The 35 Best Kitchen Gadgets of 2023

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Best Kitchen Gadgets

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 large array of products to choose from when you're looking to upgrade your own kitchen or searching for the perfect gift for your favorite cook. It doesn’t matter if your kitchen is large or small or whether you cook for one or many. There are plenty of tools that will help you work smarter and faster—and make cooking tasks easier.

Here are the best kitchen gadgets. 

Best Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

4.9
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

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. Our tester highlighted the yogurt and slow cooker functions: when making yogurt, she 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."

Price at time of publish: $100

Instant Pot Duo 60 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker

The Spruce Eats / Danielle Centoni

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

What Our Testers Say

"The device has its temperature and pressure sensors dialed in, resulting in precise results when cooking."

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.

Price at time of publish: $12

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

What Our Editors Say

"I can't even begin to tell you how many times my knife has slipped while trying to remove an avocado pit. This gadget gives you a better handle on the situation, and the small blades grip the pit from three angles, so it's practically slip-proof."

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.

Price at time of publish: $30

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

Best Mandoline

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

4.6
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.

Our tester loved how sharp and effective it was and also liked that it was lightweight and extremely easy to clean. However, she noted that the food holder left something to be desired.

Price at time of publish: $28

Prepworks Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline

The Spruce Eats / Rachel Ellison

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

What Our Testers Say

"The blade seemed just as sharp and effective as the pricier options we tested, and we were able to slice through denser produce without any struggle."

Best Coffee Grinder

Breville The Smart Grinder Pro

4.2
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. According to our tester, 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.

Price at time of publish: $200

Breville the Smart Grinder Pro

The Spruce / Donna Currie

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

What Our Testers Say

"The finest grounds were consistently powdery, while the coarsest grinds were also an even size—no large chunks and minimal dust."

Best Citrus Juicer

Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer

4.8
Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer, 10.25 long, Yellow

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.

Price at time of publish: $25

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

Best Swivel Peeler

Oxo Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler

5
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.

Price at time of publish: $16

oxo good grips pro swivel peeler

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

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

What Our Testers Say

"It 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."

Best Spatula Set

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set

5
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.

Price at time of publish: $21

OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula Set

 The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

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

What Our Testers Say

"The silicone in the head is 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." 

Best Zester

Microplane Classic Stainless Steel Zester and Cheese Grater

Microplane Black Classic Stainless Steel Zester and Cheese 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. Customers love how easily and quickly it zests fruits and how fine the shavings are, but some report less-favorable results when grating cheese.

Price at time of publish: $18

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

What Our Experts Say

“A microplane is so much more versatile than just zesting citrus peels. I use mine for grating nuts for topping salads or adding nuttiness to baked goods, as well as hard cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, and even chocolate for shavings. It is also the tool to grate hard-boiled eggs for salad and whole spices, like nutmeg, garlic, and ginger, as well as other root vegetables you would normally dice.”

Best Whisk Set

Ouddy 5-Pack Stainless Steel Whisk Set

Ouddy 5-Pack Stainless Steel Whisk Set

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Inexpensive

  • Easy to clean

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • May not withstand heavy usage

Every kitchen needs a whisk. Or two. This set gives you three whisks in different sizes, so you will always have the right whisk for the job. It includes an 8-inch whisk, a 10-inch whisk, and a 12-inch whisk. Use the largest one for whipping cream, use the medium for whisking salad dressings, and use the smallest one for whisking hot chocolate. As a bonus, this set comes with stainless steel measuring cups and a silicone cooking brush.

The whisks are non-stick and easy to clean. Customers love that they are comfortable to hold and easy to use. While they may not stand up to the toughest jobs, most think they work well for everyday kitchen use—especially for the price.

Price at time of publish: $20

What's Included: 8-, 10-, and 12-inch stainless steel whisks (one each)

Best Immersion Blender

Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender

4.8
 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.

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.

Price at time of publish: $70

Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender Review

 The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

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

What Our Testers Say

"The main feature is the variable speed control, which was easy to use. I found that I generally set it at the highest speed and left it there. However, it's great to have the option for a slower speed so that the blender can start on low to avoid splashing."

Best Can Opener

Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener

4.8
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.

Our tester found the plastic to be durable and didn't expect the stainless steel cutting blade to rust or corrode, so it should last you a long time. This can opener is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Price at time of publish: $20

Zyliss Lock N' Lift Can Opener

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie 

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

What Our Testers Say

"The elements that set this can opener apart are a lock that keeps the opener attached to the can and a magnet for lid removal."

