PeopleImage/Getty Images
Commitment to our readers
The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services.
20 years
Helping you become richer
trusted by
millions of readers
When it comes to retirement, many people often consider downsizing and getting rid of gadgets to simplify and streamline their lives. Some people may also be spending more time in smaller spaces like an RV.
However, if you find yourself saying “In my time, we didn’t need that…” you may be missing out on kitchen items that can make your life easier, simpler, and help you meet your goals for a lighter, more frugal lifestyle.
Here are the five top kitchen items that Boomers should prioritize buying in retirement, even if you don’t really want to, because these items can make life a lot easier.
air fryer
On the one hand, trends may be driven by market forces more than quality goods – on the other hand, some trends exist for a really good reason: a good product sells. Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen gadget these days, and that’s because for little space, they heat up fast and can help you cook healthier food, even without oil or sauce. Although there are plenty to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a smaller model made by a reputable brand.
vegetable or food chopper
Some kitchen items seem like a gimmick until you need them. While many people enjoy the meditative labor of chopping vegetables or other foods for cooking—especially if you have more free time in retirement—just as many people enjoy gadgets that allow them to save time. Making a big pot of soup or stir-fry? In half the time and hassle of cutting by hand, a food cutter gets the job done, so you have more time to actually enjoy your food.
jar opener
Aging comes with many indignities, and it’s not always easy to accept how it can affect everyday tasks in the kitchen. Yet jar openers exist for a reason, especially if you live alone. Many jar lids are so tight that even the smallest and strongest hands need help opening them. You won’t regret this purchase when it saves you painful stress, or worse, being unable to open the thing you’re craving.
reacher tool
While it’s not technically a kitchen appliance, the truth is that it’s easy to cause things to fall into hard-to-reach places, struggle to keep things on high shelves, and more. Think of the reacher tool as an extension of your arms, a way to relieve stress on the back with a forward bending motion. Needless to say, this can allow you to make better use of storage by keeping things out of immediate reach that you can get to when you need them.
Pod-Style Coffee Maker
Maybe you’re a coffee aficionado who thinks, “If an old-fashioned coffee pot or French press was good enough for my parents, why should I spend more on something?” Without spending a lot of money, you can add convenience and versatility to your life. Pod-based coffee makers can make tea and cocoa as well as coffee, which helps when entertaining the family.
Photos of the Food Chopper and Reacher are courtesy of Amazon.