Cool Kitchen Gadgets That'll Improve Your Cooking – Gear Hungry (2024)

Tuesday Kirby Kahl

Tuesday Kirby Kahl is a contributor at Gear Hungry. Her fierce love for the outdoors fuels everything she does. Her professional pursuits include writing, creating art, and photography. These professional passions allow her the time to live life outside as a rock climber, skier, runner, backpacker, paddle boarder, swimmer, and explorer.When Kirby is indoors, she enjoys tea, whisky, old films, cooking, and baking. Her product testing and feedback have shaped the design of everything from climbing shoes to candles.

1

VSSL Java

We’ve talked about the VSSL Java in other camping-focused guides and while this manual coffee grinder is excellent for those on the go, it has a place in your kitchen at home too. I love coffee, but am a little too hyper when I have it, so my partner usually uses this product. He loves how quickly and smoothly it grinds, it’s quiet too and never wakes me if I’m still sleeping.

While you can certainly grind beans in an electric grinder, that’s loud and it may be tricky to get the right consistency. With 50 unique grind settings and a high-quality stainless steel burr that cuts the beans to a uniform shape and size, the VSSL Java allows for more precision in your grind. I also love how small it is; it takes up little space whether it’s in my van, or in my small kitchen.

2

StoveShelf 20in Magnetic Shelf for Kitchen Stove

Living in a small studio apartment, I’m always looking for creative space-saving items and the Stove Shelf is a new favorite of mine. This magnetic shelf is available in three colorways and three lengths for varying stoves. The application is simple, pull it out of the box, set it on your stove and you’re good to go! My stove is up against a window and a wall, so I had to do a bit of adjusting to have it sit right but stoves that sit up against a wall or flat surface will be fine.

I love how the stainless steel body resists rust, how easy installation is, and how much space I get back in my kitchen. I cleared off nearly half a shelf moving my spices onto my stove shelf. The Stove Shelf fits most stoves, but it’s best to double-check the measurements of your stove to ensure that this device will work for you and that you get the right size for your space.

3

Bokksu Market Mashikoyaki Donabe Ceramic Rice Cooker

I eat quite a bit of rice, it’s a great simple carb and can be quite filling, plus it pairs well with a lot of different dishes. But it’s hard to make just enough rice for one person, which is why I love the MashiKoyaki Donabe Ceramic Rice Cooker – it makes the perfect bowl of rice for one person. Most folks are used to an electric rice cooker but those take up a lot of space.

This compact bowl with a cover is an easy-to-use alternative for small spaces and households. You can make one or two cups of rice in this beautiful clay pot and use the lid to measure rice or even as a serving bowl. This set has a rustic look and is clearly made with lots of love.

4

SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker

Living in such a small space with a tiny kitchen, I have limited counter space. The only kitchen tools on my counter are my toaster oven, electric kettle, dish drying rack, and my Soda Stream sparkling water maker. I use all of these pretty much every day so they’ve earned their spot since they are such cool cooking gadgets. The SodaStream Fizzi doesn’t cook, but it does help prepare sparkling water. Some folks don’t understand the sparkling water craze, and that’s okay. For some of us, sparkling water is one of the only ways we like to drink water and it helps keep us hydrated. I make my own simple syrups, fire up my SodaStream and enjoy delicious flavored sparkling water daily.

If you love sparkling water like I do, this is a must-have item. The simplicity and ease of use is unmatched. Screw in your BPA-free reusable bottle and press the button to your desired fizz levels, unscrew and enjoy. No electricity, batteries or anything else required. This device comes with a CO2 bottle and you can purchase additional refills at big box stores or online. I’ve only been through a few in over three years of use, making this tool well worth the money.

5

Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer

Useful kitchen gadgets are the ones that make your life actually easier, and it’s a bonus if they look cool too. The Spiralizer 7-Blade Vegetable Slicer will become a kitchen staple for anyone trying to lead a healthier lifestyle—you can craft pasta out of zucchini and turn your healthy, raw vegetables into brand-new fun creations. For a low cost, you get five different blade options, and endless recipes you can follow. Personally, I owned a spiralizer for many years and loved making vegetable noodles and interesting potato creations. This is an easy way to prep veggies and make them easier to eat for anyone, including children.

