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    No, These 37 Kitchen Items Are Not All Hype

    If you keep hearing about the Always Pan, Keurig machines, and that one temperature-controlled mug — trust me, it's for good reason.

    1. An easy-to-use SodaStream for yummy, refreshing sparkling water whenever you want it! Not only are you limiting plastic bottle use, but you're saving tons of $$$ not buying cases of LaCroix every month 😅

    gif of a buzzfeeder using a black sodastream machine
    gif of a buzzfeeder pouring water into a cup with the words
    Abby Kass / BuzzFeed

    The SodaStream also comes with a 60-liter Co2 cylinder and a one-liter BPA-free reusable carbonating bottle! Reviewers suggest also buying two CO2 cartridges and trying various natural fruit flavors to spice things up!

    Promising review: "We are longtime Sodastream users...[it's an] absolute dream...easy to use, consistent, efficient. As good as the manual carbonator was this is even better. Just push the filled Sodastream bottle onto the One Touch, you don't even have to screw it in, hit the start button twice and in about 10 seconds you have a liter of fresh carbonated water. Can't emphasize enough how simple this is. We drink four or more liters of seltzer a day in the summer so this machine has gotten a fair bit of use since we set it up...100% reliable to date." —Tom Wolski

    Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in black and white). 

    Check out BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass's full SodaStream review.

    2. A terracotta bear that'll help maintain the moisture of your brown sugar, therefore keeping it fresh longer. It also works for fresh cookies, cakes, and marshmallows too! Simply soak it in water for 20 minutes and plop it into the sugar bag or baked good container.

    A hand holding the terracotta bear
    The terracotta bear in a bowl of brown sugar

    BTW, you can also use the terracotta bear to keep things like chips and crackers nice and crispy — just use it dry!

    Promising reviews: "This is truly everything it's hyped up to be. My husband placed it in an opened bag of hardened brown sugar to see what would happen. It took only 24 hours and when we opened the bag the next day, voilà! It was completely soft. Very nice product that does what it's designed to do and for a small price." —jsaves69

    "[It's a] miracle bear! My brown sugar became as hard as concrete in the airtight container that we store it in. I heard that terracotta helped with keeping brown sugar soft over time and I decided to give it a shot. I definitely do not regret getting this little bear! I soaked it for 20 minutes and then pat it dry before I put in the container. I actually forgot about it for two days and...when I checked, the brown sugar was restored back to its soft and beautiful self! I highly recommend buying this bear. You won’t be disappointed! 🐻❤️" —KL

    Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

    3. A set of beeswax food wraps made from fully biodegradable organic cotton, jojoba oil, and tree resin. It'll keep your food fresh and lasts WAY longer than foil.

    a reviewer using the paper over a can
    A reviewer's photo of the wrap used to keep cookies fresh

    Bee’s Wrap is a woman-founded business that's been handcrafting their eco-friendly product in Middlebury, Vermont, since 2012. The company works closely with a number of environmentally conscious groups including 1% for the Planet, The Bee Cause, The Rozalia Project, and National Geographic.

    Promising review: "This product totally lives up to the hype. I feel like I'm doing something positive for the environment by using it, and it works really well so far! I'll likely buy more." —Rachel A.

     "Can't recommend these beeswax wraps enough. The antimicrobial aspect of the beeswax keeps fruits and vegetables super fresh for much longer than plastic bags. They keep bread soft and fresh for much longer than Ziplocs. They are so much better for the environment, and they can be reused for months. We have been using our set for almost two years and they are still as good as new. No waste! Just make sure to wash them with cool water, as warm/hot water will melt the wax." —Publisher

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $14.99.

    4. A chic and compact Beast Blender that's just as useful as it is stylish. The ribbed design helps things blend faster and more smoothly. And bonus points for the matching to-go drinking lid and carrying cap that's included!

    BuzzFeed Editor showing the gray blender on their counter with text that reads
    The same editor showing a smoothie in the ribbed blender cup
    BuzzFeed / Maitland Quitmeyer

    Promising reviews: "I’m not a person who typically writes reviews but I love this blender. It was exactly what we needed! It blends everything that our old blender struggled with. Smoothies have become so much easier and it looks so sleek. The controls are intuitive and the to-go container is so convenient! Highly recommend!" —Steph B.

    "There are so many things to love about this blender! Its sleek design, quiet motor, and overall look makes you proud to place it on your kitchen countertop. The most impressive part of the Beast is its blending power. The one minute interval program is the perfect length of time to ensure all of your ingredients are fully blended, no need to shake the bottle or re-blend multiple times! Each time I've used the Beast I've gotten smooth, creamy smoothies that taste amazing. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for the perfect blender!" —Allison K.

    Get it from Amazon for $155 (available in three colors). 

    Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Beast Blender for more details.

    5. A manual food chopper to quickly and easily chop up fruits, veggies, and even ice in a flash.

    a gif of a reviewer using the chopper
    Reviewer before and after photos showing roughly chopped veggies finely minced by the chopper

    It's also dishwasher-safe (top rack only!) so cleanup is super simple.

    Promising reviews: "Great purchase - believe the hype! Makes chopping up veggies super quick!" —Amalia

    "This is great for cutting lots of veggies super fast. All you have to do is rough chop down your veggies toss them in and give it four to five pulls for perfectly diced chunks for salsa or toppings on eggs or tacos. It comes with a handy cover, too, so all you have to do is rinse the blade and toss the container in the fridge or cooler." —Kevin B.

