Kitchen appliances and aids for older people

Your kitchen is at the heart of your home and so it's particularly important that the space remains accessible. Our research shows that making just a couple of adjustments to your appliances can make a big difference to your confidence in the kitchen.

In our expert guide, we take a closer look at kitchen products that could prove invaluable if you spend lots of time in the kitchen. Our list of recommendations includes smaller items such as double-handed saucepans and kettle tippers, along with bigger appliances – microwaves with large displays, and anti-flood dishwashers, for example.

Keep scrolling for an overview of how kitchen appliances are adapted to suit accessibility needs. Plus, we've dropped in some recommendations from Which? product experts who test kitchen products all year round.

Treat yourself to a break after rustling up a meal in the kitchen – our expert reviews uncover the best riser recliner chairs.

Best ovens and hobs for older people

Some users might find operating an oven or hob difficult because of impaired vision or reduced strength or dexterity. We believe there is still work to be done by manufacturers to make them more user-friendly.

When shopping for an electric or ceramic glass hob, we suggest you look for a model that has dials or buttons – touch-sensitive controls might prove tricky for those with limited movement in their hands, plus the text/symbols can be tricky to make out.

You also need to consider residual heat, which affects ceramic hobs. These work by heating the glass, which transfers to pots and pans. Ceramic hobs can take a while to cool down even after they've been switched off, which is why many are fitted with warning lights. Note that induction hobs aren't as affected by residual heat as they work using an electromagnetic field.

When deciding which built-in ovens are deserving of being a Best Buy, we pay close attention to ease of use. In fact, we use an independent panel to assess how easy each oven is to operate – they check for clear markings and note how straightforward it is to operate the various settings. Our panel members also load and unload the oven and grill, assessing how easy it is to check up on food while it's cooking.

If you're looking to make your setup more accessible, consider the following:

• Bumpons – these are self-adhesive raised dots, available from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). You can attach them next to the oven or hob settings that are used most frequently. Use them on other appliances, too, such as the microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.
• Knob turners – knobs can become difficult to turn if they’re small or stiff, or if they require more than one type of action, such as pushing and turning at the same time. Knob turners provide a large handle to grip, offering extra leverage.
• Kitchen trolley – If carrying heavier items is an issue, invest in a trolley to move hot pans from the stove or oven to your work surface or kitchen table. Expect to spend around £20 to £40.
• Double-handed saucepans – these are easier to lift (and therefore safer) than traditional pans, as you can use both hands.

Ideally, the oven should be in a spot that's easy to reach. We've seen some models that have a side-opening door, which means you don't need to lean over to retrieve items tucked inside.

Models to consider

Although the ovens listed below weren't specifically designed with accessibility in mind, they all score well in our ease-of-use tests.

• Oven A – this feature-packed single oven has nine functions, including conventional top and bottom heat, fan and grill, rapid heat-up and a defrost setting. It has a digital minute minder that will alert you when the cooking time has elapsed.
• Oven B – a double oven controlled using a mixture of four retractable dials and touch controls. It has a minute minder and a delayed start, plus a selection of autocook options.
• Oven C – a built-under oven that can cook using fanned heat or conventional static heat. This model has telescopic shelf runners, handy when sliding heavy dishes in and out.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations above. If you’re not yet a member, join Which to get instant access to all of our online reviews. 

We've also heard from a number of Which? readers who recommend mini ovens. These smaller appliances are designed to sit on a kitchen counter and take up less space than a regular oven. You might find them better suited as they can be positioned at the optimal height. Prices are usually between £60 and £250.

If you don't want to invest in a mini oven, a microwave equipped with a grill could be a good alternative.

To see which models from big-name brands have impressed in our test lab, check our built-in oven reviews.

Best microwave ovens

Although microwaves aren’t as versatile as conventional ovens, they can prove very useful for certain tasks. Microwaves will cook or heat food more quickly, therefore proving more energy efficient as well as being relatively compact appliances.

If accessibility is a key concern, you'll be shopping for a model that's straightforward to use. It’s unlikely you’ll need a great variety of settings or additional features, so stick to the basics.