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.

Price at time of publish: $21

evo oil spray

The Spruce Eats / Abigail Abesamis Demarest

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

What Our Editors Say


“The Evo oil sprayer may just be my favorite cooking utensil ever. Before, I’d always accidentally pour way too much olive oil in my frying pan or drown chicken in it. Now, with just a few squeezes, I’ve got an even and controlled spread. The neck and trigger can get a little greasy over time, but it’s easy enough to clean.”

Best Wooden Spoon

Sabatier 14-inch Olivewood Slotted Spoon

4.9
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.

Price at time of publish: $19.99

Sabatier Slotted Spoon

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

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

What Our Testers Say

"The handle was long enough to stir sauce in a wide sauté pan or vegetables in a wok.”

Best Pot Holder

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

4.7
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. Our tester 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.

Price at time of publish: $12.95

OXO Good Grips Silicone Pot Holder

The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

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

What Our Testers Say

"The lining of this mitt is very plush and soft—easily the softest on this list, so it's very comfortable on the skin. The entire surface of the silicone grip has a raised pattern that feels extra-grippy and eliminates even the most minimal heat transfer."

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. 

Price at time of publish: $9.97

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

Best Oven Thermometer

Winco 3-Inch Dial Oven Thermometer

Winco B001B4KUPY 3-Inch Dial Oven Thermometer with Hook and Panel Base, 1

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable price

  • Stainless steel construction

  • Easy to read

What We Don't Like
  • No Celsius

Although oven thermometers may not sound like a particularly exciting kitchen gadget, they are an absolutely convenient tool to have in your kitchen arsenal. These little devices ensure consistency in your baking so you can avoid undercooked meats or burnt cookies. This Winco thermometer can be used either freestanding or hanging from an oven rack. It has an impressive temperature range of 50 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the large display is very easy to read. It also comes with the FDA’s HACCP food safety guidelines printed on the dial, reminding you of the correct hot food-handling temperatures. So if you want to ensure evenly cooked pizzas and deliciously moist cakes, look no further.

Price at time of publish: $7

Size: 5.06 x 1.56 x 8.44 inches | Temperature Measurement: Fahrenheit | Placement: Hanging or freestanding

Best Ice Tray

W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray With Protective Lid

4.6
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. Our tester 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. 

Price at time of publish: $16

w&p peak everyday ice tray with sauce and stock prep

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 Cutting Board

Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board

4.5
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.

Price at time of publish: $25

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

Best Garlic Press

Zulay Garlic Press

Zulay Garlic Press

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comfortable handle

  • Easy to use

  • Sturdy material

  • Yields a lot of garlic

What We Don't Like
  • Can take time to clean garlic from holes

Save lots of tears, knife chopping, and time in the kitchen with this best-selling garlic press. Simply place a clove or two into the basket, squeeze the non-slip handle, and you’ll instantly have finely minced garlic pulp. It’s truly a game changer for quick ingredient prep, and it works great for crushing ginger or nuts. You’ll never go back to spending a tedious 20 minutes mincing up garlic with a knife again. 

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: Zinc Alloy with Nickel Plating | Dimensions: 6.75 x 1.25 x 1.75 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Personal Blender

Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender

4.8
Ninja Nutri Pro Personal Blender

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to clean

  • Compact design

  • Comes with two cups and spout lids

  • Fast performance

What We Don't Like
  • Loud

This little powerhouse of a blender is a fan favorite for good reason. The Ninja Nutri Pro has a small footprint, hardly taking up counter space, but still boasts an impressive 900 watts of blending power. We put its performance to the test and were blown away by how quickly and smoothly it pulverized ingredients into a creamy puree. Frozen fruits, tough vegetables, and hard ice were no match for this highly efficient blender. 

It’s also very intuitive and easy to use—no tricky buttons need to be figured out. Simply fill the blender cup with your ingredients, screw on the lid, place into the blender base and push. You’ll have delicious smoothies and slushies in no time.

Price at time of publish: $90

Nutri Ninja Pro Blender

 The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

Power: 900 watts | Cups Included: 2 | Maximum Cup Capacity: 24 ounces | Weight: 7 pounds | Warranty: 1 year

What Our Testers Say

"A cup of ice was crushed to fluffy snow-like dconsistency in under 10 seconds and without any added liquid. That should give you an idea of how well the Nutri Ninja can handle frozen fruit for smoothies and desserts."

