Walking Frame Tray vs One Handed Tray: Which Is Right for You?
If you or someone you care for uses a walking aid, carrying a cup of tea or a plate of food from the kitchen can become one of the hardest parts of the day. Two of the most popular solutions are a walking frame tray, which clips onto a frame, and a one handed tray, which you carry in your free hand.
They solve the same problem in very different ways, and the right choice depends on how you move around your home. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
What is a walking frame tray?
A walking frame tray, sometimes called a zimmer frame tray or walking aid tray, is a tray that attaches to the front or top of a walking frame. Some clip onto a standard frame, and many wheeled walkers and trolleys come with a tray or basket built in. You put your drink or plate on the tray, hold the frame with both hands and push or step forward as usual.
Where walking frame trays work well
- You need both hands on your frame. If you rely on your frame for every step, a frame tray means you never have to let go.
- Your home is on one level. Flat floors from kitchen to living room are ideal.
- You want to move a meal and a drink together. Larger trays and walker trolleys can hold a full plate, a drink and a few extras.
Where walking frame trays fall short
- Stairs. A frame cannot go up and down stairs, so neither can the tray.
- Bumps and thresholds. Door sills, rugs and changes in flooring can jolt the frame, and drinks on a fixed tray slop with every bump.
- Tight spaces. Narrow doorways and small kitchens can make a frame with a tray awkward to turn.
- Only for frame users. If you use your frame outdoors but walk with a stick or furniture walk at home, a frame tray will not help indoors.
An occupational therapist can advise on the right frame or walker trolley for you, and many local councils and NHS services can arrange an assessment.
What is a one handed tray?
A one handed tray is a tray you carry with a single hand, leaving the other free to hold a walking stick, crutch, rail or bannister. Basic versions are a flat tray with a handle, but these still slosh as you walk.
The Topple Tray is different. You hold it from above by its stainless steel handle and the 12 inch tray hangs beneath your hand, balancing itself under gravity as you move. Cups stay level, so drinks stay in the mug. It is the same principle as the Greek waiter's tray, which you can read about in our guide on how to carry drinks on a tray without spilling.
Where a one handed tray works well
- You walk with a stick, a cane or one crutch. One hand stays on your aid while the other carries the tray.
- You have stairs. The Topple Tray keeps drinks level going up and down, with your other hand on the bannister.
- You furniture walk or have a free hand. It suits people with balance problems, a tremor or reduced strength in one arm.
- You want to carry drinks anywhere. Garden, conservatory, upstairs to bed: it goes wherever you go.
Where a one handed tray is not the answer
If you need both hands on a walking frame to stay steady, a one handed tray is not safe for you. Never let go of your frame to carry a tray. A walking frame tray or walker trolley is the better choice.
Walking frame tray vs one handed tray at a glance
| Walking frame tray | Topple Tray one handed tray | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full time frame users | Stick, cane and single crutch users, or anyone with one hand free |
| Hands needed | Both hands stay on the frame | One hand, other hand free |
| Stairs | No | Yes, with a hand on the bannister |
| Keeps drinks level over bumps | No, the tray is fixed to the frame | Yes, the tray balances itself |
| Carries | Depends on size, often a plate and drink | 3 to 4 cups, mugs or glasses, or a plate and a drink |
| Use around the whole home | Ground floor only | Anywhere, including the garden |
Can you use both?
Absolutely. Plenty of people use a walking frame or walker outdoors or on bad days, and a stick around the house on good days. A frame tray covers the bad days, and a one handed tray covers everything else, including the stairs.
About the Topple Tray
- Full stainless steel, tray and handle, with no plastic parts to snap
- Weighs just 750g
- Two non slip neoprene mats, and the handle folds flat for storage
- Dishwasher safe, with a 2 year warranty
- Designed by a small family business, from a tray my grandad built in Yorkshire in the 1980s
For more ideas, read how the Topple Tray helps with everyday independence or why carers love the Topple Tray.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a tray for a zimmer frame?
Yes. Many trays clip onto a standard zimmer frame, and some wheeled walkers have a tray built in. They suit people who need both hands on their frame and live on one level.
Is a walking frame tray or a one handed tray better for stairs?
A walking frame tray cannot be used on stairs. A one handed tray like the Topple Tray can, as long as you have a free hand for the bannister.
Can I use the Topple Tray with a walking frame?
Only if you can safely walk without holding your frame with both hands. If you need both hands on your frame, a frame tray or walker trolley is the safer option.
Where can I buy a walking frame with a tray in the UK?
Mobility shops, pharmacies and online retailers sell frames, trolleys and clip on trays. An occupational therapist can help you choose one that suits your height and home.
Walk with a stick and want to carry your own tea? Pre-order the Topple Tray one handed tray here.