Air Fryer Accessibility: Can Blind People Use It?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using much oil, but are they accessible to blind people? The answer is yes, but with some adaptations. A blind person can use a Philips air fryer, but it is recommended to get one with dials instead of a screen. The dials control temperature and timer settings. Some blind people have used rubber adhesive dots to mark the most commonly used temperatures on their air fryers. Additionally, there are talking food thermometers, talking kitchen scales, and measuring cups and spoons labelled in braille or large print that can further assist blind people in the kitchen.

Philips air fryer dials vs screen

Philips air fryers with dials are more accessible to blind people than those with a touchscreen. The dials are used to control the timer and temperature, and the timer is partially tactile and could be made more accessible with the addition of tactile braille bump stickers. The touchscreen models, on the other hand, have been described as "slightly fussy" and "cluttered with unhelpful preset programs". The touchscreen is also hard to activate with greasy fingers.

However, it is worth noting that some blind people have successfully used Philips air fryers with touchscreens by connecting them to apps such as Vesync, which can be controlled via a smartphone or Amazon Alexa. Additionally, bump dots can be added to the touchscreen to make the buttons more accessible.

Overall, if you are looking for a Philips air fryer that is more accessible for blind people, the dial-operated models are a better option. However, with some modifications and the use of assistive technology, the touchscreen models can also be made more accessible.

Using tactile bump stickers to improve accessibility

Tactile bump stickers, also known as bump dots, are a great way to improve accessibility for visually impaired people. These stickers can be placed on a variety of surfaces, such as remote controls, computer keyboards, telephones, appliance controls, buttons, and switches, to create a tactile marker. This allows individuals with low vision or blindness to identify and operate these devices more easily.

One example of how bump dots improve accessibility is in the kitchen. Cooking can be challenging for visually impaired individuals, but with a few adaptations, it is definitely possible. A Philips air fryer, for instance, has dials for temperature and timer settings, which can be made more accessible with the addition of tactile braille bump stickers. This allows the user to identify the different settings without needing to rely on sight.

Another example is the Cosori Pro 3 air fryer, which has a touchscreen interface. While the screen is not fully accessible, it can be paired with a smartphone app or voice assistant for easier use. By adding tactile bump stickers to the start button, a visually impaired person can more easily locate and activate it.

Bump dots come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, allowing for customisation to suit individual needs. They are typically made from moulded polyurethane with a strong adhesive backing, ensuring they stay in place once applied. These stickers can be purchased online or from specialty stores, and are an affordable way to improve accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

In addition to bump dots, there are other tools that can assist visually impaired individuals in the kitchen. Talking food thermometers, for instance, can ensure that meat or fish is cooked to the correct temperature. Talking kitchen scales can also be used to measure out ingredients accurately. For those who are not yet comfortable with cooking, a George Foreman grill is a good option as it is simple to use and has tactile sliders for heat settings.

Recommendations for other accessible air fryers

While Philips Air Fryers with dials instead of screens can be used by blind people, there are other accessible options available. Here are some recommendations for accessible air fryers:

COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer

The COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer is a popular choice among blind users. It can be controlled through an app on your smartphone or via voice commands using Amazon Alexa. While initial setup may require assistance, once connected, you can control the air fryer without any buttons or dials. You can adjust the temperature, set the timer, and even receive notifications when your food is ready, all through your smartphone or voice assistant. This option provides a high level of accessibility and convenience.

Instant Pot Air Fryer

Instant Pot devices are known for their easy-to-use interfaces, often featuring raised buttons that are simple to identify and operate. While specific details on the accessibility of their air fryer are scarce, the brand's reputation for user-friendly designs makes it worth considering.

Analog Air Fryers

If you prefer a more straightforward option, analog air fryers with two knobs, one for temperature and one for the timer, can be a good choice. These air fryers are generally more accessible for blind individuals as they don't rely on screens or complex interfaces. You can add tactile braille bump stickers to the knobs to further enhance their accessibility.

