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The Best Kitchen Gadgets to Level Up Your Cooking Game

Everything you need to make food prep a breeze

Collage of kitchen gadgets we recommend on a blue background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

Part of the fun of cooking is using cool kitchen gadgets. From small kitchen tools to countertop appliances, there is a huge array of products out there to choose from when you're looking to upgrade your own kitchen or perusing the perfect gift for your favorite cook. There are plenty of tools that will help you work smarter and faster—and who doesn't want that? We did the research and testing to round up these top selections of gadgets that are guaranteed to make your cooking tasks a whole lot easier and better.

Best Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker V5

Amazon

What We Like
  • Remembers previous settings

  • Three temperature levels

  • Precise temperature control

What We Don't Like
  • Comes with minimal accessories

There’s no doubt about it—the Instant Pot has become the “it” appliance in American homes. Electric pressure cookers existed before the Instant Pot entered the market, but the brand popularized the appliance and made it nearly as ubiquitous as slow cookers were for previous generations.

The 6-quart DUO60 is one of the most popular models with seven cooking modes (pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, saute/browning, yogurt maker, steamer, and warmer) and 14 preset cooking programs that make it simple to cook dinner from scratch on a busy night. During testing, we liked the yogurt and slow cooker functions: when making yogurt, we never had to click "Sauté" to get the milk to reach optimal temperature; and slow-cooking always produced tender beans and meat in four hours on high.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 6 quarts | Dimensions: 13.38 x 12.2 x 12.48 inches

Best Avocado Slicer

Oxo Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to use

  • Creates even avocado slices

  • Cutting edge is sharp but safe

What We Don't Like
  • Cutting edge could be a bit longer

Avocados can be tricky to open, especially if you aren't confident with a knife. If you find yourself constantly reaching for this nutritious vegetable, you might want to invest in an avocado slicer. It will make the job safer and easier, as the cutting edge is plastic.

Besides opening the avocado, you can use it to remove the pit and slice the avocado while removing it from its shell. Reviewers give this tool high marks for how easy it is to use and how sharp, but safe, the cutting edge is—even kids will be able to help make guacamole when you have this in the kitchen. During testing, we were impressed by how slip-proof this gadget was—the small blades grip the avocado pit from three angles, ensuring more secure control.

Blade Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 0.75 x 2.25 x 7.75 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Top rack only

Best Silicone Strainer

Dreamfarm Vebo

Dreamfarm Vebo Cooking Basket

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Versatile

  • Collapsible

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Inside bottom surface may be tricky to clean

Sooner or later, everyone needs a strainer, whether it’s for draining pasta or straining bones out of soup stock. This squishy silicone strainer does all that and so much more. The shape fits inside an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, so you can use it as a steamer basket in the cooker. You can also put it in a pot on the stove to boil pasta (simply lift it to drain) or use it as a steamer basket for vegetables, fish, or eggs in your favorite saucepan.

Handles make it easy to move the basket, but they fold down when you're trying to fit the strainer in a pot. Because it’s made from silicone, it withstands heat up to 260 degrees Celsius or 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can be washed in the dishwasher. Several reviewers do note, however, that the bottom silicone mesh surface of the strainer may need a thorough cleaning.

Material: Silicone | Capacity: 2.6 liters | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Mandoline

Progressive International Prepworks Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline

Progressive International Prepworks Adjust-A-Slice and Julienne Hand-Held Mandoline

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sharp blade slices effortlessly

  • Straight slice and julienne settings

  • Light and compact for easy cleaning, storing

What We Don't Like
  • Food holder is basically useless

  • Limited thickness settings

  • No stand

A mandoline is a handy slicing device typically used to make even cuts for potato gratin, homemade potato chips, or French fries, but it can be used for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This inexpensive handheld version features three options for thickness and two slicing options: straight or julienne. It also has a non-skid base to keep it stable on the counter, or you can position it over a bowl.

We loved how sharp and effective it was and also liked that it was lightweight and extremely easy to clean. It smoothly cut through denser produce with no struggle.

