10 Must-Have Kitchen Utensils {from Amazon}
You know how they say, “the right tools for the job?” Well, that’s totally true in the kitchen! Good gadgets can make cooking faster and easier. But let’s be real, most of us don’t have unlimited space in our drawers. If you’re looking for the best small, must-have kitchen utensils (all from Amazon), here they are!
1. Garlic twister
Hands down, this is my most-used kitchen utensil/gadget! Yes, you can use a knife to chop or mash garlic, but if you’re looking for speed and ease, this garlic twister is an incredible convenience that will come in handy. The best part is, when you’re done, just throw it in the dish washer!
Plus, we’ve found the flavor to be more pronounced coming from a press rather than a fine chop, which can make all the difference in your favorite pasta dish.
2. Masher
Do I make mashed potatoes every week? No. Do I use this potato masher every week? YES!!! This potato masher also doubles as a meat chopper to break up ground meats while they’re cooking. It gets the meat broken up nice and fine and you don’t need an extra tool in your drawer!
I especially love using it for taco meat!
3. Kitchen shears
Kitchen shears are my other kitchen work horse. I use it for everything from snipping herbs or scallions to cutting meat for salads! Skip the knife and cutting board (more to wash), and try kitchen shears for easy cutting tasks.
4. Digital meat thermometer
For perfectly cooked meat every time, ditch the timer and use a thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature. Ovens temperature, meat thickness and weight can vary making it hard to “set a timer” when cooking meat.
You can also use it for cooking fish or for checking the internal temperature of quiche! It’s so useful!
5. Meat mallet
A meat mallet is essential for me in the kitchen. To ensure your chicken breasts cook perfect and evenly, a meat mallet is a must-have for creating uniform thickness.
A meat mallet also comes in super handy for crushing candies and toppings for dessert like the candy canes in this chocolate peppermint pie!
6. Bench scraper
This gadget is like the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile! You can use it for all sorts of tasks, from scooping up chopped veggies to dividing dough. It’s a real kitchen hero and of course, dishwasher safe.
7. Citrus juicer
I used to use a a fork to juice my lemons, but finally invested a few bucks in a real citrus juicer to save my hands.
This inexpensive citrus juicer makes a world of difference for your patience when it comes to anything using fresh lemons or limes. It’s a true godsend for homemade salad dressing like in this pasta salad.
8. Salad spinner
Though it takes up some space, a salad spinner is a game-changer. It makes washing greens a breeze – especially those like arugula that tend to trap dirt – and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
9. Veggie Chopper
I was skeptical of this contraption at first. I felt like I was getting sucked into one of those home-shopping infomercials. But using this once, I was sold! It’s so perfect for making pretty salads, and when you want your veggies evenly cut.
I used it almost every day for nearly two years until I had to get a new one, so it’s definitely a good value!
10. Microplane
While it might seem like “just another grater,” the microplane earns its keep by doing things others can’t. Zesting citrus, grating nutmeg, or creating fluffy piles of parmesan are just a few ways it’ll become one of your new favorite tools.
No one has unlimited space for every small kitchen gadget on the market. With the right ones in your arsenal, however, your time in the kitchen can be maximized to the fullest, and you might even have a bit more fun. Happy gadget’ing!
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