6 Kitchen Tools to Make Your Everyday Cooking Easier

Perching Stool

Perching stools provide supportive seating whilst completing everyday tasks like cooking, ironing and washing. They can support you by helping to reduce the strain on your legs and back, thanks to their angled seat and sturdy frame.

Perching stools come in a range of styles and colours with optional armrests or backrests for added comfort. They offer a practical way to maintain your independence and reduce fatigue.

Reduced pressure when semi‑upright, support during daily activities, height‑adjustable legs, stable non‑slip frames,

Having a height adjustable leg with non-slip rubber ferrules enable you to easily adjust the height of the stool to your own needs.

Remember the stool is not designed to act as a chair, but is designed to enable you to perch on it whilst keeping your feet flat on the floor.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Will support you to complete daily activities more independently.
Can be adjusted to suit different users’ heights/needs.
Can increase your engagement in daily tasks.
Maintains your sense of remaining in control.
Reduces shortness of breath and decreasing energy consumption.

Cons:

Do not use on uneven flooring.
Do not use as a chair due to the angled seat potentially causing postural issues such as pelvic tilt.

Black perching stool with armrests, cushioned backrest, and rubber-tipped legs for support, side view.

10961

VAT Relief

Drive

Perching Stool - White

(1)

Manufactured from high grade steel with a tough plastic coating this adjustable height perching stool is extremely heavy duty. It features tubular arms and a padded backrest and seat with the latter being angled for improved posture.

Height adjustable
Fixed arms and padded backrest
Non-slip rubber feet

£76.67

with VAT Relief

£92.00 Incl. VAT

View Product

Dycem Non Slip Mats

The dycem non slip mat may seem like a simple piece of equipment, that is often overlooked but its impact can be widely felt in all aspects of daily life.

It provides a strong grip on dry surfaces like tables, trays, and worktops, helping to keep objects steady and helps to stop items from slipping It isn’t sticky to the touch, but it grips well to help you open jars, hold items safely, or keep things from moving. It is great for supporting your plate/bowl/cup whilst eating and drinking, preparing food, writing, or any task where objects might slide around.

The mats are offered in bright contrasting colours, which can assist those with reduced sight.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Simple to clean - Just wash the mat in warm, soapy water and let it dry completely.
Long‑lasting - With normal care, your Dycem mat should last for many years.

Cons:

Surfaces – to gain the most from your mat ensure that you use it on flat surfaces to reduce the risks of items slipping or falling.

10427

Dycem

Dycem Non Slip Mat Rectangular 250x180mm - Blue

(1)

Dycem mats have been developed to produce the most effective non-slip material available. The non-slip mat is not sticky but it grips dry slippery surfaces

£33.50

Not eligible for VAT Relief

View Product

Case study:
We supported Virginia, whose fierce independence and house pride make her hate asking anyone for assistance. However, Virginia was becoming increasingly limited due to her increased fatigue and shortness of breath; she was struggling to stand at her kitchen counter to prepare and cook meals.
Providing her with a perching stool with armrests and a backrest, and setting it at the correct height, allowed her to perch at the kitchen counter to complete her meal preparation. Virginia was also able to use a Dycem mat in a range of ways, such as under her chopping board to prevent sliding, and under the cutlery she would require to prevent additional bending/reaching.
Virginia was now able to complete all her meal preparation tasks as well as additional items such as washing and drying the dishes. She was also able to clean up after herself independently, and these small, simple pieces of equipment prevented her from having to ask for help or show others that she was struggling.

Stainless Steel Cooking Basket

Many people do not like to admit that they struggle with preparing meals, which is an activity that we all for most of our lives. However, what happens when we start to struggle with these tasks, if our hands/wrists struggle to lift a hot saucepan full of boiling water.

Although this is a simple solution it is not one that most people would naturally think to do. A steel cooking basking will enable you to cook safely as using the basket reduces the risk of burns and makes cooking easier.