Blade Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 13 x 5.25 x 2.25 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended

Best Coffee Grinder

Breville Grinder Pro

Breville The Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy-to-understand interface

  • Consistent grind size

  • Coffee grounds cup doubles as storage

What We Don't Like
  • Hefty price tag

This high-tech coffee grinder from Breville is for the serious coffee drinker. It features stainless steel conical burrs designed to reduce heat and protect the essential oils in the bean, an electronic timer that allows you to adjust grind time in .2 second increments, and 60 grinding settings—from super fine to super coarse and everything in between.

The grinder comes with two sizes of portafilter cradles that you can grind directly into, a ground-coffee container with ​a lid, and a cleaning brush. We found during our tests that this machine is extremely consistent in its results, no matter what kind of grind you prefer, and despite all its functionality and precise settings, it's fairly user-friendly. We were pleased with the results of the grinder—the finest grounds were consistently powdery, while the coarsest grinds were an even size with no large chunks.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 ounces | Power: 165 watts

Best Swivel Peeler

Oxo Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler

Oxo Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comfy grip

  • Includes potato eye remover

  • Peels easily and smoothly

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

A swivel peeler is a basic kitchen gadget, so make sure you buy one that will last for years to come. This peeler is similar in shape to the standard Good Grips model, but with a little more metal and a slightly better blade. It has the same comfortable grip and a potato eye remover at the top, so it will feel the same way when using it. Yes, this peeler is more expensive than other options on the market, but considering how often you’ll use a peeler in your kitchen and how long this will last, it's well worth the extra money. This peeler garnered points for how easily and smoothly it peels, and kids love using it.

We found during testing that it only took an average of 30 seconds per potato to peel average-sized potatoes. The peeling felt smooth, and the peels fell away from the peeler rather than getting stuck in the blade.

Blade Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 10.4 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Spatula Set

OXO Good Grips Spatula Set

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Three-piece set

  • Heads have great flexibility

  • Useful shapes

What We Don't Like
  • Not molded in one piece

  • No color choices

“When mixing, I reach for my silicone spatula," says Marisel Salazar, trained cook and recipe developer. "It is safe for use on most cookware and won't scratch cast iron or non-stick surfaces. Despite its rubber-looking appearance, it actually has a high heat resistance and won't melt when used for stirring or flipping hot foods, like eggs from a pan, or stirring sauces in a pot.”

One spatula really isn't enough for a fully functioning kitchen, so this set from OXO Good Grips really comes in handy with its small, medium, and "spoon" spatula. The spoon spatula is shaped like a shovel and in our tests worked great for stirring pasta and getting into the corner of pans. The small spatula can be used for reaching into jars and works great for mixing up salad dressings in smaller containers. The large spatula will be your go-to for scraping out batter from your mixing bowls. We found in testing that the silicone in the head was the perfect density, with just enough bend for the edges to conform to the jar, bowl, or pot we were working in, but sturdy enough to handle dense foods, like a particularly sticky marshmallow-like frosting.

Heat Resistance: Up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit | Dimensions: 7.25 x 13.38 x 0.63 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Zester

Microplane Premium Zester

Amazon Microplane Classic Zester Grater

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very sharp cutters

  • Effortless to use

  • Easy to clean and store

What We Don't Like
  • Not great for grating cheese

Having a microplane grater, also called a "zester," can be a huge asset in the kitchen, as it can handle zesting citrus, hard cheese, ginger, nutmeg, and even chocolate. Use it with the grating side up to grate directly onto the food, or use it with the grating side down to see how much you’ve grated before you add it to the food. For easy storage, this grater has a hole in the handle so you can hang it on a hook or knife rack. It's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning after each use. During testing, we were impressed with how well it grated parmesan cheese and zested lemons. We also found it comfortable to hold for those lengthy kitchen tasks.

Blade Material: Stainless steel | Blade Length: 8 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Immersion Blender

Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender

 Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender

Amazon

What We Like
  • Variable speed control

  • Convenient attachments included

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Awkwardly placed safety button

An immersion blender can do just about everything a countertop blender can do, but it has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. While it can’t crush ice like a countertop blender, it can blend drinks, emulsify dressings, make mayonnaise, and puree soft vegetables. Where it really shines is blending soups and sauces right in the cooking pot. It’s also great for pureeing beans right in your cast iron frying pan. During testing, it made smooth and fluffy results out of egg whites and cream.

The Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender is powerful and also has variable speed control so you don't have to rely on presets. The stainless steel immersion blender comes with a blender cup with side measurements, but you can also use your own container. It also comes with a chopper/grinder and a whisk so you can be sure you have all the tools necessary for whatever you want to mix up.

Material: Stainless steel | Power: 300 watts | Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 13 inches

Best Can Opener

Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener

Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener

Amazon

What We Like
  • Locks onto cans for cutting

  • Magnet can grab can lids

  • Comfortable handle

What We Don't Like
  • Slight learning curve

  • Lid can fall into can

  • Magnet doesn’t always reach cut lid

Every kitchen needs a can opener, and this one is a sturdy, mid-priced option that gets the job done. It's compact for easy storage, it has a soft and comfortable grip, and it features a locking mechanism that locks onto the can—which is particularly helpful for people with poor grip strength. A magnet helps with grabbing the can lid, which can then be released using a convenient lever so you never have to touch it.

We found during testing that the plastic was durable and the stainless steel cutting blade resistant to rust or corroding, so it should last you a long time. This can opener is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Blade Material: Stainless steel | Size: 7 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Best Citrus Juicer

Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer

Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Doesn't take up much space

  • Simple to use

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Juicing large quantities can get tiring

Squeezing lemons is easy with this manual citrus juicer! It's similar to other Mexican-style citrus squeezers, but with a gear system that multiplies the force so you don’t have to work as hard to release all the juice. There are different-sized juicers that can accommodate small limes and large oranges, but this medium-sized machine can handle a wide variety of citrus sizes. Made from nylon and stainless steel, it's top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Some reviewers do note that it can get tiring if you're juicing a large quantity of fruit.

Material: Nylon and stainless steel | Dimensions: 10.25 x 3.25 x 2.75 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Top rack only

Best Olive Oil Sprayer

Evo 18-Ounce Reusable Oil Sprayer

Evo 18-Ounce Reusable Oil Sprayer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Large capacity

  • Each spray is consistent

  • Durable

  • Easy to refill

What We Don't Like
  • Trigger and neck can get greasy

A sprayer is a great way to evenly coat foods and pans with a fine spray of cooking oil. This particular spritzer from Evo is large capacity, holding up to 18 ounces of your favorite oil. A funnel is included to make adding more oil to the reusable bottle easy. Adjusting the nozzle can lock the sprayer to avoid drips or alternate between a vertical and horizontal fan-shaped spritz.

You can avoid drowning food in excess oil, wasting oil, and oil burns with this sprayer. Each spritz is consistent, spraying out 1/4 teaspoon. It's truly a game-changer of a gadget that'll greatly improve the way you cook. We tried this in our home kitchen and loved how "with just a few squeezes, got an even and controlled spread."

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 18 ounces | Dimensions: 5.75 x 2.5 x 9 inches 

Best Wooden Spoon

Sabatier 14-inch Olivewood Slotted Spoon

Sabatier-14-inch-olivewood-slotted-spoon

Amazon

What We Like
  • Smooth finish

  • Non-scratch

  • Easy to maintain

  • Long handle

What We Don’t Like
  • Not dishwasher-safe

A wooden spoon may seem like one of the most basic utensils, but its uses and benefits in the kitchen are many. You don’t have to worry about scratching the surface of your cookware, as with metal spoons, and unlike plastic spoons, they won’t be at risk of melting. Made of olivewood, this slotted spoon features high-quality and durable construction as well as a unique appearance. The extra-long handle allows for easy stirring and cooking, no matter the size of the pot. Testing also found that the olivewood material made for a smooth finish and felt very dense, making it far less likely to split or crack like softer woods tend to do.

Material: Olivewood | Length: 13.5 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Best Pot Holder

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Soft lining

  • Heat protection

  • Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like
  • Doesn’t come as set of two

Never worry about burning your hands when reaching into the oven or cooking with hot pots and pans again, thanks to this reliable and comfortable pot holder by OXO. The diamond pattern of the silicone helps you grip slippery surfaces and is flexible enough to maintain a solid hold. During testing, we barely noticed any heat transfer through this pot holder, thanks to the high-quality silicone body. And the interior is lined with a soft fabric to provide maximum comfort for your hands. Bonus: the silicone side doubles as a trivet to set hot dishes on.

Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.5 x 0.25 inches | Machine Washable: Yes

Best Pastry Blender

Spring Chef Dough Blender and Pastry Cutter Set

Spring Chef Dough Blender and Pastry Cutter Set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Ergonomically designed

  • Sturdy and efficient

  • Measurements on the scraper

What We Don't Like
  • Pastry blender may be a bit small for some hands

If you bake often, this pastry blender and cutter set is a non-negotiable to have on hand in the kitchen. The stainless steel blender helps to thoroughly combine ingredients into dough, while the soft grip handle minimizes hand fatigue during the job. We love that this comes with a pastry cutter as well, which is equipped with inch measurements along the edge to allow for precise portioning. 

These aren’t reserved solely for baking tasks—the pastry blender also works great for mashing potatoes, making guacamole, and dicing up ingredients. It’s just sharp and solid enough to work for a variety of kitchen tasks. Reviewers rave about how durable and well-made these tools are, so rest assured they will last a lifetime of cookie dough and pie making. 

Materials: Stainless steel, rubber | Available sizes: 3-inch | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Oven Thermometer

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

ThermoWorks

What We Like
  • Easier to use than analog oven thermometers

  • Can set multiple temperature alarms

  • Magnetic back

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

This fancy-looking gadget can tackle the job of a probe and oven thermometer. Its display is easy to read and intuitive to use. And the best part of this ChefAlarm is that you don't have to open the oven door to see or get the reading. Our testing confirmed that it was accurate and quick-working—in fact, the thermometer can even measure the ambient air temperature around it.

The temperature range is -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the low and high-temperature alarms come in handy to alert you when your food reaches the perfect temperature.

Size: 5.94 x 2.75 x .75 inches | Temperature Measurement: Celsius and Fahrenheit | Placement: Oven probe and connected freestanding reader

Best Ice Tray

W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray

W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray With Protective Lid

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cubes release easily

  • Resists stains and odors

  • BPA-free

  • Stores well

What We Don't Like
  •  Pricey

We’re all too familiar with the struggle of trying to remove stubborn stuck-in ice from a stiff plastic tray. Luckily, this silicone ice tray has changed the game. It’s made of silicone, so cubes pop out ever so smoothly, no frustrating tray twisting needed. Plus, each compartment is individually molded, so you can seamlessly take out one cube at a time as needed. 

They produce 1.25-inch cubes, equivalent to about 2 tablespoons of liquid. These ice cubes are perfect for chilled drinks—just large enough that they won’t melt quickly and dilute your beverages. We also approved of using this tray for meal-prepping and saving small soup portions, berry purees, and minced herbs. The material is highly stain-resistant, which means no more tomato sauce souvenirs patterning your tray.

Hands holding the W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray With Protective Lid filled with frozen ingredients

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

What’s Included: 1 tray with lid | Material: Silicone with steel frame | Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.6 x 1.6 inches | Cubes: 12

Best Garlic Press

Dreamfarm Garject Lite

Dreamfarm Garject Lite

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comfortable handle

  • Intuitive and easy to use

  • Lightweight material

  • Works well on peeled and unpeeled garlic

What We Don't Like
  • Cannot mince ginger

Save lots of tears, knife chopping, and time in the kitchen with this best-selling garlic press. Simply place a clove or few into the basket, squeeze the lightweight handle, and you’ll instantly have finely minced garlic pulp. It’s truly a game changer for quick ingredient prep, and it even has a convenient eject button. You’ll never go back to spending a tedious 20 minutes mincing up garlic with a knife again. 

During testing, we loved how this garlic press managed to easily extract the peel, leaving us with smoothly minced results. We also noted how the included scraper mechanism made the garlic extraction and clean-up a breeze; Nothing got stuck in the crevices and it is dishwasher safe.

Material: Nylon plastic | Dimensions: 7.76 x 2.13 x 2.09 inches | Weight: 5.12 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Cutting Board

Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board

Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Heat resistant up to 350 degrees

  • Easy to store

  • Long-lasting

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Can slip around

This cutting board is unique in that it's made out of a paper composite, and it's a lot more durable than you’d think. The material is non-porous, resists stains and smells, and unlike plastic boards, won’t get marked up by knives. Another distinctive feature is that it doesn’t require any maintenance as with wooden boards. Just pop it in the dishwasher after use, and worry not about dealing with lingering stains or having to oil it.

