“Whale” That’s Helpful
We know that the last thing you want is an impractical tool cluttering up your already-crowded kitchen drawers. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the most practical tools that’ll add whimsy to your kitchen. For instance, the clever design of Fred Big Blue Whale Strainer ($13) saves you from having to dump out the whole pot of pasta. Simply place the whale over the pot and pour out the water.
Extreme Notes
Who knew a basic office supply could be such a powerhouse in the kitchen? Our staff of culinary experts use these extra-sticky, water-resistant Post-It notes ($4 for 3-pack) to label all of our refrigerated and frozen foods. We bet they’ll work great for your leftovers and freezer meals, too.
So Hand(y)
You know that old, stained oven mitt that you’ve been using since the 1990s? Get rid of it. The FingerMitt ($20) is the new oven mitt in town, and we love it. The 5-finger design lets your fingers be nimble while you are safely handling hot items like Grandma’s favorite casseroles. Plus they’re made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, making them stain resistant and dishwasher safe.
Get Attached
This Utensil Pot Clip ($6) is the gadget you never knew you needed but now can’t live without. No more resting the sauce spoon on the counter leaving yet another mess to clean up later. This clip attaches directly to the sides of cookware to hold your utensil in place, and the drippings go right back in the pot. Genius. Try it out with our best soup recipes.
The Pop-ular Choice
Everyone knows popping your own popcorn on the stovetop is a much tastier, and maybe healthier, option than store-bought microwave popcorn. But the microwave is just so convenient! Enjoy the best of both worlds with this single-serving glass Microwave Popcorn Popper ($13). The main container can be filled with whole kernel corn and then microwaved. No oil is involved. But you can add butter while it pops—the handy silicone lid doubles as a butter melter.
For Cat Ladies
Okay we know you don’t need eggs shaped in the form of a cat face, but come on. How can you resist? The Cat Egg Mold ($13) is a silicone mold that is placed in a hot frying pan. Crack the eggs into the “eyes” and a few minutes later a cute cat appears that doesn’t require a litter box.
Fresh (Sliced) Berries
The Strawberry Hull and Slice ($7) helps you prep strawberries at super speed so you can get to the important part—eating them!—quicker. The time-saving tool is made of plastic with stainless steel blades and is dishwasher safe. Plus, with sliced strawberries on hand, you’ll be one step closer to strawberry shortcake.
Say Cheese!
You know the drill: Find the cheese grater, now find a dish to catch the grated cheese, then do the balancing act of holding the grater steady as you work. No more! This Grater with Cheese Cellar ($21) features a spouted cellar that perfectly catches and easily dispenses shredded cheese. When you’re finished, the grater slides off the plastic cellar for quick cleanup. The grated cheese will be perfect for our 5-star pasta recipes.
Shake Things Up
It’s never been easier to make Chex mix, season popcorn or even dress a salad, thanks to the Popcorn Ball ($15). No more overflowing mixing bowls—just dump everything into this BPA-free plastic sphere, seal it, and shake to evenly distribute the ingredients, ensuring every bite equally delicious. (Psst: You can pop popcorn in it, too.)
Nice Spread
Is there anything more frustrating than tearing up a perfectly fine piece of bread because the butter is too cold? The popular Butter Spreader Knife ($9) makes this a problem of the past. The knife features a built-in grater that turns cold butter into “sumptuous, spreadable ribbons.”
Wing Thing
We’re all about Buffalo wings, but the sticky fingers? Not so much. Enter Trongs ($24 for 6-pack), which make “finger-lickin’ good” a mere expression. Use your polypropylene Trongs for messy snacks or kitchen projects (dredging chicken? ugh.), then toss them in dishwater and use again.
That’s a Wrap
No more searching your cabinets for the right Tupperware lid. CoverBlubber Food Saving Wraps ($12) to the rescue! These stretchy, reusable food wraps fit containers of all sizes and shapes. You can even stretch them directly onto cut fruit. Plus it’s just fun to say the name—CoverBlubber. See?
A Cut Above
There are many theories on the best way to cut a watermelon. Do you shave off the rind first? Or is it better to cube the flesh in sections with the rind still attached? Let us avoid the debate entirely with this convenient watermelon slicer ($11). This gadget combines a slicer and tongs to make perfectly even melon slices. Ready to eat? Turn the tool over to grip the cut portions and serve in these extra-refreshing recipes.
Any Way You Slice It
Who knew a pizza cutter could be so cool? The Mozzbi Pizza Cutter ($13) features a laser-precision blade and an easy-grip handle. Reviewers say this cutter has no problem slicing through any pizza, the first time. No more rolling back and forth, creating a hot, cheesy mess. As Mozzbi puts it, “Grip, slide and watch it glide.”
Main Squeeze
Impress your kids and your guests with the Tovolo Pancake Pen 2.0 ($10). The squeeze bottle dispenser holds 3 cups of pancake batter and features an easy-flow silicone tip. From birthday numbers to silly faces, create any pancake shape your heart desires. Need a recipe for fluffy pancakes? Here are our fluffiest recipes.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Erica Young