We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A downright magical veggie chopper that'll surely become your new BFF once you realize that by owning it, you'll finally be relieved of your least favorite kitchen task forever. It'll cut down on vegetable prep time by a ton, and if you're an onion crier like me, well, no more standing over a cutting board with stinging eyes.
Promising review: "Best chopper I've used! It's super sturdy, cutting onions especially is super easy, even though they have a really hard and waxy skin. My Vidalia chopper failed in less than five uses. And it took so much strength and pressure from me to chop the onions. The blades were blunt. This chopper is the answer to my prayers. The blades are super sharp, and because of this, they have safety features too! Everything can come apart easily, and put back together. So putting it in the dishwasher takes no effort!" —SummerBreeze
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in gray or white).
2. A set of Nordic Ware aluminum half-sheet trays, because not only is aluminum durable, it's also an excellent heat conductor, meaning your cookies will bake evenly and your roasted veggies will be perfectly crisp. Trust me, these babies will last FOREVER!
I use these sheet trays at home, and whether I'm roasting cauliflower or baking cookies, I end up with even browning every time. I've had mine for almost 10 years now, and they still work as well as they did when I first bought them. Sure, they might be a liiittle less shiny, but that's how you know you're getting good use out of them!
Promising review: "Love these baking sheets. They are the best ones I have ever owned. They say buy light-colored baking sheets for light-colored cookies that don't burn on the bottom, and these sheets seem to hold that saying true. Highly recommend them." —Chantilly Philly
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $23.76.
3. And a pack of silicone baking mats that'll end any spatula versus sheet tray battles for good. No sticky residue, and just think of all the money (and trees!) you'll be saving by cutting down on parchment paper. Plus, they're great for rolling out dough when you don't want to make a mess of your counter.
I bought these for my dad as a Christmas gift and he told me they're a game-changer! No more caked-on messes, and they're SO easy to clean.
Promising review: "I’ve been baking for years and would occasionally have issues with uneven cooking across the bottom, especially with cookies. Decided to try these after hearing others talk about silicone sheets and seeing them used in baking shows. I’m SO glad I did. Absolute perfection; zero sticking, even heat distribution, and even color on the bottom of each cookie. WHY DIDN’T I GET THESE SOONER?!?! Love, love, love them!!" —Inked_girl
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.79 (also available in larger packs).
4. A small yet mighty mini rice cooker, which will have perfectly cooked, hot rice on the table in less than 20 minutes (a godsend when you're HANGRY). Reviewers say the end results are impressively consistent, and it's also *really* cute, too.
Plus, it's got PFOA-free nonstick coating, and includes a rice measuring cup, serving spatula, and recipe book.
Promising review: "I love love love this little rice cooker!!!! I am a rice snob and have the best Japanese rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, etc. I was wasting a lot of rice by cooking it in a pot over the stove. Plus, I wanted to be able to cook smaller portions. This solved both my issues. And it cooks the rice perfectly once I figured out the water portions. (I put just a little less water than they suggest and it turns out perfectly). Love the care this company put into the packaging. They even included a recipe book with great suggestions. Can't believe it's so inexpensive. I can't live without it!!!!" —AMW
Another promising review: "I wasn't expecting much for such a low-priced appliance. I'm glad I gambled on it — what a surprise that this cute little rice cooker performs exactly as it's advertised. It cooks rice perfectly, keeps it warm for as long as you want, and cleanup is a breeze!!!! It's so little that at first you can't believe it could make so much. Definitely get this if you're cooking for one or two." —Julie S.
Get it from Amazon for $24.79+ (available in eight colors, as well as several bundle options).
5. An AeroGarden Harvest so you can grow — and pick! — fresh herbs right on your counter, no soil, sun, or backyard required. Ina will be *so* pleased you didn't use the dried stuff, even in the middle of February!
Plus, reviewers say it's foolproof, so even if you're lacking a green thumb, you'll delight in seeing your herbs sprout up! It includes basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil, and mint seeds, along with a bottle of all natural plant nutrients.
Check out BuzzFeed's full AeroGarden review for more info!
Promising review: "This was worth every penny and then some. Easy to set up, spectacular results! Every one of the seed pods germinated, growth was quite astonishing, first flower popped out about 45 days from set up. My garden is now covered in healthy vegetation and copious blooms. Can't ask for more! But I may have to buy more, LOL!" —D.L. Sniderman
Get it from Amazon for $89.48+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
6. A pack of oven liners future-you will thank current-you for buying when you realize they prevented your famous lasagna's overflow from becoming a sticky mess on the floor of your oven. Oh, and its nonstick material means easy breezy cleaning — beats scrubbing away at your oven for hours!