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.

Price at time of publish: $13

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

Best Electric Wine Opener

Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter

4.9
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. Our testers 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. 

Price at time of publish: $25

Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener

The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh

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

What Our Testers Say

“The Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener is a budget-friendly tool that makes bottle-opening almost entirely effortless. This sleek space-saver looks great on a bar top or kitchen counter.”

Best Mortar and Pestle

Cole & Mason Mortar and Pestle

4.6
Cole & Mason 5-inch Granite Mortar & 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.

Price at time of publish: $25

cole and mason mortar and pestle

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

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

What Our Testers Say

The fairly flat bottom in the mortar and matching shape on the pestle head were great for pounding garlic."

Best Smart Mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

4.6
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.

Price at time of publish: $124.75 

Ember Mug

  The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

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

What Our Testers Say

“From the moment I poured my coffee into the mug, it stayed hot until I was finished about 60 minutes later.”

Best Electric Kettle

Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle with 5 Variable Presets

5
Cosori Electric Kettle Gooseneck with Temperature Control

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.

Price at time of publish: $69.99

cosori-electric-gooseneck-kettle-closeup

The Spruce / Cheyene Elwell

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

4.2
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. Adding a milk frother into your coffee routine is a major game changer to make your mornings a whole lot brighter and fancier.

Price at time of publish: $59.99

Secura Detachable Milk Frother

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

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

What Our Testers Say

“It created a very viscous foam with tight small bubbles when using whole milk and large-bubbled foam when using oat milk.”

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.

Price at time of publish: $17.99

Length: 7.6 inches | Weight: 5 ounces

Best Rolling Pin

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin with Removable Rings

4.2
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.

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.

Price at time of publish: $25 

JosephJoseph_RollingPin_HeroHoriz

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

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

Best Ice Maker

Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker

Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Modern and sleek design

  • Compact

  • Easy to use and maintain

  • Quiet operation

What We Don't Like
  • Can get noisy

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. Nice!

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. Reviewers rave about excellent this ice maker works, especially for the relatively affordable price. Gone are the days of freezer space cluttered by ice trays or last-minute runs to the store for hefty bags of ice thanks to this nifty little gadget. 

Price at time of publish: $130

Ice Size: 2 sizes, bullet ice | Speed: 9 cubes per 6 minutes | Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 17.96 pounds | Output: 26 pounds per day

Best Utensil Rest

Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

4.4
Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

Courtesy of Amazon

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.

Price at time of publish: $14.99

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

Best Pepper Mill

Le Creuset Pepper Mill

4.8
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. Our tester appreciated how comfortable it was to hold, making twisting peppercorns into an aromatic grind a pleasure.

Price at time of publish: $45.95

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

Best Egg Cooker

Cuisinart Egg Central

4.7
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.

Price at time of publish $39.99

Cuisinart Egg Central

The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh 

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

What Our Testers Say

"The Cuisinart Egg Central is definitely worth buying if you regularly make hard-boiled or poached eggs.”

Best Juicer

Breville Juice Fountain Compact

4.7
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. Our tester emphasized 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. And the motor quickly processed fruits and veggies 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!

Price at time of publish: $99.95

Breville Juice Fountain Compact Electric Juicer

The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

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

What Our Testers Say

"I barely had to give the food pusher much use to move food through the blade; whole celery stalks and carrots were pulled down and processed in seconds."

Best Wine Preservation

Coravin Model Two Premium Wine Preservation System

4.9
coravin-model-two-premium-wine-preservation-system

Amazon

What We Like
  • Preserves freshness of wine

  • Easy to use

  • Allows you to just drink one glass of wine

  • Makes for a great gift

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Need to buy replacement gas cartridges

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass from time to time, this Coravin Wine Preservation system will elevate your vino experience. Using patented technology involving a thin needle and inert gas, this wine system allows you to pour out a glass (or two) of wine, while preserving the rest of the bottle like it's brand new. The cork is never removed and stays sealed, so the wine truly is protected for however long you want.

This is an ideal gadget for those who want to just have a couple of glasses of wine without worrying about the rest of the bottle being wasted if they don’t finish it the next day. It’s certainly an investment purchase, but well worth the price for fresh high-quality wine every time.

Price at time of publish: $280

Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.25 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 10.9 ounces | Material: Mixed material

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. 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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