should compare the specifications with that of the kitchen pop-up lift you install. The torque, output, and efficiency of the motor will tell if the motion device is suitable for your lift.
Also, pay attention to the stroke length and load capacity of the actuator. Most kitchen countertops cabinets are tall, so the actuator may need to extend to at least 40 inches. In terms of load capacity, a linear actuator with a 50 to 150 lbs carrying capacity will operate your kitchen pop-up TV lift without trouble.
How to Install: Step by Step
Setting up a pop-up TV lift in your kitchen doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow the below steps and you’ll have your lift working in no time.
Step 1: Get your TV Lift
Paying attention when purchasing your TV lift is crucial to ensure you get a product that fits. First, you want to consider where you’ll place the device. We recommend installing it inside a countertop or cabinet. So check your available space and purchase one that meets the size.
Talking about size, you can’t neglect your TV length. Alternatively, you can purchase a television to match the lift and cabinet/countertop space. The best option, however, is getting a multi-purpose one. Our TVL-170 Rear Mount Pop-Up TV Lift is a good example. It’s a flexible product, capable of carrying TVs from 20 to 70 inches or up to 135 lbs.
Step 2: Mount the Frame
The pop-up lift’s frame is a critical component as it’s the part that holds the TV. You’ll install it on the rear inside the cabinet or countertop. If you’re using a linear actuator, then, you have to first mount the actuator at the bottom of the cabinet or countertop. Next, attach the actuator’s rod to the lift frame. Tighten the setup using brackets and screws, and ensure everything is stable.
Note that you’ll have to do some cutting to create space inside your cabinet or countertop. So, make accurate markings, depending on the TV size, and use a saw. An alternative is to purchase an automated kitchen countertop set that comes with a built-in lift.
Step 3: Attach the TV
With the linear actuator and frame in position, it’s time to add your big screen. Generally, the advice is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but the TV should be in the center and balanced. Also, make provisions for connecting the cord and other cables to a power source. Route them properly to avoid tangling
Step 4: Test It
Finally, activate the lift and watch it work. The TV should pop out smoothly from the cabinet or countertop and stop in the correct position. Also, if you’re using a linear actuator, the motion should be almost noiseless. If there are irregularities, adjust accordingly, and retest until the setup is working perfectly.
Conclusion
A pop-up lift in your kitchen makes the cooking area much more enjoyable. It’s probably a place you frequent, so it must be lively. With it, you maximize space by hiding the screen in a cabinet or countertop. The instructions in this post should make things easier when purchasing or installing a kitchen pop-up TV lift.