Many pleased reviewers emphasized how wonderfully this cutting board has lasted throughout the years. It’s also heat-resistant up to 350 degrees, so it could also be used as a trivet in a pinch. If you’re looking for a lightweight yet sturdy cutting board that’ll stand the test of time and the sharpest of knives, this is the one for you.

Material: Composite | Dimensions: 8 x 6 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Knife Sharpener

Mueller 4 in 1 Knife Sharpener

Mueller 4 in 1 Knife Sharpener

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable price

  • Can use with scissors too

  • Non slip rubber base

  • Gets the job done quickly

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t come with safety gloves

Sometimes your knives need resharpening to get them back to their most precise and effective forms. It's frustrating when scissors or knives can’t slice through produce like they used to. With a knife sharpener, you can restore them to their former glory, worthy of seamlessly slicing through carrots, tomatoes, and bread easily. Maintaining a sharp knife is also imperative for safety purposes—dull knives are more prone to tension during cutting and thus can lead to injuries. 

This sharpening system has four slots targeting different levels of knife dullness, including fine, medium-coarse, coarse honing, and for scissors as well. It also does an excellent job of polishing the blade until it looks just like new.  And the non-slip rubber base ensures that there won’t be any slippage during use, minimizing any risk of injury. Users love this knife sharpener for razor-sharp knives that make your cutting jobs feel like slicing through butter.

Style: Manual | Abrasive Material: Diamond | Dimensions: 9.25 x 1.75 x 3 inches

Best Electric Wine Opener

Oster Electric Wine Opener

Amazon oster-cordless-electric-wine-bottle-opener-with-foil-cutter

Amazon

What We Like
  • One touch functionality

  • Includes foil cutter

  • Ergonomic design

What We Don't Like
  • Can be loud

Nothing says luxury like a sleek device that opens your wine bottles for you with the touch of a button. And for under $30, we think it's a luxury that comes at an amazing value. All you have to do is place this wine opener on top of the bottle, press the button, and it will remove the cork seamlessly and within a matter of seconds. It also comes with a foil cutter for added convenience. 

The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and the sleek appearance looks attractive displayed in the kitchen. We had no issues effortlessly opening multiple bottles of wine, regardless of the size or type of bottle. We think this electric wine opener would make a thoughtful and envy-worthy gift or the perfect addition to your own bar cart.

Dimensions: 5.51 x 14.96 x 5.32 inches | Material: Plastic | Color: Silver and black | Weight: 1 pound

Best Mortar and Pestle

Cole & Mason Mortar and Pestle

Cole & Mason Mortar and Pestle

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to clean

  • Effective at mashing and grinding

  • Sturdy granite

  • Great price value

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

A classic mortar and pestle is essential for making the best fresh guacamole, pesto, or even grinding up spices by hand. This elegant set is made out of heavy-duty granite and does a beautiful job of mashing up ingredients. We definitely appreciate the design details of this mortar and pestle—the interior of the bowl and the end of the pestle is gritty and coarse for effective pulverizing while the handle is smooth and polished to optimize comfort for your hand. Whether you’re crushing up garlic or grinding together herbs and oils, this mortar and pestle is a miracle worker to release and extract maximum flavor.

Capacity: 1 cup  | Weight: 3.96 pounds  | Material: Granite | Dimensions: 5.12 x 5.12 x 3.15 inches

Best Smart Mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can control with app

  • Keeps drink at preferred temperature

  • 90-minute battery life

  • Sleek and modern design

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Hand wash only

The disappointment of sipping on a lukewarm or cold coffee is an unfortunate one we can all relate to. Sure, you can heat it up in the microwave again, but there’s an undeniable appeal to the luxury of a high-tech mug that always keeps your beverage heated to the perfect temperature. We put the much-hyped Ember mug to the test and found it a must-have gadget for coffee and tea lovers.

By connecting this mug to its app on your smartphone, you can adjust and set your preferred temperature, ranging between 120 and 145 degrees. It also includes preset temperature settings for different types of teas, as well as cappuccinos and lattes. We found that this smart mug did indeed keep drinks as hot as we customized, even after a whole hour. Although the Ember mug comes at a steep price, it may be well worth it for the satisfaction (and convenience) of hot sips every time.