    Get it from Amazon for $17.43 (also available in green and yellow).

    6. An oven scrub cleaner because its 100% natural and 100% tough on the stains that have been there for a little too long. No shame, but it's *definitely* time for a deep clean! 

    person using oven scrub cleaner to get rid of stains on oven
    Everneat / Etsy

    This oven scrub is made out of 100% plant and mineral-derived ingredients. To clean your oven, apply the scrub over the oven surface including the interior glass, scrub with a metallic or scouring sponge, then use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the surface.

    Everneat is a small business based in Fairfield, Connecticut that specializes in natural cleaning products and microfiber cloths.

    Promising review: "This is the first time in my 50+ years that I have actually enjoyed cleaning my oven. And no, I am not joking! This product is effective, easy to work with, smells amazing, AND I only used a tiny amount of product!!! I don't think I could imagine a way to improve this product. Highly, highly recommend it!!! Well worth any wait." —Diane Coury

    Get it from Everneat on Etsy for $19.99+ (available in plastic or glass jars).

    7. An automatic spice grinder that can grind herbs and spices with just a push of a button. It comes with three spice pods that are easily interchangeable, making seasoning while you cook so much easier.

    gif of grinder grinding salt with one click of a button
    FinaMill spice grinder with two pods of spices
    Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed

    BTW, this grinder is battery-operated. Make sure to get a few AA batteries too!

    Promising reviews: "Nothing like freshly ground spices to add a little snap to your cooking. The pods snap on and off with ease and the grind size is very easy to adjust from barely ground to pulverized... The ability to group commonly used spices together in threes and carry them across the kitchen or outside to the grill just adds to the useability." —Todd Tittle

    "I love this thing!!! It works beautifully. I ordered more pods and trays so I could use my various salts. It's easy to switch pods and the triangular tray is perfect!" —cindybeadlady

    "My sons bought me this set for a gift and I love it! I use this set every time I cook. I have arthritis in my hands that tends to come and go. The ease of use is fantastic. One handed wonder!" —MrsMcPatriot

    Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three colors, comes with grinder and three interchangeable pods).

    8. A set of scratch-free, odor-resistant Scrub Daddy sponges because the results these babies provide deserve all the hype! This Shark Tank-featured product is made with proprietary foam, which is firm when used with cold water and soft when used with warm water. That means you are in total control with the type of clean you want and the amount of effort you want to put in.

    A reviewer's photo of the blue Scrub Daddy
    A three-pack of blue, orange, and green Scrub Daddy sponges

    Promising reviews: "Worth the money and hype!! I'm not one to hop onto trends but OMG I’m so happy I bought this!! It comes with three of them! They last a long time and they clean dishes and surfaces so well! It might look small but they are a great size (just add a bit of water)! Hot water is soft and cold water is for a hard sponge to get rough surfaces. Best purchase made!" —Aria Landa

    "Believe the hype. It's better than I expected. I caved in to the web influencers and bought the Scrub Daddy, and was surprised at how much I use them and that they seriously work. No smells, rinse clean, no scratches and they dry fast. I bought the three pack and use one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom and one for my backyard furniture, bird baths, etc. They’re great and I will be buying more." —Tiger Essex

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.99.

    9. An Angry Mama microwave cleaner that'll make it waaay easier to clean your microwave (so no more excuses!). Just add in water and vinegar, then put it in the microwave for 5-8 minutes. When it's done, just wipe clean! 

    Promising review: "I would give this product more stars if I could. I am a busy mom and my microwave often gets pushed to the end of my never ending to do list. So much so that I would have been too embarrassed to show anyone how gross it had gotten. I finally ordered this with the hope that it would at least help make the job a little bit easier. I was AMAZED! Seriously, the hardest part of the entire experience was trying to get the little mama’s head off to fill it and that only took a minute to figure out. I followed the directions carefully and then used a sponge to wipe off the grease and food bits. My microwave looks brand new. I will probably use a microfiber cloth next time though because the sponge pushed the mess around and wasn’t needed to scrub at all... If you dread cleaning your microwave order this, I’m telling you it really does work wonders!" —MJ

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four colors).

    10. An Instant Pot 9-in-1 pressure cooker because it really does it all. Perfect for those the cooks with limited space and even better for non-cooks with limited experience. It features 15 pre-programmed and customizable cooking settings for things as simple as soup or rice, to more complicated ventures like slow cooking and sautéing.

    a reviewer cooks stew in the instant pot
    another reviews pops popcorn in the pot

    This Instant Pot happens to be a #1 best seller with over 36,000 5-star reviews!

    Promising reviews: "I thought the hype was just hype, but this is the kitchen tool I didn't know I would love as much as I do. From frozen to cooked chicken while retaining more moisture than any other method I am used to using.
    " —Amanda T.

