The appliances you use can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Using greener items can reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals, save energy and water, and improve efficiency.
Occupational therapists are also seeing new appliance offerings that provide accessibility for people of all abilities. For example, washer-dryer pairs with side opening doors and accessible controls are becoming available.
- Food Slicers
Food slicers are appliances that can help you cut a variety of foods into uniform slices. They can also be used to create wedges and other shapes. These kitchen appliances can be found in simple models that are suitable for use at home or larger versions intended for restaurant-style food slicing.
A specialized type of food slicer called an egg slicer can be used to quickly and easily cut boiled eggs into more or less equal pieces. The slices are then added to salads or casseroles for a more attractive presentation.
Although some people may consider a meat slicer to be a luxury appliance, it can save you money and reduce the amount of time spent slicing deli meats and other prepared foods at home. However, these machines tend to be quite heavy and not something that you will likely want to have sitting on your counter permanently.
- Food Prep Tools
Making meals from scratch can feel like magic when you see a handful of ingredients turn into muffins, a veggie medley and more. But there are days when you wish your magic wand was faster, especially when you’re trying to make a week’s worth of healthy meals.
Thankfully, the right tools can help make meal prep less of a chore. For example, a digital kitchen scale is essential for ensuring accurate portion sizes. And a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board make it easy to chop, mince and mix ingredients for a variety of recipes. You can also use a silicone freezer and storage containers to keep your prepared meals fresh until you’re ready to eat them. And a meat thermometer helps you ensure that your protein is fully cooked without being overdone or undercooked.
- Dishwashers
Dishwashers often take a back seat to flashier appliances like smart refrigerators and induction cooktops, but these humble kitchen companions are more useful than meets the eye. They can save you time, money, and energy by washing dishes in a fraction of the time it takes to wash them by hand. Ask yourself, “What do home warranties cover?” If your home warranty covers kitchen appliances, you can be more at ease purchasing a high energy efficient dishwasher.
Dishwashers are also kinder to your hands than washing by hand. Hot water,
dishwashing liquid and germs can be abrasive on your skin. But dishwashers use heated water that kills most germs, especially the E.coli and Salmonella bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Some dishwashers even include a rinse aid that contains the antibacterial ingredient nonylphenol ethoxylate, which has been found to be more effective than phosphates at removing food residue and keeping dishes clean longer. Look for a quiet machine (the GE dishwasher checks in at 45 decibels, compared to a whisper at 15 and an air conditioner at 60).