It is easy to use, simply place your vegetables and other foods in the basket and put it in the hot saucepan. Instead of lifting and emptying a hot saucepan, you simply lift the basket out to drain the water safely and leave the water left in the saucepan to cool.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Easy to store - The basket folds flat, so it takes up very little space in your cupboard.
Durable and easy to clean - Made from strong stainless steel and safe to put in the dishwasher.
Multi‑purpose - Suitable for a range of foods, not just vegetables.

Cons:

Sizing – ensure you check the depth and width of your pans at home to check the basket will fit in your home.

Aidapt stainless steel collapsible cooking basket with handle for straining vegetables, side view.

15945

VAT Relief

Aidapt

Stainless Steel Cooking Basket

The Stainless Steel Cooking Basket allows vegetables and other food to be cooked and strained without having to lift a pan of boiling hot water. It conveniently folds flat for easy storage. Reduces the risk of burning whilst draining boiling water.

Cook food without having to lift pan of boiling water
Folds flat for easy storage
Reduces risk of burning whilst draining boiling water

£4.92

with VAT Relief

£5.90 Incl. VAT

View Product

Case study:
Mo struggled with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, which was causing him weakness and sensory issues with his hands and wrists. He was increasingly concerned with manging his meal preparation tasks as he was struggling to lift pans and was worried about burning himself due to a loss of sensations in his hands.
Mo was looking for some small simple items which he could use whilst keeping his splint in place and a wire cooking basket was the answer for him. Using this meant that he was only lifting the weight of the food he was cooking and he did not need to worry about lifting heavier pans which could have caused him unnecessary pain and discomfort.

One Touch Can Opener

At one point or another, most of us have struggled and gotten frustrated when trying to open a can while cooking. The One Touch Can Opener works faster and with less effort, helping you open cans safely and independently.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Works on most cans - It can cut all shapes and sizes of cans that are 52 mm or larger.
Improved design - It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and batteries are quicker to replace.
Faster and longer‑lasting - One set of batteries can open around 100 cans!

Cons:

Environment – due to being an electrical device, do not submerge in water.
Pressurised cans – due to the nature of this item opening cans, do not use on any pressurised cans.

11724

Homecraft

One Touch Can Opener

(4)

A faster way to open cans of all types and sizes. The new improved One Touch can opener has been redesigned with several improvements.

£19.90

Not eligible for VAT Relief

View Product

Case study:
Elias has Dupuytren’s contractures, which means that his little and ring fingers are bent towards his palm. As a result, he was struggling with a range of kitchen tasks. He was no longer able to hold, twist and operate a can opener and did not have the hand dexterity to hold and use a pull-ring can.
Therefore, an item such as the One Touch was an ideal solution for him as he was able to place it on his cans and simply press a button to allow the device to do the tasks for him. This meant that he was not struggling for ages, and holding the cans did not cause him additional wrist pain.

Etac Food Preparation Board

The use of both hands is something that many people do not realise how important it is until something happens. When it does there are things such as this that can help maintain your confidence, safety and independence.

The Etac food preparation board is designed for people who have reduced strength or movement in their hands or arms, or for anyone who needs to prepare food using one hand.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Keeps food steady and safe - The board has vice‑style grips that hold food, bowls, or other kitchen tools firmly in place while you chop or mix.
Ideal for small or tricky items - It includes a detachable spiked plate that holds smaller pieces of food securely, so they don’t slip while cutting.
Easy to clean - The board is dishwasher safe, making it simple to keep clean and hygienic.

Cons:

Environment – whilst this item does have nonslip grips for stability, as you will be cutting and using sharp items, always ensure that it is done on a flat surface for added security.

Etac Food Preparation Board in use, tomato being sliced with chopped tomatoes and basil plant nearby, close-up view.

10333

VAT Relief

Etac

Etac Food Preparation Board

The Etac Food Preparation Board has vice type jaws that can hold food or a piece of kitchen equipment and a detachable spiked plate which can hold small pieces of food for cutting.