Here are some features to consider when buying a microwave for someone with limited mobility or dexterity or visual impairment:

• Large screens – owning a microwave with a big display will save you from having to lean closer to the appliance to make sense of what's on-screen.
• A clear viewing window – this makes it easier to check on your food. Try to avoid models with reflective doors or window grids that are tricky to look through.
• A large door – this is a nice bonus from an accessibility standpoint, as it makes it easier to retrieve heavy or hot dishes. Look for wide-opening or drop-down doors.
• Cooking sensors – some microwaves have a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts the cooking time. This is handy if you're prone to forgetting how long your food has been in, or perhaps you'd just appreciate the peace of mind.
• Tactile controls – these are available on some (but not all) models. Just as with conventional ovens, you can place raised dots (bumpons) near the microwave's controls.
• Audio feedback – some users will benefit from having a microwave that beeps when you make a selection.
• 'Talking' microwaves – we've seen a selection of mini ovens and microwaves with a ‘talking’ feature, which is useful for those who are partially sighted. Among other things, these microwaves advise users to ‘stir food’, ‘allow food to cool’ or ‘close door’.
• Clearly labelled buttons – an accessible microwave will feature clear function labels shown in a large font. If the microwave has a digital display, it should be brightly lit.

Models to consider:

Although the microwaves listed below weren't specifically designed with accessibility in mind, they all score well in our ease-of-use tests.

• Microwave A – This microwave is easy to use and has clearly labelled controls. Cleaning inside and outside this microwave is a breeze, but you’ll need to buff the viewing window to remove pesky fingerprints and marks.
• Microwave B – The digital controls are clearly labelled and sufficiently spaced out. The instruction manual is excellent and written in a large font size. There’s a troubleshooting guide to fall back on and a quick-start guide if you don’t want to read the whole manual.
• Microwave C – There are only two dials so the controls are easy to work out. And if you have dexterity issues, opening the door wouldn’t be an issue as it needs only one button press.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations above. If you’re not yet a member, join Which to get instant access to all of our online reviews. 

To see which microwaves have earned Best Buy status in our tests, consult our guide to the best microwaves.

Best cookers for older people

If you’re having difficulties using the cooker, perhaps because the oven is too low or the hob is too high, think about buying a new one better suited to your needs.

Look out for the following helpful features:

• A large display – this needs to be positioned where it can be easily read. After all, you don't want to burn your food or select the wrong cooking mode.
• Safe, accessible controls – your cooker needs to have dials and switches that are easy to use and reach, preferably at the front so you don’t have to lean over the hob. Each control needs to be clearly labelled and they shouldn't get hot when the hob or oven is being used.
• Ignition and cut-off – for a gas oven, look for automatic ignition for the hobs and oven, and an automatic cut-off function if the gas hob is turned on but not ignited.
• A built-in oven timer – this will prevent you from overcooking your food. Note that the ideal cooker will have an alarm that's loud enough to be heard from another room in your home.

If you’re finding it difficult to bend down to get to the oven, consider installing a separate oven at a height where you can easily see what’s inside, and can place dishes on an oven shelf that’s level with a work surface. A pull-out shelf under the oven can make a useful temporary resting place for hot dishes.

Models to consider

Although the cookers listed below weren't specifically designed with accessibility in mind, they all score well in our ease-of-use tests.

• Cooker A – a dual-fuel range cooker with lights that make it easy to see food whilst it's cooking. This model has large glass panels and you can easily remove those when you need to clean the inside of the appliance.
• Cooker B – there’s nothing too complicated about this Great Value cooker. It has a basic control panel and is operated using seven dials.
• Cooker C – this Best Buy double electric cooker is fitted with several safety elements, including anti-tip chrome shelving in the top oven and a thermal safety feature to prevent overheating. The control panel is angled upwards, so you don't have to bend down to use it.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations above. If you’re not yet a member, join Which to get instant access to all of our online reviews. 

For more help, check our expert advice on the best freestanding cookers and best range cookers.

Best fridge freezers for older people

Buying a new fridge freezer is no longer a case of picking between a freestanding or a built-in model, as there are now more features to choose from than ever before.

Models with the fridge at the top are ideal if you have difficulty leaning down, since fridges tend to be used more frequently than freezers. You should also look for a model with temperature controls that are easy to reach.

Other useful accessibility features found on some fridge freezers include:

• Built-in alarm – this will alert you if the door is left open for longer than it should be. If your current model doesn't have one, invest in a small, standalone device that sits in the fridge and makes a noise when the fridge door is open.
• A frost-free function – you can save yourself energy and hours of time by investing in a frost-free fridge freezer.
• Sliding drawers – Picking a fridge freezer with drawers or baskets that slide closer towards you will make it easier to reach ingredients.
• Large handles – opt for a model with handles spanning the majority of each compartment.
• Internal lighting – a bright interior fridge light is crucial if your vision's impaired. Plus, remember that food is easier to see in a wire basket than in an opaque plastic container.