Dimensions: 3.25 x 4.2 inches | Weight: 14.5 ounces | Capacity: 14 ounces | What’s included: Ember Mug, charging coaster, AC power adapter, and quick start guide

Best Electric Kettle

Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Amazon

What We Like
  • Five temperature presets

  • Sleek and attractive design

  • Good value

What We Don't Like
  • Exterior can get hot

The Cosori Original Electric Gooseneck Kettle is an all-around winner for more than just its sleek stylish appearance and 11,000+ five-star reviews. There are five buttons for the temperature presets of green tea, oolong tea, black tea, coffee, and boil. This feature makes use incredibly easy and takes the guesswork out of figuring out times for different types of beverages. 

We love that this electric kettle only takes a matter of minutes to have freshly boiled water at the ideal temperature ready for you. Plus, it's got a Hold Temp function, which can keep the water at the set temperature for up to an hour.

Capacity: 0.8 liters | Dimensions: 11.6 x 9 x 7.7 inches | Wattage: 1,200 | Voltage: 120 | Warranty: 1-year limited

Best Milk Frother

Secura Detachable Milk Frother

Secura Detachable Milk Frother

Amazon

What We Like
  • Makes creamy thick foam

  • Large capacity

  • Milk jug is dishwasher-safe

  • Heats up milk

What We Don't Like
  • Can get loud

For creamy and silky foam atop your lattes, you need a milk frother. It can create cafe-worthy artisan beverage experiences from the comfort of your own home. This Secura frother has four settings: hot foam, cold foam, hot milk, and even hot chocolate! It's also super-easy to use, with a pour spout for mess-free latte art as well as measurements marked on the inside of the jug indicating minimum and maximum capacity.

Testing found that the frother consistently produced a thick foam that retained its shape and made for a beautiful finishing touch to cappuccinos, teas, and more. Even when using oat milk, it was able to create a very viscous large-bubbled foam. Adding a milk frother into your coffee routine is a major game changer to make your mornings a whole lot brighter and fancier.

Type: Automatic | Capacity: 8.5 ounces for frothing; 17 ounces for heating | Heating: Yes | Dimensions: 6.6 x 5 x 7.4 inches | Weight: 2.79 pounds

Best Rolling Pin

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin with Removable Rings

Amazon

What We Like
  • Measurement guide on pin

  • Long barrel length

  • Solid beechwood construction

What We Don't Like
  • Hand-wash only

  • Slight learning curve

We’re all about products that make your life easier and more convenient so behold this adjustable, measurement-engraved rolling pin. It comes with colorful removable rings that allow you to adjust the pastry thickness by raising the rolling surface by specific millimeters (1/16, 1/6, 1/4, and 3/8-inch). And the barrel of the pin is etched with inch and centimeter measurements to ensure the precise length you desire for your pastry creations.

During testing, we liked how the long barrel worked with thicker and wider doughs, resulting in even pastries. Baking should be fun and relaxing, so eliminate the stress of figuring out exact measurements. This rolling pin is a necessity for perfectly even cookies and pie crusts, all made with confidence.

Overall Length: 17 inches | Style: Straight Dowel | Weight: 1.23 Pounds | Barrel Length: 13 5/8 inches

Best Herb Scissors

Poromi Herb Scissors

Poromi Herb Scissors

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sharp blades

  • Ergonomically designed handles

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • Can be hard to clean

These herb scissors will significantly up your prep game. Forget taking out the cutting board and knife to meticulously chop up basil or green onion when you can do it in seconds with this handy tool. These scissors have five pairs of ultra-sharp blades that make quick work of snipping up your fresh herbs into tiny pieces, perfect for topping your favorite dishes. Reviewers love how easy the scissors are to use and emphasize how they are strong enough to cut through tough items like celery or a thick bunch of parsley. And to make cleanup a breeze, these come with a little comb that scrapes through each blade.

Length: 7.6 inches | Weight: 5 ounces

Best Ice Maker

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

Frigidaire EFIC103 Countertop Ice Maker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Modern and sleek design

  • Three sizes of ice

  • Easy to use and maintain

  • Quiet operation

What We Don't Like
  • No self-cleaning cycle

Want high-volume ice production quickly and without much effort? Enter: this easy-to-use countertop machine that churns out up to 26 pounds of fresh restaurant-quality ice.

