Top pick
Built-up weighted easy-grip utensils
$9.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Thick, weighted handles for hands that shake or ache.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
Kitchen and eating
Arthritis and tremors turn ordinary jobs into the hardest part of the day: opening a jar, holding a fork, lifting a full kettle. How picks are chosen
What to look for
- Fat, cushioned handles need far less grip than thin ones.
- Lighter pots and cups do more for a sore wrist than any gadget.
- When grip is nearly gone, go electric. A leverage opener still asks for a squeeze.
All Kitchen and eating picks
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Top pick
Electric jar opener
$20.69 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Opens tight jar lids without any gripping or twisting.
Good to know: It's slower than a strong pair of hands and runs on batteries, so keep a rubber grip pad in the drawer for the day it's dead.
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Scoop dishes and plate guards
$8.00 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
For one-handed or tremor eating.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
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Top pick
Talking liquid level indicator
$16.35 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Pour without overflowing, for low vision.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
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Top pick
One-touch electric kettle
$25.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
No heavy pot of boiling water.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
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Top pick
Electric can opener
$35.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Hands-free opening.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Weighted cups with two handles
$17.95 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Steadier drinking.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
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Top pick
Rev-A-Shelf heavy-duty stand mixer lift
$168.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Spring-loaded shelf raises a heavy stand mixer to counter height, so there's no lifting it out of the cabinet.
Good to know:
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You run out of this.
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Top pick
Rev-A-Shelf pull-out waste container with soft-close
A 35-quart bin that slides out of the base cabinet and closes itself.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
See the weak hands and arthritis kit
Common questions
- What helps someone keep eating independently with a weak grip?
- Built-up, lightweight utensils with thick foam handles help most, since they need far less grip than thin metal. Add a plate guard or a nonslip mat so food and dishes don't slide.
- What is the easiest way to open jars with arthritis?
- An electric jar opener does the gripping and twisting for you. For cans and bottles, leverage-based openers multiply a little hand strength.