    "If you're wondering if the hype about instant pots is legit, I'm here to tell you that it IS and you need one. It's really helped me since I frequently forget to thaw meat the night before. Also, being able to throw everything in and have a fantastic white chicken chili come out in less than an hour, is just ideal... It came with a little recipe booklet, as well as a cheat sheet of reference times for cooking, which is hugely helpful, since I don't always want to Google for every single thing I cook. It works as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, has a saute function, can cook rice, make yogurt, steam eggs, and basically anything else you want. It's been helpful for me because I've been able to branch out into different meats that I might not normally have the time or know-how to cook properly. If you're stressed about safety, this is reassuring because the directions are very clear, and it locks in. I was really freaked the first time I used it, and knew nothing about pressure cookers or Instant Pots at all the first day....Anyways, the amount of cupboard space this takes up is worth it, and if we had a bigger kitchen I would leave it out all the time on the counter. I love it THAT much." —emrev

    Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in three sizes).

    11. A touchscreen air fryer for quick and delicious meals! With the help of 13 cooking modes, this Cosori air fryer can help even the worst of cooks make something great. Reviewers rave about making everything from french fries to whole steaks (and some yummy reheated meals in between).

    a reviewer shows the white air fryer on their countertop
    a different reviewer showing a cooked chicken in the black air fryer

    Promising reviews: "I may never use a regular oven again! EASY, cleanup is so quick. It doesn’t heat up the kitchen. It’s safe! You can set it to cook and go do something else; however, it cooks anything in half the time... My #1 reason for wanting an air fryer is to cook chicken wings. It exceeds my expectations! #2 reason, 🍟 french fries. I’ve cooked steak successfully. I cooked bacon 🥓 today! ... The whole family loves the air fryer. I like this one because it has a square basket and holds quite a lot... This is the best appliance I have ever owned — what took me so long?" —Susan W.

    "This air fryer is amazing! Oh my gosh I love it and use it all the time! I’ve done hash browns, O’Brien potatoes, chicken fried steak, chicken Parmesan, fried pickles, bread sticks, cookies, steak, French toast sticks, egg rolls — I have done so much and love it! Reheats food much better than a microwave also. Great buy and very easy to clean. The cookbook that came with it has many good recipes, have not made anything I didn’t like out of the little cookbook." —ReadMyLips29

    Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in three colors).

    12. OR a Dash compact air fryer that won't take up much space, but will make (or reheat) some amazing meals.

    Promising review: "Fantastic kitchen tool and well deserving of the hype. It’s helped me immensely when cooking meals in my kitchen, especially with side dishes such as brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and the ubiquitous fried potato. The Dash has removed all the stress of trying to get the timing right when preparing multiple dishes and cooks everything perfectly crisp on all sides. Getting tofu crisped has always been a struggle...but with this I’ve been able to get results that I’ve been trying for years...Highly recommended. It looks cool and doesn’t take up too much counter space either." —User of Consumer goods/bads

    Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in five colors).

    13. An automatic bread maker for those who still love their newfound quarantine hobby but hate the time it takes. This bread maker handles the entire baking process from start to finish and allows you to make other things such as cake and jams. Yum!

    A reviewer photo of a loaf of bread that just baked inside of the bread maker
    A reviewer photo of a sliced load of bread on a grate

    This machine has 12 settings: French, quick bread (no yeast), sweet, 1.5-pound express, 2-pound express, dough, jam, cake, whole grain, and bake. It allows you to select your loaf size and between a light, medium, or dark crust setting. Includes an interior pan and two kneading paddles that are all dishwasher-safe!

    Promising review: "The machine is perfect!!!! I already made two loaves of bread yesterday and am getting ready to make another loaf today. If you are lazy like me and would rather put all the ingredients into a machine and let it do all the work, this is the bread maker for you." —Pam Charmley

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99.

    14. A Keurig K-Mini coffee maker so you can make a quick and delicious cup of joe before you start your day. Will you get up early enough to stop at the cafe? Debatable. But will you have an easy, single-serve coffee maker at home? Yep!

    A reviewer shows the coffee maker in light blue
    the same reviewer shows the open Keurig with a coffee pod inside

    Need some coffee to go with? Try this variety pack of 60 K-Cups ($36.99) or these reusable K-Cups ($12.95) for a low-waste option.

    Promising review: "It’s the PERFECT size for my dorm room. Super pretty color and super cute. Nothing bad to say about this product. Shipped quickly and works great. Can’t wait for my 2 a.m. essay coffees with this bad boy!" —Mary

    Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in five colors).

    15. And Cleaning K-Cups because these pods are the easiest, fastest way to give your Keurig the clean it deserves so you can go back to enjoying your favorite hot beverages!

    To use, place one of these cleaning pods like you would any other K-Cup and brew one large cycle.

    Promising review: "We’ve had our Keurig for a few years, and with the exception of using only filtered water and dispensing hot water every so often, we’ve never cleaned the needle or K-Cup area. I used three cleaning cups back to back and WOW our machine was dirty! I'm so happy I purchased these! I’ll be keeping up on cleaning these more often." —Heather Garcia

    Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.45.

    16. The Always Pan — the kitchen appliance that quickly grew a cult following for being all in one. (I'm not kidding about the following — colors sell out ALL the time.) With every purchase, you'll get a beechwood spatula and a stainless steel steamer basket.

    BuzzFeed Editor shows the green pan on their stove
    A gif of someone cooking in the pink pan, using the the steamer to make food
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed, Our Place

    I've had the green Always Pan for over a year now (that's mine above on the left!), and it's still one of my favorite things in my kitchen. I'm no chef by any means, but I can't help but be way more motivated with this cutie on my stove. It's got pour spouts, a built-in spoon rest, and a super-convenient non-stick (and non-toxic) coating! You can steam, strain, sauté, fry the list goes on.