Promising review: "These liners are life changing! I never thought I needed them until a friend raved about them. Cleanup is so simple, no more melted cheese or sauces burnt to the bottom of my ovens. I love that I can cut them down to size to fit my toaster oven. My husband enjoys grilling with the liners now, he doesn't have to line the grill with aluminum foil, which he found so annoying, deterring him to grill. This product really has simplified my life in the kitchen and I love it." —Kindle Custommer
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available in a combo pack).
7. A TikTok-favorite savory seasoning that'll instantly zhuzh up your meat and veggies with its flavor-packed blend of garlic, onion, cayenne, parsley, and citrus. It has over 9,000 5-star ratings, and reviewers have mentioned loving it on everything from pot roast and chicken to mashed potatoes and even pizza!
Dan-O's is a small biz that was founded by — yes — Dan O. (Oliver), who came up with a spice blend one day and realized it actually tasted really good! People who tried the seasoning told him he should sell it, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Promising review: "Life changing. The best seasoning I’ve ever used. Definitely leveled up my cooking with this! Will order again — but the biggest size this time!" —Josie
Get a pack containing the original and spicy seasonings from Amazon for $14.50.
8. A handheld milk frother you need in your cart if enjoying your favorite foamy beverages at home sounds like...just the greatest thing ever. No, you don't need a fancy espresso machine or sky-high Starbucks budget.
Promising review: "Best frother that I've ever used...very comfortable to use and powerful, too. Got this to replace another branded one that zonked out on me after only a couple of months. Love love this frother. I use it to 'blend' my morning coffee with coconut oil. This frother is more powerful than my last. The stand is a nice little bonus to keep the frother off the table and from rolling off the counter. The handle is very comfortable to hold. The back (if the label is facing you), has an index finger rest. I highly recommend this frother." —N Duong
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 43 styles).
9. An 11-in-1 Instant Pot with a special air fryer lid, because if spending hours waiting on your stew to reduce seems a bit ~much,~ this will save a ton of time with its pressure cooking capabilities. Concentrated flavor in a fraction of the time? We love to see it. Plus, what other appliance also lets you air fry donuts for dessert?
It's got air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, pressure cooking, slow cooking — *takes breath* — steaming, sautéeing, sterilizing, warming, rice cooking, and yogurt making functions!
Promising review: "I love it. I hate cooking but with my trusty Instant Pot I’ve been able to get some really delicious and nutritious meals on the table for my family. Such a time saver. So quick and easy. Can’t cook without it. Have made so much use of it already. Also love the air fryer — have used it several times as well for large quantities of food." —Amazon Customer
Another promising review: "This has changed my life! The air fryer is SO MUCH more efficient than my old air fryer. I was able to get rid of my rice cooker, crock pot, and air fryer. The sous vide mode is a game changer in making perfect medium rare meats. You can throw meat in there frozen and it comes out super tender and never dry. Just BUY IT!!!!" —susie v clewellclancy
Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).
10. Our Place's Always Pan — a versatile cooking vessel that'll quickly become one of your kitchen go-tos (and is a certified BuzzFeed FAVE). It's essentially an all-in-one kitchen tool, as it has braising, searing, steaming, straining, sauteeing, frying, boiling, serving, and storing capabilities. Plus, it comes with a wooden spatula and metal steaming basket!
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Taylor Steele has to say about it: "As someone who neither enjoys cooking nor is particularly good at it, the Always Pan has made being in the kitchen feel like less of a chore. Having one pan that can do everything means I don't have to second-guess every cooking decision I make. I can boil and prepare pasta in it. And I can roast Brussels sprouts. And I can make the perfect fried egg. And I can steam dumplings. The best part is that everything slides so seamlessly out of the pan and onto the plate, which also makes clean up super fast and easy. Both the amateur (read: reluctant) cook and the more seasoned chef will enjoy creating fan favorites and new recipes in the Always Pan!"
Also, BuzzFeeders LOVE this pan: seven of our team members shared their thoughts in our Always Pan review, saying they loved everything from its nonstick coating and lightweight feel to its *gorgeous* design.
Get it from Our Place for $145 (available in seven colors).
11. And for when you wanna go from stove top to oven, Our Place's Perfect Pot, which not only comes in a *fabulous* array of fun colors but will also replace your super heavy Dutch oven. I'm no psychic, but I'm seeing lots of cozy braises in your future.
It's designed for (*takes huge breath*): boiling, crisping, baking, braising, roasting, steaming, straining, pouring, serving, and storing!
I have this pot at home, and the first thing I noticed about it (aside from its pretty looks) was how shockingly light it was (less than five pounds with the lid!). As a 5-foot-tall weakling, I tend to get nervous whenever I have to lift a cast iron Dutch oven more than a few inches, so I was thrilled when I realized I'd be able to make my favorite hearty meals without the risk of dropping a heavy, piping hot cooking vessel. Plus, it comes with a steamer insert and a wooden spoon with — get this — little grooves that allow it to rest right on the pot's handle, so if you're anything like me and *still* haven't gotten around to getting a spoon rest, this bb's got you covered. Best of all, if you're short on cabinet space, this pot is so beautiful you'll want to display it on your stove for all to admire.
