SearchTips by members – Kitchen gadgets
The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK
Please note: The following text cannot and should not replace advice from the patient's healthcare professional(s). Any person who experiences symptoms or feels that something may be wrong should seek individual, professional help for evaluation and/or treatment. This information is for guidance only and is not intended to provide individual medical advice.
We our asked members for tips and gadgets that help in the kitchen and allow them to cook and prepare food more easily. This article is taken from the Summer 2021 edition of Fragile Links.
The ETAC Food Preparation System
This is a durable cutting board ideal for those who have difficulty gripping, or who only have the use of one hand. The clamp can fix items such as tins or bowls and the stainless steel spikes keep vegetables still when peeling or cutting. It has four non-slip rubber feet to prevent the board from moving and to provide additional safety. Suction pads are also provided for use on wet surfaces. Other ‘food preparation stations’ are available. Etac.com
Tap turners
A dome shaped plastic tap turner with an angled lever handle. The tap turner is used with capstan style taps. This tap turner is designed to fit on narrow capstan taps with tapered ends. The lever handle is positioned at 45 degrees to the tap. They are sold in pairs and supplied as a red and blue pair for hot and cold water taps.
Tipping kettle
There are several types of easy pour kettles and tippers which can be used with existing kettles. They have ergonomic handles and smooth pour action on stable non-slip bases.
Angled/rocker knives
Angled or rocker knives use a rocking action to cut, making them easier to use than conventional knives. The often L-shaped design makes it more comfortable to hold for people with a weak grip or limited manual dexterity. They also feature a built-up handle, which again many people find easier to control than regular cutlery grips.
Mandolin
A mandolin turns out consistently uniform slices of fruits and vegetables. An easy way to chop and slice by using the palm of your hand and requiring minimum pressure. Always use the safety handle and watch those fingers!
Stick blender
Great for easily blending food to make it easier to eat or to make soups with far less cleaning than with other equipment. Many have a very good, rubberised handle making holding them easier.
Can openers
Electric can openers remove the need for tight gripping and having to use fingers to turn. Alternatively, look out for hand-held openers with over-sized handles and knobs. These reduce the amount of grip pressure needed.
Cutting boards with spikes
These easily hold food in place so that you can cut or chop more easily. There are also boards which attach to the worktop which makes them easier to use with one hand.
Instant hot water boiler/hot water tap
These are becoming more common and affordable and remove the need for heavy or awkward kettles.
Long arm grabber
These are useful to get bits and pieces from high shelves or the backs of cupboards without stretching.
Ironing board
Yes, you did read that correctly! Cover it up and use it as a higher work surface for chopping and prepping if bending is an issue when working in the kitchen.
Perching stools
These enable the user to ‘semi-sit’, reducing the strain from either standing for long periods or from getting up and down from a full seated position. Several designs are available.
Tips from our Bake In entrants
- Consider using ready made food such as pastry, icing, bread mixes, tinned fruit and veg, frozen veg, cake mixes and decorations – there are a whole host of ‘cheats’ to make cooking and baking easier
- Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for normal milk as an ingredient in baking
- Keep your knives sharp – a dull knife takes twice as much effort
- Cook or bake double and freeze half for when you don’t have any energy
- Microwave lemons for 20 seconds before squeezing them – you get more juice and they are easier to squeeze
- Don’t do everything at once. Bake a cake one day and decorate the next. Prep veggies the day before and leave to soak in water. Planning and pacing is key.
An occupational therapist can advise on equipment and adaptations which may help if you’re struggling with everyday tasks. As mentioned in the last issue of Fragile Links, there are lots of websites and catalogues full of ingeniously designed kitchen aids aimed at making life easier for people with health problems and disabilities
Try these websites:
https://www.nrshealthcare.co.uk/