    Promising review: "I purchased an Always Pan in 2020 and have since purchased two more as gifts, and two of the Perfect Pots. I love knowing that I am not cooking chemicals into my food while using these. They are super easy to clean, and I was really surprised that the exterior color does not get stained by food. It is definitely important to use only a super-soft sponge on the pan interior. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first given the price of the pan, but you can honestly tell that there is a high level of quality! Very happy with this purchase!" Angelique O.

    Get it from Our Place for $115 (originally $145; available in eight colors).

    17. A roll of reusable cloth towels because not only are they WAY more cost effective than buying paper towels every few weeks, but they're also environmentally conscious! Reviewers say they're super absorbent and add the perfect splash of color to the kitchen. 

    Three rolls of reusable towels in flower garden, soft gray vine, and butterfly dragonfly
    A close up of one sheet of flower garden cloth
    Etsy

    Cozy Simple Living is a Pennsylvania-based small biz that sells a wide variety of handmade items (face masks, napkins, coasters, and more).

    Promising review: "I love these paperless towels. They are soft, absorbent, and great quality. I bought two packs of 12 and rolled them onto a cardboard cylinder and have them in my kitchen. Love the pattern. I chose all the same pattern but might consider ordering the variety next time to make it fun." —Lorie Mathe

    "I love these!!! They are of great quality, beautifully made, and work great. I would definitely buy from Cozy Simple Living again." —Robin Gorman

    Get it from Cozy Simple Living on Etsy for $26.50 (available in six patterns).

    18. An enameled, cast-iron Le Creuset Dutch Oven you'll be cooking out of for years to comes (seriously, reviewers say they last forever!). It's easy to clean and won't chip or crack even after years of use.

    the navy blue dutch oven sitting on a cutting board
    Sur La Table

    Promising reviews: "Best cooking item I've ever bought. It really pays to buy the absolute best sometimes, and this is it in dutch ovens. I've used it at least twice a week since I bought it. It's such a delight to use." —Consuela S., Sur La Table customer

    "A must-have for your kitchen. Beautiful, high quality. Even temperatures and great for roasting anything. So easy to clean also. The hardest decision is the color and size!" —Gail C., Sur La Table customer

    Get a 5.5 Qt from Sur La Table for $399 (available in 11 colors) or from Amazon for $379 (available in 10 colors).

    19. A rapid egg cooker for quick eggs in tons of different styles: hard/medium/soft boiled, poached, scrambled — you name it! This gadget does it all EGGcellently.

    BuzzFeed Editor Samantha Wieder's black rapid egg cooker cooking six hard boiled eggs at a time
    Samantha Wieder showing the inside of a perfectly cooked hard boiled egg
    Samantha Wieder / BuzzFeed

    It also features an auto-shutoff function! It can boil up to six eggs at a time, poach up to two eggs at a time, or make an omelet! There's a poaching tray, omelet tray, a six-egg holder tray, a measuring cup, a recipe book, and access to a recipe database. All nonelectric parts are dishwasher-safe!

    BuzzFeed's own Samantha Wieder absolutely loves this egg cooker:

    "I love cooking, I really do, but there are two very inconvenient times that my cooking laziness strikes, and that is first thing in the morning when I wake up, and at the end of the day when it's time for dinner. Thankfully, in the morning, I now have this rapid egg cooker which allows me to make soft-, medium-, or hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, or an omelet, all without having to stand over the stove.

    It's also a great way to whip up a high protein snack during the day when you're busy with work, school, or just in the middle of a very important Netflix binge. The egg maker will let out a sound when your eggs are cooked, and then all you have to do is enjoy them!"

    Promising review: "I didn't believe the hype until I bought it for myself. My boiled eggs come out perfect EVERY TIME. Trust me this is not one of those kitchen products you buy to make life easier that just ends up sitting on top of the cabinet collecting dust. If you are a deviled egg / hard boiled egg / omelet lover, YOU NEED THIS." —M. Brown

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in eight colors).

    20. An oil mister so you can effortlessly spritz every inch of your food while cooking. There'll be no more hand-tossing to make sure every part is covered, AND it helps your oil last much much longer. YAS! 

    reviewer spraying vegetables with the oil spray
    a gif of a reviewer spraying the mister

    Promising reviews: "I’m obsessed with this sprayer!! I think I want to buy a few more because they’re the perfect size and so versatile! 1) The main selling point was how stylish and classy they look… It really upgrades the look of the the typical oil sprays, and makes it look expensive!! 2) It saves a lot of money in the long run! Goodbye the days of me buying $4 olive oil spray and throwing away the canister with about a months use. I can use a giant jug of olive oil for maybe $15 and use this spray to refill about 10 times!! 3) The way it sprays is honestly flawless. The size is perfect to me, small enough to fit with the spices in the spice cabinet but not too small because it can still probably last a good while." —Monica

    "This is a great item for lightly spraying salads, roasting vegetables, or adding some oil to a prepared plate of pasta. Avoids using more oil than necessary so that’s a saving right there. I also use it to put a light coating of oil on all my cast iron cookware to prevent rust. Best of all, it looks great on the dinner table. Lots of uses which really makes it an asset in the kitchen. It seems that it should last a while so I think it is worth the few bucks spent." —Clancy

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    21. A set of reusable storage bags to keep your snacks fresh and your veggies delicious no matter how long ago you cut them open. These BPA-free bags are leak-proof, airtight, and super easy to clean! Single-use plastic baggies are out of here. 👋

    a reviewer uses the blue bags for a dry cereal snack
    multiple sizes of the storage bags in clear

    Promising review: "Lives up to the hype... I jumped on the Stasher 'bag' wagon. I got these as part of the Prime Day deal and I was not disappointed. These have stood the test of time. Easy to wash and clean. Great for the freezer. You can sous vide with them. Maybe it’s overkill as a sandwich bag. But for meal prep and food storage I think they’re great. This sandwich size is the most versatile. I have all four sizes. Try it out." —Tina H.

