I’ve been off the scene recently thanks to a bout of carpal tunnel syndrome. For anyone unfamiliar, carpal tunnel causes painful nerve symptoms in the wrist and fingers that limit grip and hand movement.
Mine isn’t severe, thankfully, but it has meant I need to rest my hand and reduce repetitive movements. One obvious area affected has been the kitchen.
Three months in, I’ve learned a lot about making the kitchen more wrist-friendly. That inspired this post: practical tools and gadgets I rely on to make cooking easier and faster while keeping great flavour. Not everything here is strictly for carpal tunnel sufferers, but each item has genuinely helped me in day-to-day cooking. I hope some of these suggestions help you too.
#1: Instant Pot Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid
Uses: makes cooking easier, quicker and more hands-off.
This is the gadget that changed how I cook. A stovetop pressure cooker requires constant attention and timing; the Instant Pot removes much of that stress with precise timers and automatic controls. Set your time, walk away, and the appliance handles the rest—ideal when you need to rest your hands or manage kids and other interruptions.
My Instant Pot model also includes air-fry, bake, grill and dehydrate functions. I use the air-fry setting almost daily and appreciate getting multiple functions from a single device. It’s become one of my most-used, time-saving kitchen tools.
#2: Spice Infuser
Uses: infuse whole spices conveniently without having to fish them out later.
I make a lot of pulao and use whole spices liberally, but no one wants to bite into a cardamom or peppercorn. I used to bundle spices in muslin or a dish cloth, but a reusable spice infuser is far cleaner and easier—no washing cloths, no missing bits. It works great for pulao, korma, masala chai, and any dish where you want the flavour of whole spices without the fuss.
#3: Sharp, Serrated Knives
Uses: chop more precisely and quickly, reducing prep time and improving texture.
I used to think knives were just knives, but a good sharp blade makes a huge difference. With sharper knives I get finer, neater dices of onions and tomatoes, which not only saves time but also helps them break down into sauces faster, improving texture without needing extra tools. If you want faster, neater prep and smoother results in your cooking, investing in sharp knives is worth it.
#4: Immersion Blender
Uses: create smooth curry bases, raitas and chutneys quickly without a countertop blender.
An immersion blender is a real time-saver when you need a smooth texture fast. You can blend directly in the pot, avoid transferring hot liquids, and clean up quickly. I prefer models with detachable blades for easier cleaning. It’s perfect for smoothing simmered vegetables into a curry base or whipping up a quick chutney or raita.
#5: Garlic Press
Uses: mince fresh garlic quickly and efficiently.
If you use fresh garlic often but don’t want to mince it by hand every time, a garlic press is handy. It speeds up prep and reduces wrist strain. Choose a design you find easy to clean and comfortable to handle—there are several styles available to suit different preferences.
#6: Food Processor with Kneading Attachment
Uses: hands-off dough kneading plus chopping, grating and other functions.
We eat a lot of rotis, and kneading dough by hand is something I now avoid because of wrist pain. A compact food processor with a kneading attachment is a great compromise: it handles dough and also performs other tasks like chopping and grating, saving space and time. It won’t replace a heavy-duty stand mixer for professional bakers, but for everyday home use it does the job well.
#7: Pestle and Mortar
Uses: crush whole spices quickly and control the grind.
I still reach for a pestle and mortar when I want freshly ground spices. It offers control over texture and typically cleans up easily. For best results choose a heavy, solid material such as marble or granite—light or thin materials make grinding harder and slower. Freshly ground spices noticeably elevate dishes like kofta and palak chicken.
I’m also eyeing a vegetable chopper that could reduce chopping effort further—maybe I’ll add it to my kitchen soon and report back.
I’d love to hear what tools you use to make cooking easier—leave a comment and share your favourites.
With love,
Fatima x