Promising review: "Love it, in particular the color, weight and functionality. I've been using it weekly to do a rotisserie-style chicken in the oven (amongst using it for other recipes) and it literally is perfect. My only problem — can I justify buying other colors, maybe one for each day of the week??" —Amy T.
Get it from Our Place for $165 (available in nine colors).
12. An instant-read thermometer that'll have you breathing a sigh of relief, since it'll take the guesswork out of cooking meats, desserts, and anything else you're worried about being raw or too well done. Medium-rare chicken is *not* on the menu this season!
Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to monitor the cooking process along the way and ensure your food is at its safest — and most delicious — temperature. This one might not be quite as durable as the pricier options on the market, but it's much more affordable and will cover any basic cooking needs — just don't leave it in the oven, like one reviewer did!
Promising review: "I like to make jam, and since moving to Denver I've had trouble accurately adjusting my recipes for the altitude. Things were coming out too soft (but still delicious!). This was a small investment that is making all the difference; I just cook to temperature now rather than time. I've made several batches and it is accurate, cleans up easily, and is sturdy and easy to use." —Jen P
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors).
13. A chic cross-back apron (with pockets!) to protect your clothes from the flour clouds and saucy explosions you'll 100% encounter during meal prep. It's so cute, you'll *almost* want to wear another apron over this one, but you can just toss it into the washing machine when it's time to clean. And the best part? It won't dig into the back of your neck the whole time you're in the kitchen!
Magic Linen is a family-run small business based in Lithuania that makes the most gorgeous handmade textiles, from bedding to tablecloths.
Promising review: "The absolute best thing I have ever treated myself to. Slip it on. No buckles, no ties, and no adjusting. Washes and wears beautifully. This is my second one. I also ordered my daughter one. She loves it as much as I do." —kathdona
Get it from Magic Linen on Etsy for $59 (available in sizes S–XXL and eight colors).
14. An *essential* pair of onion goggles, because if you've ever found yourself sobbing through a mountain of onions while preparing dinner, you're gonna be so grateful you made the investment. Sure, they might look a little funny, but they'll keep the tear-causing fumes from reaching your eyes!
As you can see from the ~extremely~ stylish photo above, I own these very goggles! Ok, maybe they're not the coolest-looking accessories in the world, but NONETHELESS (!) they are an absolute lifesaver if you suffer from painful eye stinging and tearing while slicing those alliums. I used to avoid recipes that called for any onion that wasn't a scallion because I hated preparing onions with all my might, but once these entered my life, I found myself chopping away with ease. The key is to make sure the goggles create a really tight seal around your eyes — I have a smaller head, so I sometimes have to really push them on to make sure they're airtight, but once I figured this out, it was a total game changer. Will you feel super silly while you have 'em on? Yes! Will you care after you see your finished pile of onions that were chopped without shedding a single tear? No! And if I'm willing to plaster myself wearing them all over BuzzFeed, you can definitely wear them in the privacy of your own kitchen. I highly recommend them to anyone who also suffers from onion tears!
Promising review: "I am about as sensitive to onion enzymes as a person can possibly be, and I have tried everything. A friend got these and posted a picture of herself with them and I had to look them up. They're definitely not as cheap as some swimming goggles but MAN are they worth it! These goggles are more like safety glasses, so they are easier to take on and off and are much more comfortable than actual goggles. I wasn't sure the soft foam around the inside would actually keep the onion enzymes out, since my face and head are decidedly on the small side, but it did! And lastly, they were crystal clear the whole time so I could take my time cutting my onions perfectly, rather than the hacking they usually get as I try to be done as quickly as possible." —Liz Lare
Get them from Amazon for $17.78+ (available in five colors).
15. A chic electric kettle so speedy, it'll have piping hot water for your daily Earl Grey ready in less time than using a microwave!
Promising review: "This is a game changer! I bought this electric kettle after using the same model at a friend's house to make a coffee pour-over. Since getting this, I've eliminated our old coffee machine and have been doing just French presses. The time this saves me for making hot beverages is fantastic, and it eliminated the need for a stove top kettle taking up a burner. I've also used this to make instant grits and mashed potatoes! If you're on the fence, go for it. You won't find a better option for the price!" —Carmen C.
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four sizes and five styles).
16. A compact blender that'll make quick work out of whizzing up smooth salad dressings and silky sauces from scratch. Oh, and can we talk about how GORGEOUS it is?!
P.S. The blending bowl also doubles as a portable thermos and comes with a screw-on drinking lid and carry cap.