    "I've tried a LOT of reusable bags as there are a lot of options out there all using a variety of materials. The fabric ones just get gross over time. The vinyl ones are hard to clean and aren't usually dishwasher safe. There are other silicone one that need a separate rod to close them that you can easily lose. This one is the most simple and easy to use. No separate pieces to lose. Can withstand any temperature / microwave / dishwasher / whatever. And if they get gunky they are very easy to clean and I trust that they aren't hiding gross crumbs in any of the crevices." —Megan A.

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes and five bundle packs).

    22. A Rub-a-Way steel odor absorber that works similarly to a bar of soap, but is even tougher to help rid your hands of that strong lingering garlic, onion, or fish scents. 

    The steel odor absorber which says
    a reviewer holding the odor absorber

    Promising reviews: "I was a little skeptical, but after using it in my kitchen I'm a believer. It lives up to the hype! I cook a lot and have used this bar after dicing onions, smashing garlic, and handling raw chicken — all of which I hate to smell on my hands for hours afterwards. The smells were gone after I used the Rub Away bar. Amazing!" —Dave'nJanna

    "Definitely get one of these if you're thinking about it. I was skeptical, but it really works. I do a lot of cooking with garlic and onion and after one wash with this, my hands no longer smell like garlic or onions. Really worth having in the kitchen." —Nos

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    23. A cocktail machine for those who love a great cocktail, but love hosting even more. This machine will make your house the go-to for pre-games and movie nights because of how easy and delicious the drinks turn out! Simply insert a cocktail pod of your choice, fill a bottle with the liquor to match, choose your cocktail strength, push a button, and voilà!

    A picture from BuzzFeed Editor Hannah Loewentheil of the machine brewing a cocktail into a glass
    Hannah Loewentheil holding the margarita pod
    the machine brewing another cocktail
    Hannah Loewentheil / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed editor Hannah Loewentheil owns the Bartersian and LOVES it:

    "When I first caught wind of the Bartesian premium cocktail machine ($349.99 on Amazon), my first thought was does anyone actually need this gadget? But after trying it for myself, I can say the answer is a firm YES, and here's why. I love making cocktails at home, and while I'm no bartender, I feel very comfortable shaking a spicy margarita, stirring a negroni, or whipping up a Pisco sour. But making craft cocktails at home requires many (often expensive) ingredients, bar tools, time and effort. With the Bartesian though, you can make fancy drinks with the click of a button — literally. Once you turn the Bartesian on, it prompts you to insert a cocktail capsule. The smart gadget recognizes the cocktail you're trying to make and will ensure you've placed the proper spirit in the bottle (I know, it's mind-blowing). Next, it prompts you to choose your cocktail strength (there's even a mocktail option), and to place a glass with ice underneath the spout. Next, the Bartesian will start pouring your craft cocktail. The whole process takes about 20 seconds and it's all very exciting. With many bars closed and people quarantining or feeling hesitant about going out to eat, this gadget allows you to make professional-quality cocktails at home."

    Promising review: "This machine is totally worth the price. I feel it pays for itself just in the fact that I don’t have to be the bartender constantly and I actually get to enjoy my guests. And I wouldn’t serve junk to my guests either. I was absolutely shocked at how tasty and non-artificial these cocktails are. We haven’t tried all the flavors yet, but the ones we have are nothing short of fantastic. Margarita is my personal favorite and my husband who is an old fashion snob says this old fashion is right up there with one of the best he’s had. The convenience is worth its money 10 times over. Family members who are not cocktail inclined have tried ours and decided it was a good addition to homes. All in all, YES, it is worth it. The reviews are true and I’m so happy that I decided to invest." —KamsMom

    Get it from Amazon for $369.99.

    And don't forget your to grab a six pack of cocktail pods for $14.99!

    24. A cold brew pitcher if you're strictly an iced coffee fan. All you need to do is put grounds into the filter, add some water, and let it sit overnight. The next day you'll have some yummy cold brew!

    Promising reviews: "Believe the hype! This thing is the real deal. I bought a second one because I love this iced coffee maker so much! This thing is a gamer changer. If you love iced coffee BUY IT NOW! You won’t regret it. So easy to use and clean. Unbelievable!" —Connie Howard

    "I am a HUGE believer in the Takeya cold brew coffee maker for several reasons. I have two, one that I use at home, and one that I use in the field doing Army work or on deployments. It requires no electricity to make my delicious cold brew, it is plastic, and it is water-tight. This means in a pinch, I can throw it into the vehicle or into a bag and run out to a new location with no worries about breaking, spilling, or leaking...Overall, awesome investment and no real gripes." —electronmods

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in two sizes and three colors).