Tovala Smart Oven

While not an air fryer, the Tovala Smart Oven is worth considering for its barcode scanning feature. It cooks food by scanning the barcode on pre-packaged meals, simplifying the cooking process. This option may be especially useful if you want a more automated cooking experience.

Using apps to improve accessibility

A Phillips air fryer with dials instead of a screen is a good option for blind people. The dials can be made easier to use with the addition of tactile braille bump stickers.

There are also several apps that can improve accessibility for blind people. These include:

• VoiceOver: This is a screen reader that is integrated into iPhones and describes all the elements on the screen, including app icons, the battery level, and even parts of images using artificial intelligence.
• TalkBack: This is a similar screen reader that is incorporated into Android smartphones. It allows users to navigate by swiping left or right with a single finger and activating with a double tap.
• Siri and Google Assistant: These virtual assistants can be activated by voice control and can be used to send messages, make phone calls, and manage schedules.
• Be My Eyes: This free app connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers who can provide assistance through a live video call.
• Aira: This app connects visually impaired and blind people with trained sighted agents who can help with tasks such as navigation, reading, and shopping.
• Seeing AI: This app can recognize images, colours, and faces, and provide details on people's emotions.
• Google Maps: This app provides accurate walking, driving, and public transportation directions, as well as information on nearby areas of interest.
• Moovit: This app provides real-time public transportation information and voice-guided walking directions, which is especially helpful for blind or visually impaired individuals who rely on public transportation.
• Productivity apps such as Evernote, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Calendar: These apps can help blind and visually impaired people take notes, create documents, and manage their schedules.
• OCR apps such as Google Lookout and Google Lens: These apps can recognize and read text from printed materials, images, or documents, and also have built-in magnifiers and colour detectors.

These apps can improve accessibility for blind people in various aspects of their lives, from cooking to communication and navigation.

Other accessible cooking tools

Cooking can be a challenging task for people with visual impairments, but with the right tools and adaptations, it is possible for them to cook independently and safely. Here are some accessible cooking tools that can aid blind or visually impaired individuals in the kitchen:

Talking Induction Cooker

This innovative stove features audio functionality, reading out its settings aloud as the user adjusts the temperature. It also incorporates safety features such as automatic shut-off after a preset period and a magnetised base for stainless steel cookware. The hob immediately turns off when a pan is removed, further enhancing safety.

Cut-Resistant Safety Gloves

These gloves are designed to protect the fingertips and prevent cuts, reducing the need for first-aid supplies.

Talking Thermometer and Kitchen Scales

These devices verbally communicate temperature and weight measurements, respectively, enabling blind individuals to ensure their meat is cooked to the correct temperature and measure precise amounts of ingredients.

Liquid Level Indicator

An electronic device that hangs over the edge of a glass or bowl, assisting with liquid measurements and preventing spills or burns.

Braille/Tactile Vessels and Utensils

Measuring cups and spoons with braille or tactile markings enable accurate measuring of ingredients.

Right-Angle Knives

Specially designed knives with angled handles can assist individuals with impaired mobility by reducing the range of motion required during cutting and chopping tasks.

Automatic Stirrers

Automatic stirrers eliminate the need for constant manual stirring, making the cooking process less physically demanding.

One-Handed Cutting Boards

These cutting boards are designed for individuals who have limited use of their hands or arms, allowing them to cut and chop ingredients safely and efficiently using just one hand.

Bendable Cutlery

Bendable or flexible cutlery can aid individuals with limited mobility or dexterity by adapting to their unique needs and grip.

Screen Readers

Software such as Cobra, Job Access With Speech, and Speechify can read aloud text from digital cookbooks or cooking websites. Many screen readers are compatible with Braille displays, and Apple products come equipped with VoiceOver, a free screen reader.

Recipe Scanners and Label Readers

Mobile apps like KNFB Reader, CookBook, and Whisk use Optical Character Recognition technology to scan and convert ingredient labels, cookbook pages, or mobile websites into Braille or spoken text, aiding those with visual impairments or dyslexia.

Frequently asked questions