You probably already know the basics of the kitchen: the essential appliances and utensils. But any home cook knows that preparing meals, snacks, and more can be made much easier with smart kitchen gadgets. And by not introducing these tools into your rotation, you are effectively doing yourself a disservice.
The best part is that we discovered some hidden kitchen gems with unique features and clever designs. In fact, Amazon is jam-packed with tons of genius items, including space-saving items, self-sufficient tools, and even trendy designs on tableware, all within one of the internet's most famous hubs. The best part? All of these items are under $40.
Smart kitchen gadgets on Amazon
Wibimen round ice tray with lid
Amazon
buy: $26 at amazon.com
Cold drinks require ice, but freezing them in traditional trays can contaminate your precious cubes. Since the water is not covered when it freezes, there is a risk that the contents will come into contact with other items in the freezer, which is a big deal. But this ice cube tray eliminates all that. It features a round cavity design that provides a circular cube perfect for everyday drinks and cocktails, plus a snug-fitting lid on top. There is a small hole at the top of the lid that flattens out any excess in the sink, so you don't have to worry about overfilling. You'll get perfect cubes every time.
Hoan bagel guillotine slicer
Amazon
buy: $21 at amazon.com (originally $26)
This Hoan slicer makes slicing bagels and English muffins even easier. Instead of trying to slice your breakfast essentials evenly down the middle, and seriously going off course, this guillotine slicer will do the heavy lifting for you. Simply remove the blade with handle, drop the bagel into the slot, and press down on the blade. What you get is a bagel that looks like it was sliced at a local bakery.
Rail19 glass spout dispenser
Amazon
buy: $28 at amazon.com
Tired of lifting that heavy 3-quart oil bottle you bought at Costco while cooking? Sure, it's a great deal, but unless you use a small dispenser like this one, that's all you have to do to squat down every day. It may not be worth it. The Rail19 dispenser can hold up to 13 ounces of liquid and is designed with an easy-pour spout, making cooking and meal preparation a breeze. Not to mention, the metal spout comes in gold and silver options, giving it a classy look you'll want on your counter. Please use it for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, coffee syrup, etc.
moas cube timer
Amazon
buy: $15 at amazon.com
You might use your phone's timer to bake dinner on a sheet pan, but what if you also need to track how well your pasta is cooked? This time management gadget is the next best thing. Each side of the cube displays a preset time ranging from 1 to 10 minutes. Simply turn the alarm switch on by pointing upwards for the desired amount of time and a red light will illuminate to indicate that the cube is working and will alert you when the time has elapsed. Available in five fun colors, including mint and coral.
AmorArc ceramic rim plate set
Amazon
buy: $35 with coupon at amazon.com (originally $37)
If “bowl plate” had a relative, this would be it. These ceramic plates are so chic and look like something you'd find in a restaurant, and that's all thanks to their design and speckled style. What's smart about this plate is that it has a flat bottom and a slightly raised rim to prevent spills of saucy dishes, pasta, etc. They can also be stacked to save space in your cabinet. These 8.5-inch salad plates are his set of 6, but you can also add larger salad plates to match your entire tablescape.
Vobaga coffee mug warmer
Amazon
buy: $23 with coupon at amazon.com (originally $40)
Imagine this. You make the coffee, set the mug down for a bit, and when you take your first sip, you realize it's already cold. Can you relate? If your answer is yes, check out this coffee mug warmer that will keep your drinks steaming for hours. Yes, up to 4 hours to be exact. This warmer operates with three temperature settings up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used with any flat-bottom mug you have at home. By the way, it's currently on sale on Amazon and comes with a hidden coupon.
DecoBros Kitchen Cabinet Pan Organizer
Amazon
buy: $17 at amazon.com (originally $30)
Some people say their storage cabinets are out of control, but if you have multiple pots, skillets, etc., you'd think differently. Instead of worrying about your cookware falling in waves, choose this organizer shelf that securely holds up to five pots and has enough space to store lids in between. Bonus: This rack utilizes dead space in your cabinet and is available in white, silver, or bronze.
Starfrit Rotato Express 2.0 Electric Peeler
Amazon
buy: $28 at amazon.com
One of the most tedious cooking tasks may be peeling fruits and vegetables by hand. If you're tired of peeling while preparing meals, this electric peeler might change your mind. Once the food is firmly fixed on the protruding bottom and touching the top holder, press the “on” button and this electric peeler will start working. Shoppers use it for potatoes, apples, cucumbers, and more.