    25. OR a HyperChiller beverage cooler when need of your iced coffee ASAP. Literally, this gadget turns your hot coffee into iced coffee in 60 seconds (yes, seconds) flat. Just fill the container with water and keep it in your freezer so it's always ready when you need it.

    The dishwasher-safe container can also be used to cool chill tea, juice, wine, or whatever else you feel like drinking. No water comes into contact with your beverage, so you don't have to worry about dilution, either.

    Promising reviews: "Wow. Believe the hype. It really works and is easy to use. So much better than just waiting for your coffee to cool or putting it in the freezer. Great item. Had to wait months for it to be in stock." —Mary E. Burnett

    "I saw this on BuzzFeed constantly and finally caved and bought it, and I'm so glad I did. It does what it says it will; it lets you have homemade iced coffee that isn't watered down, very quickly. I typically don't swirl it around, I just leave the coffee in while I do something else for a bit and come back and it's cold enough. It really is super easy to clean, I usually swirl some water in it and pour it out until it runs clean after every use, and take it apart and wash it every once in a while... Overall really good product and totally worth the hype." Emma Scott

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in rose gold and navy blue). 

    26. A washable sponge you'll be able to use over and over (and over) again. Some reviewers say just one sponge can last a whole year if taken care of!

    A model washing the eco-friendly sponge
    Three different patterns of the washable sponge
    Marley's Monsters / Etsy, Marley's Monsters / Etsy

    Marley's Monsters, a woman-owned small biz, is home of this sustainable sponge. They've also created reusable gift wrap, coffee filters, facial rounds, and more!

    Promising reviews: "I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this sponge! I am actively working on making my apartment a one use plastic free zone, and I was so happy to find these eco friendly lil' bbs!! Thank you!! They do a great job cleaning and they dry out if you keep them propped up over night. Wonderful purchase!" —Regina Ippolito

    "I love these reusable sponges! They scrub food off easily and are very sturdy. I am so happy with the quality and the fact that I can wash and reuse them! Perfect replacement for disposable sponges and so cute!" —Kristen Velasquez

    Get it from Marley's Monsters on Etsy for $12+ (available in packs of one or three and three colors).

    27. A handheld mixer complete with three different attachments for whisking, frothing, and blending. The design is fully electric with a copper motor, which means no tired arms when you're making your favorite meals. It also features an ergonomic, comfy, nonslip handle!

    a reviewer holding up the stainless steel mixer
    a different reviewer using the blender to mix food in a pot on the stove

    Reviewers use this handheld blender for everything from making salsa and soups to beating eggs and frothing milk for coffee! The possibilities are endless with this kitchen gadget.

    Promising reviews: "I got this after my old stand blender burned out while I was grinding oatmeal. I thought a stick blender would be able to work through dry ingredients a little better and keep from overheating. I'm happy to say that is the case. This little thing is very powerful for its size and really chops whatever you set it to. Its easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean and works great... Some people have commented that you can only use this for a minute at a time, trust me that is plenty. It is meant to be more of a pulsing blender and you move it around enough that a minute of actual operation will likely work through whatever you are blending." —Clara

    "I LOVE it! I've intended to get a hand blender for years and finally just did it. I looked at ones that were much more expensive and was worried that this would be cheaply made (because you often get what you pay for). However, I have been pleasantly surprised with this one. At 500 watts it has serious power and it is super easy to use. I made tomato soup and it blended it in under a minute, then I just popped the bottom off and washed it! Super simple. Super happy with my purchase!" —amazonaddicted

    "Worked great, feels sturdy, took on boiling temperature to blend, but the top of the shaft stayed cool. Great buy!" —Nol

    Get it from Amazon for $34.97.

    28. A sous vide precision cooker for restaurant-quality meals at home, minus all of the effort. This cooker can be controlled right from your phone and even provides cooking notifications from up to 30 feet away! Multitasking has never been so easy.

    The Sous Vide in a pot with a piece of meat
    a reviewer shows a finished meal after using the device

    The temperature range is 32–197 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, you get access to over 1,000 recipes, so you'll have inspiration for yummy meals! Get the Anova app here.

    Promising reviews: "After years of hearing about how great sous vide cooking is I finally pulled the trigger on this unit and it really does live up to the hype. Super easy to set up and the app provides a ton of recipes to use." —PL

    "Since I started cooking sous vide, my family says my cooking has gone to a new level. I started with the original Anova, and just recently picked up this Nano. The Nano is awesome because it's much smaller vs. the first Anova, making it easier to store in a drawer or something. It sounds trivial but by making it easier to grab. Setup is so much quicker, and I can cook a beef roast for 30 hours without adding ANY water. If you're just starting out in sous vide, I recommend this cooker." —Jeff Nichols

    Get it from Amazon for $129+.

