Preparing food and drink is an important role for many, so it helps if the kitchen layout is as easy and efficient as possible to use.
- Plan ahead: Planning your meals and making a shopping list, can save a lot of time and energy each week. It is also helpful to think about pre-cut vegetables for quicker and easier cooking.
- Organise your kitchen: Minimising the distance between the sink, oven and fridge makes it easier to prepare food. Having your kitchen appliances in a line or in a U-shaped layout, helps the user to move about more easily and avoids having to move heavy items to opposite sides of the kitchen. Wheelchair users may need a clear 1500mm turning circle, although this may vary according to the size of the wheelchair.
- Storage: You could consider shelves that pull down or pull out to make it easier to reach things without having to bend or stretch too much. These features can be powered or manually operated and are particularly useful for anyone who has difficulty reaching.
- Worksurfaces: Heatproof worktops, or even a large wooden chopping board, can be useful for putting down hot or heavy items quickly. A height-adjustable ‘Rise and fall’ worktop can be used from either a standing or seated position. This is particularly useful for wheelchair users as there is a space under the worktop to allow you to get close.
- Lowered appliances: Position ovens, microwaves and other appliances at a height that is accessible for the user. Consider position of plug sockets to ensure they are accessible.
- Lighting: Ensure the kitchen is well-lit to improve visibility and safety, particularly for close up work like cutting vegetables or measuring. You could consider under cupboard lighting to light up your work surface.
- Sinks and taps: Consider the depth of the sink and whether the user will be able to reach the bottom, or if a shallow sink is needed. Lever taps or sensor taps require minimal effort and are a good option for users with limited hand strength and dexterity.
- Appliances: Slide and hide ovens, where the door tucks away beneath the over, allow you to get close to lift heavy items in and out. To prevent burns when doing this, consider using oven gloves or oven rack covers – a silicone strip sitting along the rack edge. An induction hob, which only activates when a pan is placed onto it, is an alternative cooking method to reduce risk of burns, as they cool down more quickly than conventional electric ovens. NB: people with pacemakers should seek advice before using induction hobs. Other types of ovens are available such as Air Fryers and even the all-in-one Thermomix!
- See our list for kitchen and bathroom adaptations specialists.
Alongside adaptations, you could consider a range of different equipment to make cooking easier and safer. The ILC have a large range of different aids and gadgets to try which can help make you safer and more independent in the kitchen.
- Kettles: Kettle tippers make pouring boiling water safer and easier, or you could consider a hot water dispenser which dispenses water at a push of a button. These can be mains-powered or a Thermos flask design.
- Cooking: Cooking baskets prevent the need to lift heavy pans of boiling water. Simply drain the food over the pan and straight onto the plate, emptying the pan of water when it is cold or when someone can help.
- Chopping: There are a range of different gadgets to help with chopping food including; ergonomic grip knives, spike boards, electric choppers.
- Non-Slip Mats: These can be really useful to stop bowls/cooking appliances from moving around when in use. They come in a range of different shapes and sizes.
- Can, jar and bottle openers: Opening cans and jars can be very difficult due to reduced grip, strength and dexterity. Grippy lids and electric openers are often helpful for managing this.
- Light weight pans: Reduced weight will make lifting, manoeuvring and pouring from pans easier.
- Peelers/graters: Different options such as peelers with thicker or softer handles, or box graters with a container, can make food preparation easier and more comfortable for people with arthritis or limited grip strength.
- Scissors: Easy grip scissors that cut with just a gentle squeeze, may be easier to use if you have difficulty using traditional scissors. Table top push down scissors are another option to consider which does not require finger movement/control.
- One-handed trays: These trays are a good way to manage carrying items between rooms so you still have one hand free to hold a walking stick or to steady yourself. Another option to consider is a kitchen trolley, please our kitchen trolley before you buy guide for more information.
- Safety in the kitchen: If you are worried about leaving the gas or electric hob on, there are safety devices which cut off the gas or electric supply. Air fryers also turn off automatically after the cooking time is complete. You may find it useful to set up reminders to help with the kitchen tasks on your virtual assistant such as Alexa, or benefit from talking tin lids and label readers. Please also refer to our Technology for Household and Food Preparation Guide.
- Our Taking Care when eating and drinking guide found on our website looks into positioning for eating and drinking and equipment/aids to help with this.