Cooking appliances for people with sight loss
Modern kitchen appliances are not always designed with accessibility in mind. But with careful selection and a few simple adaptations, it’s possible for people with sight loss to choose appliances that are safe, practical and easy to use.
On this page, we explore what you might want to think about when choosing and using kitchen appliances.
A few general guidelines
Whether you’re buying a cooker, a washing machine, a dishwasher or a food processor, the same key principles apply:
If you have sight loss, it's important to choose appliances you can operate by touch.
The more complicated the settings, the harder the appliance will be to operate.
Appliances with contrasting colours between buttons or dials and the background are best.
Look for appliances that are user-friendly, with visual indicators for how to use it.
Check that your appliance has a clearly visible or audible on/off power light.
Appliances with uncluttered layouts are easier to navigate than if more complicated.
Accessible controls
The controls are often the most important feature for people with sight loss. Think about the following:
Many modern appliances use flat touch panels with little or no tactile feedback. This may not be the best option for people with low or no vision, unless they include speech output or strong accessibility features.
Appliances with raised buttons can be user-friendly, but do check whether they perform multiple functions. Some can change function depending on the setting, which can make operation confusing.
Dials are often the most accessible option as they are tactile, easy to mark with tactile bumpons and may even allow you to leave a dial on a preferred setting. Just watch out for dials that continuously rotate.
Cooking appliances
Microwaves
The microwave is possibly the most popular appliance among our blind veterans. A simple two-dial microwave is the easiest option for people with sight loss:
- One dial controls power level.
- One dial controls cooking time.
The power dial can often be left on a single setting (such as full power), while the timer dial can be marked with tactile bumpons to indicate common cooking times.
Tip: Set the timer while the door is open. On many models, the microwave only starts once the door is closed, giving you time to adjust the dial accurately before cooking begins.
Talking microwaves
Talking microwaves are available from suppliers such as:
However, a simple manual model is often more affordable and just as effective.
High or low power?
When choosing power, higher wattage may cook slightly faster, but lower-powered microwaves are often:
- Smaller
- More energy-efficient
- More forgiving if timing is slightly off
Slow cookers
Slow cookers (sometimes called crock pots) are another accessible and economical option for the following reasons:
- Many models have very simple controls - sometimes just a power switch and low/high settings.
- Cooking times are usually flexible (for example, 4–6 hours). Recipes typically involve preparing ingredients, placing them in the pot and turning it on.
- They are ideal for stews, curries and casseroles, but can also be used for roasts, bread and desserts.
- Since timing is less precise, slow cookers can make cooking less stressful.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs often use flat touch controls, which can be difficult for people without vision. If considering an induction hob:
- Check whether controls provide tactile or audible feedback.
- Practise using the heat adjustment system before purchasing.
- Consider models with clear separation between cooking zones.
Gas hobs may provide more tactile feedback through physical knobs, but safety considerations should always be discussed with a professional if you are unsure.
Air fryers
Air fryers have become increasingly popular for people with sight loss as they minimise the chance of burns. Despite the name, they are best thought of as small fan-assisted ovens.
- Food can be cooked with little or no oil.
- Simple two-dial versions are widely available and relatively inexpensive.
- They usually contain a pull-out basket for food.
- As with microwaves, models with simple dials are often easier to use than digital touchscreens.
Simple adaptations
These small, raised stickers are useful for marking functions but use them sparingly as too many markings can become confusing.
Rather than relying on built-in timers, use a separate accessible timer such as a smart speaker or talking timer, and turn the oven back to zero when you're finished.
Recipes and support
Reading printed recipes can be challenging for some people with sight loss. But there are some good accessible options:
Talking book libraries from organisations such as the RNIB can be a valuable resource, offering easy access to audiobooks and other spoken content. Audio cookbooks, particularly those specialising in microwave, slow cooker and air fryer recipes, are another practical option.
Smart speakers can also be very helpful in the kitchen, as they are able to read recipes aloud step by step, suggest meal ideas and act as accessible kitchen timers. Voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa are especially useful for providing hands-free support while cooking.
Try before you buy
Kitchen appliances can be expensive and difficult to return - if at all possible, we recommend trying them out before you buy.
Handle the appliance in person, ideally with a working demonstration. Practise the full sequence: turning it on, setting the time or temperature, and switching it off.
Practise using it with any aids you depend on. For example, you could take along any magnification aids you use to check how well you can see and use the displays and controls.
Don't be tempted by the most fancy appliance; choose the model that meets your needs. Keeping functions simple and straightforward can make everyday use much easier.
Next steps
A small amount of planning can make a significant difference to safety, confidence and enjoyment in the kitchen.
For more information, RNIB sells accessible talking microwaves and hobs in their shop, and also provides advice.
Blind Veterans UK beneficiaries can get in touch with our Member Support Hub for advice and support, or contact their community team.
"Choose the model that meets your needs - extra features often mean extra controls, which can make it more complicated to use."
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