49 Cool Kitchen Gadgets That Are Actually Worth It

 

When we initially tapped Meggan to put together a list of the coolest kitchen gadgets and tools that she has discovered over the years, we were a bit surprised to see how quickly the list grew. By the third (or fourth!) round of recommendations she said, ‘I should stop now—but wait, just one more,” we had to laugh. 

“I certainly didn’t intend to write ‘101 Things In Meggan’s Kitchen,’” Meggan says. “But at 49 items, we could probably keep going and come pretty close!” 

She’s not wrong. There are so many amazing kitchen gadgets and tools that she has meticulously curated over the years as a trained chef. As a self-described kitchen gadget enthusiast, I can attest to just how amazing some of these items are. A few of them were new to me—and ended up in my cart right away—after hearing from Meggan why she thinks they are the best of the best and not just taking up precious cabinet space.

“Absolutely everything on this list has been carefully chosen—nothing lands in my kitchen by accident,” she says. “I love each piece and I think it really adds to my joy in cooking!”

Note that you won’t find traditional “cool” items like dinosaur ladles or penguin tea steepers, but rather unique and practical items that are pretty dang cool for the everyday home chef. From nutmeg graters to angled measuring cups, below you’ll find the 49 cool kitchen gadgets that are actually worth it.

Meggan’s Top Picks for Cool Kitchen Gadgets

1. Best Biscuit Cutters: Ateco Plain Edge Round Cutters

This set of round pastry cutters does it all! Meggan loves it because it has 11 different sizes ranging from ¾ inch to 3 ⅝ inches in diameter, making them perfect for biscuits, donuts, rolls, and cookies. The stainless steel makes them long-lasting and dishwasher safe. Once they’re clean, all the pieces nest in a little metal tin that is easy to store so the pieces don’t get lost. 

2. Best Milk Frother: MasterChef Battery-Operated Milk Frother

This battery-powered milk frother from MasterChef has an ergonomic grip with an easy one-touch button so you don’t have to fumble with any cords or worry about different settings. One push of a button produces silky smooth frothed milk for delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and teas. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use it to create pillowy, diner-style scrambled eggs, fluffy egg whites, whipped cream, or keep it in your bar cart to make emulsions that add texture and complexity to a cocktail. 

3. Best Scraper: OXO Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Scraper and Chopper

This scraper and chopper duo is a must-have tool for baking because it can be used for dividing dough, leveling off ingredients in measuring cups and spoons, sectioning crusts, smoothing icing on cakes, and even scraping off your cutting board into a pan for cooking. The blade is sharp enough to slice through fruits and veggies, and the 1-inch markings on the side come in handy for measuring.

4. Best Serving Spoon Set: Artisan Serving Spoon Set

Meggan has found over the years that the best tools in her arsenal are the least complicated —and this set of 3 commercial-grade professional spoons (slotted, perforated, and solid) is simple and efficient. They are 13 inches long, which makes them great for digging into deep pots or scooping up hot food. The stainless steel is sturdy enough for metal cookware and steel mixing bowls and easy to clean because you can just pop them into the dishwasher.

5. Best Sifter: Cuisinart Mesh Strainers

These small, medium, and large sifters are stocked in Meggan’s kitchen because they are helpful for what seems to be an endless list of tasks in the kitchen. She uses the smallest one for straining lemons and dusting individual desserts with powdered sugar. The medium and large strainers are perfect for sifting dry baking ingredients or doubling as a strainer for pastas, rice, or other grains. She says that sometimes little bits of food can get stuck in the mesh, but a quick wash on the top rack of the dishwasher takes care of it.

6. Best Sheet Pans: Nordic Ware Naturals Quarter Sheet Pan

These smaller sheet pans are Meggan’s secret weapon for stuffing different foods into her oven at once. She uses these quarter-sized pan for seasoning small amounts of raw meat and poultry or holding cooked meats or bacon (basically anytime a recipe says “transfer to a plate”). It fits in a toaster oven and makes for a fun platter to serve burgers or fried fish on because it has that rustic, gastropub look.