    29. Glisten disposer cleaner that'll get rid of the nasty grunge and odor-causing buildup from every part of your garbage disposal — blades and walls included! It's less work for you, and I've gotta admit, the foaming effect is pretty satisfying to watch, too.

    gif of reviewer using the disposer cleaner in their kitchen sink
    reviewer photo showing the disposer cleaner bubbling up through the drains of their kitchen sink

    Promising reviews: "Worth the hype! My disposal had been very smelly and no matter what I did, nothing helped. Citrus peels, vinegar, baking soda, bleach, you name it. Honestly I was shocked how well these work. I highly recommend if you’ve tried everything, they really work!" —CatReed

    "This product is amazing. Every time I ran the dishwasher there was this horrible smell. So much that you could smell it throughout the apartment. I even started just hand-washing my dishes. But after about a week, the smell came back. I bought so many products to try and eliminate the smell, but after a couple of days, it would come back. Then I saw this product on BuzzFeed and thought to myself, why not? The first time I used it cleaned it out pretty well. Better than the other products. But then I used it a second time, and there was no smell. I'm going on two weeks of using my dishwasher, and I can't smell anything. I highly recommend this if you're having the same problem I was. This is by far the best kitchen cleaning product I've ever purchased." —khrystyne torres

    Get it from Amazon for $5.29.

    30. A set of reusable silicone stretch lids to cover up fruits, veggies, cans, and containers as is. These lids help opened food last longer and are leakproof and microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.

    A set of seven clear lids and seven blue lids spread out to show varying sizes. As well as a lids over half a watermelon, half an avocado, half an orange, and three separate containers in the left corner.
    Target

    Zulay Kitchen is a family-owned small business that provides affordable, quality kitchen products. 

    Promising review: "The lids are made with silicone; they stretch to fit every bowl and casserole dish I own. They wash easily and get thoroughly cleaned in the dishwasher; they are perfect and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. I was also so thrilled to find out I was supporting a family-owned small company as well — Jen included a sweet thank-you note with my order and it made my day! Will definitely be ordering more from them again!"  —BearsInTheBurbs, Target customer

    Get a set of 14 from Target for $22.49 (originally $23.99) or from Amazon for $17.99

    31. An espresso machine that's *truly* worth the investment (and the hype). No more Starbucks lines, messed up orders, and hundreds of dollars spent every year on coffee! This baby brings barista-level caffeine right into your home. And BTW, it's a best seller with over 14,000 5-⭐️ reviews!

    Espresso machine with tamper (not included)
    a reviewer shows a finished product after using the machine
    Brittany Gibson / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    If you're someone who buys a specialty cup of coffee every single day (what's that, like $4 a cup now??), add in the cost of gas/transportation, and you're spending way more on coffee every year. This is definitely worth the investment in the long run!

    BuzzFeed writer Brittany Gibson absolutely loves this machine:

    "IMHO, the Breville Barista Express is phenomenal. I was a barista for a few years and I was used to working with a top-notch machine, and this is pretty darn close to being just as good. As someone who drinks lattes daily, I've saved SO much money by investing in this. I use these espresso beans from a small upstate New York business called SPoT Coffee and get delectably rich and smooth shots of espresso every time."

    Promising reviews: "This thing lives up to the hype! ...The actual espresso pull mechanism looks and acts exactly as you would see at your local $18-per-cup coffee place just without a barista to spell your name wrong. The steamer attachment also works well and does the job. I literally have a cup (or two) of cafe quality coffee every morning now and it is even more gratifying than I though it would be...[It's] an amazingly delicious, dare I say bliss inducing, coffee experience every day. Absolutely recommend this splurge!" —K Clark 

    "I really love the way this machine works and the espresso and latte that I can make. It makes the espresso easily and much quicker than any machine I have used. The taste and texture of the lattes are beyond compare." —Tom T. (Make sure to check out the entire review, they give TONS of advice on use, benefits of the machine, and more.)

    Get it from Amazon for $699.95 (available in black and stainless steel).

    32. A splurge-worthy touchscreen toaster to choose precise heating levels for particular types of bread. It heats much faster than a traditional unit and a touchscreen toaster just sounds really, really cool.

    a reviewer using the touch screen toaster
    a different reviewer showing the toaster's countdown

    Promising reviews: "WORTH ALL THE HYPE AND MONEY. I love it, works very well, everyone is fan of this gadget." —Lauren Breyton

    "I have to say, this toaster was well worth the investment. This one beat my old toaster by a mile in terms of how fast it toasts, and it adjusts easily and well to waffles and bagels. The toaster has a fantastic digital display too. I love the 10-second countdown feature so I can get my butter in place and slather it one while the toast is hot. The design is sleek and elegant, and my favorite surprise is the analog clock display. This makes my old toaster obsolete (it's now collecting dust in the bottom cupboard)." —Rob

    Get it from Amazon for $300.

    33. A Fellow electric gooseneck kettle to make preparing hot beverages an effortless task. The stainless steel gooseneck actually makes pouring much smoother and more precise, while the balance handle (see where the thumb goes?) gives you a better grip and less chance of overflow.

    a model pouring hot water into a pour-over coffee cup.
    BuzzFeed editor turns the knob to change the temperature of the kettle
    Amazon, Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    I've been using my Fellow kettle for nearly two years now (that's mine above on the right!) and it's honestly heaven-sent. Easy coffee in the morning, matcha in the afternoon, and tea before bed. It heats up very quickly, the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean, and it just looks really sleek on my kitchen counter. All you need to do is add water and place the kettle on the included base, press the 'on' button, set your desired temperature on the LCD screen (it goes up to 212 degrees F), and it heats up in *seconds*. It can also keep the water hot for up to an hour which is extremely convenient for when you know you'll be back for more in a short period of time. TL;DR: It's a must for anyone who loves making hot beverages at home!