Ease of use is a key factor when testing fridge freezers in the Which? lab. Our experts note how sturdy shelves and drawers are, how smoothly drawers slide in and out, and whether you can fit a two-litre bottle of water in the door rack.

Models to consider

Although the fridge freezers listed below weren't specifically designed with accessibility in mind, they all score well in our ease-of-use tests.

• Fridge freezer A – The doors are reversible and can be set up to open in whichever direction is best for your kitchen layout. Several of the fridge shelves and door racks can be adjusted and the interior is well-lit, so it’s easy to see what’s inside. We found it easy to clean.
• Fridge freezer B – A frost-free fridge freezer with plenty of adjustable shelves and door racks. This model is very easy to clean, and apart from a couple of gaps around the drawer frames and air ducts the fridge isn’t too bad either.
• Fridge freezer C – We didn’t encounter any issues using or cleaning this Bosch. It also runs pretty quietly and has super freeze and super cool settings (handy if you’ve just put a large batch of shopping in it).

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations above. If you’re not yet a member, join Which to get instant access to all of our online reviews. 

Consult our expert guide on the best fridge freezers, or instead explore our full range of fridge freezer reviews.

Best dishwashers for older people

Washing up can take a lot of time and energy so, if space allows, consider installing a dishwasher. The best ones can also be more efficient in terms of hot water and energy use.

Some useful dishwasher features to look out for include:

• Physical buttons rather than electronic touch pads – electronic inputs can be more fiddly. Make sure the buttons are clearly labelled, too.
• Anti-flood devices – these stop the dishwasher from filling further if there's water in its base.
• Baskets that slide in and out – you want the process of loading and unloading to be as simple as possible. If you have impaired vision, you could benefit from a model that has drawers in a contrasting colour.
• Filters that are easy to reach – some models have a filter compartment in a spot that's tricky to get to.
• Feedback – pick a dishwasher that lights up or beeps when a cleaning mode is selected. That way, you know for certain that your command has been registered.

Several manufacturers now produce compact dishwashers that are approximately half the size of standard models and ideal for kitchens where space is limited or if you’re living alone. You might also find it easier to open a model with a lightweight door.

A table-top dishwasher could also be worth a closer look for wheelchair users, or if you'd prefer having the appliance at chest height to avoid bending down.

Models to consider

Although the dishwashers listed below weren't specifically designed with accessibility in mind, they all score well in our ease-of-use tests.

• Dishwasher A – a full-sized, fully integrated dishwasher that's straightforward to load. It has a range of easy-to-set programs and the door opens automatically to help with drying at the end of the cycle.
• Dishwasher B – this freestanding dishwasher is both a Which? Best Buy and an Eco Buy. It can automatically choose the best program for the load depending on your answers to a few simple questions. We had no issues adjusting the height of the upper rack and appreciate the well laid-out control panel with LED lights.
• Dishwasher C – another high-scoring, easy-to-use dishwasher. The programs have LED indicator lights to show when they’ve been selected, and loading and unloading the racks is a breeze.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations above. If you’re not yet a member, join Which to get instant access to all of our online reviews. 

Consult our expert guide on the best dishwashers, or instead explore our full range of dishwasher reviews.

Best kettles for older people

If your kettle is becoming heavy to lift, look for a model that’s lightweight or consider getting a travel kettle, as these are smaller and typically weigh less than a regular kettle. 

One-cup kettles boil enough water for only one cup, and reduce the need for pouring – a task that’s often difficult if you have limited strength or dexterity. Electric kettles are generally safer than stove-top kettles, because they have an automatic cut-off function.

You may also benefit from:

• A water level indicator that’s easy to read.
• A visual alert, such as a blue or red light, to show when the water is boiling.
• An on/off switch that’s easy to operate and is in an accessible position.

To see which kettles are best if you have reduced dexterity, strength or sight, see our expert guide on the best easy-to-use kettles.

Models to consider:

Although the kettles listed below weren't specifically designed with accessibility in mind, they all score well in our ease-of-use tests.

