30 Ingenious Kitchen Tools That Will Simplify Cooking—And They're All Under $20
Lodge Cast-Iron Pan Scraper
Stubborn cast iron residue has met its match with this small-but-mighty pan scraper. We can’t even express how much this tiny device has revolutionized our kitchen cleanup.
Buy It: amazon.com, $2.69
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Pie Weight
Gone are the days of filling our blind-bake pie crusts with dried beans. This perfectly-sized, spill-free pie weight will do the trick and keep your pie crusts from puffing up.
Buy It: amazon.com, $17.99
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Bench Scraper
A favorite kitchen gadget of Alton Brown, this bench scraper has so many uses. From transporting ingredients into a pan to cleaning up your countertop, there are myriad ways to use this simple device.
Buy It: amazon.com, $5.42
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Jar Grippers
If the jar is stuck, don’t waste all your energy trying to twist it open with the dishrag. These ingenious jar grippers will make opening even the toughest jars a breeze.
Buy It: amazon.com, $6.99 for a pack of 12
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Meat Chopper
Taco night just got a serious upgrade. This high-temp meat chopper will help you chop and stir that ground meat faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!”
Buy It: amazon.com, $4.97
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Handheld Milk Frother
Addicted to lattes, but simply can’t replicate that coffee shop taste at home? Save a pretty penny on your morning joe and order yourself a milk frother. It’ll instantly make your home-brewed latte taste professional.
Buy It: amazon.com, $12.99
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Microplane
Instantly upgrade any dish by showering the plate with freshly-grated cheese or lemon zest. Trust us, it makes a world of difference.
Buy It: amazon.com, $14.95
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Apple Corer and Slicer
Slice and core your apples in a split second with this handy tool. Baking an apple pie just got so much easier.
Buy It: amazon.com, $10.99
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Single-Serving French Press
Your cup of morning coffee (or tea) has never tasted better. French press coffee just tastes smoother, and this 12-ounce miniature model is perfect for a single serving—you can even keep it at the office and make your own deskside café.
Buy It: amazon.com, $12.99
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Electric Coffee Grinder
Like black pepper, coffee simply tastes better when it’s freshly ground. Buy those beans in bulk and grind them as you need them with this convenient electric coffee grinder.
Buy It: amazon.com, $18.94
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Citrus Juicer with Built-In Measurement Cup and Strainer
Wondering just how much juice is in that lemon? This kitchen gadget is a three-in-one juicer, strainer, and measuring cup, so you can be precise in your cooking and baking.
Buy It: amazon.com, $9.99
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Herb Scissors
These multi-bladed, stainless-steel herb scissors make snipping and chopping a breeze.
Buy It: amazon.com, $9.99
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Snap-On Strainer
You’ll never struggle with a colander again once you’ve tried this convenient strainer that snaps right onto the lid of your pot.
Buy It: amazon.com, $12.99
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Spice Gripper Clip Strips
Short on cabinet space? Make use of the space on the inside of your cabinet door—these clip strips will turn the empty space into a spice rack.
Buy It: amazon.com, $7.95
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Leak-Proof, Airtight Food Storage Containers
Keep those leftovers nice and organized with these lightweight, leak-proof containers. They stack perfectly, are completely microwavable (even with the lids on!), and are clear, so you can see the contents completely. Plus, you can get a 10-piece set (includes 5 containers) for just $12.99.
Buy It: amazon.com, starting at $12.99
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Citrus Sprayer
If you want to add a hint of citrus to a dish, but don’t want to overpower the flavors with too much lemon juice, just press this handy nozzle into your lemon and mist away!
Buy It: amazon.com, $5.99
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Baggy Rack Stand
Bagging up leftover just got a whole lot easier. This device holds your Ziploc bag open while you ready your sandwiches, chips, or snacks.
Buy It: amazon.com, $7.99
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Silicone Nonstick Baking Mat
Sick of scrubbing your baking sheets? This silicone pan liner is designed so that even burnt sugar and fat rinses right off in warm, soapy water.
Buy It: amazon.com, $13.95 for a set of 2
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Garlic Peeler
Peel that clove of garlic in a snap with this silicone tube.
Buy It: amazon.com, $9.99
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Boiled Egg Peeler
Meet your new Deviled Egg sidekick. This tiny chamber completely peels your hard-boiled egg quickly and without any breakage.
Buy It: amazon.com, $14.95
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Pizza Cutter Wheel
Pizza night has never been so fun. Quickly (and safely) slice that pizza with this wheeled pizza cutter. It’s also great for cutting veggies and herbs.
Buy It: amazon.com, $12.95
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Cherry and Olive Pitter
Ever try to pit an olive or cherry? Don’t, buy this instead.
Buy It: williams-sonoma.com, $12.95
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Steam Grill Brush
Grilling is a rustic sport, but that's no excuse for your grill to be dirty. This brush uses steam to flush out any residue and scrub those hard-to-clean grates.
Buy It: amazon.com, $19.99
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Star Cupcake Molds
Transform your average muffin pan into this starry shape. These molds also work for chocolates, crayons, candles, hard candy, frozen juice, you name it.
Buy It: amazon.com,$6.99
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Tower Kitchen Multi-Tool Holder
This functional gadget airs out your drying water bottles, props up those plastic bags you’re scooping leftovers into, and even acts as a trash bag holder.
Buy It: amazon.com, $17
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Crushed Ice Tray
If you like crushed ice but don’t have a fancy freezer, this invention was made for you. Instead of ice cubes, the thin mold creates sheets of ice. Remove them by crushing the mold and voila! Crushed ice.
Buy It: amazon.com, $12.00
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Bagel Slicer
As if we needed another reason to seek out bagels.
Buy It: amazon.com, $16.49
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Rotary Peeler
This little guy has three different blades for standard, soft skin, and julienne peeling.
Buy It: amazon.com, $13.00
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Easy Pour Funnel
This handy little gadget pours so many things, from pancake mix to cupcake batter to caramel drizzle.
Buy It: amazon.com, $7.12
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Kitchen Gadgets Stainless-Steel Pineapple Slicer and Dicer
Never wrestle with a prickly pineapple again.
Buy It: williams-sonoma.com, $15.96