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    Just 28 Splurge-Worthy Things For Your Kitchen That'll Actually Make You Excited To Cook

    With the right knife and a food processor, you might even look forward to meal prep.

    1. Our Place's fan favorite Always Pan, which will quickly become your go-to cooking vessel (and is a certified BuzzFeed ICON). Sure, it's a bit pricier than your average pan, but its versatility pays for itself and then some. 

    GIF of someone taking the lid off the pink Always Pan and lifting a steamer basket filled with dumplings out of the pan
    the green always pan on a kitchen counter surrounded by cups, bowls, and plates
    Our Place

    Essentially, it's an all-in-one kitchen tool, since it's designed to braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, serve, and store. Plus, it comes with a wooden spatula and metal steaming basket, and you'll love gazing at its lovely aesthetic while stirring sauce in it. 

    Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Taylor Steele has to say about the Always Pan: "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 review of the Always Pan, saying it's well worth the splurge and that they loved everything from its nonstick coating and lightweight feel to its *gorgeous* design.

    Get it from Our Place for $145 (available in six colors).

    2. And, for when you want to go from stove to oven, a 6-quart Lodge Dutch oven so gorgeous (those color options!), you'll want to proudly display it on its own dedicated burner. 

    the light blue Dutch oven on a kitchen counter
    Reviewer photo of meatballs and tomato sauce being cooked in the Dutch oven
    Reviewer photo of a loaf of sourdough baked in the Dutch oven

    Lodge is known for its durable cast iron cookware, so while it's not the most inexpensive pot on the market, it's built to last a looong time, so you'll get years and years of use out of it. It's coated in enamel for easy cleanup and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit — though it's also a pro at trapping in juices for tender braises and retaining heat for evenly cooked roasts. You can even use it to bake bread! To help prevent the enamel from chipping, be sure to avoid using with metal kitchen tools, and always wash by hand with nonabrasive cleaning products.

    Promising review: "Worth every penny! This Dutch oven is the first enameled iron cookware I've used. All I can say is, I wish I'd discovered the joys of cooking with this type of cookware years ago. I absolutely love cooking with it. I use it for everything and anything possible. One of the things I had to adjust to was it needed less heat on the stovetop. It browns food beautifully, it simmers things like spaghetti sauce and chili to perfection, you can even fry chicken in it if you are so inclined. It's versatile, it cleans up VERY easily (haven't gotten anything stuck or burnt). It does weigh a lot, which might be a consideration for some. I discovered I really like the white interior. I never thought food was hard to see in a silver-colored pot, but visually the food against the white is nice. I just love it. I use this more than any other cookware I have. Highest recommendations!" —Denise

    Get it from Amazon for $94.14+.

    3. Brightland olive oils and vinegars that'll have you crying (tears of joy) over your restaurant-quality homecooked meals once you see how much flavor they pack into salad dressings, pasta dishes, and so much more. 

    The set of olive oils and vinegars
    Brightland

    Yes, they're splurgier than that grocery store oil you're used to, but you'll taste the difference. Plus, those striking bottles will look fantastic on your counter. This set comes with Brightland's bestselling Awake and Alive olive oils, as well as their champagne vinegar and balsamic vinegar, making it a great introduction to the brand. 

    Brightland is a WOC-owned small business that sources olives from a family-run farm in California. 

    Promising review: "So flavorful, beautiful packaging, and wonderful gifts for anybody! I love Brightland olive oils and these are just so fun to have on your kitchen counter. Love cooking with these and makes me want to experiment more with different recipes!" —Julia

    Get an assortment of two oils and two vinegars from Brightland for $112 (originally $118). 

    4. A Philips compact pasta maker for anyone dedicated to mastering the art of homemade noodles, but who would rather not have to roll out sheets and sheets of dough by hand. Also, have you seen restaurant pasta prices lately? Basta! Make it at home!

