Two things I love: cooking, and efficiency.
I love finding clever hacks and tricks for making anything easier and quicker, because why spend more time than necessary on something menial like chopping garlic?
To be honest, I could easily crowd my kitchen with way too many cooking tools for every cooking task imaginable. (Maybe someday.)
But for now, I’m creating a list of my favorite cooking tools that save loads of time on some of my least favorite cooking tasks!
These 8 cooking tools are some of my favorites! They will save any busy or reluctant cook a ton of time and effort. They’re all high quality, but cost less than $15!
Just a heads up: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting me!
1. Garlic Press and Peeler
More often than not these days, recipes I’m choosing to make for dinner require minced garlic. I love garlic, and it packs a punch in medicinal and nutritional benefits as well as flavor (obviously)!
But do you ever try mincing garlic by hand? It is extremely tedious and can be time-consuming. I bought myself one of these garlic presses a few years ago, and I consciously think about how glad I am that I have it every time I use it!
The black cylindrical part allows you to put a clove inside with the skin on and rub it, then the peel comes off. Then you put the cloves in the press, and with an easy squeeze it comes out minced! Total game changer.
2. Microplane Zester and Grater
I’ve seen so many people rave about their Microplanes, and I just finally got one to try myself – it is amazing.
This handheld zester and grater is sharp and super efficient for grating fresh ginger or cheese, zesting lemons or limes, or even scraping off burnt parts of baked goods. It’s easy to use, and it comes with a cover.
It has over 1,300 reviews on Amazon averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars, which I find extremely impressive!
3. Citrus Press
I’ve made recipes that have required squeezing multiple lemons, and my hands always get sore by the end if I don’t have a juicer. This press works for lemons or limes and is high quality stainless steel.
These presses make it so much easier to get all the juice out quickly!
4. Handheld Mandoline Slicer
I don’t have one of these yet, but one of my coworkers was raving the other day about her handheld mandoline slicer. These are perfect for making quick thin slices of veggies.
This would be perfect for slicing fruits or veggies for salad toppings, for snacking, or to bake into chips! Check out my post of 11 fruit and veggie chip recipes for ideas.
5. Kitchen Shears
The #1 reason I have kitchen shears is for cutting up chicken into smaller pieces. Using scissors makes it extremely quick and easy. But kitchen shears are also helpful for opening difficult packaging, and these stainless steel kitchen shears have a bottle opener, as well.
6. Food Thermometer
Without a food thermometer I spend way too much time trying to figure out whether my meat (especially chicken) is cooked enough.
This thermometer actually has the temperatures printed on the back that different meats should be cooked to in order to be considered safe to eat.
7. Unbleached Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is a big time saving cooking tool when it comes to cleaning up. This unbleached parchment paper is entirely non-toxic and safe to bake in the oven.
You can use it to line your baking sheets so that all you have to do is throw the paper away and not have to scrub the pan! You also don’t need to use oil to keep things from sticking when you use the paper.
8. Slim Silicone Spatula
I hate to waste things, and that includes food left at the bottom of a jar or blender that I can’t get out. This long and thin spatula is perfect for getting out that last bit!
Made of silicone, it’s flexible and heat safe up to 500 degrees F. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.