Household brand Frigidaire does not disappoint when it comes to this portable freestanding ice machine. All you have to do is plug this compact ice maker in and add water, and you’ll have a whole batch of bullet ice at your disposal. It’s ideal for entertaining parties or convenient for just everyday use. In our tests, it made a batch of thick ice bullets in just eight minutes. We were also impressed by how its quiet performance was—in fact, we almost forgot it was even on.

Frigidaire EFIC103 Countertop Ice Maker displayed on a patterned surface full of ice and a white scoop

The Spruce Eats / Danielle Centoni

Model: Countertop | Ice Size: 3 sizes, bullet ice | Speed: 9 pieces per 7 to 15 minutes | Dimensions: 14.44 x 11.69 x 14.88 inches | Weight: 24.03 pounds | Output: 26 pounds per day

Best Utensil Rest

Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

Walmart

What We Like
  • Affordable price

  • Can also hold tongs

  • Non-slip and heat safe

  • Dishwasher-safe

What We Don't Like
  • May get water spots

Having to deal with handling multiple utensils while cooking, scattered in disarray over the counter is not a pretty sight. We can agree it’s a challenge to keep all the tools organized with just one little spoon rest. However, this gadget is a simple solution to a common kitchen nuisance. The non-slip, heat-safe silicone utensil rest has four notches that provide organization for your spatula, spoon, and even tongs. It also helps to minimize a sauce or crumb mess on your counter thanks to the raised edges.

Material: Silicone | Capacity: 4 utensils | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Pepper Mill

Le Creuset Pepper Mill

Le Creuset Pepper Mill

Amazon

What We Like
  • Aesthetically pleasing design and colors

  • Easy to use and refill

  • Produces a great grind

  • Durable quality

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

Pepper grinding has never been more beautiful, thanks to this La Creuset pepper mill, available in an array of brilliant colors the brand is iconic for. However, this gadget goes beyond its looks—over 3,000 five-star reviews agree that it’s an all-around winner. The lightweight grinder produces excellent fine and coarse ground pepper, easily adjustable with the cast metal knob. It’s also quite sturdy, guaranteed to last years of dinner parties and everyday seasoning. We tested and appreciated how comfortable it was to hold, making twisting peppercorns into an aromatic grind a pleasure. Refilling is easy to do—simply remove the metal piece and the top and load it up with fresh peppercorns.

Dimensions: 8 x 2.5 inches | Coarseness Settings: Adjustable | Materials: Ceramic Grinder, Plastic Body

Best Egg Cooker

Cuisinart Egg Central

Cuisinart Egg Cooker Brushed Stainless Steel

Amazon

What We Like
  • Two tiers can accommodate 10 eggs at once

  • Accurate and automatic cooking

  • Great value

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Buzzer must be turned off manually

Eggs have never been so easy with this Cuisinart electric cooker. It can steam-cook up to ten eggs soft, medium, or hard-boiled. As a bonus, it has specialized trays that make omelets or poached eggs! Sounds like a breakfast dream come true. Our testing found that this machine was easy to use and served up eggs quickly and efficiently. The capacity of ten eggs is especially ideal for hosting a brunch party or cooking for a large family. 

The boiled and poached eggs came out perfectly—we love that the often inconsistent guesswork of egg-cooking times is eliminated with this machine. However, the omelet left much to be desired. When we took it out of the tray during testing, the omelet was spilling over the sides of the tray. We say stick to hard-boiled and poached eggs when it comes to this fun and useful little gadget.

Capacity: 10 eggs | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Dimensions: 6.30 x 7.30 x 7.75 inches | Warranty: 3 years

Best Juicer

Breville Juice Fountain Compact

Breville Juice Fountain Compact

Amazon

What We Like
  • Wide feed chute

  • Affordable

  • Fast and powerful

What We Don't Like
  • Micro mesh filter is hard to clean

For when you're in that healthy mood and craving fresh, flavorful juice, the Breville Juice Fountain Compact is the answer. It may be a compact size (perfect for storing away or fitting onto your countertop), but it packs a powerful punch. We appreciated how the feed chute was large enough to fit a whole apple, so you won't have to go through the extra step of cutting down the ingredients as with other juicers. The food pusher did not require much effort to use—whole celery stalks and carrots were able to be pulverized in seconds down to a smooth and pulp-free juice. No more need to buy overpriced juices at the store when you can make them even better (and fresher) at home!