    GIF of reviewer slicing pasta that's being extruded through the pasta maker
    Reviewer photo of homemade noodles being extruded through the pasta maker and into a bowl

    This handy device does all the work for you, so if you're anything like me (aka 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 $164.93+ (available in black, white, and with additional accessories). 

    5. A Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender that puts the "smooth" in "smoothie" with its Hulk-like strength. Use it to puree soups and sauces for a silky consistency, and marvel at the fact that all you had to do was push a button. 

    gif of the vitamix blending a smoothie
    Amazon

    Plus, if you're sick of chomping down on a piece of ice your current blender isn't quiiite strong enough to crush, get one of these bad boys and see why it's considered the absolute best. 

    Promising review: "Simply put: this blender is astounding. I've now owned it for a month and it gets used almost every day in my house! We make smoothies, chili pastes, cornmeals, frozen cocktails, soups — it does everything. We have effectively retired our Bullet blender and our immersion blender, nothing gets near the same level of smoothness. I was initially, slightly concerned that the volume would be too small, but I have yet to encounter any problems. Worst case, I do stuff in batches, but, this blender is so fast, it really doesn't matter. If you're a serious cook or chef in your home kitchen, you want this by your side for creamy soups and sauces." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $299.95 (available in three colors). 

    6. A KitchenAid stand mixer (you knew this was coming!) for whipping up practically any dessert you could dream of. It does all the heavy lifting for you, from beating egg whites for meringues to whisking up heavy cream.

    reviewer photo of the yellow stand mixer on a counter
    reviewer photo of homemade cinnamon rolls made using the stand mixer

    And 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 a former professional baker, I can confidently say nothing else compares when it comes to sheer sturdiness. If you're serious about taking your pastry skills to towering layer cake 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 you bread lovers out there, as well as a pouring shield, which keeps flour from getting all over your counter (and you). 

    Promising review: "I really debated on spending so much money on a mixer. Would it really be worth it?? For sure it is! I can't say enough great things about this mixer. First of all, love the color! It's a great accent piece in my kitchen. I have made cookies, bars, cakes, and mashed potatoes in the few weeks that I have had it. It mixes the batter so much better than I ever could with my hand mixer! And I think the food actually tastes better! For a busy mom, it almost seems to be saving me time, because it mixes while you can gather other ingredients, etc. It takes me less time to bake and the clean up is easier since it's just one bowl and mixing paddle. Well, worth the money, I wish I would have decided to get one sooner!" —Prof. G

    Get it from Amazon for $429+ (available in 16 colors). 

    7. A gorgeous tortilla press so you can enjoy homemade tacos and chips made from fresh corn tortillas in the comfort of your own kitchen. While it's not inexpensive, reviewers say it's exceptionally crafted, and it's even the type of heirloom I could see being passed down. 

    The wooden tortilla press
    Reviewer photo of a tortilla flattened by the press next to balls of dough

    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 bought this tortilla press for my husband, who had been laboriously rolling them out by hand. It is so beautiful, and he loves the way it works as well. The tortillas come out much more uniform, and in much less time. This is really a piece of art as well as a practical kitchen tool. It wasn't inexpensive but was worth every penny I paid." —E. Smith

    Get it from Central Coast Woodworks on Amazon Handmade for $84.99.

    8. An 8-quart, 11-in-1 Instant Pot with a special air fryer lid well worth its price tag, since it can replace pretty much all of your other kitchen appliances. Seriously, you'll be amazed by everything you can make using this baby.  

    Silver and black instant pot with control panel next to a cooked chicken
    reviewer photo of fries cooked in the instant pot

    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: "What else can you say about this product? It will replace three appliances that I use on a regular basis — rice cooker, air fryer, and pressure cooker. That's important to me because at this point kitchen space is at a premium. The packaging is great, the instructions are very clear and well written and it works very well. The first use was to make chicken bone broth using the pressure cooker feature. It worked flawlessly. Two-hour cook time. 10 min prep, 30 min to cool off. Three hours later I had homemade bone broth in the refrigerator. And the whole house didn't smell for 24 hours like it would with an open pot method. Anyway, the instant pot is a huge kitchen innovation IMO. Just get one, and use it." —Josh Brainard 

    Get it from Amazon for $149.95 (also available in a smaller size). 