7. Best Mixing Bowls: FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

This set of 6 stainless steel mixing bowls are the BEST and should replace all glass or ceramic mixing bowls you’re currently using. They steal the show because they are lightweight, easy to handle, dishwasher-safe, and nest for easy storage. For a set of 6, they are relatively inexpensive, durable, and made to last forever. Meggan uses them for everything from baking to salad-making, mixing up salad dressings, or mashing potatoes.

8. Best Strawberry Huller: Joie Stainless Steel Strawberry Huller

Some gadgets seem a bit gimmicky and just collect dust in your drawer. But we promise you that this little strawberry huller is small yet mighty with teeth that are excellent for scooping out the stems and leaves of strawberries with ease. It’s multi-purpose, too, and Meggan also uses it to scrape out the seeds and membranes of spicy peppers and tomatoes, too. At less than $6, it’s a no-brainer.

9. Best Mini Masher: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Mini Masher

Another tool that could be overlooked—but shouldn’t—is a mini masher like this one. Even though it could handle large quantities just fine, it’s great to mash a single avocado or banana much better than a fork can. It’s also great for a small batch of mashed potatoes as you can use it with a smaller bowl, which makes washing the dishes easier. 

10. Best Whisk: OXO 9-Inch Softworks Whisk

Just like a few other tools that are small yet mighty, this whisk is a trusty sidekick in Meggan’s kitchen. It’s compact in size, making it a lot less annoying to store than huge whisks with bulbous wires, but it’s sturdy enough to handle bigger jobs. The handle is a teardrop shape with an ergonomic grip that is non-slip that makes it easy to whisk up an egg or two for scrambled eggs without cramping your hand. Does Meggan own a larger-sized whisk? No, she actually doesn’t, and it’s never been a problem.

11. Best Measuring Spoons: Rena Chris Heavy Duty Measuring Spoons

Even if you already have a set of measuring spoons, Meggan highly recommends purchasing a second. The key thing is to have multiple sets (Meggan has 4!) because “I always separate them from the key ring so they are loose in a small bin in my drawer. I refuse to be delayed by having to wash measuring spoons when I’m in the zone!” Having extras makes it easier to grab and go when you’re baking or cooking. This set is particularly nice because it includes the ⅛ teaspoon and the ½ tablespoon.

12. Best Cookie Press: OXO Good Grips 14-Piece Cookie Press Set

If you’re going to make Spritz cookies at Christmas, you need one of these! The name “spritz” comes from the German word spritzen, which means “to squirt.” While you could attempt to make these delicious cookies from a piping bag with a tip, there’s really no reason to set yourself up for potential failure. 

Instead, play with the 12 design templates that come with this cookie press that make consistent and pretty cookies every time. Kids like to “shoot out” cookies, too, which makes it fun for the family. Pro tip from Meggan: “Chill your cookie dough to prevent any sticking to the sides.” 

13. Best Pasta Maker: MARCATO Atlas 150 Pasta Machine

Food & Wine named this pasta machine the best overall, and both Meggan and her nonna agree. According to Meggan, no other hand-held machine cranks out spaghetti, linguine, lasagna, or fettuccine noodles like this sturdy and long-lasting pasta machine. It’s sturdy and reliable, though it does take a little practice to get it just right. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with other attachments that make pasta in different shapes.

14. Best Steamer: OXO Stainless Steel Steamer with Extendable Handle

Meggan swears she uses this steamer almost daily for steamed broccoli for her family and it’s almost silly how well it works. She also uses it to cook down mushrooms fast, and Meggan likes how the telescoping handle keeps fingers safe from hot pots and steam. It also effortlessly folds up onto itself for compact storage and the stainless steel material makes it dishwasher-safe and durable.

15. Best Saucepan: Farberware Classic Series Small Saucepan

This isn’t your average saucepan. It has a thick melting pot bottom that Meggan uses to melt butter on her smallest burner on low heat. It’s a great compact option for heating small quantities of things like a little milk, reheating an individual serving of soup, or making a little gravy. There’s also something so pretty about the mirror finish of its polished stainless steel and how its handle fits daintily in the hand. 

