37 Kitchen Gadgets for Anyone Who Need Help In the Cooking Department

I'm going to be honest with you all: I'm not exactly skilled when it comes to the art of cooking. I'm more of a "can't make it through a recipe without slicing one of my fingers" kind of a person. At some points in history, I basically would have starved to death. But lucky for me, we live in a day and age when there are thousands of cooking gadgets that can turn even those of us who are completely lost in the kitchen into solid cooks. Even if you're not quite as desperate as I am, there are plenty of items that will up your cooking game and make your kitchen look amazing. Are you ready to make some amazing dishes that will wow your family? You need these products.

We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!

Silicone Lids Stretch to Fit Your Containers

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Basically, every kitchen has that one cabinet filled with mismatched plasticware lids — so downsize to these silicone ones. They'll stretch to fit nearly any container, and you can even use them to save halved fruit for later. One reviewer even wrote that "these lids work well on drinking glasses, table bowls, square storage containers, even directly on a cut melon or an onion half." I have these in my kitchen and I can confirm: they're fantastic.

This Air Fryer Cooking Times Magnet is a Helpful Cheat Sheet

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This magnetic air fryer cooking times cheat sheet is about to become the handiest tool in your kitchen arsenal. "This chart is easy to read and lists most commonly cooked items. Magnet sticks well to my refrigerator so it can be easily accessible when using my air fryer. I have a 1500 watt fryer and the temps listed are spot on with the quick temps on my fryer." - N. Nick. If you use an air fryer, you do not want to miss out on this.

This Petit Multi-Purpose Rack Can Be Used to Dry Bags to Utensils

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Once you've washed out your plastic — or, ideally — silicone baggies, you can use this rack to let them air dry. It's made from rustproof stainless steel — and you're not limited to just bags. Use it to hold utensils, dishes, or even makeup brushes while they're drying. And everyone can use extra drying space in their kitchen: it's just a law.

Try This Clip-On Collander and Life Will Never Be the Same

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I don't know why it took someone so long to come up with a clip-on colander, but I feel like this might have been my million-dollar idea before someone beat me to it. Available in large and XXL sizes, this strainer doesn't require any additional pans to clean. Just pop it on the pan that needs drained and then throw it in the dishwasher when you're finished. As a pasta fanatic, I use it constantly.

These Slim Ice Packs So You Can Pack More Into Snack Boxes

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Most ice packs are bulky, taking up a ton of space in your lunchbox — but not these ones. They're slim enough that they won't take up too much room, yet large enough that they'll keep your drinks and sandwiches fresh for later. Plus, they even freeze quicker than the thicker versions!

I Don't Know How I Ever Lived Without This Microwave Shelf

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Alright alright — I lived by eating balanced meals and eating three times a day. But other than that? My life was empty before this microwave shelf came into it. Not only is it made from tough carbon steel, but the height, and length, are also adjustable so that it'll work with practically any microwave. It doubles your space super easily and who doesn't want that?

Your Very Own Slick Wrap Storage

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If you're short on kitchen space (and who isn't?), you're going to love this one. The WRAPdock is a genius invention that stores and dispenses wrap directly from the drawer. Did you catch that? Directly. from. the. drawer. This guy holds two rolls of whatever type of wrap you have, from aluminum foil to plastic wrap to wax paper. Just load it and then remind yourself what an amazing shopper you are to have found this deal.

These Chopping Scissors are So Handy at Meal Times

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I love these handy kitchen scissors for small chopping jobs like veggies and fresh herbs. You don't even need the cutting board since these have a little "shelf" for holding whatever you're cutting! I love anything that makes meal prep go faster, and these are definitely one of my new fave kitchen tools. Plus they're way easier to use for those of us who have a dangerous relationship with knives.

Smoothies On-the-Go With This Personal Blender

Amazon.com

Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to get your nutrients–not to mention they make delicious, quick breakfasts and taste even better when it's warm out. This personal blender not only allows you to make yummy smoothies but also allows you to take your breakfast on the go. Whether you're busy with work or always traveling, you need this blender.

This Water Bottle is Known For Keeping Your Bevvies Ice Cold

Amazon.com

Stainless steel with a handy, insulated flip-lid, this is my go-to water bottle for the summer months, even when I'm inside. It's the worst when your iced coffee loses the 'iced' part, and I don't find I have that problem when I use this bottle. I also love the bright colors it comes in!

Get Temp Absolutely Right When Cooking Meat and Fish

Amazon.com/Bella

I've been cooking meat for a long time, but never better than when I'm using a meat thermometer. Why did I wait so long to invest in one of these? This one, from ThermaPro, is digital and waterproof as well as motion-sensing so it's awake and ready to go when you are. It doesn't just work for meat temperatures, either. You'll find it to be super handy when baking or candy-making, too.

