When you need more help to cook and clean, assistive products and electrical appliances can make your life easier.
Choosing kitchen appliances that work for you can be overwhelming. There are so many options. However, it’s important to choose an assistive product that can do everything you want it to do.
Before you spend money, think about the space you have for storing an appliance. Also, how easy is it to use, clean, and put away?
Some appliances have many functions and can replace several appliances at once. This means that you are storing one item rather than many electrical appliances.
What to consider before you buy
Storage
- Where will you store the appliance?
- Can you store it on the benchtop where you will use it?
- Will you need to lift and carry it to where you are going to use it?
Weight
- How heavy is it when it's empty?
- How heavy is it when it's full, and can you lift it (if you need to) when it is full?
- Can you tip and pour from a full pot safely and easily?
Assistive product functions
- What do you want the appliance to do for you?
- What are the essential features that your appliance MUST have to work for you?
- What are the different ways you need the appliance to function for you?
- Is there online tutoring or help available to support you while you learn to use the appliance?
Important controls
- How do you use the assistive product?
- Can you reach and operate the controls easily?
- Is it logical and easy to use?
- Does it have pre-set automatic functions as well as manual controls?
- Can you read the controls and display easily?
Cleaning
- How will you clean the appliance?
- Can you put together and take apart the appliance without help?
- Is it safe to wash detachable parts of the appliance in a dishwasher?
Precautions
- What are the manufacturer's precautions for this item?
- Will you need to buy accessories to extend the performance of the appliance or protect it?
Making an informed decision
Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each appliance. For example:
- Is there an alternative appliance that might be more affordable, or easier for you to use?
- What do others say? Read product reviews and consult CHOICE magazine (available at most libraries as a digital resource).
Useful review websites include:
Assistive products for food prep
Examples of appliances that help you to prepare food:
Electric openers
For opening jars, bottles, and cans. For example, this Automatic Kitchen Set has three appliances. You can also buy each appliance on its own. It's battery operated, and useful for weak or painful hands and wrists, or a hand tremor. The OneTouch appliances can also be operated with only one hand.
Electric fruit and vegetable peelers
These make preparing fruit and veg much easier. The electric peeler takes the effort out of peeling, so cooking is quicker.
Electric potato masher
This electric potato masher comes with an added vegetable spiraliser to make things like healthy noodles.
Food wands
This food wand helps 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 are useful for someone with weak grip or painful hands and wrists. They can be used one-handed or by someone with a hand tremor. They are also useful for people who can't stand for long in the kitchen.
Food processors
Most reputable electrical retailers sell a range of food processors. Stores such as Kmart and Harvey Norman sell a wide range of appliances and assistive products for all your cooking needs.
Helpful cooking appliances
There are many appliances you can use to save you time and space in the kitchen, such as portable cooktops and microwave ovens.
Example of a portable induction cooktop:
Example of a convection microwave oven:
Benchtop ovens
Benchtop ovens help reduce bending or carrying hot dishes from the oven to your kitchen working space.
Examples include:
- Ninja Food XL Pro Oven Black Stainless Steel DT200 | MYER
- Sunbeam 18L Convection Bake & Grill Compact Oven | Harvey Norman
- Russell Hobbs Express Air Fry Easy Clean Toast Oven | Harvey Norman
Pressure cookers
Electric pressure cookers, or combination air-fryer pressure cookers, and cooking food processors can make it easier to prepare meals if you:
- Can’t stand for long
- Experience fatigue and pain
- Have limited dexterity
- Have weakness in your arms and hands
The timers built into these appliances are helpful if you find it hard to concentrate or have a short attention span. Some brands also offer support with apps, online tutorials, or access to experienced consultants.
An example of a combination air-fryer pressure cooker:
Cooking Food Processors are a more expensive option, but they are multi-functional (often including chopping and more complex functions) and have automatic programs to speed up cooking. Examples include:
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.
Air fryers are useful 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
Dishwashers
Benchtop dishwashers can be mounted on the kitchen benchtop. This makes them easy to access and reduces the need for bending and reaching. Benchtop dishwashers can also be installed under a bench. For example:
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. For example:
An occupational therapist can help you
An occupational therapist (OT) can help you:
- Adapt tasks to stay independent
- Simplify your work in the kitchen
- Find products that make it easier for you to prepare food, cook, and clean up
- Protect your joints and manage any pain you might experience
Find an OT in your local area with the search tool on the Occupational Therapy Australia website.
Get in touch with LiveUp
Need some help? Call free today on 1800 951 971.
You can also read about eating for good health here.
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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