16. Best Salad Spinner: OXO Little Salad And Herb Spinner

Meggan knows so many cooks who use this little salad spinner each and every day. It’s so helpful for spinning water out of lettuce, fresh herbs, drained cucumbers, salted eggplant, and even noodles for pasta salad. The pump at the top of the spinner sets it in motion and the innovative brake mechanism allows you to stop it easily. It rinses out easily but if you want to put it through the dishwasher, you can. 

17. Best Bamboo Skewers: Good Cook 12-inch Bamboo Skewers, 100 Count

These skewers are always in Meggan’s kitchen drawer because they’re so cheap and disposable. She likes to keep a bag on hand just in case she needs them for grilling because the sharp edge on one side easily pierces through veggies, meats, cheeses, and more. “I always start soaking my skewers before I prep my ingredients so they’re ready to go when I am,” says Meggan. She has tried other stainless steel skewers in the past, too, but she keeps coming back to these little bamboo ones because they work the best.

18. Best Nutmeg Grater: Norpro Nutmeg Grater

It’d be nutty if you didn’t pick up this nutmeg grater! You won’t be disappointed. It allows for fresh flavor each time because it holds the seed in the top so you can easily use the grate whenever needed. Because it’s small and easy to store, you won’t notice it taking up any space, but you’ll definitely notice how it can bump your savory dishes, sweet dishes, and drinks to the next level.

19. Best Garlic Keeper: Norpro Ceramic Garlic Keeper

Meggan doesn’t use refrigerated jarred garlic, so having a designated place to store fresh cloves is essential. This cute jar keeps any loose garlic paper contained and keeps the garlic airy and fresh. This is the most affordable—yet gorgeous—one she’s found. The blue and white is so pretty for a countertop, and it’s also a fantastic gift idea for any home cook.

20. Best Loose-Leaf Tea Strainer: OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket

There’s not much to say about this loose-leaf tea strainer, other than that it’s the best one Meggan has found. It’s great because it straddles the edges of the mug for effortless steeping and the silicone ring on top remains cool to the touch, so you won’t burn your fingers on the boiling hot water. The corresponding lid traps the steam for maximum seeping, and you can turn it over on the counter and set the strainer on it when you’re done, to contain the mess.

21. Best Tea Storage Box: Ambient Woodworks Tea Storage Box

If you drink a lot of tea, you need this box. It’s Meggan’s favorite way to store different types of teas in an organized way so to pick what you need at a glance. This doesn’t have a lid and is big enough to accommodate the standard tea bag size. The earthy aesthetic is a plus.

22. Best Bottle Brush: BlenderBottle 2-in-1 Bottle Brush

The large size of this brush is great for cleaning glasses, mason jars, and water bottles. The small one is useful for cleaning straws to make sure they actually get cleaned. Meggan finds it useful for making smoothies because seeds can get stuck in the straw if you don’t rinse it right away.

23. Best Hourglass Timer: SuLiao Vintage Hourglass Timer

This is the coolest kitchen gadget for the tea enthusiast who wants to steep their tea for a full 5 minutes. Meggan timed that it’s actually 5 minutes, so you can ensure your tea will be perfectly steeped. The elegant gold color is such a show-stopper on countertops and Meggan gets lots of compliments on it when friends stop by for tea. It’s another great gift idea, too. 

24. Best Spice Mill: WMF Spice Mill

Meggan bought this spice mill back in 2003 and it’s still a staple in her kitchen. You can also use it for grinding coarse salt or other spices because it has an adjuster on the top that goes from coarse to fine. Even all these years later, the stainless steel has remained in excellent condition because it’s rust-resistant. 

25. Best Measuring Cups: OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set

I can’t say enough good things about these angled measuring cups, which are so much better than the traditional ones. The angled surface allows you to see the levels from above instead of having to squat down to look from the side. This set has 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup options that nestle together in the cupboard.