A "Perfect" Paper Towel Holder

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Have you ever stopped to think about how convenient paper towels are? No? Just me? Never mind then, but you're going to want to grab this wall-mounted paper towel holder, which is a perfect addition to your kitchen, bathroom, garage, craft room and more. The technology behind this one keeps the roll from unraveling and allows you to grab one paper towel one-handed (which is basically always the situation when I really need a paper towel).

At Last! Ice Cube Trays That Come With Lids

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No longer do you have to dedicate an entire column of real estate to your ice cube trays, as these ones come with lids so that you can stack other stuff on top of them. They're also made from flexible silicone, which makes it easy to pop your cubes out once frozen. Choose from four colors: light blue, green, orange, or yellow. We have the green at home, and not only are they so much more convenient than the ice trays I remember from childhood, they also save tons of space.

Bugs in Your Drink? Not With These Drink Tops

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I try to spend as much time outside as possible. My ideal afternoon is spent outside watching the sunset with a glass of my favorite wine and a delicious meal. Unfortunately, bugs make this a bit difficult. But it's not a total loss–not with these drink tops anyway. They keep undesirable elements out of your glasses, so you can enjoy your outdoor time without accidentally consuming a fly.

Firm Up your Tofu with this At-Home Tofu Press

Amazon.com

This simple, three-piece designed tofu press allows you to make and press tofu in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you're feeling vegetarian or vegan-curious just add this no-fuss press to your shopping cart and make the most of Amazon's secret bargain section. If you like your tofu firm — or even extra firm — then this stylish tofu press belongs in your kitchen yesterday.

An Effortless Way to Cut Through a Delicious Pineapple Every Time

Is there anything better than a piece of delicious juicy pineapple? The answer is no. But, let me tell you — there's nothing I hate more than cutting pineapples. It is such a hassle, so messy and takes so long when really all I want is to eat it. So what ends up happening? I just leave it sitting pretty on my counter because I'm too lazy to deal. Until this tool entered my life and changed the game: now I can have that pineapple ready to munch on in no time at all.

These Non-Slip Kitchen Mat Are Also Water-Resistent

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Name one place in your home where you spend more time standing than in your kitchen. Can't come up with anything, can you? Between washing dishes and preparing meals, we spend a lot of time on our feet in the kitchen. Give yourself some relief with these anti-fatigue, non-slip mats. They come in a matching set of two, and reviewers love them, calling them both functional and beautiful.

Accuracy With This Countertop 22lb Digital Kitchen Scale

22lb Digital Kitchen Scale Weight Grams and oz for Cooking Bakingvia Amazon

Stop fudging your ingredient measurements and start baking like a boss! Food scales are an important fixture of any self-respecting kitchen, so go ahead and upgrade your countertop with this stainless steel scale. With four high precision load sensors you get quick and accurate measurements, plus you can easily use the tare button to subtract the weight of the plate or container, making it easy to achieve accurate readouts of ingredients.

Finally, A Dishwasher Safe Knife Set

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Nobody ever tells you that a lot of you'll buy as an adult are necessary, but kind of boring. Knives are one of those things. They typically come with a plain black or brown handle and very little personality. Unless, of course, you purchase this 12-piece knife set with an assortment of bright colors. This rainbow set includes a chef knife, bread knife, slicer, santoku, utility knife, and paring knife, all gorgeous and bright.

Never Waste Water Again With This Dishwasher Magnet

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​Unless you live by yourself, dishes can get a bit confusing. I find myself asking, "are these clean or dirty?" at least once a week. This dishwasher magnet is such an easy addition to your home that lets everyone in the house know whether or not they're good to load the machine or not. You'll never have to waste water on running a clean load twice ever again.

A Cheat Sheet Mat for Novice Bakers

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Are you a serious baker or do you have an aspiring baker in your house? This three-piece silicone baking mat set is a must-have for kneading, shaping, and rolling while keeping sticky messes contained. The measurements on the mats will keep you precise and the food-grade silicone is heat-resistant so you can go from the freezer straight to the oven without any damage.

This Compact Waffle Maker Makes the Ultimate Breakfast

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You're not stuck just making waffles when you've got this waffle maker — oh no. It's so versatile that you can also bake paninis, hash browns, or even delicious little biscuit pizzas. And if that isn't enough? It's small enough to fit in even the most cramped of kitchen cabinets. Now you can have amazing meals with basically no work at all.

These Easy Release Ice Packs to Make Ice Cold Drinks

Amazon.com

This gadget is a great way to chill cocktails and other drinks because it's quick and easy to use. You simply fill the bag with juice or water and pop it in the freezer. Wait a day or so and suddenly you have amazing flavored ice cubes. When you want a chilled juice, you simply crack one of the frozen sweet cubes into your cup, and voila.

These Spice Labels Will Have Your Spice Drawer Looking Tres Chic

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No joke, these minimalist spice jar labels inspired me to completely reorganize my pantry. This set of 94 labels come pre-printed and ready for you to affix to the jars or bottles of your choice (although you can't go wrong with the jars pictured). It has all of the traditional spice names, including some lesser-known options — all in a waterproof and removable design. Genius!