I got this blender over the summer, and wow, as someone who had firmly decided I was an "I don't need a blender" person, I quickly changed my mind after the first use. For starters, it's not as large as those super industrial-strength blenders, and it's so aesthetically-pleasing that I have it out on my counter at all times. Plus, it couldn't be easier to use — just fill the bowl with your ingredients, pulse, and in a matter of ~moments~ you'll have a perfectly uniform blend of whatever you're trying to blitz. I first tried it out on a smoothie made with frozen bananas and peaches (see it in action on TikTok here!), and it pulverized the icy fruit like a champ. Best of all? It's a total breeze to clean, which, if I'm being honest, was probably the biggest factor in my having waited so long to add a blender to my kitchen arsenal. I can't recommend it enough, 15/10, no notes.
Get it from Amazon for $195 (available in three colors).
17. And a KitchenAid immersion blender, aka Fairy Godmother: Soup Edition, since it'll transform your chunky sweet potato concoction into a silky smooth puree. Plus, it'll keep you from burning yourself, since you won't be transferring a big batch of piping hot soup to a standing blender.
I own the blue immersion blender, and as someone who's just 5 feet tall and has practically zero upper body strength, I find that it's been a total game-changer. Now, whenever I want a smooth sauce or silky soup, all I have to do is stick this bad boy into the pot, press a button, and presto! No more having to muster up all my strength to lift a heavy pot, and then pour hot liquid from it into a blender (I mean, disaster waiting to happen). Oh, and it's SO easy to clean, plus the pretty blue hue makes me happy every time I use it!
Promising review: "Best immersion blender I've used! This thing is so powerful! Smoothly blended my roasted butternut squash, onion, and celery to make a bisque. I love the pan guard so I can blend right in the pot and it doesn’t scratch. It was very easy to use and clean. Highly recommend." —Annabelle
Get it from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in 10 colors and in corded and cordless styles).
18. A stainless-steel dumpling and empanada press for achieving expertly clean crimps without any intricate handiwork or super-involved folding on your part. Spray it with oil, place your dough over top, add filling, fold, and press for the perfect, pro-looking seal. Now your cheese will actually stay inside your pierogi!
It's also great for making ravioli and even mini hand pies!
Promising review: "Quick and easy dumplings. I used this to make Peking dumplings. My girlfriend summed it up best when she called the result 'perfect.' Very simple to use!" —Karen C
Another promising review: "Great size and so easy to use. Made pierogi and they came out great. Just use the open circle to punch out the dough, then put the dough circle on top, add filling, and fold! I found it worked best when you stretch the dough circle just a little to make sure the edges line up, and my recipe suggested wetting the edges slightly to help make a better seal. Also you don't need quite as much filling as you might think. I popped it in the dishwasher (top rack) when I was done and it escaped clean and unharmed. For the price it was well worth it. Don't want to imagine how messy everything would have looked if I had tried with just my hands." —Emily
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
19. A 2-in-1 lemon and lime squeezer that'll ensure you get every last drop of liquid gold out of your fresh winter citrus, which is way more delicious than the bottled stuff. It's also much faster than juicing by hand and all but eliminates the chance of any stray seeds falling into your food!
It comes with a smaller compartment to fit limes and a larger one for lemons!
BuzzFeed Shopping's Heather Braga says: "My mom got one of these and continues to rave about it to me each time she uses it. I wasn't sure what all the hype was about until I watched how easily she was able to squeeze a slew of lemons for a recipe she was working on. Easy peasy lemon squeezy."
Promising review: "I was surprised at the heft of this juicer. It is a heavy duty, metal utensil. My only regret is that I have been squeezing lemons using a reamer for all these years when I could have been using this wonderful lemon/lime squeezer. It made juicing lemons fast and efficient. I couldn't believe how much more juice came out of a lemon when I used this squeezer. And don't even get me started on trying to squeeze enough key limes to have juice for a pie. Before this squeezer, I spent about 10 times longer and wasted so much elbow grease on those tiny limes! Those little limes were actually the reason I looked for something that would be more efficient — and this squeezer does the job beautifully." —A. Goodman
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven styles).
20. An artisan-crafted wooden tortilla press so you can enjoy homemade tacos and chips made from fresh corn tortillas in the comfort of your own kitchen — no tedious rolling required! And so beautiful, you'll wanna display it on your counter 24/7.
Central Coast Woodworks is a small biz based in Orcutt, California, that makes tortilla presses you'll want to keep out on your counter at all times just so you can admire them. Keep in mind that the tortilla press is meant for making corn tortillas, not flour ones.