This 2-ounce mini version is also great to add for measuring smaller quantities like morning creamer to oil for salad dressings to precise liquids for baking.

Buy the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set: 

Buy the OXO Good Grips 2-Ounce Mini Angled Measuring Cup: 

26. Best Multi-Use Zester: Deiss PRO Heavy Duty Grater

This zester/grater duo can do it all! It’s great for zesting citrus, grating fresh ginger, garlic, and parmesan cheese. It’s fine enough to also work for whole nutmeg seeds and the slim design is less bulky and easier to clean than a box grater. Plus, the razor-sharp teeth don’t clog up the way other graters can, so it’s less frustrating to use. It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a cover so you don’t have to worry about slicing your finger on it when digging around in your kitchen drawers. 

27. Best Ceramic Prep Bowls: Red Barn Pottery Ceramic Prep Dishes

These bowls aren’t technically a gadget, but more of a beautiful kitchen accessory. Meggan places her next to the sink to hold my rings while she cooks. Having a small dish in the kitchen designated for rings means no one’s wedding rings or other jewelry gets misplaced. The bowls are so pretty, you’ve probably seen them in some of her recipe photos, too!

28. Best Pizza Wheel: OXO Softworks Pizza Wheel

Don’t you love it when you find something that works perfectly every time? For Meggan, it’s this pizza wheel by OXO (she really loves this brand!). It’s awesome! And it’s held up to years of use on many, many pizzas, which says a lot about its sharp stainless steel blade. The soft grip of the non-slip handle is a great feature, too. 

29. Best Cookie Scoops: OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoop, 3-Pack

These scoops by OXO are great for scooping cookie dough, muffin and cupcake batter, cooked rice, mashed potatoes, ice cream, or making melon balls. It’s another kitchen gadget that you could buy individually, but it’s so nice to have the 3-pack so you can choose your own adventure. The small scoop holds 2 teaspoons and yields a 2-inch cookie, the medium holds 1.5 tablespoons of dough for a cookie just under 3 inches, and the large scoop holds 3 tablespoons for a 3 ½ inch cookie.

30. Best Electric Kettle: T-FAL Electric Kettle

This tea kettle is a fantastic appliance for making coffee and tea, of course, but also for bringing water to boil quickly when you need to make broth from Better than Bouillon paste. Other electric kettles with sexier designs might look better on the counter, but Meggan says this one is the best one she’s tried. It can bring a liter of water to a boil in mere seconds, the spout is easy to pour, and it’s very lightweight.

31. Best Spatula: OXO Good Grips Silicone Cookie Spatula

A cookie spatula might not seem like a cool kitchen gadget, but this one is definitely a contender. The flexible head makes turning or flipping tons of things—not just cookies—super easy. Meggan uses it for flipping eggs and even burgers and fish without making a mess. Whoever thought to round off one of the corners so you can easily scrape sticky dough out of the nook of a spoon was a genius!

32. Best Turner: OXO Cut and Serve Turner

You may have noticed that Meggan likes things that are “small yet mighty” because who doesn’t love something that gets the job not, but isn’t obnoxiously cumbersome to use or store, like this turner. This turner tool is good for serving bars or other square desserts because the sharp front edge channels right through brownies and lasagnas while the flat, beveled head digs the first piece right out of the pan without leaving annoying corners behind like flimsier options do. 

33. Best Mortar and Pestle: Zen Table Japan Handmade Mortar & Pestle Set

Meggan also owns a full-size lava rock molcajete, but Alice Waters, author of The Art of Simple Food, introduced Meggan to this small Japanese one and she absolutely adores it. It is made by a Japanese pottery artist named Akiko Kato in Japan and it’s great for smashing cloves of garlic, seeds, or small amounts of chiles for salsas and salad dressings. The ceramic matte materials and finish are so beautiful that you’ll be tempted to leave it out on the counter all the time.

