Hot plate gripper: What device can prevent my dad from burning himself when getting his meal out of the microwave?

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What device can prevent my dad from burning himself when getting his meal out of the microwave?

Question

My father lives at home alone and relies on the microwave to make almost every single one of his meals. Sometimes the plates get very hot and I worry that he will burn himself one day. Do you know if there is a device that will help him remove hot plates and bowls from the microwave safely?

Our answer

Food preparation can be very dangerous, especially when using appliances like the microwave and the oven.

For a simple solution, you may want to consider purchasing a pair of oven mitts from your local grocery or department store. Otherwise, there are a number of devices and products available on the market that are designed to prevent burns associated with touching hot plates and bowls. Below are direct links to a few examples of products that make it safer (and easier!) to remove food from the microwave:

  • CoolGrip Microwave Caddy by TCB Concepts (at Arthritis Supplies) is a microwave-friendly plate-holder with handles that do not conduct heat. Simply place your plate or bowl onto the caddy and remove it from the microwave without fear of burning yourself. This device, which is also available for purchase through amazon.ca, costs about $20 to $30 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
  • Buckingham Coolhand Plate Gripper, by Parsons ADLBuckingham Coolhand Plate Gripper by Parsons ADL (at Seniors Store) is a non-slip, soft grip handle that clips onto most plates, protecting your hands from getting burnt when removing a heated plate from the microwave. This device also helps to carry the weight of the plate, making it especially ideal for people with arthritis or limited hand dexterity. The Buckingham Coolhand costs about $25 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
  • Bowl Pot Pan Gripper Clip by Topoko (at Amazon Canada) is a plate retriever tong that safely lifts hot plates and bowls from microwaves and ovens. This device comes in a pack of two and costs about $25 to $30 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.

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