These Tiki Mugs Will Have You Feeling Like You're on Vacation

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​I recently went to a tiki bar, and I got my Mai Tai in a small souvenir glass, and I have to admit that I went on Amazon and bought these tiki mugs as soon as I got home. There's something about sipping a fruity rum cocktail out of a glass that makes you feel like you're in Hawaii. You can bet I will be only using these mugs from here on out.

A Wall-Mounted Knife 'Block' With A Wood Look

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Don't have enough counter space for a bulky knife block? This magnetic strip lets you hang your blades up on a wall — and unlike other magnetic "blocks," this one is made from solid teak wood. It won't rust, dull, or chip over time, and it's magnetic enough to hold larger utensils besides knives. And just look at how sleek and modern it is. Gorgeous.

These Straws Suck — Pun Intended

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Straws have taken a good bit of negative rap recently and it's not hard to see why. Traditional plastic straws can't be recycled and pose a threat to wildlife in the oceans. Reusable straws are a great alternative and this set of 10 for less than $9 is a good starting point. Made of food-grade silicone, these straws will work great in your favorite tumblers. There are few easier ways to be more environmentally friendly.

Make the Perfect Cup Every Time

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Nothing is better than a perfect cup of coffee every morning, and this French press makes the perfect cup in no time, every single time. Unlike other coffee makers, this one is dishwasher safe. Stop reading and click 'Add to Cart,' ASAP. Because you deserve some good caffeination.

This Beer Chiller Keeps Your Drink Ice Cold

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I don't know about you, but I cannot drink beer at a warmer temperature than literally-just-came-from-my-freezer. Thankfully, I have this cool beer chiller that keeps my drink cold for me. That means I can drink at whatever pace my movie is playing at, without worrying that it's going to go warm on me.

Whip Your Utensils Into Shape

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Kitchen utensils are like bunnies. First, you have one. Then, you have a second. Then, you have a million and don't know where they all came from. This find won't solve that problem (might I suggest a quick run to Goodwill?), but it will at least get the ones you do have under control. This one is a good size (translation: it'll hold a lot) and comes in both white and gray. Now your kitchen counter will look cute even if you do have one billion utensils.

These Kitchen Utensils Are Beyond Cute

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How cute are these person-shaped kitchen utensils? You get the full works in this set, from whisk to ice cream scoop, all in bright, cheerful colors. Did I mention they're dishwasher friendly too? A perfect addition for any cook who's young at heart.

This Gadget Brews Deliciously Fresh Iced Tea

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It doesn't matter whether you have loose tea leaves or bags — this machine can still brew a deliciously fresh pitcher of iced tea in just a few minutes. It automatically turns itself off once it's done brewing, and reviewers loved how easy it is to use. "It fits well in my tiny kitchen," one explains. "I use it to help me reduce drinking diet soda...using it is also easy; much more convenient than making brewed tea with a hot water kettle."

Make Your Own Fruit Cocktails With This Fruit Keg Kit

Amazon.com

There's something about summer that makes me want to drink fruity cocktails all day long. I promise I wait until the weekend (or at least 5 PM). But you can bet that I break out this fruit keg kit when I want to go all out. Whether you empty out your fruit and fill it with a pre-batched cocktail, or you fill your fruit with the liquor of your choice to soak, this kit allows you to serve it in the coolest way possible.

This Bacon Grease Container is Something You Didn't Know you Needed

Aulett Home Bacon Grease Container With Strainervia Amazon

Feeling Keto-curious? This cooking oil container comes with a curved comfortable handle, well suited to your hand and less prone to getting hot. Perfect for bacon grease and oil storage for regular, keto, or paleo diets. Stores up to 5 cups of yummy fats! Say goodbye to cooking sprays or other chemically processed oils and keep what nature gave you. Because everything tastes better with bacon grease.

Pitcher of Filtered Water That Can Be Stored in the Fridge

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Bottled water? Too much work. Tap water? Eww. Filtered water directly from a Brita pitcher in your refrigerator? Yes, please. This pitcher holds 10 cups of water and gives you fresh, great-tasting water that requires you only to fill and refill it as needed. You can feel good about your environmental impact, too; using this pitcher eliminates about 1,800 single-use plastic bottles each year.

This is the Best Blender for Soups and Sauces

Amazon

I've been blending a lot lately, and using a full blender can be irritating: it's huge, hard to clean, and tough to tell when things have been blended the correct amount. But this immersion blender is a fantastic upgrade. It works fast, it's super easy to clean, and it takes up basically no space in your kitchen. Definitely an upgrade.

I Scream, You Scream — It's Homemade Ice Cream Containers

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As a kid, I can plainly remember my parents making homemade ice cream on our back patio. But, I don't remember them having these cool reusable homemade ice cream containers. Maybe that's because we never had leftovers or maybe it's because it was the 1980s and no one had dreamed up such a convenient gadget. Either way, you can buy a set of two now from Amazon for less than 18 bucks.