Tips and Tools for One Handed Cooking

Cooking is a necessity - everyone needs to eat and eventually you get tired of take out. For many people, cooking is also a hobby that they enjoy, an activity that brings them closer to friends and loved ones.

If you only have one hand or only have the use of one hand, you might be wondering if it’s possible to cook. Of course it is!

Specialized cooking aid tools and simple tips can allow you to enjoy cooking with one hand.

Watch a Video of Marcel Cooking with One Hand

Check out this video by Marcel for an example of how to cook tacos using one arm.

Our Top 10 Adaptive Cooking Tools for One Handed Use Hand

1. Adaptive Cutting and Paring Board

In the video above, Marcel says he is using a cutting board that's similar to the Hi-D Paring Board while cutting vegetables for his tacos.

The board has spikes that can hold a fruit or vegetable in place while you cut it. The square corner guard can be used to hold your bread or toast in place while you spread on butter, peanut butter, jelly, or condiments. It's made of high-density polyethylene, making it wasy to clean.

For a wood verion, try the solid maple Deluxe Paring Board.

Adaptive cutting boards also come in versions with attached knives to make chopping easier, like this combination cutting board.

2. Rocker Knife

Marcel also uses a rocker knife to cut his onions and tomatoes while cooking in the video.

Rocker knives allow you to cut food with a simple back-and-forth rocking motion. This allows you to cut independently, using one hand. The knives come with vertical handles or horizontal handles so you can pick the most comfortable option for preparing your food while cooking.

You can use a smaller rocker knife to cut your food while eating. The Sure Hand Rocker Knife is dishwasher safe. It also comes in a weighted option that can help control hand tremors while cutting.

3. Chopper

Another option for dicing everything from peppers to nuts is the Good Grips Deluxe Chopper. Just press down on the soft button at the top to start chopping. The clear cup even has measurement markings to make cooking easier.

4. Clamp On Vegetable Peeler

Want to peel potatoes to make mashed potatoes or peel apples for apple pie? The Homecraft Clamp-On Vegetable Peeler is the perfect solution. Secure your peeler to your counter using the clamp. Then peel away using one hand.

5. One Handed Can Opener

Opening cans is easy with the One Touch Can Opener. Just place the battery-operated device on your can and press the activation button. The opener automatically walks around the can and stops automatically. Lift the opener to remove the lid, leaving no sharp edges.

6. Adaptive Jar Opener

Need to open a jar of pasta sauce? Or maybe some canned peaches? Jars can be difficult to open, but the Spill-Not Jar & Bottle Opener holds your jars and bottles in place and includes a rubber lid opener to give you a better grip.

7. Non-Slip Matting

Non-slip matting can be a great addition to help keep everything in place while cooking. A Dycem Non-Slip Activity Mat keeps your mixing bowl in place as you stir together your ingredients. It can also be used to hold your cutting board in place.

You can also purchase a bulk roll of Dycem’s non-slip matting and cut it to fit your needs. In addition to keeping mixing bowls in place, the matting can be used to line cabinets, create placemats and coasters, and keep appliances in place.

8. Folding Pan Holder

Hot, heavy pots can be difficult to carry. In many cases it might be easier to use an oven or broiler. If you decide to use hot pots and pans, a Folding Pan Holder can help. It holds the pan in place on the stove, so you can stir or mix the food.

9. Adaptive Kitchen Workstation

We mentioned adaptive cutting boards and jar openers earlier on our list, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, this Homecraft Adaptive Kitchen Workstation is the right choice.

It has stainless steel spikes for holding fruits and veggies while cutting, and an L-shaped corner for spreading butter or jam on toast, like a common adaptive cutting board. It also has a clamp for holding jars while opening them or securing a small bowl while mixing.

Plus, the workstation has a removable grater and slicer and non-slip suction pads to keep the board in place during use. The small board is easy to store and dishwasher safe.

10. Suction Cup Plate

Once you’ve finished cooking your meal, you may want to plate it on a scooper suction cup plate. The suction cup holds the plate in place while you’re eating. And the higher edge gives you a place to scoop food without spilling.

7 Tips on How to Cook with One Hand

1. Gather all of your ingredients before you start. This lets you focus on cooking and not finding a missing ingredient.
2. Stick a scrub brush with a suction cup to the side of your sink to make washing fruits and vegetables easier.
3. You can crack an egg using one hand: Hit the egg against a hard surface; then use your thumb and index finger to push half of the egg up while your ring and pinkie finger pull the other half down. Practice makes this move easier.
4. Vegetable steamers and pot inserts make it easier to cook without needing to lift hot, heavy pots.
5. Use an oven or broiler when possible. It’s a lot easier to bake potatoes than drain a full pot of boiled potatoes with one hand.
6. If you need help, ask! Your loved ones can help pre-cut or peel food if needed. And your butcher can slice the meat ahead of time. Even if you just need assistance as you get started, others will be happy to help.
7. Start cooking! You won’t get better if you don’t practice. You don’t need to jump into a three course Thanksgiving meal for your extended family right away. Pick a day when you have plenty of time and all of the ingredients you need. If something goes wrong, you’ll have time to start over. You can even invite a friend over to help cook and share a meal together.

If you’ve recently lost the use of your hand or arm due to a stroke or amputation, it may take you longer to get the hang of things. That’s okay, with practice you’ll become more comfortable in the kitchen.

Get started by ordering your adaptive tools, picking a date and a recipe, and inviting a friend or loved one to help. Soon you’ll be ready to head to the grocery store and then start cooking!

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.