Most kitchens are packed with implements as big and weighty as cast-iron Dutch ovens and small appliances and as tiny as measuring spoons and grapefruit forks. Yet out of all of those hundreds of items, consider how few are appropriate for the arthritic cook.

Arthritic persons who love to cook are often frustrated at how inappropriate most kitchen implements are. We have compiled a list of the major items any arthritic cook needs in order to prepare—and to eat—healthy, tasty home-cooked meals. And all without resorting to tasteless microwaved or restaurant meals.

Kitchen Openers for Arthritic Persons: Caps, Jars, Lids, and More

Tight jars, bottles, and cans have to be the number one complaint for persons suffering from arthritis. In fact, the jars and bottles don’t even have to be very tight for them to frustrate any cook — arthritic and non-arthritic alike.

Some manufacturers of kitchen openers have gotten smart about this — making openers that help arthritic persons open tough packaging in a jiffy. These range from aids as simple as silicone grippers that can be stored after use…to cabinet- or wall-mounted jar openers always ready for easy opening.

Cooking, Cutting, Slicing, and Spreading Tools for Arthritic Persons

Here’s where the true art of cooking begins. Knives are often a particular source of concern because of the discomfort associated with holding the handle. Not to mention: sharp blades are involved! Manufacturers of adapted cooking products have really stepped up to the plate in recent years by providing easy-to-grip knives and graters designed for arthritic persons.

What an amazing variety of knives, slicers, graters, and peelers are now available! How about special cutting boards, too? Bread spreader boards and pot holders (not the mitt type of holder, but the type that holds a pot to the stove) take the arthritic cook from raw food to cooked delicacy with speed and comfort.

The Arthritic Cook Serves Dinner: Adapted Plates, Utensils, and Cups

Now that dinner is cooked, is it served yet? Yes. And eaten? Yes again. Perhaps the widest range of kitchen items for arthritic cooks — and arthritic diners — is in the area of specially adapted eating implements.

Plates and bowls adapted for arthritics offer guards, scoops, and lips for keeping food on the plate. But what about plates that seem to have a mind of their own and slide off the table? Available too are special plates that hold fast to the table.

What arthritic person hasn’t found liquids to be even more elusive than food? A vast array of cups and glasses for arthritics, with special handles, grips, lids, and straws, ensure that the beverage gets to the mouth—every time, and without a drop spilled.