Whether you're a gourmet chef or a home cook trying not to burn dinner, meal preparation and cleanup can be a daunting task. There are a lot of cool kitchen gadgets on the market today that can make your life easier, but many of them are quite expensive.
All 11 items below are available for under $20 on Amazon. So before you hire a full-time sous chef (whose average annual salary is $41,000), consider trying one or two of these out.
Scrub Daddy Sponge 3 Pack, $11, Amazon
When you think of products that make your life better, you're unlikely to think of smiley face sponges. It turns out that Scrub Daddy could be that revolutionary product. Since appearing in shark tank In 2012, Scrubs Daddy became the most successful product in the show's history. why? Because it actually works.
OXO Good Grip 3-in-1 Avocado Tool, $10 (regularly $14), Amazon
Adding avocado to anything makes it even better. The OXO Good Grip 3-in-1 Avocado Tool is an all-in-one slicing, pitting, and scooping feature that helps you get to that beautiful, green goodness faster.
Kotobuki Swing Serving Tongs, $20, Amazon
If you're looking for tongs that will not only prevent stains but also add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen, look no further than the Kotobuku Swing Serving Tongs. These tongs stand upright to avoid messing up surfaces, and have weighted handles that allow them to wobble around a bit without tipping over. Who said tongs can't be fun?
Kuhn Rikon Stay Clean Silicone Scrubber, $6 (regularly $8), Amazon
Silicone sponges, like the Kuhn Rikon Stay Clean Silicone Scrubber, are one of those things that once you become aware of their existence, you kick yourself for not making the switch sooner. Easier to clean than regular sponges, this silicone version is non-porous so it won't attract bacteria or develop odors. and Dishwasher safe.
DXTXKJ Garlic Press, $6, Amazon
There's nothing quite like raw garlic in a recipe, but the chopping process is not only time-consuming, but also quite smelly. With the DXTXKJ Garlic Tool, you can press, chop, and mince garlic to your heart's content with just a simple twist of your wrist.
Amco Rub-A-Way Bar, $11 (regularly $26), Amazon
If you just hear that word and your hands start to smell like garlic (raise your garlicky hands), Amco Rub-A-Way Bar can help. The stainless steel soap-shaped bar promises to rid your hands of the smell of delicious but stinky things like garlic, onions, and fish.
Trudeau Toss and Chop Salad Tongs, $14 (regularly $25), Amazon
Good kitchen equipment should not only be effective, but also reduce cooking and cleanup time. The Trudeau Toss and Chop Salad Tongs are definitely convenient because they allow you to slice and chop fruits and vegetables directly into the bowl. good kitchen gadgets.
AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat – 2 Pack, $10, Amazon
Baking bread is a great way to show someone you love them…that is until you need to clean. What was once a labor of love becomes just a little labor. AmazonBasics silicone baking mats make cleanup easy and eliminate the need for oil or cooking spray.
Proctor Silex Breakfast Sandwich Maker, $17 (regularly $20), Amazon
Do you need a Proctor Silex Breakfast Sandwich Maker? Probably not. But does he just want a handy tool that can make delicious breakfast sandwiches in 5 minutes? Absolutely.
KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener, $5, Amazon
Nothing slows down meal preparation like a dull knife. KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener allows you to sharpen and polish your knives back to their original shine.
Mamison Quality Kitchen Gloves, $6, Amazon
Anyone who's ever dealt with dry, cracked hands after spending some time elbow-deep in the sink knows that dishwasher hands are a real thing. Thankfully, like many skin care problems, Korea has a solution. Mamison Quailty Kitchen Gloves (meaning “Mama's Hands”) are durable, long-lasting, and non-slip. So please give Mommy a break.
Related: 13 delicious and healthy cookbooks you can't cook without