* This post is written by one of our volunteer content creators - it is not sponsored. *
The AYL team have teamed up to create a series of blog posts highlighting our favourite disability related products, starting with kitchen aids which you can read in part one of this series. As you will see, many of the items listed below are constructed using simple designs, yet they all have the power to make life a little easier, whether you are mashing potatoes or opening jars.
(Priced At £39.99 To £44.99 Depending On Place Of Purchase)
Whether you’re looking to make homemade baby food, sauces, or mashed potatoes, this product can handle it all. Unlike manual mashers or hand mixers, this requires very little effort to operate. The non-slip handgrip, balanced weight distribution and perfectly positioned button, make this lightweight design easy to hold.
How It Works:
This versatile product couldn’t be more straightforward to use! Once plugged into a power socket, simply grab the vertical handgrip, and press the on/off control. The plastic blade will then push through the food without crushing the starch in potatoes, keeping the mash lovely and light! You don’t have a ton of moving parts to worry about and it doesn’t take up lots of room when not in use. There’s only the handle, round base, and plastic blade, which can all be detached with a click of a button and put in the dishwasher.
Ideal User:
This product is perfect for those with weak wrists or arthritis. The only downside is the noise, so it may not be suitable for people with sensory processing issues!
(Priced At £8.90 To £13.95 Depending On Place Of Purchase)
This knife is ergonomically designed to prevent damage to the wrist, hand, and finger joints. The moulded handle fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, helping to eliminate the pain associated with chopping foods. The unique design defiantly took some getting used to, but after persevering, I now reach for it every time I cook.
How It Works:
This adapted knife is shaped at a right angle to allow maximum strength when chopping. The cerated blade creates a smooth back and forth motion when slicing. Whilst the vertical handle promotes safety, making it impossible for your fingers to come into contact with the blade.
Ideal User:
People living with arthritis and hypermobile joints. Along with weakness, reduced dexterity or tightness in their wrists, hands, and fingers.
(Priced At £3.00 To £4.99 Depending On Place Of Purchase)
This is my favourite kitchen aid, as it's such a simple yet genius design. Not only is it affordable, but also super long-lasting! It’s really small and doesn’t take up tonnes of drawer space like many other kitchen aids. Best of all, it genuinely works, so I use it every time I need to open a jar.
How It Works:
All jars have a seal to keep them fresh, which needs breaking (the little bit on the top that pops when opened and becomes depressed.) Yet many people with disabilities struggle to grip and twist objects, so this takes all the strain out of your wrists. For this reason, the jar key is designed to push under the lid which in turn lifts the lid whilst slightly depressing the seal and in turn opening the jar!
Ideal User:
Anyone like myself with joint hypermobility, or weakness, tremors, muscle wastage, arthritis and more. It could also be a great way to encourage children to be a little more independent in the kitchen and feel like they can help with the cooking!
(Priced At £7.99 To £10.99 Depending On Place Of Purchase)
I really love the idea behind this product, as it allows me to maintain a newfound level of independence in the kitchen. It also helps prevent injuries by reducing contact with hot pans and boiling water, as the handles are specially designed to stay cool.
How It Works:
This metal basket can be placed on top of any pan filled with boiling water. Allowing you to fill it with food and avoid lifting/handling a burning saucepan once cooked, whether it’s pasta, potatoes, or vegetables. Instead, you lift the handles that sit over the edge of the pan using one or both hands, ensuring all the water has seeped through the metal basket before carrying it directly to your plate. I particularly love this feature, as it eliminates the risks associated with moving hot, heavy items around the kitchen to multiple locations. Plus, the small, closely spaced holes mean your food drains fast without having to tilt the bowl. Whereas the sturdy solid ring at the base of the handles prevents the colander from tipping over.
Ideal User:
Anyone who struggles to lift saucepans or has difficulty transferring food into a colander. As well as people who are prone to burning themselves, falling and dropping utensils.
During lockdown, I have acquired a new method of not buying anything unless it makes me smile. But I can honestly say I have never had so much excitement surrounding kitchen aids! Each item was designed to make life easier, and they all did just that! Although I’m sure you can agree that together these items only cover a small portion of the kitchen let alone your home, so don't forget to check out our other daily living aid review series!
Hi, I'm Lauren and I have been living with a collection of disabilities for the past 8 years. I initially had a passion for teaching children with special needs, but my health prevented me from pursuring my dream career. Despite this, I now love nothing more than sharing my experiences to help other people living with disabilities.
Hi, I’m Lori and was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and a family of co-morbid conditions which has made life highly complex. However I constantly aim to make life as ‘normal’ and fulfilling as possible - and through this, I discovered the benefits of writing about my journey.