Assistive products, such as kitchen appliances, can make it easier to cook, prepare food, and clean up after.
Do you have limited mobility or dexterity in your hands? Or pain from doing kitchen tasks? Thankfully, there's a vast range products that can help make your daily kitchen chores easier and safer.
Choosing the right kitchen appliances can feel overwhelming. There are so many options. However, it’s important to choose an assistive product that can do everything you want it to do. You can make your life easier by finding the right tools for you.
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Assistive products for food prep
Arthritis or other conditions can cause:
Reduced hand strength
Pain
Limited mobility in your hands and wrists
All this can make kitchen work difficult.
If you're finding it difficult to prepare food, these products might help you out:
Bottle, can, and jar openers
You can find a range of adaptive bottle, can, or jar openers designed to help provide independence in the kitchen. One touch automatic openers simplify this task even further. They need minimal effort and reduce strain on the hands.
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Pump action food chopper
A pump action food chopper has a blade that chops food when you push down repeatedly on the top. Featuring a guard at the base to make sure your fingers are safe, this gadget chops and dices onions, tomatoes, herbs, and other fruit and veg for...
A food processor helps prepare your food faster and with less effort, so you don’t have to spend so long standing in the kitchen. It can shred, slice, grate, mix, or blend your food, and some models even cook the food once prepared.
These help to quickly blend or chop food. Some food wands come with additional fittings that let you grind and chop, like a mini food processor. They can be used one-handed or by someone with a hand tremor.
Adaptive cutting boards
Adaptive cutting boards are designed with features like non-slip bases and stabilising elements. Some types can assist one-handed food preparation.
Adaptive utensils
Ergonomic cutlery, saucepans, and other tools and utensils with larger, padded handles reduce pressure on joints. This makes tasks like stirring and flipping easier if you have arthritis. Non-slip products like scoop plates can help you avoid spills.
Helpful cooking appliances
There are many products that can make cooking easier if you:
Find it hard to cook using a standard stovetop
Can’t stand for long
Experience fatigue and pain
Have limited dexterity
Have weakness in your arms and hands
Here are some useful cooking appliances to consider:
Air fryers
Air fryers are a popular way of heating and frying foods using up to 75% less oil. They can also roast, bake, or reheat food.
Portable induction cookers
Portable induction cookers are easy to store and move around. These can also be safer than gas stovetops, with no open flames and a reduced risk of burns.
Multipurpose benchtop convection ovens
These ovens combine several cooking functions in one appliance. They also reduce the need to bend or carry heavy dishes between the oven and your cooking space. Choosing multipurpose products like this can help reduce clutter. It can also simplify your cooking experience.
Electric pressure/slow cookers
Many models include built-in timers and other safety features. This makes them a convenient, lower-risk option for preparing meals.
Cooking food processors (like the Thermomix)
While they can be more expensive, these appliances are highly versatile. They can chop, stir, cook, and blend all in one.
Dishwashing products
Here are some tools that can make cleaning dishes easier:
Benchtop dishwashers
These can be mounted on the kitchen benchtop. This makes them easy to access and reduces the need for bending and reaching. They can also be installed under a bench.
Dish drawers
Dish drawers are small dishwashers that can be installed at a height that suits you. A dish drawer enables easy standing access or access for a seated user.
Clean/dirty dishwasher magnets
These memory tools can help you keep track of what's been washed already.
What to consider before you buy
Here are some questions to ask before choosing from the extensive range of functional tools available:
Storage
Ensure the appliance fits within your kitchen space and is easily accessible.
Weight
Choose lightweight appliances that are easy to handle, especially when full.
Functionality
Choose products that meet your specific needs and have controls you can see and use easily.
Cleaning
Select appliances that are easy to disassemble and clean, with dishwasher-safe parts if possible.
Safety features
Look for appliances with safety enhancements, like non-slip surfaces as bases or automatic shut-off functions.
Check the manufacturers precautions. Consider if you need to buy accessories to enhance the product's safety. (e.g. Does the appliance have exposed sharp edges? Can you cover sharp edges with protective strips?)
An occupational therapist (OT) can provide personalised recommendations based on your unique requirements.
An OT can help you
Adapt everyday tasks to help you stay independent and improve your quality of life
Find products that assist you to cook and clean up with greater ease
Protect your joints and manage any pain you might experience
LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.
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