Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Some kitchen tools are just there, taking up space. Others? They earn their keep. Cooking is a whole experience. The process. The little moments, like flipping a pancake perfectly on the first try or finally nailing that homemade pasta. And when you have a kitchen tool that actually helps save time, fixes an annoying problem, or makes cooking feel easier….even a person who usually runs away from cooking, might start to enjoy it.
Kitchen tools have come a long way. No more just fancy knives or another air fryer. We now have AI in kitchen appliances as well that help you cook (not just beep at you). Then there are compact tools that do way more than they should, and smart devices that make healthy eating way less of a hassle. So, if you’re the kind of person who loves testing new kitchen tech or just want something to make weeknight dinners less of a chore, we have got a list for you.
Keep reading to explore our top picks.
Table of contents
- Top Picks
- Escali Primo Digital Food Scale ($27)
- Breville Handy Mix Scraper ($130)
- ThermoPro TP510 Digital Candy Thermometer ($24)
- Cuisinart Electric Spice and Nut Grinder ($33)
- KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer ($600)
- Instant Pot Pro Plus ($169)
- Kirin Electric Salt Spoon ($125)
- Anker SOLIX EverFrost Electric Cooler ($799)
- ChefIQ Mini-Oven ($399)
- Lissome R1 Tiny Dishwasher ($469)
- Molgayol Versatile Dough Proofer ($13)
- Russell Hobbs Electric Carving Knife ($65)
- Kitchen Mama Automatic Can Opener ($35)
- Smeg 50’s Retro-Style Four-Slice Toaster ($184)
- FAQs
Top Picks
Here are some tools and gadgets worth checking out:
Escali Primo Digital Food Scale ($27)
Baking is basically science, and the wrong measurements can throw everything off. Brown sugar, flour, and even cocoa powder can get packed too tightly, messing up your whole recipe. A good food scale takes out this risk.
The Escali Primo is small but incredibly precise. It gives weight readings down to two decimal points, so you’ll never have to worry about adding too much or too little. It also has an easy-to-read display and can handle big bowls without tipping over. If you’re making bread, pastries, or even just tracking ingredients for meal prep, this scale is great. If you bake in huge batches, though, you might want to go for a larger option like the OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale.
Breville Handy Mix Scraper ($130)
A stand mixer is great, but sometimes you just need something smaller and easier to store. A hand mixer is perfect for quick baking projects: whipping cream, mixing batter, or kneading soft dough.
The Breville Handy Mix Scraper stands out because it’s powerful (240 watts) and surprisingly quiet. It has a storage compartment for its beaters, whisks, and dough hooks, so you don’t have to dig through a drawer to find them. The silicone-lined beaters reduce clanking noise, and the automatic speed adjustment changes the power based on what you’re mixing. That means no more splattering when you start slow and no struggle when mixing thick dough.
ThermoPro TP510 Digital Candy Thermometer ($24)
A candy thermometer sounds like something only pro bakers need, but it’s actually useful for a lot more than making caramel. If you bake bread, fry food, or even cook meat, a thermometer helps you get perfect results every time.
The ThermoPro TP510 is waterproof, has a bright backlit display, and gives super-fast temperature readings. It measures from -58 to 572°F, so whether you’re checking oil temperature for deep frying, making sugar syrups, or making sure your roast chicken is cooked through, this little tool has got your back. At just $24, it’s an easy upgrade to make sure your food is always cooked to the right temp.
Cuisinart Electric Spice and Nut Grinder ($33)
Grinding your own spices brings out way more flavor than the pre-ground ones sitting on a store shelf. And whole nuts are often cheaper than pre-chopped ones, so grinding them at home saves money.
The Cuisinart Electric Spice and Nut Grinder makes this process easier. It can chop nuts to your desired size or grind them into fine flour in seconds. It’s also great for making spice blends if you’re grinding cinnamon sticks for baking or blending your own curry powder. Even pro chefs love this grinder, including Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and Donatella Arpaia, who swear by it. It’s compact, easy to clean, and strong enough to handle tough spices like cloves and peppercorns.
KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer ($600)
The KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift can take on everything from whipping cream to kneading tough bread dough without a struggle. This model was rated the best splurge pick after testing 25 stand mixers, and it’s easy to see why. It can mix small or large batches without missing bits at the bottom of the bowl, and the bowl-lifting lever makes scraping easier.
The 650-watt motor is strong enough for heavy-duty mixing, and it works with tons of attachments, including pasta makers, meat grinders, and even an ice cream maker. If you want something a little smaller, the 5-quart model is a great alternative.
Instant Pot Pro Plus ($169)
If you’ve ever used an Instant Pot, you already know how much time it saves. It pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams, and even makes yogurt. The Pro Plus model takes it up a notch with app connectivity, so you can control it from your phone.
This model has eight cooking modes, including sous vide, which means you don’t need a separate sous vide machine. The app is mostly helpful for recipes, but the real selling point is how many different functions this one appliance can handle. From soups and stews to rice and homemade yogurt, this Instant Pot does it all.