    9. A seriously swoonworthy nonstick frying pan set that won't only make you happy when you see how beautiful it looks in your kitchen, but also how effortless it is to clean. 

    the pink 8-inch and 10-inch frying pans on a kitchen counter
    the two pink pans standing up against the wall on top of a kitchen counter, next to a towel, eggs, and herbs
    GreenPan

    This line was also one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2021, so you know it's worth the splurge. It includes 8-inch and 10-inch pans.

    Promising review: "Gorgeous! These pans have completely changed my life! I look forward to cooking every day. They are actually nonstick, nontoxic, AND they're just beautiful out in your kitchen." —Jackie99

    Get it from Amazon for $99.95 or GreenPan for $149.99 (also available in other colors here).

    10. A Zojirushi rice cooker for anyone who's convinced themselves they're a failure when it comes to rice, but is determined to make perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality grains at home. 

    hand holding the handle of the rice cooker
    reviewer photo of the rice cooker filled with cooked white rice

    It's like the Rolls-Royce of rice cookers, hence its splurgier price tag, but once you see all of the different preparations it's capable of, you'll be a believer: think sushi rice, long grains, short grains, and even steel-cut oats. Plus, it'll keep your rice warm even after it's cooked!

    Promising review: If you eat a lot of rice, a Zojirushi rice cooker is absolutely worth the cost. I thought my $10 standard rice cooker from Kohl’s did a pretty good job. That is, until I tasted the rice that the Zojirushi makes. Every grain of rice in the cooker is perfect and uniformly cooked throughout. No slightly overcooked rice on the bottom, no more undercooked or overcooked rice. I can set the timer before work and come home to perfect rice at night. This particular unit is small and meant for a 2 or 3 person family. I really had no idea how much better rice could be until I started using this thing. Beware, however: good rice takes time to cook. You’ll need to start your rice an hour or more before you need it to be ready. Some modes take a very long time, such as the GABA mode, which takes 3.5 hours. There is a 'quick' mode which cooks white rice in about a half an hour, but I don’t use that one because I want my rice to taste as good as possible. Overall I am very happy with the Zojirushi. The little songs it plays are fun. The manual is well written and easy to understand. The unit feels extremely high quality and well designed throughout." —CDandEB

    Get it from Amazon for $155.74.

    11. A Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo so you can cook up delicious pies right at home. It is an investment, but if you're SERIOUS about pizza, using this will become your new favorite hobby. And besides, those takeout orders add up!

    the pizza oven holding a homemade pizza
    Sur La Table

    Promising review: "This machine is fantastic! My husband is Italian, and we have never been able to find reliably good Italian pizza in the US. The Pizzaiolo is like a little miracle: we use the Wood Fired setting to make authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in about two minutes per pizza. I make the dough in advance, and each pizza is perfect. Thin, crispy, delicious. It's fun to experiment with different toppings, and we have already hosted several gatherings of friends, who all love the pizzas that come out of this little machine. My only complaint is that I didn't discover this machine years ago!" —Beth C

    Get it from Sur La Table for $799.96 (originally $1,499.95). 

    12. A quality chef knife, because that cheap set you bought years ago just doesn't "cut" it when it comes to thin, even slicing. Investing in a good knife isn't just helpful when it comes to efficiency, but it also makes cooking safer and more enjoyable, since you won't have to work as hard during food prep. 

    gif of reviewer using the knife to thinly slice and chop tomatoes
    reviewer photo of the knife and its packaging

    This one is lightweight, yet sturdy, and its dimple-lined blade is designed to effortlessly glide through stickier foods. To keep it from rusting, be sure to hand wash and dry right away!

