Published by

Zoë on 6th December 2021

Do you fancy yourself a bit of a chef but find that your condition often holds you back? Living with a chronic illness that affects your joints can make some of the processes involved in cooking challenging. Luckily, there are some fantastic kitchen tools out there that have been specially designed to help create an easier, more enjoyable experience. Here are some of our favourites!

 Ucello Kettle 

When you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen, the kettle will see its fair share of use. Lifting and pouring can put unwanted strain on your hands. The Ucello Kettle has been developed to help ease this struggle for arthritis sufferers. According to its manufacturers, it makes pouring a kettle feel “as light as a feather”. Instead of having to pick the heavy kettle up, it rotates on its arc to deliver boiling water safely and steadily.

ProCook Automatic Can Opener

Do you struggle with opening cans? ProCook has the solution – the ProCook Automatic Can Opener. At a touch of a button, this tool will automatically open most cans, including ring pulls, leaving no sharp or jagged edges behind. It also features an integral magnet, enabling it to cleanly remove the lid for mess-free disposal. Just remember to purchase your own batteries!

Kitchen Spread Board with Spikes

If you have a weak and painful grip, preparing food can be burdensome – not to mention unsafe. When you’re working with sharp kitchen knives, a quick slip of the hand or wrist can result in injury. This can be avoided by using the right tools, such as the Kitchen Spread Board with Spikes. Ideal for users who suffer from arthritic conditions, the plastic board features a raised lip on two sides and non-slip feet underneath to keep it securely in place whilst in use. The raised lip will steadily position a slice of bread so you can spread on your topping (butter, jam, marmite – you name it) easily with one hand, and the additional set of stainless steel spikes can be inserted into the board to hold items such as bread, fruit or vegetables in place for peeling, slicing or chopping.

 Long Loop Easi-Grip Scissors

A lot of the food we buy from the supermarket comes with packaging. Swollen, painful joints can make the process of opening this packaging tricky and uncomfortable. While conventional-style scissors can feel like the enemy, Long Loop Easi-Grip Scissors are a welcome addition to the kitchen drawers. Ultra-lightweight and self-opening, they are available to suit both right and left-handed users and have the added benefit of a long loop handle for additional stability. With Christmas on the way, these arthritis-friendly scissors are also ideal for wrapping all those gifts you’ve bought for your loved ones!

 OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler

Galvanised by his own wife’s struggles in the kitchen, due to arthritis in her hands, Sam Farber created OXO Good Grips kitchen tools, a range of “thoughtful” and “comfortable” utensils that benefit all users. The ergonomically-designed range includes the best-selling Swivel Peeler. Its sharp, hardened stainless steel blade easily peels potatoes and vegetables while the cushioned handle won’t slip, even when your hands are wet. This product takes the hassle out of prep, allowing you to relish the time spent cooking all your favourite dishes.

 6-in-1 Multi Opener

Another great kitchen aid for individuals who suffer from arthritis or other conditions that affect grip and upper body strength is the Multi Opener. The utensil has a durable, comfortable grip and can open six different types of seals and lids with ease – from ring pulls and metal bottle caps to jar lids and bottle tops. The enclosed blade of the device can also cleanly slice through tightly sealed bags. What’s not to like about this special can opener for arthritis?

The cooking experience is great but eating the delicious meal you’ve created is the most enjoyable part. If you find using cutlery difficult, try a lightweight alternative. This foam handled collection, for instance, is helpful for those with a weak or painful grip. There’s also the Knork. As its name suggests, the Knork is a combination of a knife and a fork. This clever piece of cutlery, which is weighted with a finger platform on either side, makes it easier to cut and eat food.

We hope that you will benefit from these kitchen-friendly arthritis product suggestions. Why not join the conversation by visiting our Facebook community page Together For Better Days. It’s a platform that features information, inspiration and advice for chronic pain suffers, as well as those supporting them.