• Kettle A – we had no issues with the knob for opening the lid or the ‘on’ switch, as both are well designed and don’t require much force. This model can be filled either through the spout or through the lid opening without much hassle, and the window water gauge is clear and easy to read.
• Kettle C – an eco-friendly kettle that's particularly easy to use. It has a lid that's easy to pull off, and it's lightweight as well. The water level is easy to see from any angle.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations above. If you’re not yet a member, join Which to get instant access to all of our online reviews. 

Kettle tippers

Kettle tippers are special frames that fit most types of jug kettles. They enable you to tip the kettle and pour it without the need to lift it.

Tippers are suitable for people who have difficulty with lifting the kettle and are at risk of scalding. You still need to be able to fill up the kettle, as it will be fastened into the tipper. Using a plastic jug can often be the best solution.

Instant hot-water taps

A good alternative to using a kettle is having an instant hot water tap (also called boiling water taps) fitted to the kitchen sink. These provide instant boiling water on demand for cooking and drinks. Although expensive, they offer several advantages over a kettle. 

For more details, see our advice on boiling water taps. Otherwise, browse our guide uncovering the best kettles.

What are tap turners and lever taps?

Check that kitchen taps are well maintained and don’t require a high degree of strength to turn on and off. If you have trouble turning the taps, the following products can be helpful.

• Tap turners (shown below): usually have a handle at one end and a ‘head’ at the other that fits over a tap head to give you more leverage. There are a range of turners available to suit different types of tap.
• Lever taps: are easier to use than taps that need to be turned or twisted. They can be fitted to most sinks in place of the existing taps. Some systems have a single tap, instead of two separate hot and cold taps. If choosing this type, it’s important to check that the hot and cold settings are easy to see and select.

Kitchen safety monitors and alarms

There are monitors available for detecting different risks in the kitchen and other areas of the home.

As well as smoke alarms, which should be fitted in all homes, other detectors relevant to the kitchen include gas, heat and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as flood alarms to detect overflowing water.

Stove alarms are useful for those who are easily distracted or forgetful and could leave the cooker turned on and unattended. Read more about memory aids that help people with memory problems to stay safe at home – from smart pill dispensers to digital memory aids.

Monitors and alarms can also be incorporated into a telecare system, which can send an alert to a monitoring centre or a carer if there’s a problem.

Adapted cutlery and kitchen utensils

There's a wide range of products available for those finding it difficult to manage with standard utensils. The list includes:

• Angled cutlery (shown above) – designed to make self-feeding simpler if you have limited movement in your wrist.
• Multi-purpose cutlery – you can shop for cutlery that features a fork on one end and a spoon on the other.
• Knives with a rocking edge – these work without using the sawing action of a standard knife.
• Adapted plates and bowls – can feature an anti-spill design or a raised 'plate surround' to keep food in place.
• Adapted mugs – you might want to try a two-handed cup if you need assistance lifting, or a mug with a detachable lid.
• Kitchen trolleys– if you're sufficiently mobile, a trolley can help to move food and drinks from the kitchen to another room. Ensure there’s enough room to use the trolley, particularly when turning around, and check for rugs or loose carpets that could stop it from moving.
• Talking scales – useful if you have limited vision, as you'll know the weight of your ingredients without having to look at a display.

For a selection of our tests, our experts use a pair of Cambridge Gloves to identify products that are easy to use for those with limited movement in their hands. Using this equipment, we've rounded up suitable salt and pepper grinders, tin openers, hand blenders and kitchen scissors.

Many examples of adapted cutlery and kitchen utensils can be found on the Living Made Easy website.

Where to buy kitchen appliances and gadgets for older people

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, make sure you pay attention to the shop's returns policy.

Popular retailers that stock kitchen appliances and gadgets for older people include:

• Amazon sells all of the accessories covered in our section above on 'adapted cutlery and kitchen utensils'. It also stocks mini ovens and table-top dishwashers.
• Argos offers mini ovens designed to sit on your kitchen worktop. It also has a selection of smaller products to support accessibility needs in the kitchen, including kitchen trolleys and talking scales.
• Currys has a variety of compact ovens for your worktop. Of course, it also stocks full-size appliances – make sure you consult our guide for key features before you part with your money, though.

Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members in our expert guide to the best and worst shops.

Identify your needs

If you’re unsure which aids would be most useful, or need further information, consider making an appointment with an occupational therapist (OT), who can help to assess your needs and make recommendations.