£52.42

with VAT Relief

£62.90 Incl. VAT

View Product

Case study:
Catherine struggled with right-sided arm weakness in her dominant hand, following a stroke. As a result, she was struggling with her kitchen tasks and relied on her family for help.
I recommended her to get a Etac Food Preparation Board & some Easi-Grip knives to enable her to increase her movement and engagement in meal preparation activities.
By using the board, she was able to hold items such as potatoes still, preventing them from rolling away from her while she was cutting. A set of Easi-grip knives with an angled, wide grip also allowed her to comfortably hold the knife in her affected hand, helping her prepare her food and increase her range of movement and hand strength.

Height Adjustable Kitchen Trolley with Brakes

A height-adjustable kitchen trolley with brakes can be a real game-changer for those who are starting to struggle with their mobility, especially when they need to carry items short distances.

We all know people who are at the early stages of mobility problems, where they start reaching for furniture to help them walk. Something like a kitchen trolley can be a really great starting point for many of us.

There are many different types of trolleys available. This is the one we recommend for many people, because it lets you raise the walker's height and includes brakes to improve the user’s control.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Height adjustment - this can make the equipment so much more effective as it will prevent the need for bending over, which can cause back pain and prevent the person from looking where they need to go.
Brakes – being able to slow down and control walking can be a great benefit and increases confidence.
Lockable brakes – being able to push down on the brakes to lock them in place will prevent the walker from rolling away from you when you are sat down.
Shelves – the walker has 2 supportive, robust shelves which can support you to carry meals as well as the daily items that you may require.
Compatible with Dycem Non Slip Mat for additional security and stability.

Cons:

Indoor use only – due to the size and style of the wheels, these are only designed for indoor use.
Incorrect height – ensure that you set the height correctly to prevent unwanted leaning/bending.

The correct height should be comfortable when standing upright, with a slight bend in your elbows while holding the handles.

Height adjustable kitchen trolley with four wheels, two beige trays, and hand brakes, shown from the side.

14111

VAT Relief

Aidapt

Height Adjustable Kitchen Trolley with Brakes

Ideal for transferring meals and various items around the home the Height Adjustable Kitchen Trolley with Brakes is a handy mobility aid that's created with highly durable materials.

Suitable for use around the home
Handle brakes for added peace of mind
Clip on/off trays are easy to clean and maintain

£112.50

with VAT Relief

£135.00 Incl. VAT

View Product

Case Study:
Ivor lives in a small bungalow with his wife. After struggling with his hips for a long time, he is on the waiting list for a hip replacement. During this time, he asked me about what he could do to stay independent and still be able to take his wife a cup of coffee.
He had been struggling and having to hold onto doorways and the armchair to help ease the aches in his joints, which was causing him to be unsteady and at risk, particularly when carrying hot drinks.
Although he had been provided with a 4-wheeled walker (for outside use), this did not fit within their bungalow, and therefore, a narrower option, such as a kitchen trolley with brakes, was a clear solution for Ivor and his wife. This enabled him to continue doing what he enjoyed whilst supporting his balance and minimising the risks of harm/spillages.

At Manage At Home, we understand that small kitchen challenges can quickly erode your confidence and independence. The right equipment does not need to be complicated or expensive, but it should be practical, reliable, and suited to your individual needs.

From supportive seating and non-slip solutions to simple food preparation aids and mobility support, each of these products is designed to make everyday tasks safer and more manageable. You can explore a wide range of these solutions within our Manage At Home Kitchen & Dining section, where products such as perching stools, non-slip mats, kitchen trolleys and preparation aids are designed specifically to support daily living. Perching stools, for example, are commonly used in kitchens to reduce strain and support users during food preparation tasks.

Taking the time to identify where you need the most support can help you choose equipment that genuinely improves your day-to-day routine. By making small, considered changes, it is often possible to continue preparing meals safely and independently at home for longer.