10 Kitchen Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed
From time-saving tools to clever space-savers, these kitchen gadgets combine innovation and practicality
Instagram influencers regularly promote kitchen gadgets that promise to save time, simplify cleanup, and make meal prep easier.
Too often, though, those purchases end up gathering dust in a cabinet.
These 10 affordable tools are different. They reflect practical innovation—through smarter design, improved safety, or better use of space—and many have earned a permanent place in home kitchens.
Adjustable rolling pin
Rolling dough to a consistent thickness can be challenging—especially when switching between pastry, pie dough, and cookies. Among the best kitchen gadgets for bakers, adjustable rolling pins eliminate the guesswork and reduce the risk of uneven baking by incorporating removable rings that raise the rolling surface, helping you achieve uniform dough every time. Brands such as Joseph Joseph have helped to popularize modern, user-friendly versions, including the PrecisionPin Adjustable Rolling Pin. Today, Amazon carries a wide assortment of similar models, including kits with pastry mats and dough cutters, with some options priced under $25.
Clip-on pot strainer
Draining pasta usually means lifting a heavy pot and reaching for a separate colander. A silicone clip-on attaches directly to the edge of a pot, allowing cooks to tip and drain safely and with more control. Models such as the AUOON clip-on strainer come in multiple sizes for a snug fit and store flat, making them useful for small kitchens.
Air fryer
Air fryers have evolved significantly in both form and function. The Fritaire 360 Air Fryer stands out for its clear glass cooking bowl, which allows cooks to monitor food as it cooks—without opening a drawer or interrupting the cooking cycle. That visibility, combined with a simple, open design, makes it easier and more efficient to use than many traditional basket-style models. Optional accessories, such as a rotisserie and tumbler basket, help promote even cooking, while circulating hot air delivers crisp results with less oil than traditional frying.
Swedish dishcloths
Eco-friendly Swedish dishcloths have gained popularity on social media as a practical alternative to paper towels and traditional sponges. Made from natural fibers, they’re highly absorbent, quick-drying, and washable, making them well-suited for everyday kitchen cleanup. Recyco Swedish dishcloths, in particular, are reusable and durable, helping reduce household waste while handling spills, wiping counters, and scrubbing with ease.
Mandoline with safety guard
Mandolines deliver precise, uniform slices and are often faster than using a knife. The Super Benriner mandoline, a restaurant staple, has been recommended by The New York Times Wirecutter for its sharp blades and adjustability. The included safety guard helps protect fingers while maintaining speed and consistency—no fancy knife skills required.
Herb stripper
Removing leaves from herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or cilantro can be tedious and time-consuming. Herb strippers simplify the task by pulling stems through holes sized for different herbs. Designs range from flat metal tools with multiple openings to ceramic bowl-style models that collect the leaves as you go. Amazon offers a variety of herb strippers, many priced under $10.
Digital measuring spoon
Gone are the days of juggling multiple measuring cups and spoons. This scoop-like kitchen gadget—which is deep enough for pet food—functions as both a measuring device and a digital scale, accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients in units such as grams, ounces, and milliliters. It’s especially handy for baking, where precision is key, and it reduces the need for multiple measuring tools. There are several models on Amazon. The lightweight Juduna measuring spoon has five measurement tools and an LCD display, and it can hold 800 grams (about 28 ounces).
Pressure cooker sling
Designed for Instant Pots and other multifunction cookers, silicone slings—such as this Instant Pot Bakeware Sling—make it easier and safer to lift hot foods. The flexible, heat-resistant material lets you handle delicate items without risk, while honeycomb-style designs cradle foods such as eggs or small cakes, reducing spills and simplifying cleanup.
Stainless steel garlic press
Traditional garlic presses, which often require significant hand strength and can be tricky to clean, have a modern alternative. Rocker-style presses, such as the OXO Good Grips Garlic Press, use a simple rocking motion that requires less force, making them easier on the wrists. They rinse clean quickly and can also be used to mince ginger, nuts, and other small ingredients, adding versatility to your prep routine.
Defrosting tray
Defrosting trays speed up thawing without the need for water, microwaves, or electricity. Products such as the Cuisinart BBQ Defrosting Tray use conductive materials to draw heat toward frozen foods, helping them thaw more quickly. While they aren’t a substitute for planning, they provide a convenient and faster alternative for thawing proteins, vegetables, and other frozen items.
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Whether you’re upgrading your culinary tools or reclaiming counter space, these thoughtfully designed kitchen gadgets prove that the right innovations can make cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable.