Save time and money with these must-have kitchen tools. They’re going to make time kitchen more enjoyable and you can get back to the best thing in life — your family!
There are literally thousands of kitchen gadgets available, from the humble to the gourmet. The right tools in the kitchen can really save you time and money. These are my absolute favorites:
Zoku 11-pc Neat Stack
Even though we have two garbage disposals — in other words, teenagers — we often have leftovers. The Zoku 11-pc Neat Stack is the perfect set to have in your home to store your food and also take back control of your kitchen cabinets. When not in use, all 11 pieces fit snugly together to create a compact set. Each storage bowl features a color-coded band to quickly find the size you need.
This Neat Stack™ set includes watertight latching lids that easily latch and secure your food inside. The freezer pack fits inside of the lids on the 3-, 4-, and 5-cup storage containers. I have a refrigerator to keep my food but the freezer pack comes in handy for my husband, who does not. His food is kept cool from the leaving the house until his lunch hour!
This set didn’t take long to become my favorite. Not only does it work great for leftovers, it helps make meal prep a snap — literally! How many times have you purchased fresh produce, only to find it wasting away hidden in your produce drawer? When I bring our groceries home, one of the first things I do is wash and prep the fruit and vegetables. Throughout the week, this adds up to a lot of saved time!
The Neat Stack™ Collection is BPA- and phthalate-free and constructed for use in the microwave, is freezer- and dishwasher-safe. Once you try one set, you’ll never go back to using your old storage containers!
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
A good set of measuring cups and spoons are essential if you want your recipes to turn out right, especially when baking. Over the years, I have tried various sets and the biggest complaint I’ve had is how the handles bend or break.
Plastic sets have labels that rub off from regular use and being washed. The Morgenhaan Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set has the volume stamped directly, making them easy-to-read and they don’t disappear!
Digital Kitchen Scale
A digital kitchen scale is ideal for measuring ingredients by weight. It can also help with portion control if you are on a diet. Don’t guess at how much three ounces of meat is — measure it accurately. This Ozeri Digital Kitchen Scale is compact and easy to store, while offering the ability to weigh items up to 11 lbs. You can measure in pounds, grams, ounces, and milliliters, making conversions quick!
Mixing Bowls
From small to large, a variety of mixing bowls is important for any cook/baker to have in their kitchen. The first set I ever owned was plastic but it didn’t take long for me to upgrade to a stainless steel mixing bowl set. Plastic is often porous, stains, and can melt from heat.
A few years ago, I decided to upgrade my set of bowls again. I still love the stainless steel; however, I opted for a set with lids and flat bottoms that are coated with a non-slip coating of silicone.
Hand Mixer
My KitchenAid Stand Mixer is my number one must-have kitchen gadget; however, it’s not always needed when baking or cooking. It’s best for heavy-duty, larger cooking sessions! When I need to quickly my food, I use a KitchenAid Hand Mixer.
When I was regularly baking cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, parties, etc. I kept buying hand mixers that were less than $15. I went through at least three within a month because the motors within them simply couldn’t keep up. The 5 speeds and turbo accessories make whipping up even the thickest of mixes!
Manual Cheese Grater / Vegetable Slicer / Mandoline Slicer
Until we remodel our kitchen, I have a limited amount of space to keep kitchen gadgets. I set out on a mission to find a 3-in-1 tool that included a grater, mandolin slicer, and chopper. Many of the automated options had reviews that listed the tools as difficult to clean. This manual was recommended by a friend and I couldn’t be more satisfied!
The rotary grater includes three interchangeable drum blades for coarse or fine grating and slicing. The locking suction base keeps the unit in place during use and easily comes apart for cleaning. Whether I’m slicing vegetables, grating cheese, or need small pieces of nuts to top dishes, this is the perfect tool!
Immersion Blender
An immersion blender is perfect for soups, stews and sauces. Instead of running the risk of burning yourself and splattering food everywhere in order to make your soup smooth (such as cream of mushroom soup), you just place the blender in the pot and start to liquidize all of the ingredients.
The Meuller Austria Ultra-Stick is compact, versatile, affordable, and easy-to-clean. Whip cream, beat eggs, create creamy peanut butter, and puree fruits and veggies in addition to smoothing your soups, stews, and sauces.
Springform Pan
Even if you’re not big into baking cakes, Zulay Kitchen’s 9-inch springform pan is a quality pan that can help you create quiche, deep bowl pizzas, and lasagna. The non-stick surface eliminates the need for flour when baking. The large, stainless steel latch makes it easy to release and remove the dish you’ve created. It was perfect for creating my Bacon Tennessee Apple Whiskey Cheesecake!
Slow Cooker
The slow cooker will take some practice to master, but it is a great way to have a hot meal waiting at home for you and the family every night. Just follow the recipe and set the timer.
It is also a great option in the summer. You won’t want to turn on the oven or cook on the stove top when the temperatures soar. A slow cooker allows you to have a hot meal every night without heating up the kitchen and the whole house.
Cutting Board
A strong cutting board is a must-have for my kitchen. I have one specifically for meat and a separate one for fruits/vegetables. This Organic Bamboo Cutting Board comes with a lifetime guarantee replacement if it ever cracks or splinters. It’s antimicrobial to ensure your food is safe and features a groove to catch liquids from your meat or fruit/veggies. I love that it’s 18″ x 12″ — much better space for cutting up foods for my family meals!
Cast Iron Pans
A cast iron pan can seem like an expensive investment; but it’s one that will continue giving back for the rest of your life — and future generations! I won’t lie, cast iron was extremely intimidating in the beginning. I’m a firm believer in learning by experience; but I did learn a lot from the Cast Iron Cooking for Dummies book, too.
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is my absolute favorite kitchen tool lately. I am awful about forgetting to thaw meat out early enough in the refrigerator. If the food is frozen, I can add a few minutes to recipes and we have a hot, steamy meal on the table in no time!
Check out my Instant Pot recipes:
- Cilantro-Lime Rice
- Sun Drop Cake
- Beef Short Ribs
- Fresh Tomato Soup
- Cinnamon Pear Applesauce
- Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Cocoa Spiced Pork Roast
- Sesame Garlic Chicken Wings
The Ringer
If you own cast iron, then you need to have The Ringer in your kitchen! This premium stainless steel 8″ x 6″ cleaner. Made in America, this kitchen tool will washes off the grit without using detergent. In addition to your cast iron, this scrubber can safely be used on glassware, stoneware, plates, baking sheets, and much more. It can easily be washed in the dishwasher for continued use.
Silicone Basting Brushes
These silicone basting brushes are extremely versatile and a great tool year-round for indoor cooking or grilling. The grips are detachable for easy clean-up and 100% heat-resistant.
High-Quality Bakeware
Once you invest in a high-quality bakeware set, you’ll never go back to cheap pans again! USA Pan is unique with its corrugated surface design that facilitates air circulation. They are coated with Americoat — a PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-Free silicone. They’re nonstick for a quick-release and easy clean-up.
Shredder Claws
Do you enjoy pulled pork? These shredder claws are the perfect for turning your pork roasts, brisket, turkey, chicken, hams, etc. into shreds while it’s still hot. They also double as a tool to securely hold your meats while carving. The claws help grip and carry hot foods in the kitchen without burning your hands.
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