Kim Jaye Cooks
ACCESSIBLE EQUIPMENT
Being visually impaired, I naturally rely on my other senses in all aspects of my life, but especially when I am cooking. I listen out for sizzling, bubbling and crackling sounds, I can tell whether a cake is ready simply by touch, I can smell the spices infusing with one another and taste this too.
However, when it comes to accurately measuring quantities and temperatures, not to mention trying to overcome dexterity issues and modern appliances with endless amounts of options and buttons, I am always on the lookout for things that further enable my independence and confidence in the kitchen.
Cooking as a visually impaired individual can pose a few challenges but I have found some really helpful solutions out there. Combined with the techniques I use and the experience that I have, these gadgets have really enabled me to cook up a storm in the kitchen.
With links to demonstrations and more information, some of my favourites are listed below:
Anti-Slip Mug
Finally! A mug I can't knock over! This mug has a suction design enabling it to secure to any flat, non-porous surface, making it resistant to sideways knocks, but can be released when lifted straight upwards. The mug also has twin-wall insulation and a silicone-sealed lid so that the temperature of the liquid remains for longer, keeping my brews hotter for longer.
Kero Talking Tactile Timer
A talking timer that speaks the hours and minutes as you set it, as well as the remaining time in hours, minutes and seconds at the press of a tactile button. Very easy to use, this timer only has four buttons, each different from one another by the use of tactile dots. Perfect for a variety of uses that require timings, such as timing my turn in board games so my kids can't cheat!
Vegetable Peeler Set
I peel a huge amount of vegetables as part of my daily cooking, so having a decent peeler is a must-have for me. These set of three stainless steel peelers offer different serrated edges, distinguishable from each other by tactile silicone handles making it easy to identify the right blade.
Pan Pickle
For use on induction hobs only, these temperature resistant pan pickles are designed to keep pans in place, to act as a visual and physical marker. As the two pan pickles are made from silicone, they adhere easily, and can even be used on countertops for bowls etc. Very useful for me to use on my kitchen work surface when I am using a bowl.
Talking Kitchen Scales
Probably the gadget I use the most in my kitchen. This is a great device that announces weight and volume audibly. Through the easy to operate tactile buttons, I can toggle through all the main units of measurements and it also has a tare function to reset the contents to zero.
The jug itself has a spout for easy pouring, an easy-grip foam handle and bold markings indicating the measurements.
Talking Food Thermometer
With just one button, this thermometer is so easy to use. Cooking meat safety can pose a few challenges when you're visually impaired, but this gadget really helps me maintain my independence.
The thermometer can be easily set to Celsius or Fahrenheit and all you do is put the probe into whichever food or liquid you require and it announces the temperature audibly.
Food Prep Chopping Board
This food preparation chopping board is very useful for me. Not only is the board non-slip, it has three raised sides and the food is held in place on four prongs, allowing for more control when chopping.
I use this board for slicing onions, cheese and even bread. It is so sturdy, it certainly holds everything in place, giving me the confidence to chop away.
RNIB Talking Microwave
In this digital age, with appliances abundant in endless buttons, features and menus, this beautifully simple talking microwave from RNIB is a welcome addition to my kitchen.
There are only four buttons on this microwave, all of which are tactile and can be easily toggled through to find the desired setting. The volume is adjustable and counts down the seconds of remaining cooking time.
RNIB Liquid Level Indicator
Through a series of loud beeps and vibrations, this niffy indicator identifies liquid levels when making a cuppa.
Simply hooked onto the side of my mug, the two lengths of metallic prongs firstly indicate when I have added enough hot water (allowing space to add milk) and then a more rapid alert when I top it up with milk and the liquid level is nearing the top. Perfect!
Talking Measuring Jug
This talking measuring jug is fantastic. With just one click of a button, I can toggle through the different types of liquid to measure water, milk or oil. With another button, I can then select my desired unit. All of this is indicated by a clear talking voice, as are the measurements when they are announced too. It really is that simple!
Chef'N Palm Peeler
With a soft rubber grip that fits my middle finger like a ring, this vegetable peeler sits neatly in the palm of my hand, allowing me to peel vegetables with ease. The blade is good quality, allowing me to do the laborious task of peeling endless potatoes quickly and efficiently.
When I am done, it even has a protective cover over the blade so I don't accidently touch it when it is in the drawer.
I use an electronic tier steamer almost every day in the kitchen. Not only does it allow my vegetables to retain their nutrients and flavour (more so than boiling them in a pan), I also find steaming a much safer method to cook food. Cooking with a steamer allows me reduce my contact with pans of boiling liquid which is great for me as a visually impaired person.
Tier Food Steamer