34. Best Tortilla Basket: La Sol Imports Mexican Tortilla Basket Set

This authentic Mexican tortilla basket set is a must-have for anyone who heats corn tortillas on a regular basis. Once you’ve heated them up, wrap them in a tortilla towel or clean cloth and store them in this basket. It not only keeps the tortillas warm, but it’s a beautiful way to serve. If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to keep your tortillas fresh after working so hard to get them warm, this is it!

35. Best Ladles: Oneida Easton Gravy Ladle and OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle

The wide bowl of this ladle is better than typical ones as it is fantastic for gravies, sauces, dressings, and other liquid dishes. The stainless steel is dishwasher safe and its contemporary design with its beautiful finish makes it a great serving piece. 

Meggan recommends the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle for soups and punches where you need to be able to have control while pouring, whether you are left- or right-handed. The angled design makes it easier to not spill mid-air, and the handle is soft and comfortable with a non-slip finish. 

Buy the Oneida Easton Gravy Ladle: 

Buy the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle: 

36. Best Tongs for Non-Stick Pans: OXO 9-Inch Tongs

This may be obvious, but Meggan says, “I’d be remiss if I listed all of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets without mentioning my go-tos for tongs. Obviously everyone needs tongs and, admittedly, I have 5 pairs.” 

She loves these OXO 9-Inch Tongs with Nylon Head because the silicone heads won’t hurt the surfaces of her nonstick pans and the OXO Softworks 9-Inch Locking Tongs without silicone heads are great for grilling. The 9-inch tongs are her go-to because they have a bit better control compared to 12-inch long models, which can feel too big.

Buy the OXO 9-Inch Tongs with Nylon Head: 

Buy the OXO Softworks 9-Inch Locking Tongs: 

37. Best Peeler: OXO Softworks Y Peeler

This peeler may not feel like an earth-shattering recommendation, but if you’ve ever peeled enough potatoes and carrots to feed an entire extended family without a proper peeler, you’ve felt the pain of dull blades and uncomfortable handles. This is the best one that Meggan recommends. The Y-shaped design is amazing with a secure soft-grip handle and the blades have never let her down. 

38. Best Cake Tester: RSVP International Cake Tester

This kitchen gadget is perfect for the frequent banana bread baker. It’s essentially a long stainless steel cake toothpick that can be used again and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Just insert this cake tester into a cake or bread and then pull it out to see if it comes out clean. If it comes out wet, you need to bake it for a few more minutes to be perfect.

39. Best Kitchen Shears: Chicago Cutlery Deluxe Shears

There are tons of kitchen shears on the market for good reason—they are a crucial kitchen staple for quickly cutting herbs and twine. Meggan recommends this pair by Chicago Cutlery because they boast high-carbon stainless steel blades similar to pricier options but cost under $12! The best thing about them (besides the price) is that the blades come apart for easy cleaning. Meggan bought her pair back in 2001 and they are still going strong.

40. Best Cake Servers: All-Clad Stainless Steel Pie Server and Threshold Sussex Cake Serve Silver

For the all important presentation, Meggan likes to use this mirror-polish cake server from All-Clad for cakes, pies, and tarts. It has a pointed tip and sharp edges to double as a cutter, and the 10-inch length and wide base make it sturdy enough to grab a massive slice without it slipping off. 

But this budget option from Target also gets the job done for only $5. It’s slightly smaller, measuring just under 9 inches, but the teardrop handle is comfortable to hold. Plus, the stainless steel gives it the same elegance.

Buy the All-Clad Stainless Steel Pie Server: 

Buy the Threshold Sussex Cake Serve Silver: 

41. Best Lid Organizer: Studio Pro Organizer

This organizer is one of Meggan’s favorite cupboard hacks! It’s technically made to store pieces of stained glass, but it also works to organize lids for your pots and pans. It works perfectly and saves tons of space.

42. Best Funnels: Norpro Plastic Funnels and Norpro Canning Plastic Funnel

These funnels are super useful when you need to transfer liquids or dry ingredients from containers to bottles. The set comes with three sizes (4-inch, 3.5-inch, and 2.5-inch) and is easy to store because they nest inside of each other. Each funnel has a narrow spout that is narrow enough to fit inside most bottles.

