Kitchen assistive technology

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.

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.

Kettle tippers

Kettle tippers and tipping kettles aid in safely pouring hot water without the need to lift heavy kettles. This reduces risk of spills and burns.

Adaptive peelers

Adaptive peelers and electric peelers are designed to reduce pain and effort when peeling fruit and vegetables.

Food wands

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

1. Adapt everyday tasks to help you stay independent and improve your quality of life
2. Find products that assist you to cook and clean up with greater ease
3. Protect your joints and manage any pain you might experience

Find an OT near you through Occupational Therapy Australia. 

Can’t find an OT in your area through OTA? You can also check Healthdirect’s tool for finding an OT by location. 

Additional resources

Want to find out what products are out there? Here are some product directories to peruse:

• LiveUp's assistive products directory
• Indigo's National Equipment Database (NED)

Want to know what others think of a product? Here are some useful review websites:

• ProductReview.com.au
• CHOICE

Need some help? Call us for free today on 1800 951 971.

References

Arthritis Australia. (2024, May). Fatigue and arthritis (AA025-05/24 ISS1). https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4042-AA-Info-Sheet-Fatigue-and-arthritis-AA025-05-24-ISS1.pdf

Indigo. Kitchen aids. National Equipment Database. https://askned.com.au/kitchen-aids

How to use this information

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.

Read more Safety articles

Did you enjoy this article? You may also like reading similar healthy ageing articles.

See all Safety articles