Promising review: "I’ve been watching the Mexican cooking class on MasterClass and after the lesson on tortillas, I knew I wanted to try to make my own. I’d read you can use two cutting boards, so I tried that first, and while it worked, it definitely wasn’t quick and easy. So I looked online to see what I could find. In the class, she uses a wooden press, so I knew what I wanted, but I did look at the cast iron ones as well. The reviews on the cast iron presses would have comments about the handle breaking off or other issues with the press, so I decided to look for something I’d enjoy using and that would look nice on my countertop. I knew I wanted this one as soon as I saw it, and the reviews just confirmed it. I could hardly wait during the week it took to receive my order, but it definitely was worth the wait. We’ve used this every day since receiving it and absolutely love the results. The tortillas come out perfect every time." —T. Bramhall
Get it from Central Coast Woodworks on Amazon Handmade for $89.99.
21. A pre-seasoned Lodge cast-iron skillet, which offers great heat retention, making it perfect for keeping your favorite comfort dishes piping hot. Plus, it can be used on the stove and in the oven, or even over a grill or fire!
I've had my Lodge skillet for maybe seven years now, and I love it just as much today as the first day I got it. Nothing — and I mean NOTHING — is better when it comes to achieving the perfect golden brown pancake, crackly-skinned fish, and crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside baked pasta (see photo above!). Contrary to popular belief, it's incredibly easy to care for, and as long as you don't let it rust it'll last you FOR-EV-ER.
Promising review: "Best pan I've ever had. I can’t believe I just found this gem! I have been using nonstick pans for years and decided to try something with less chemical on it. This Lodge cast-iron skillet looks like it will last for centuries! It can easily go from stove to oven, even to my outdoor grill. The seasoning part seemed daunting at first, but once a nice protective layer is built up, cleaning just means an easy rinse with water and drying with heat." —Amazonian
Get a 10.25-inch skillet from Amazon for $19.90 (also available in other sizes here).
22. A very handy herb leaf remover that separates the leaves from the stem in one fell swoop. No more wasting time picking each leaf off individually, and no more unpleasant stems sneaking their way into your roasted vegetables!
I bought this as a stocking stuffer for my sister's boyfriend, who loves to cook, and he was SO excited about it! It also shipped really quickly and was packaged beautifully.
Collin Garrity is the St. Louis-based woodworker behind these lovely tools, and his other minimalist creations include whimsical ornaments you'll wanna keep around long after the holidays are over.
Promising review: "Just exactly what I was looking for. The wood is smooth and comfortable to use and just pretty to look at. Quickly becoming a staple utensil for my kitchen." —David and Amy Emler
Get it from Shop Collin Garrity on Etsy for $16 (available in three types of wood).
23. And a patience-saving pair of herb scissors, because why should you painstakingly mince all of those teeny-tiny parsley leaves when this useful gadget can do it for you? These scissors have five blades, so chop chop!
It also comes with a comb to clean the leaves out from between the blades!
Promising review: "I like to grow herbs and use them in salads, soups, and many other recipes. I received these herb scissors as a birthday gift, and can't believe how fast and easy it is to cut up cilantro, basil, parsley, lovage, etc. My husband tried them today too for the first time while making guacamole, and found that slicing the cilantro went very quickly. The storage case-cleaner is very efficiently designed, too. I ordered four of these sets to give as gifts." —Lucille P. Nawara
Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in black or green).
24. A Dash Safe Slice Mandoline, which your precious little fingies will be relieved to know doesn't require them to be anywhere near the blade! Plus, it comes with over 30 slicing options — from 1–8 millimeters thick! — meaning your gratin dish will be filled with uniform, paper-thin potato pieces in no time.
You can also use it for julienne- and matchstick-dicing! Just feed your ingredients through the tube, push the lever, and your slices will come out on the other side.
Promising review: "This tool is AMAZING! Like with anything, it has nooks and crannies to clean, BUT they provide a brush to clean it with. The product itself is easy to use and saved me SO much time! I just prepared a recipe that required a lot of 'chopping,' and I think this thing saved me 30 minutes! I wish I had bought it sooner!" —Craig J
Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in six colors).
25. A reusable bowl cover that'll keep your prized sourdough loaves from drying out as they proof. It's much more eco-friendly than plastic wrap, and can be cleaned in the washing machine!
It also makes a great reusable cover for leftovers!
Stacy's Kitchen is a San Francisco-based small business that makes handmade kitchen linens with a focus on sustainability.
Promising review: "They have been working great for proofing my bread. Much cuter than plastic wrap. They are finished off nicely on the seams so you don't need to be concerned about any fraying. Would buy again." —Leanne Revier
Get it from Stacy's Kitchen on Etsy for $17.12+ (available in six sizes and four patterns, as well as a set of three — you can also request a custom size!).
26. An absolutely *genius* adjustable measuring spoon for anyone with limited drawer space, since it's really six different spoons in one! Just drag the slider to your desired amount to get the correct measurement — no more digging around in search of multiple spoons every time you wanna make some dang banana bread.
