Arthritis Kitchen Aids: 10 Simple Tools That Make Cooking and Carrying Easier

When your hands are stiff or sore, the kitchen can feel like an obstacle course. Jar lids will not budge, thin cutlery handles are hard to hold, cupboard doors need pinching to open, and carrying a full mug across the room takes more grip than you have to spare.

The good news is that a few simple daily living aids can make a big difference. Some cost very little, and many look just like ordinary kitchen kit. Here are 10 of the most useful, along with a few habits that help.

Opening and preparing

1. A jar and bottle opener

A rubber grip pad or a wall mounted jar opener does the twisting for you, so you need far less grip strength. Many people with arthritis say this is the first aid they buy.

2. An electric can opener

Manual can openers need a strong, steady squeeze. An electric one does the work at the press of a button.

3. Lightweight pans with two handles

Heavy cast iron looks lovely but it is hard on sore wrists. Lighter pans with a helper handle on the opposite side let you lift with both hands and spread the load.

4. A kettle tipper

A kettle tipper holds your kettle in a cradle, so you can pour by tilting it rather than lifting it. It is one of the simplest ways to make a cup of tea safer.

5. A perching stool

A tall stool lets you sit while you chop, wash up or wait for the kettle, which takes pressure off painful joints and saves energy for the rest of the day.

Gripping and holding

6. Thicker handles for cutlery and utensils

Thin handles force your fingers to curl tightly, which can be painful. A thicker, softer handle is easier to hold with a relaxed grip. Our Grip Toggle is a soft silicone grip that slides onto the handles of everyday things like cutlery, pens and toothbrushes, so you can use the items you already own rather than buying a special set.

7. Easy pull handles for cupboards and drawers

Small knobs and slim handles need a pinch grip. Larger D shaped handles or stick on grips are easier. Our Sticky Toggle is a soft silicone grip that sticks onto flat, smooth surfaces such as gloss cupboard doors, drawers or a laptop lid, giving you something easy to pull without gripping tightly.

8. Lever taps

Swapping round twist taps for lever taps means you can turn the water on with the back of your hand or your wrist. Tap turners that fit over existing taps are a cheaper alternative.

Carrying

9. A one handed tray

Carrying is often the hardest part. Holding a flat tray from underneath, or gripping a mug handle while you walk, puts a lot of strain on fingers and wrists, and a spill is never far away.

The Topple Tray is held from above by a single stainless steel handle, and the tray hangs beneath your hand, balancing itself under gravity so cups stay level as you walk. You carry the weight in your palm rather than pinching the edge of a tray, and you can take 3 to 4 drinks, or a plate and a drink, in one trip instead of several.

• Weighs just 750g
• Full stainless steel and dishwasher safe
• Non slip neoprene mats stop cups sliding
• Leaves your other hand free for a door, a light switch or a bannister

10. A kitchen trolley

For larger loads on a flat floor, a sturdy wheeled trolley lets you push rather than carry. Ask an occupational therapist which type suits your home.

Habits that help

• Use bigger joints. Push doors open with your forearm or hip, and carry bags over your forearm rather than in your fingers.
• Slide, do not lift. Slide heavy pans along the worktop rather than lifting them.
• Keep everyday items within easy reach, between waist and shoulder height.
• Pace yourself. Spread jobs across the day and take breaks between tasks.
• Buy prepared food on bad days. Pre chopped vegetables and grated cheese are not cheating.

Getting expert advice

An occupational therapist can assess your kitchen and suggest aids that suit your hands and your home. Your GP can refer you, and in many areas you can contact your local council's adult social care team directly. The charity Versus Arthritis also has helpful information and a supportive online community.

Living with a tremor as well? Read our guide on how a no spill tray can help with a tremor.

Frequently asked questions

What kitchen aids help with arthritis?

Popular arthritis kitchen aids include jar openers, electric can openers, kettle tippers, lightweight pans, thicker cutlery handles, easy pull cupboard grips, lever taps, a perching stool and a one handed tray for carrying drinks.

How can I make cutlery easier to hold with arthritis?

Thicker, softer handles let you hold cutlery with a more relaxed grip. A slide on grip such as the Grip Toggle fits onto cutlery you already own.

How can I carry drinks with arthritis in my hands?

Avoid pinching thin mug handles or the edges of a tray. A one handed tray held from above, such as the Topple Tray, lets you carry several drinks with one hand and keeps them level as you walk.

Can I get daily living aids for arthritis on the NHS?

Some aids may be provided after an occupational therapy assessment. Ask your GP or local council's adult social care team about what is available in your area.

Make the kitchen easier, one job at a time. Pre-order the Topple Tray, or explore the Grip Toggle and Sticky Toggle.