Meggan also wouldn’t survive without this canning funnel when transfering salsas, dressings, and jams. The mouth is super-wide at 4.75 inches with a stem that measures 2.25 inches, so it makes the job quick and easy. It’s also a no-brainer for canning because it fits Ball jars perfectly. 

Buy the Norpro Plastic Funnels: 

Buy the Norpro Canning Wide Mouth Plastic Funnel: 

43. Best Mason Jar Lids: AOZITA Plastic Mason Jar Lids

Meggan prefers to sip water and cocktails out of a mason jars, but also uses them to store salsas, salad dressings, protein shakes, and more. These lids are a lot easier than fumbling with a ring and seal they come with,and they are made from BPA-free plastic and can be used in the freezer without rusting.

44. Best Latex-Free Gloves: Peipu Nitrile Gloves Disposable Gloves

This may not technically be a gadget, but you’ll be surprised how often you’ll use these in the kitchen. Meggan uses them for handling raw meat and poultry so she doesn’t have to constantly wash her hands. But they are also a must for when you have to cut spicy peppers, so you don’t have to worry about cutting a pepper and then accidentally touching your eye (or your toddler). They are latex-free and powder-free, plus they store for a really long time without becoming brittle.

45. Best Kitchen Twine: Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Cooking Twine

Kitchen twine is super useful for tying up the legs and wings of a chicken or turkey, binding a roast to keep its shape, securing stuffed meats, and tying off herbs. You should always have it on hand. It can also be used to tie off sausage or for drying and curing meats. This one is made from all-natural cotton that is food-safe, oven-safe, biodegradable, and fully compostable.

46. Best Spiralizer: OXO 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer

Meggan first bought the OXO spiralizer in 2018 and has since bought three more as gifts! It’s her favorite spiralizer for making curly fries because it has suction cups on the bottom to grip my granite counter without sliding, which is huge for safety. Since it’s not electric, it’s easy to clean, and each of the 3 blades (spaghetti, fettuccine, and ribbon style) are washable in the dishwasher. The base wipes down easily enough, too.

47. Best Ceramic Berry Bowl: Creative Co-Op Stoneware Berry Bowl

“I use this berry bowl daily for washing berries because you really can’t wash berries in advance (berries are prone to mold, even in the fridge) and I don’t want to haul out my giant colander to rinse them,” Meggan says. Berry lovers will agree! Plus, they’re so cute that you can leave them out on the counter as a reminder to the whole family to grab a healthy snack as they walk by.

48. Best Sponge Holders: Cactus Sponge Holder and White Cloud Sponge Holders 

Sometimes a smile is worth its weight in gold, which is why Meggan adores this little cactus sponge holder! “It’s such a joy to have in my kitchen and I love that it was handmade by a small business owner on Etsy,” Meggan says. The terracotta and glaze are lead-free and non-toxic. She’s also given this White Cloud Sponge Holder from the same seller to her sister who truly loves it in her kitchen, too.

Buy the Cactus Sponge Holder: 

Buy the White Cloud Sponge Holder: 

49. Best Sink Caddy: mDesign Metal Kitchen Sink Storage Caddy

Meggan initially bought this storage caddy for her house in Mexico to keep that kitchen free of clutter. This one does the job because it has two compartments that can hold a scrubber and a sponge without falling over or laying on each other, which would take them longer to dry. The bottom of the caddy has a foam material to keep it in place and prevent scratching the counter. With rust-resistant stainless steel, she knows they’ll have it for a long time.

Why You Can Trust Us

I’m Belle, an award-winning content creator, and adjunct professor who works in restaurant PR in the Midwest. Over the course of 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, including ownership of a Korean-concept hot dog cart (that was named after my dog’s teeth). My writing and on-camera work can be seen on the Better Homes & Gardens website. 

To create this guide for all things kitchen gadgets and more, I worked with Meggan to hear what she personally loves and has collected over her years of culinary school and recipe development. All of the items on this list live in Meggan’s test kitchen and deserve a spot in your home as well.

Prices were accurate at time of publication.