Worried about just how low-cost it is? Spiralizer gives you a hassle-free, no questions asked lifetime replacement warranty. With a deal like that, you can’t afford not to dive in headfirst.

6

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker

Coffee and espresso lovers will swoon over the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by Breville. This device is one of the priciest on our list but it packs a lot of power. Making your own coffee and espresso at home can save time and money instead of hitting Starbucks every day, and it only takes a couple of weeks of Starbucks to pay off this espresso machine. This model makes two different sizes, espresso and lungo, and works with all Nespresso pods which come in an expansive variety of flavors.

Two simple buttons, a folding drip tray, and energy-saving auto shut-off functions make this device easy to use and an exceptional addition to your kitchen. If you want a perfect summer drink, make some espresso, add some milk and ice cubes and you’ve got a perfect cold brew to hype you up and cool you down. Whether you love hot coffee, espresso or cold brew, this machine will serve you well.

7

Darth Vader Toaster

Star Wars fans unite! The Uncanny Brands Star Wars Darth Vader 2-Slice Toaster is an excellent sci-fi addition to your home and it screams super fan. The exterior of this toaster looks like Vader’s suit and when you pop a slice of bread in, it pops out as toast imprinted with Darth Vader’s face. An evil toast, yes, but a tasty one, too.

If you want a way to make yourself or your kids smile in the morning or a cool way to impress guests, this is it. Pair it with a cold brew or iced coffee for a truly dark side morning. Want to keep your toast on the light side? Go for level two or three. May the force be with you.

8

KLEMOO 48-Needle Meat Tenderizer

Okay, so KLEMOO 48-Needle Meat Tenderizer looks a little medieval, but it turns your cheap cuts into succulent and mouth-watering steaks in no time flat. 48 needles crafted of stainless steel plunge down into your cuts and tenderize every impact area all at the same time. You’ll never need another meat tenderizer.

Mallets don’t really do the trick; they turn your food to mush if you’re not careful. This lasts a lifetime and does a far better job than any method used prior. It pays for itself after the first three steaks; buy chuck, and taste filet mignon. This is a great gift and kitchen gadget for friends who love meat or are amateur chefs.

9

Prepara Herb Saver Pod

If you like using fresh herbs in your recipes (and who doesn’t?) you’ll be doing double somersault backflips for this nifty little money saver. If you’ve ever tossed out herbs after they’ve turned yellow, you’ve thought about how expensive those little stalks of leaves actually are. Herb Saver fits right inside of your fridge and holds your herbs nice and fresh for up to three times longer. Just fill it with fresh water every few days and your herbs will remain fresh for several weeks.

The Prepara Herb Saver Pod is completely BPA-free and dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about any odors being absorbed by your herbs. The flavor also leaves when you wash it, so your rosemary won’t smell and taste like thyme from the previous batch. We all know fresh herbs level up your cooking game, and this gadget is a great way to store them.

10

KRUPS Electric Spice And Coffee Grinder

If you want fine-cut spices (particularly important for cinnamon sticks) or theperfect coffee grinds, you can get them all in one device: KRUPS Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder. This awesome gadget has a 200-watt motor that is perfect for high volumes of coffee as if it were nothing. Get enough grinds for12 cups of coffeein a single batch, or grind grains and herbs—it’s good for everything.

Do keep in mind that coffee is particularly aromatic, so if you regularly grind coffee, you may notice that your spices or grains have a slight coffee tinge to them. For this reason, we recommend getting two KRUPS: one for coffee and one for herbs and spices.

11

Philips Pasta And Noodle Maker

Philips isn’t just America’s favorite brand of mid-grade small appliances, they’re Italy’s number one choice for pasta makers. Not only does this beautiful Pasta Maker give you a pound of pasta in about fifteen minutes, but it also comes with four separate shaping blades for spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccini, and penne. Cleanup’s a breeze, and it comes with a packet with a bunch of different pasta recipes. The possibilities for Sunday night dinner have suddenly become endless!

Philips Pasta and Noodle Maker is excellent for cooks who love to make everything from scratch. Yes, it’s pricy, but it’s incredibly easy to use, saves a ton of time, and you and your family will be eating homemade, delicious pasta and noodles for years to come.

12

Pizzazz Countertop Roasting Oven

We didn’t think it was possible, but until you try this fantastic kitchen gadget, you won’t believe it. Pop the Pizzazz Countertop Roasting Oven on top of your counter, and get ready to enjoy amazing pizza, plus french fries, chicken wings, toast, and quesadillas. The top piece rotates around the edge of the roasting plate, giving you an even, perfect crisp around pizza that you’ve been wanting.

This is also the perfect alternative to microwave for reheating wings and leftovers without drying them out. Heck, you can even make apple pie in it! As far as kitchen appliances go, this is quite an uncommon one, but super-handy and versatile nonetheless.

13

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

We don’t all have the time (or the cash) to go through the breakfast drive-thru every day. Instead, use inexpensive ingredients at home and make your own breakfast sandwiches with Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker. In four steps, you’ll be able to enjoy bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches on English muffins or bagels. You can mix and match and make some of the most delicious alternatives to spending your money on fast food breakfast.

Athletes and folks on the go can use this to meal prep breakfast and create on-the-go delicious and filling options. The device takes about 5 minutes or less to make a hot, hearty sandwich, and as a bonus. Cleanup is also pretty easy as all surfaces are covered with durable nonstick coating and all removable parts are dishwasher safe. This handy kitchen gadget is a game changer for the home chef or the friend who seems to never stop moving.

Our selection of the best panini presses offers more great breakfast options like this.

14

Oxo Stainless Steel Salad Spinner

Nobody can properly mix up a salad. You get one bite with too much parm, another with heavy vinaigrette, and it’s just a hodgepodge. With Oxo Stainless Steel Salad Spinner (with counter grips along the bottom), you get to toss all the components of your salad inside and use the push-button to spin everything around to mix your salad or clean the leaves perfectly.

The interior comes with an integrated colander to drain unnecessary amounts of dressing (hey, we’ve all done that before) so now you can make the perfect salad, every single time, without fail. When me and my siblings were kids, we had a salad with dinner almost every night as a way to get us to eat our vegetables. With this salad spinner, you can craft perfectly dressed salads for your kids and encourage them to eat their veggies too.

15

TEMOLA Meat Thermometer

Everyone should have a food thermometer in their home and the TEMOLA Meat Thermometer is a great choice. When cooking steak, chicken or any other meat, it’s critical to ensure that it is cooked appropriately or the meat can be undercooked, overcooked, and worst of all, unsafe to eat. For grillers and home chefs, a thermometer is a must. Additionally, this tool can be used for deep frying, chocolate work, candy and more. The uses are seemingly endless.

What makes this model stand taller than the rest? We love this meat thermometer for its ease of use and safety. The large LED screen is easy to read, there’s a large hanging hole for quick storage, a waterproof rating, an ergonomic handle, and a power-saving screen. In the box, there are also extra batteries and a drawstring bag to protect this device when chucked into your kitchen utensil drawer.

16

NutriBullet 8-Piece Blender and Mixer System

We all remember the infomercials. NutriBullet became one of the most sought-after kitchen gadgets for men and women all over the world because it made things simple. Hey, we don’t want to spend a lifetime in the kitchen for healthy solutions. If you’re big on your health, and your time is short, the NutriBullet gives you all the highlights, without all the filler.

Bottled options from the grocer are expensive and typically filled with unnecessary ingredients and sugar. With this blender, your smoothies and protein shakes are only made of what you put into them, giving you the perfect pre and post-workout drink or a meal replacement. Simply use your cutting board to prep your ingredients, pop in some ice cubes according to your preferred texture and blend away.

