This page contains affiliate links
Cooking can feel like a daunting task for those with ADHD, where distractions and executive function challenges can make meal prep and cleanup overwhelming. But here’s the good news: the right kitchen tools can turn chaos into calm, helping you save time, stay organized, and avoid common cooking mishaps like burnt food or piles of dishes. In this guide, we’ll explore seven ADHD-friendly kitchen tools designed to simplify your routine, reduce stress, and make cooking an enjoyable experience again. Let’s dive in and discover the game-changers your kitchen needs!
ADHD Tool #1: An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a lifesaver for anyone looking to cook efficiently. This versatile appliance offers several ADHD-friendly features:
• Quick Cooking: Meals are prepared in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• Automatic Shut-Off: Once cooking is complete, it switches to a “keep warm” mode, ensuring your food stays warm without overcooking or burning.
• Set It and Forget It: Toss in your ingredients, and the Instant Pot does the rest, making it perfect for forgetful moments.
My Instant Pot is hands-down the most used appliance in my kitchen because they are so easy to use! When I recommend these to clients, folks often tell me that they are intimidated by it and not sure how to use one. So if that is you, I have you covered: Here is an easy no-frills guide on how to use an Instant Pot.
ADHD Tool #2: Extra Instant Pot Liners
Cleaning up can be a significant barrier to cooking, but having extra Instant Pot liners on hand makes it a breeze!
Instead of transferring your cooked food to a Tupperware for storage, you can simply store your finished meals in the liner directly. When you do this, not only do you save yourself dishes, but you also will have less to clean up on cooking day!
If you need to use your Instant Pot later in the week, no problem! You’ll have extra liners on hand to use.
I personally have 4!
ADHD Tool #3: A Smart Oven
This next one is an appliance that I would never have thought to buy for myself. I was given a Smart Oven as a gift and honestly it has been completely game-changing! I couldn’t imagine going without one now.
Here’s why I love it:
• Automatic Shut-Off: Like the Instant Pot, it stops cooking when the timer ends, reducing the risk of burnt food if I forget.
• Energy-Efficient: It preheats faster and is easier to manage than a full-sized oven.
• Versatile: It does everything! It is a second oven, a bread proofing drawer, an air fryer, a toaster, and a dehydrator.
There are lots of different smart ovens available on the market. I personally use the Breville Smart Oven.
ADHD Tool #4: Electric Tea Kettle
If you’ve ever forgotten about water boiling on the stove and ruined a pot, an electric kettle is for you:
• Automatic Shut-Off: Once the water boils, it powers down, so no more ruined kettles or accidental stove mishaps.
• Convenience: Perfect for tea, coffee, or quickly heating water for recipes.
• Energy Efficient: They boil water faster than a stove top.
I love that there are also so many options out there, so you can easily find one that matches the aesthetic of your kitchen. I personally have this kettle from Haden and I love it!
ADHD Tool #5: Parchment Paper
Cleanup is often the most dreaded part of cooking, but parchment paper makes it painless:
• Line Your Pans: Before cooking, cover baking sheets and dishes with parchment paper.
• Easy Cleanup: After cooking, simply toss the paper, eliminating the need for scrubbing stubborn messes.
If you want an lining option that isn’t single-use, you could also opt for a silicon baking sheet instead. You will have to wash it after use, but it is easier to clean than a baking sheet.
ADHD Tool #6: Souper Cubes
Souper Cubes are large silicone trays designed to freeze leftovers in perfect portions:
• Portioned servings: Each “cube” holds a specific amount, so you can freeze individual servings.
• Reduce Waste: Prevent forgotten leftovers from spoiling in the fridge.
• Convenience: Use them to create a freezer stash of meals with a wide range of options for when you need a fast meal.
• Easy to Clean: These are dishwasher friendly!
I love the 2 cup Souper Cubes for freezing meals, but they come in a wide variety of sizes so that you can freeze just about anything!
ADHD Tool #7: Extra Timers
Timers are a great tool for ADHD-friendly cooking, but having just one alarm is often not effective.
It is WAY TOO EASY to ignore the first alarm and forget to take your food out of the oven. To get around this, set two alarms instead.
Think of the first alarm as a warning so that you can wrap up what you’re doing.
The second alarm is the real one that you can’t ignore!
If you have ADHD and you’d like exclusive tips and tricks to help you improve your relationship with food and cooking and build sustainable habits that don’t burn you out – sign up for my monthly newsletter!