Promising review: "I really like that I can use just one tool to measure whatever I need by adjusting the spoon size. I cook and bake frequently and this has been so convenient to use. I no longer have to worry about finding a specific spoon size and this takes up less room, which is key since I have limited storage space." —Amber O
Get it from Amazon for $19.73.
27. A granite mortar and pestle set, because your delicious homemade chai deserves freshly ground spices. And it's so pretty, too!
It's made of unpolished granite for better friction!
Promising review: "A mortar and pestle has been on my wish list for countless birthdays and holidays. This year I gifted them to myself, and I wish I’d done so long ago. I harvested my basil and made the best pesto to date, and my friends and family asked me for the secret as they actually noticed the difference. The taste and texture are well worth the extra work using a mortar and pestle in place of a blender. I use it for processing dried herbs, making rubs, spreads, and pesto other than traditional basil pesto. I find the mortar and pestle a joy to use and enjoy reaping the tasty rewards." —Sommer Thyme
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
28. A heavy-duty pizza stone to help you achieve pizzeria-worthy pies at home, even if you don't have a fancy oven. Just know that once you invite your friends over for one pizza night, they'll be back every week.
Pizza stones absorb excess moisture from the dough, meaning you'll get a crispier, more evenly baked crust than you'd get if you just used a sheet tray. Plus, you can use it on the grill, too!
Promising review: "Whether you make pizza from scratch or enjoy a frozen pizza from the market, this pizza stone is essential for the best at home pizza experience. Preparing your pizza on a stone assures a crispy crust and removing the pizza from the oven, on the heated stone, assures you that it will remain warm while the slices are consumed." —Steve
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes).
29. An easy-to-grip Oxo cookie scoop, which ensures your balls of chocolate chip cookie dough are consistent in size. Not only will they look prettier this way; they'll all finish baking at the same time, too!
You can also use them to evenly portion cupcake batter!
Promising review: "I really like Oxo products and have many of them. The quality is always right up there. I have both the small and medium cookie scoops. The small one is the one I use most, but I like the medium-sized one if I'm giving cookies away as gifts or want to take them to social gatherings. It just makes a generous cookie for giving. I prefer the smaller scoop when making cookies just for my husband and I. I like the fact that these scoops make cookies uniform in shape and size. Prior to buying these scoops, I just used a spoon and my cookies were anything but uniform! The dough slides out of the scoops very easily and keeps my fingers clean." —Rosebud
Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in three sizes, a variety pack, and several bundle sets).
30. A very "why didn't I think of that" scrap collector that'll make cooking all the more enjoyable, since you'll be able to wipe away all of those root vegetable peels as you go and keep your workspace looking nice and tidy. It hooks right over a cabinet door or drawer so any unwanted bits can just slide right in!
Promising review: "I am one of the messiest cooks in the world. When I get done, I usually have scraps around my feet where I have knocked bits of veggies off the counter. I've looked for a long time for something to take care of the problem, but everything seemed like overkill. This container is perfect. It's just the right size. I attach it in front of my belly, and all the stuff that usually hits the floor, goes in the container. Plus, I can wipe the counter into it, empty it in the trash, and pop it in the dishwasher." —Patricia Logos
Get it from Amazon for $30.46+ (available in green or gray).
31. A cute as a button mini waffle maker in case you're someone whose idea of the perfect cold morning breakfast treat involves nooks and crannies. There's even a heart-shaped one!
Try your hand at unconventional waffles via the included recipe book, and take comfort in the fact that the nonstick cooking surface cleans like a dream.
Promising review: "I’ve NEVER wanted a waffle maker. This has changed my life. I always buy the frozen waffles and put them in the toaster oven and was Happy with this. Then I randomly bought this and it is amazing!!!!!! The waffles are the same size as the frozen waffles and easy to make with a mix. It heats quickly, cooks evenly, and is easy to wipe down. Plus it’s tiny so it stores well. Quick tip: spray it down with Pam or something similar just in case. Also, BUY IT!" —rooks1101
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 20 styles).
32. A pair of extra-long oven mitts, because as someone who used to bake for a living, take it from me: Your wrists and forearms are the most vulnerable when it comes to kitchen burns, so it's wise to keep those areas as covered up as possible! Plus, a little extra protection will boost your confidence when it comes to taking piping hot casseroles in and out of the oven.
Promising review: "There is nothing to dislike about these oven mitts. They arrived quickly and I use them every day. I've baked cookies and bread and roasted meat and veggies without a single burn, which is a first for me. These long mitts protect way up on my arms and they are very flexible...no more pans slipping out of my hands because of padded cotton mitts that are too bulky to allow for a good grip. I will never use anything but these mitts, and I'm buying some for my daughter as well!" —Georgia grandma
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in six colors, as well as a slightly smaller size).
