10 Kitchen Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed

The right kitchen tools can change everything. I’m not talking about those fancy gadgets you use once and forget about—I mean the ones that actually make life easier.

These are the tools that sneak into your routine and suddenly you can’t figure out how you got by without them. They save time, cut down on the mess, and make cooking feel less like a grind.

Whether you’re whipping up dinner after a long day or meal-prepping for the week, these are the game-changers you’ll want in your corner.

Instant Read Digital Thermometer

If you’re tired of poking at your chicken or slicing into your steak just to check if it’s done, an instant-read digital thermometer is about to be your new best friend. Stick it in, and within seconds, you’ll know if dinner’s ready or if it needs a little more time. It’s tiny, easy to use, and makes you look like you actually know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Plus, no more overcooking everything “just in case”—your food will thank you.

Peeler

A good peeler can save your sanity. Forget wrestling with a dull blade that leaves half the potato skin behind. Get one with a sharp swivel blade and a comfy grip, and suddenly peeling carrots, potatoes, or even a butternut squash feels like no big deal. It’s one of those tools you don’t think about until you use a bad one—then you realize how much better life is with a peeler that actually works.

Silicone Clip-On Colander

This little gadget makes draining pasta or veggies ridiculously easy. Clip it onto the edge of your pot, and the water pours out while your food stays put. No need to transfer anything to a separate colander or risk a steamy splash accident in the sink. It’s compact, easy to clean, and way more convenient than a bulky, traditional colander taking up space in your cupboard.

Mandoline Vegetable Chopper

The mandoline is your secret weapon for getting dinner on the table faster. It slices veggies into perfectly even pieces in seconds, which means everything cooks evenly. Whether you’re prepping a stir-fry, roasting potatoes, or whipping up a salad, this tool saves time and makes everything look like you spent way more effort than you actually did.

Freezer Cubes

Leftovers shouldn’t feel like a commitment, and freezer cubes solve that. Portion soups, sauces, or even smoothie ingredients into these silicone trays, freeze, and pop out just what you need later. No more defrosting an entire container when you only want one serving. It’s a game changer for meal prepping and stretching your leftovers without wasting a bite.

Splatter Screen

If you’ve ever fried bacon and ended up dodging grease pops like a ninja, you need a splatter screen. It sits right over your pan to catch the grease without trapping steam, so your food stays crispy, and your stove stays cleaner. Plus, it spares you from scrubbing grease off your backsplash—or worse, nursing a burn from a rogue splatter.

Non-Slip Mats

This little roll of magic can fix so many annoying kitchen problems. Toss it in your drawers, and suddenly your utensils aren’t sliding around like they’re on a roller coaster. Cut a piece for under your cutting board, and boom—no more chasing it across the counter while you’re trying to chop an onion. It’s cheap, simple, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner.

Funnel

Look, trying to pour oil into a tiny bottle without spilling is basically a sport—except no one’s winning. A funnel makes it easy. Whether you’re transferring oil, filling spice jars, or dumping used cooking grease into an old container, this little tool keeps the mess under control. You’ll save yourself from wiping up puddles, and honestly, it’s just a satisfying little gadget to have on hand.

Can Covers

You know when you only need half a can of coconut milk or pumpkin puree, and you’re stuck awkwardly balancing foil over the rest? Not anymore. Can covers pop right on, keep everything fresh, and don’t take up much room in your drawer. Plus, they save you from wasting food—and isn’t that a win for everyone?

Cookie Scoop

Cookie scoops are one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you try one. It’s not just for cookies (though, yes, it makes them perfectly round and even). Use it for meatballs, muffin batter, or even scooping mashed potatoes into tidy little portions. Once you’ve got one, you’ll find every excuse to use it. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying—trust me on this one.