That said, if you don’t care about app control, the Instant Pot Pro ($129) does everything this one does, just without the Wi-Fi feature.
Kirin Electric Salt Spoon ($125)
Cutting back on sodium doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon is a unique gadget designed to make food taste saltier, without using any actual salt. Already available in Japan, this device uses low-level electrical stimulation on the tongue to enhance the perception of saltiness.
It tricks your taste buds into thinking your food has more salt than it does. With four adjustable levels, you can control the intensity based on your preference. This could be a great pick for anyone looking to reduce sodium intake without giving up bold flavors.
Anker SOLIX EverFrost Electric Cooler ($799)
Forget about dealing with messy ice packs or melted ice water. The Anker SOLIX EverFrost Electric Cooler is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. No matter if you’re heading to the beach, camping, or tailgating, this cooler keeps your food and drinks chilled for up to 42 hours without needing ice.
It runs on a 100W solar-powered system, meaning you can recharge it off the grid. You can control the temperature directly from your phone, so you always have perfectly chilled drinks or fresh food, no matter where you are.
ChefIQ Mini-Oven ($399)
Small kitchens don’t have to mean limited cooking options. The new ChefIQ Mini-Oven packs serious versatility into a compact design. It offers multiple cooking modes, including air frying, broiling, toasting, and reheating, making it a space-saving alternative to multiple appliances. If you’re not a confident cook, the app integration helps with guided recipes, so you get the best results every time.
A standout feature is the customizable “toastiness” setting, letting you get the perfect shade of golden brown on your bread, bagels, or pastries. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who want a smart, all-in-one appliance.
Lissome R1 Tiny Dishwasher ($469)
Hand-washing dishes is a chore, especially if you live in a small apartment with limited space. The Lissome R1 Tiny Dishwasher is designed for compact kitchens, offering a full wash and dry cycle in just 15 minutes. Even though it’s compact, it still saves water and detergent with its AI-powered Smart Wash technology. This means you’re saving time and also cutting down on waste. If you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who just hates washing dishes, this countertop dishwasher is a practical and eco-friendly solution.
Molgayol Versatile Dough Proofer ($13)
Proofing dough can be tricky, especially in colder months when room temperatures aren’t ideal. Molgayol Versatile Dough Proofer is a budget-friendly solution that creates the perfect environment for dough to rise consistently, no matter the weather. It’s a foldable, insulated box with a heating pad, thermometer, and temperature controller, allowing you to set the ideal proofing temperature.
If you’re making sourdough, brioche, or pizza dough, this gadget makes sure your dough rises evenly every time. It’s a problem solver for serious home bakers looking to improve their bread-making skills.
Russell Hobbs Electric Carving Knife ($65)
Slicing bread or carving meats can be frustrating if you don’t have the right tool. A regular knife works fine, but if you want clean, even slices with minimal effort, an electric carving knife is a cool upgrade.
The Russell Hobbs Electric Carving Knife makes slicing easy if you’re working with fresh homemade bread or a holiday roast. It cuts cleanly without tearing or crushing your food. With an affordable price tag, it’s a handy tool for anyone who cooks large meals or bakes often.
Kitchen Mama Automatic Can Opener ($35)
Opening cans can be a hassle, especially if you have arthritis, wrist pain, or just don’t want to struggle with a manual opener. The Kitchen Mama Automatic Can Opener takes the struggle out of the process with a simple push of a button. It cuts around the lid smoothly and safely, leaving no sharp edges.
Because it’s battery-operated, there’s no need to plug it in. If you cook with canned goods often, this gadget will save you time.
Smeg 50’s Retro-Style Four-Slice Toaster ($184)
A good toaster is a kitchen need, but why not get one that looks stylish too? This retro-inspired four-slice toaster offers modern performance with a vintage aesthetic. It features extra-wide slots for thick slices of bread, bagels, and even toaster pastries.
The dual controls let you set different browning levels for each side, so you can get the perfect toast every time. It also includes a bagel function and a cancel button for extra convenience. If your current toaster is unreliable or leaves your bread unevenly browned, this functional upgrade is worth considering.
There’s always something new to try. Investing in the right tools can simplify meal prep, improve results, and even make cooking more enjoyable.
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FAQs
- Are smart kitchen gadgets worth the investment?
Smart kitchen gadgets can save time, improve efficiency, and make cooking easier. If you cook often or want convenience, they can be a great investment.
- Do electric carving knives work better than regular knives?
Electric carving knives make slicing smoother and more precise, especially for meats and bread. They require less effort and reduce tearing compared to standard knives.
- How long do electric coolers last on a full charge?
Most electric coolers, like the Anker SOLIX EverFrost, can run for over 24 hours on a full charge, depending on the model and temperature settings.
- Can a mini dishwasher clean as well as a full-size one?
Yes, mini dishwashers like the Lissome R1 are designed to be efficient, using AI-powered technology to clean dishes effectively while saving water and space.
- What is the best way to store kitchen gadgets when you have limited space?
Look for stackable or compact designs. Many kitchen gadgets now have foldable or detachable parts for easy storage in small kitchens.