    Promising review: "I was hesitant to spend this much on a variable temp gooseneck kettle but I am so glad I did. It checked off all the boxes...variable temp, hold setting, quick to heat, gooseneck, AND it was the best looking one! We have been using a gooseneck stovetop kettle for a few years for pour over and wanted more control over the water temp (I’d often forget I put the kettle on and start multitasking). This heats the water so quickly which is great in the morning. And the hold feature is my best friend for when I’m multitasking. I’m able to pour over my coffee when it is convenient and not have to worry about taking it off he stove top immediately like I did before." —Lindsey

    Get it from Amazon for $149+ (available in five colors and two handle finishes).

    34. A Levo II that makes cooking from scratch a much more realistic (and fun) possibility. You'll be making infused butter, oil, honey, and even salad dressing or gummy candy (among a ton of other things) with ease.

    the blue oil infusing machine
    oil being poured into the white Levo with herbs inside

    P.S. you can even make soaps and bath bombs with the Levo. All you have to do is fill the herb pod and set your dry or activation cycle, add oil or butter, set your infuse cycle, dispense, and enjoy!

    Promising review: "We love our Levo II! Can't imagine a better way to spend time than learning how to make my own infused oils that help our whole family, whatever the need. Want to add zest to a recipe? Make a concoction to help your loved one sleep? Try a new salad dressing without the mess? Whatever the need, LEVO II will help make an oil, a botanical, a new soap, tea or a lotion that is perfect. The app is abundant with recipes and ideas, so I feel supported with each and every step. East fast clean up. End to end customer experience is exceptional!" —Kendall E. Coleman

    "Better than Magical Butter, better than all those other machines. This is so easy to use I don't know why I didn't buy it before. I purchased this for my infusions but HAD NO IDEA this as so many other usages. Cleaning is the simplest thing ever! The only thing that will give you an extra 10–15 secs is the storage unit. Don't struggle on the stovetop, losing THC, overheating, stirring, etc. This absolutely does it all, including straining. No more cheese cloths! Why the heck didn't I get this sooner? I didn't think the price was worth it. I was so wrong...Stop the struggle, stop the 6+ hour process...This is the best machine on the market!" —Eric

    Get it from Amazon for $299.99 (available in seven colors).

    35. A pack of dishwasher-cleaning tablets to deep clean the thing that washes your bowls, utensils, and cookware (among other things) for you. Trust me, it needs it every once in a while!

    reviewer photo showing their dishwasher completely covered in grime
    same reviewer showing their dishwasher looking brand new after using the cleaning tablets

    These tablets are designed to penetrate, dissolve, and remove odor-causing residue that accumulates inside your dishwasher over time, as well as remove lime and mineral buildup. Using Affresh tablets once a month can prolong the life of your dishwasher and make it more effective at doing its job: cleaning your dishes.

    Promising reviews: "BELIEVE THE HYPE! I tried the DIY methods of using baking soda then lemon. Also tried vinegar too...those worked for a bit but not as great as these things. Did one tablet and it's going on five months with biweekly cleaning of the food drain thing inside the dishwasher. No smell! Used to think it was a scam cause you don't get alot, but so far haven't needed to use another one! I'm sold!" —Meg

    "I've seen this item on soo many BuzzFeed lists, so I figured I would try it during one of my cleaning sprees. Wow does it really work! I don't use my dishwasher often, so it often gets a little crusty looking...but I just threw one of these packets in there and ran a normal cycle and it got rid of all the yucky stuff! It's super simple to use and leaves your dishwasher fresh and clean without any leftover residue." —Christine Doan

    Get a six-pack from Amazon for $8.99.

    36.  A round flip Belgian waffle maker that works so well it'll make you love mornings again. It makes 1-inch waffles, comes with six different temperature settings, and has nonstick coating for easy clean up.

    a reviewer's open waffle maker
    a reviewer's  finished waffle after using the maker

    Promising review: "It makes the perfect size and thickness! I use my own recipe from scratch, but the manual provides some recipes and ideas in case you don't have any of your own. It even comes with a drip tray and a measuring cup to pour the exact amount needed without spillage (1/4 cup). " —CoffeePeople

    Get it from Amazon for $59.95+ (available in three colors).

    37. An Ember temperature-control smartmug to keep your coffee and tea as hot as when you first poured it. It's all controlled through the app where you choose your desired temperature and can even make presets for specific beverages. Fancy stuff, right?

    photo of black Ember mug filled with coffee
    Model holding smartphone in front of Ember mug with the accompanying app

    Promising reviews: "I love this mug! I was gifted it by my husband for Christmas and it definitely lives up to the hype... I like that you can control the temperature with your Ember phone app and choose different settings for the different types of drinks like tea and cappuccinos. It also has a nice timing feature to steep tea for however long you need it to steep. It is a very neat product and I enjoy the usability of it." —Darby

    "Best thing since sliced bread! I hate when my coffee gets cold. I was originally looking for one of those warming coasters, but then I saw the Ember mugs...there was no turning back. I can take my coffee with me into my bosses office and it still stays hot?? Yes please. I used that app and have adjusted my temp down to 127 degrees. It stays at that temperature the entire time. I’ve not had an issue with battery life either, doesn’t take me more than an hour to polish off a cup of coffee. I HIGHLY recommend." —Mathews

    Get it from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in two colors).

    You after you've cooked your first meal using your new favorite kitchen item:

    Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

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