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  4. 30 Ingenious Kitchen Tools That Will Simplify Cooking—And They're All Under $20

30 Ingenious Kitchen Tools That Will Simplify Cooking—And They're All Under $20

Zoe Denenberg
By Zoe Denenberg
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Citrus Juicer with Built-In Measurement Cup and Strainer
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com
There are so many products out there that claim to make your life easier. Far too many times we've been drawn in by an altruistic commercial or a QVC special, only to receive a product that falls far short of its myriad promises. To save you time and money, we've filtered through the fluff and found a few cool kitchen products that will actually come in handy. You spend so much time in your kitchen preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and that's not to mention cleaning up afterwards...); these fun kitchen gadgets will help simplify the process and reduce the elbow grease spent on preparing a delicious meal. Plus, all of them are under $20—so there's no splurge necessary. From cast iron pan scrapers to snap-on strainers, these everyday products are so essential, you'll be wondering how you ever lived without them. Transform your everyday cookie routine with these kitchen gadgets that are so clever, they feel like they're from the future. Practical and innovative, these ingenious kitchen accessories make great wedding and housewarming gifts, too. But we're betting that you'll keep a few of these quirky cooking tools for yourself.
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Lodge Cast-Iron Pan Scraper

Lodge Cast-Iron Pan Scraper
Credit: Amazon

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

chicago metallic pie weight
Credit: Amazon

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

Bench Scraper
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Jar Grippers
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Meat Chopper
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Handheld Milk Frother
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Microplane
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Apple Corer and Slicer
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Single-Serving French Press
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Electric Coffee Grinder
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Citrus Juicer with Built-In Measurement Cup and Strainer
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Herb Scissors
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Snap-On Strainer
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Spice Gripper Clip Strips
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Leak-Proof, Airtight Food Storage Containers
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Citrus Sprayer
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Baggy Rack Stand
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Silicone Baking Mat
Credit: amazon.com

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

Garlic Peeler
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Boiled Egg Peeler
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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 Cutter Wheel
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Cherry and Olive Pitter
Credit: williams-sonoma.com

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

Steam Grill Brush
Credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Star Cupcake Molds
Credit: amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Tower Kitchen Multi-Tool Holder
Credit: amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Crushed Ice Tray
Credit: amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Bagel Slicer
Credit: amazon.com

As if we needed another reason to seek out bagels.

Buy It: amazon.com, $16.49

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Rotary Peeler

Kitchen Gadgets Rotary peeler
Credit: amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Easy Pour Funnel
Credit: amazon.com

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

Kitchen Gadgets Stainless-Steel Pineapple Slicer and Dicer
Credit: williams-sonoma.com

Never wrestle with a prickly pineapple again.

Buy It: williams-sonoma.com, $15.96

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    1 of 30 Lodge Cast-Iron Pan Scraper
    2 of 30 Pie Weight
    3 of 30 Bench Scraper
    4 of 30 Jar Grippers
    5 of 30 Meat Chopper
    6 of 30 Handheld Milk Frother
    7 of 30 Microplane
    8 of 30 Apple Corer and Slicer
    9 of 30 Single-Serving French Press
    10 of 30 Electric Coffee Grinder
    11 of 30 Citrus Juicer with Built-In Measurement Cup and Strainer
    12 of 30 Herb Scissors
    13 of 30 Snap-On Strainer
    14 of 30 Spice Gripper Clip Strips
    15 of 30 Leak-Proof, Airtight Food Storage Containers
    16 of 30 Citrus Sprayer
    17 of 30 Baggy Rack Stand
    18 of 30 Silicone Nonstick Baking Mat
    19 of 30 Garlic Peeler
    20 of 30 Boiled Egg Peeler
    21 of 30 Pizza Cutter Wheel
    22 of 30 Cherry and Olive Pitter
    23 of 30 Steam Grill Brush
    24 of 30 Star Cupcake Molds
    25 of 30 Tower Kitchen Multi-Tool Holder
    26 of 30 Crushed Ice Tray
    27 of 30 Bagel Slicer
    28 of 30 Rotary Peeler
    29 of 30 Easy Pour Funnel
    30 of 30 Kitchen Gadgets Stainless-Steel Pineapple Slicer and Dicer

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    30 Ingenious Kitchen Tools That Will Simplify Cooking—And They're All Under $20
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