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Have you ever wondered where we would be without those small but mighty kitchen tools? These gadgets simplify our lives in numerous ways, yet they are often taken for granted. Save time and money in the kitchen with these handy kitchen tools. Our top best kitchen gadgets are must-haves in your kitchen or for a friend or family member, too.
Whether you’re setting up your kitchen for the first time or need to replace some worn-out items, keeping your kitchen stocked with the proper tools is the first step to a great meal. Investing in these essentials will make cooking an enjoyable and easy activity that you’ll look forward to. Here are some of our must-have kitchen gadgets.
Knife Sharpener
Once you have the right knife, you’ll need to keep it sharp. (A dull knife is a danger to you and whatever food you’re chopping.) But there’s no need to go through the hassle of hiring a sharpening service or spending big bucks on a fancy electric gadget. This Henckels 2-Stage Manual Sharpener is our go-to. (Trust us, we’ve tested all sorts of methods. This. Does. The. Trick.) With both coarse and fine grits and slots for Western and Asian-style blades (which need to be sharpened differently), all of your knives will be covered.
Instant-Read Thermometer
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker, commonly known by the brand name Crock-Pot, is the perfect tool for busy families. You can easily throw ingredients into the cooker before work, and dinner will be ready when you get home. Check out this 6-quart, 5-in-1 slow cooker from Cuisinart, as it boasts steaming, sautéing and roasting functions (in addition to slow cooking, of course).
Grill, Sear, Steam, Simmer and Slow Cooker, Non-Stick, Interchangeable plates and pans, Stackable, easy storing, Energy efficient, Midnight Grey
Stand Mixer
Baked goods—especially bread and cookie doughs—are so much easier to make with a stand mixer. This KitchenAid one comes in several different colors, and it’s equipped with a tilting head, 10 speed settings and three attachments, including a whisk, a paddle and a dough hook.
Choosing a Kitchen Gadget
Look at the Design and Features
When shopping for kitchen gadgets, it’s important to consider the design of each product. With items like skillets and chef’s knives, for instance, you’ll want to make sure the tool is designed to fit comfortably in your hand so that you can use it properly (and safely!). When it comes to kitchen appliances, you’ll want to take note of any special features they have—but keep in mind that this is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer straightforward, no-frills appliances that are simple to use, while others may opt for high-end gadgets that come with plenty of bells and whistles (and often higher price points). Whatever your case may be, try to choose a tool that best fits your needs and preferences.
How Versatile Is It?
While some single-use gadgets are worth their weight in gold—we’re looking at you, Henckels knife sharpener—it’s always nice to be able to do multiple things with one kitchen tool. (This is especially true if you have a kitchen with limited storage space.) For instance, while the OXO Good Grips salad spinner on our list may seem like it’s only useful for washing leafy greens, its individual parts can also serve as a colander, a mixing bowl, a serving bowl and even a bread proofing container. The aforementioned KitchenAid stand mixer comes with three attachments that allow you to mix virtually anything, from delicate meringues to hardy bread doughs. And if you’re making a pie or a tart, the flat-bottomed measuring cups in the stainless steel All-Clad set can help you flatten out shortbread or graham cracker crusts for more even baking.
Is It a Good Overall Value?
When choosing a kitchen tool, make sure you’re getting enough bang for your buck. As mentioned above, the more bells and whistles a product has, the higher the price tag will typically be. If you prioritize versatility and extra features, you may find the extra spend worthwhile. On the other hand, if you’re working with a limited budget or prefer products with fewer frills, a more wallet-friendly kitchen tool may be a better option. And, as with any other product on the market, kitchen tools made by renowned brands often have elevated price points—but in many cases, this translates to a quality product that will last you a while.