33. A Cuisinart Griddler that'll give you that nice char you crave from a grill, even when it's five below and sleeting outside. 🙃 And reviewers say it heats up really quickly!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this griddle! I live in apartments and have an outdoor grilling phobia ever since I burnt my bangs many years ago! I mainly use this unit as an indoor grill and a panini press, pretty much daily. I love how it doesn’t heat up my small kitchen at all! I love how I can grill in the comfort of my home and get a beautiful charred look without all the smoke! I have grilled all types of meat and even veggies, all come out great as long as you follow the instruction guide! Another plus is it grills twice as fast! I look back to my life, living in apartments (some without central air), dreading cooking anything between June to September and wonder why I never thought about getting one of theses earlier! My advice is to remember your low smoke point oils, look up recipes, and to ration marinades. Cleanup is easy, but stainless steel will show any mess. Love my purchase." —Jamey Murphy
Get it from Amazon for $99.93 (also available in several other models and bundles).
34. A Philips compact pasta maker for anyone in the market for a fun winter cooking project, minus the whole "rolling out dough by hand" thing. Watching the noodles as they're being extruded is almost as satisfying as slurping down your carb-y creations.
This handy device does all the work for you, so if you're anything like me (a pasta fiend), it'll quickly become the most beloved thing in your kitchen. It comes with shaping discs for spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, pappardelle, tagliatelle, angel hair, and lasagna — mamma mia! Plus, there's an included recipe book for meal inspiration.
Promising review: "I was just as skeptical as you are. I, too, have been doing the old school — make the dough, roll it out, run it through a pasta machine, etc. — method. It's a production, all for AMAZING pasta. With this, you put the ingredients in, push a button, and watch for AMAZING pasta to be extruded. I had hoped I'd be able to multitask a bit more, but it extrudes so fast there isn't much time for other tasks between cutting it. But I think that seems reasonable. The other thing to consider is that you have to be VERY exact with the measurements of the ingredients. I've found weighing them works best. The recipes in the included book work great. Don't use other pasta recipes not developed for this machine unless you are up for some experimentation. The dough will be drier than the traditional method and has to be to feed through the auger and extrude properly. So it also does take a bit longer to cook than traditional fresh pasta, but when it's done it's that same amazing taste and texture!" —Conversio
Get it from Amazon for $179.58+ (available in black or white).
35. A splurge-worthy KitchenAid stand mixer you'll find yourself using time and time again if flexing your baking muscles was one of your 2023 resolutions. It effortlessly brings cake batters together, creates the fluffiest meringues, and whips up cream in a jiffy. TL;DR: Your arms will thank you.
Don't worry about it teetering over the edge of your counter when you set it to high speeds — it may be pricey, but as someone who used to use one all the time in a bakery, I can confidently say nothing compares when it comes to sheer sturdiness. If you're serious about taking your pastry skills to new heights, I highly recommend having one of these in your arsenal. In addition to whisk and paddle attachments, it comes with a dough hook for all of you bread lovers out there (I used it for kneading the dough for the cinnamon rolls pictured above!), as well as a pouring shield, which keeps flour from getting all over your counter (and you!).
Promising review: "This mixer will change your life! I went from making French macarons all by hand power to using this standing mixer and I feel like a new baker! This mixer will definitely transform your practice and baking game, everything has become 100% easier! I suggest cleaning each part (three attachments, guard, and bowl) with mild soap and warm water, then clean the bowl with a baking powder paste to remove the gray metal polish that is applied at the factory. I was amazed at how gray the paste turned once I started rubbing it in the bowl. Glad I didn't ruin my first batch of macaron shells. So far the only con is the price, but having the right tools make baking SO much more enjoyable and productive." —Mr. P
Get it from Amazon for $399.95 (available in 17 colors).
36. Or a cordless KitchenAid electric hand mixer that'll reeeally come in handy when all of your outlets are being occupied by other cooking appliances. Plus, that baby blue color option is pretty enough to warrant a cozy weekend baking project.
It has seven speeds for everything from easy stirring to intense whipping, and can mix dough for dozens of cookies on a single charge.
My mom needed a new hand mixer, so I got her this one for Christmas. Now, my mom is *not* the most experienced baker, but she texted me the first time she used it, saying it whipped up the batter for the cake she was making like a champ. And she loves not having any pesky cords getting in the way while she's mixing!
Promising review: "Okay, I was skeptical about a cordless hand mixer. But I trust KitchenAid so I gave it a shot. Where has this been all my life?!? I love it! It’s quiet, powerful, lighter weight, and so convenient without the cord! Love!!!" —Staci Lyons
Get it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in seven colors, as well as several bundle options).
37. A shiny stainless-steel Cuisinart roasting pan for any large-format dishes you might have on your winter cooking Bingo card (I'm lookin' at you, brisket!). It also comes with a rack for even browning and air circulation — oh, and when you dramatically lift the contents of the pan out using the rack, everyone will "ooh" and "ahh" at the sheer spectacle of it all.
