Using Alexa for cooking & shopping
Published on 27 Oct 2022
Alexa can be a great help in the kitchen, especially if you're vision impaired.
Whether you're cooking or planning meals, Alexa can give you access to countless recipes, set multiple timers and help you with your shopping list.
Explore our tips below on how to use Alexa in the kitchen.
New to Alexa? Find out more about getting started.
Searching for recipes
Whether you know what you want to make and just need help remembering the recipe, or you need some inspiration for a fresh, healthy meal, Alexa has endless options. Try some of the ideas below.
-
Know what you want to cook?
If you know what to make, try saying, 'Alexa, give me a recipe for beef casserole' or 'Alexa, find a recipe for a curry'.
-
Not sure what you fancy?
If you need some inspiration, try saying 'Alexa, find me a quick Italian recipe' or 'Alexa, suggest a healthy vegetarian meal'.
-
Got ingredients to use up?
If you've got food that's about to go out of date, just say, 'Alexa, give me a recipe for cauliflower', or whatever it is you need to use up.
-
Need to check something?
You can pause the recipe and ask Alexa to continue when you're ready, or go back a step if you need to hear the instructions again. Just say, 'Alexa, pause', or 'Alexa, go back'.
Using Alexa to help you cook
In this short video, blind veteran Stephen is at home using his Alexa to help him with cooking. He describes how useful it is to be able to repeat steps as he goes along.
Setting timers
Alexa can set multiple timers for different foods or dishes. This is a great help when you're making a big meal or if you struggle to see your clock or watch. Try some of the examples below.
'Alexa, set a potato timer for 20 minutes'.
'Alexa, set an oven timer for 90 minutes'.
'Alexa, set a boiled egg timer for six minutes'.
Making a shopping list
You can set up multiple lists on Alexa, and get a rundown of what you need any time you're going to the shops.
Basic lists
- Alexa's shopping list feature is built in and easy to use. Just say, 'Alexa, add milk to my shopping list', or whatever it is that you need.
Special lists
- If you want a separate shopping list, for Christmas or a party for example, just say, 'Alexa, create a Christmas shopping list'.
What do I need to buy?
- If you're heading to the shops and want to know what you need, just say, 'Alexa, what's on my shopping list?'.
Using Alexa to help create a shopping list
In this short video, blind veteran Stephen is at home using his Alexa to help compile his shopping list. He asks Alexa to recall what he has already added.
Always ask if you’re unsure of something
There’s no such thing as a silly question. If you are a Blind Veterans UK beneficiary and need more information, call our helpline on 0300 111 22 33.
If you are not yet a Blind Veterans UK beneficiary, you can find more information in our urgent help section.
You can also get advice about sight loss from the RNIB. Contact the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999, email them or say ‘Alexa, call RNIB helpline’ to an Alexa-enabled device.
Find out more about Alexa
Setting up your Alexa
14 Oct 2022
Find out how to get set up and start using your Alexa-enabled device around your home.
How Alexa can help vision-impaired people
13 Oct 2022
Find out how a smart speaker can make daily tasks easier for people with sight loss.
Using Alexa to listen to music & radio
16 Oct 2022
If you have an Alexa-enabled device, you can stream music and radio stations without fiddling with dials or buttons.
Sign up for email updates
We would love to send you updates about our work and how you can support us.
You can change your contact preferences at any time by calling us on 0300 111 2233 or emailing us. See our privacy policy for more details.