17

Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press

We’ve all seen them on crazy restaurants on Food Network, but you can actually make them at home. Cheddar cheese-stuffed burgers, mushrooms, and swiss, whatever you want. Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press is anessential kitchen gadgetfor anyone who enjoys putting a twist on classics, those who love lots of flavor, and entertainers who are looking to surprise their guests.

This is dishwasher safe, BPA-free, and comes with a lifetime warranty. No questions asked, just return it and get a new one (not that you’ll need to). We love this tool for home chefs who want to impress or the grill master who loves to cook juicy and flavor-filled burgers.

18

NerdChef Steel Stone

NerdChef Steel Stone is the essential stone for anyone looking to cook restaurant-quality pizza at home. Ditch the ceramic, and get on with your pizza-loving life. This has twenty times the conductivity of any ceramic pizza dish, giving you a faster crisp on the bottom, and a more thorough cook all throughout your pie. It comes preseasoned with flaxseed oil and is guaranteed to be unbreakable. (I mean, it’s a solid plate of stainless steel. Kudos to you if you find a way to break it.)

This model offers easy storage, as it can be stowed with your chopping board collection or pans. Home chefs who make pizza on the regular will fawn over this handy kitchen gadget while they enjoy their fresh slice of ‘za.

19

Bear Paws Shredder Claws

We all want a cooler way to shred meats. Want that perfect steak and cheese? Don’t pay an absurd amount for pre-shredded meat, grab a cut and do it on your own. You’ll be tenderizing the meat as you go, giving you the most inexpensive sub you’ve ever had. As they say, “We know Bear Paws Shredder Claws will make your barbeque epic.”

As far as kitchen tools go, this one takes up little counter space or storage space in your kitchen cabinets, but will be wildly entertaining for guests and allow you to live out your primal dreams of being a bear. Needless to say, it’s highly durable, melt-proof and can be used on all kinds of meats on the go.

20

DASH Safe Slice® Mandoline Slicer

A mandolin is an incredible handy kitchen tool that allows you to get thin slices of your favorite vegetables for salads, dishes and more with very little effort. However, they can be dangerous and it’s likely we all know someone who has cut their fingers on a mandolin before. With the DASH Safe Slice Mandoline Slicer, there’s no worry about slicing fingers. This slicer is gravity fed, keeping your fingers out of the danger zone while offering 30 different slices.

We love how modular this system is and the way it compacts quickly for super easy storage in small spaces or in a tiny kitchen. Lastly, the included cleaning brush helps keep this machine squeaky clean.

21

AYL Grilling Gloves

Heat protection is a must in every kitchen. Burns are no joke, and we highly recommend adding the AYL Grilling Gloves to your arsenal of kitchen tools. There’s quite a few reasons why this set stands above the rest.

Firstly, this set features an interior cotton lining, which is soft against the skin. Additionally, the five-finger design allows for exceptional dexterity, much more than the classic mitt. The dexterity makes this set great for grilling. The non-stick silicone exterior features small knobs for extra grip and heat resistance up To 475 degrees. As a bonus, the gloves are also really easy to clean thanks to the non-stick coating.

22

Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel

A rotary cutter isn’t just for pizza, but when it comes to our favorite one, it’s the Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel. We love the ergonomic handle and how space-saving this product is. There’s even a blade cover to protect you from unexpected cuts while it’s hanging out in your drawer.

The blade is incredibly sharp and makes clean cuts on pizza, dough or whatever food item you’re slicing. When it’s time to clean, this device snaps open and pulls apart and the blade is dishwasher safe. Just be sure to always cut on a cutting board or another surface that won’t be damaged by the blade.

23

Karidge Mini Bag Sealer

Last, but certainly not least in our guide to the best kitchen tools, we have the Karidge Mini Bag Sealer, a food-saving legend. Aside from being fun to use, this product is a great gift for the food prepper extraordinaire, baker or small business owner in your life. This device can reseal a variety of chip and food bags, even Mylar bags.

To use this device, plug it in and set the heat based on the thickness of the bag. Preheating should only take 30 to 60 seconds and you’re ready to roll, errr, seal. Since this device does involve heat, it’s best used by adults only or under supervision.