Style: Centrifugal | Dimensions: 7.4 x 10.4 x 12.7 inches | Weight: 9.68 pounds

Final Verdict

The Instant Pot Duo is a versatile game-changer of a kitchen gadget you'll probably find yourself using more than you think. It can be used for rice, yogurt, ribs, soup, and so much more. We also are a fan of the Prepworks by Progressive Mandoline. It makes for sharp, even cuts of the sturdiest of veggies and fruits.

What to Look for in Kitchen Gadgets

Functionality

Kitchen gadgets can be alluring, but how much you'll really use one is the question to ask before you add it to your collection—if it'll help you with a task you perform on a regular basis, it may be worth it. For example, if you bake a lot, then a kitchen timer is a good investment. On the other hand, if it's a gadget that you don't expect to use often, you may want to think about a more practical purchase.

Size

One can only have so many kitchen gadgets, and the bigger they are, the more space they occupy. If you have lots of storage space, size might not be the most important factor, but if yours is limited, you'll want to choose your gadgets with care. In many cases, gadgets come in a variety of sizes, and you can get similar functionality on a smaller scale.

Durability

Make sure to look at quality when selecting a kitchen gadget. Higher-quality products will hold up better over time—and they can also make any task easier and safer to perform.

FAQs

How do you use an Instant Pot?

This wildly popular pressure cooker makes meals easy. Find all the details about how to use one, and what you can and can't cook in the Instant Pot. Basically, follow these steps, and then select your cooking method on the control panel:

  • Plug it in.
  • Locate the max-fill line, and be sure to not go above this for pressurized cooking.
  • Put your ingredients in the Instant Pot.
  • Place the lid on the top of the pot, and follow the arrows to close it properly. 
  • Choose your cook setting and let it do its magic.

How do you use an avocado slicer?

Using the blade, slice the avocado lengthwise and circle around the pit. Once fully sliced, use your hands and twist the two sides until they come apart. Using the blade part of the tool, remove the pit by twisting. Use the slicing/scooping part of the tool to remove the avocado flesh on both sides.

What is the difference between a burr and blade coffee grinder?

As explained in this Spruce Eats article, Burr grinders use a revolving wheel to grind coffee while blade grinders use a metal blade to chop the beans. Because of the burr's consistent, uniform grind, coffee enthusiasts tend to prefer this model. Blade grinders tend to be less expensive but not as consistent in the finished product. 

How do you sharpen a swivel peeler?

Like knives, peelers can be sharpened at home with a whetstone and some elbow grease. Hold the blade perpendicular to the sharpening stone, and then move the peeler back and forth. Be careful not to put too much pressure, as the blade of a peeler is much thinner than a chef's knife. After about 10 strokes, wash the blade to remove any debris, and dry immediately. Peelers should be treated much like your prized cutlery—the blades need periodic sharpening to maintain serviceability.

What is a whisk used for?

Whisks come in a couple different configurations, mainly flat or balloon, and are used to either aerate a mixture or blend ingredients together by hand.

What is an immersion blender used for?

As explained in this Spruce Eats article, an immersion blender functions like a regular blender, but on a stick to make it easier to blend soups, sauces, and other liquids without the mess of moving it between pot and blender. Many are powerful enough to blend vegetables, potatoes, and any food item you need to puree.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a food writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. A self-professed "kitchen geek," she's written many roundups on a range of essential kitchen items, from the best Thanksgiving gadgets to the top seafood kitchen tools of the year. One of her faves? The OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula Set. "They're a must-want for home kitchens," she says.

Carrie Honaker is a food writer who owns an embarrassingly obscene number of kitchen utensils, including four from this list that all live in her gadget drawer. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has peeled thousands of carrots and zested hundreds of lemons, so she knows the importance of having the right tool for the job. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Honaker
Carrie Honaker The Spruce Eats
Carrie Honaker is a freelance writer specializing in food, wine, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, Wine Enthusiast, Allrecipes, and more.
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