Many reviewers say that even though this pan doesn't have nonstick coating, it's a breeze to clean, and most recommend washing by hand.
Promising review: "Excellent roaster. This is the perfect size and can support a large turkey or ham, as the roasting cradle is heavy and sturdy! Cleanup is a breeze and the roaster is beautiful and heavy. No doubt this will last many years to come. I highly recommend!!" —Tina Wolfe
Get it from Amazon for $71.99.
38. A Breville smart toaster oven, which bakes, roasts, and toasts just as well as a full-size oven...only, it heats up in a fraction of the time! Not only will you be able to pop your pot pie in mere moments after turning it on, your food will be ready in as little as 30% less time, too, thanks to the convection-like design, which improves hot air circulation.
Just know that this oven heats up in no time and works like an absolute ~charm~. I was on Thanksgiving hosting duty a few years ago, which I was looking forward to — until my oven decided to completely break down the week leading up to the holiday. 🙃 LUCKILY, my mother-in-law let me borrow her Breville toaster oven, which we were able to bake every side and dessert in — essentially, everything but the turkey (which she ended up cooking) had a turn in this thing. And not only were we able to cook everything on our original menu, nothing was lost in terms of flavor or texture, and you'd never know we hadn't used a full-sized oven. In fact, the apple pie I baked in it (pictured) might've been the best I've ever made! If there was anything I was most thankful for that year, it was this miracle machine. P.S. While it heats up super quickly, the warmth stays contained to the inside rather than making your whole kitchen feel like a furnace.
Promising review: "Worth every penny! I was so tired of waiting for what seemed like forever for my big oven to preheat. The Breville Smart Oven preheats in a fraction of the time. In my opinion, it was worth the investment for just the amount of time I save when I want to throw something in really quick. Frozen pizzas fit perfectly. It's great when all you want to do is bake a few slices of garlic bread while you're making spaghetti but don't want to wait 20 minutes for your big oven to preheat." —TheMrszzz
Get it from Amazon for $269.95.
39. An adjustable rolling pin for when the pie recipe says, "Roll out dough a quarter of an inch thick," and you really don't feel like busting out a tape measure. This set comes with four sizes of removable rings you can screw on depending on how thin or thick you want your dough, and there are measurement markings on the roller itself so you can easily gauge the length and width of your dough as well.
It also comes with a nonstick baking mat!
Promising review: "I have spent a lifetime avoiding recipes that need a rolling pin because I could never get the hang of them. Too heavy, or everything stuck to them, or never got the right thickness. But I wanted to make some doggie cookies and decided to give it another shot. I LOVE this one. The thickness guides are just what this amateur needs. A good weight, easy to roll, easy to clean. And the mat is perfect. It doesn’t slide, it has great guides, and it cleans up easily. A new world awaits!" —nzp
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four colors).
40. A kombucha-brewing kit to tackle when you decide it's time to give the sourdough a rest and take on a new fermentation project. With this, you'll be able to make your own fizzy bevs rather than spending $$$ on the pricey store-bought stuff.
The kombucha kit includes a 1-gallon brewing jar featuring a place to write brew notes, pH test strips, a temperature gauge, a post-brewing guide, organic sugar, an organic tea blend, and a kombucha culture and liquid starter.
Promising review: "It has everything you need to start a first batch of kombucha. It includes clear instructions on how to make it and continue your kombucha for the second batch. Now I’m making my third batch and loving it so far. After the first batch, you will need to find your own tea leaves and sugar but it’s fun trying different tea to see how differently it tastes. It’s also fun trying different fruits/spices for second fermentation. If you purchase this kit as your first kombucha investment, you can brew your kombucha forever only with additional tea leaves and sugar." —Udon
For more info, check out BuzzFeed's Kombucha Shop brewing kit deep dive.
Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (also available as a deluxe brewing kit).
41. And last but certainly not least, a cushy nonslip kitchen mat your legs will thank you for during your epic winter cooking marathons. It provides comfy support and helps improve circulation and posture while you're mincing garlic, washing dishes, and everything in between. Now go prop your feet up and CHOW DOWN!
Believe it or not, comfortable kitchen mats can cost way more than you'd think, but this affordable version has thousands of great reviews. It's waterproof, has a nonslip bottom, and is super easy to clean.
Promising review: "For over a year, we've been cooking more meals in our kitchen, and the tile floor is very hard on our legs when you are just standing by the sink washing and prepping foods, not to mention washing dishes, etc. This kitchen mat relieves leg fatigue. So much so, no one is complaining about it anymore. Really such a good value compared to all the other more expensive alternatives. My only advice is when you receive the mat, to put it on a flat surface and weigh the edges down for a day or two, since it has a tendency to curl up after you unpack it. Other than that, it's great." —C. Cruz
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six sizes and nine colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.