    Promising review: "Always heard that expensive professional knives were well worth the cost. Not sure I ever believed it, until now. This knife is amazing — great balance and incredibly sharp [without being intimidating]; it slices through the thickest cuts of meat like it is slicing through warm butter! Highly recommend this knife, especially for people who love to cook." —Donna Messina

    Get it from Amazon for $144.50

    13. A Breville Joule so you can sous vide your way to perfection — and it's so much easier to use than its fancy name implies. Plus, it'll probably save you money in the long run, since you'll no longer have to throw out overcooked steak!

    The Joule attached to a white pot filled with water and holding a plastic bag filled with meat
    Reviewer GIF of the Joule heating water in a pot to cook meat in a plastic bag

    Just place your food in a plastic zip-up bag, submerge in a pot of water with the Joule attached, and let the Joule heat the water to the exact temperature that'll give you the level of rareness/doneness you're looking for. Use the Joule app to select the perfect temperature (there's even a visual guide so you can anticipate what your meat will look like once cooked!). 

    Promising review: "This has been one of my favorite purchases in the last year! I’ve always been a little skeptical of sous vide, but the results of this little machine (and yes, it is little compared to other sous vide machines) are amazing! I’ve been cooking a ton of chicken with this and I have been completely spoiled by tender and moist chicken unlike any other chicken I’ve had! Salmon is tender and flaky and steaks are something out of this world. The companion app is simple to use and there is even an Alexa app that works pretty well. If you’re on the fence about this, do yourself a favor and just buy it!" —Matt C.

    Get it from Amazon for $249.99.

    14. And, a small but mighty Thermapen for accurately checking the doneness of anything you want to keep from being over or under-baked. You'll be so thrilled when you realize that, yes, you can cook a piece of steak without it turning into rubber.

    hands using the red thermapen to read the temperature of a piece of meat being pulled out of the oven
    Thermapen

    While you might think $83 is a bit steep for a thermometer, just know it's the one the pros reach for when they want the most accurate temperature, stat. It doesn't have "Super-Fast" in its name for nothing!

    Promising review: "This is the absolute best thermometer out there, I've had one for over a year now and use it nearly every weekend with great results. It's extremely fast, and always accurate and consistent. I had tried cheaper thermometers from retail stores and they were wildly inconsistent — probing the same spot would swing in a 30-degree difference! Once I got a Thermapen I threw all of those other thermometers away, there's just no comparison. Now that I have a fast and accurate way to check my temps, food off the grill or smoker is cooked to perfection. Well worth the money!" —Matt

    Get it from Thermapen for $83 (available in six colors). 

    15. A heavy-duty Le Creuset braiser, which is like if a Dutch oven and skillet had a baby. It has higher sides than a regular saute pan for holding saucier dishes, and a rounded bottom for easy stirring and tossing, aka the perfect everyday cooking vessel. 

    reviewer photo of the white braiser on a stovetop
    reviewer photo of the red braiser holding a homemade chicken and vegetable dish

    This type of pot is just so enjoyable to cook with, since it's less bulky that a Dutch oven, but with the same moisture retention — and because it's Le Creuset, you know it'll last long enough to pass down to your grandkids. Plus, those colors!

    Promising review: "This is the most wonderful piece of cookware that I own. It is well worth the price. It is very versatile and goes easily from cooktop to oven. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cooking and easy clean up." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $219.95+ (available in six sizes and 11 colors). 

    16. An equal parts lovely and functional ceramic spoon rest to make cooking all the more pleasant, since you won't constantly be looking for a place to rest your sauce-laden ladle before finally settling on the counter, which you'll just clean later (riiight). 

    the black and beige spoon rests, with a wooden spoon resting on the black one
    MWCeramics Art / Etsy

    And, this one does double-duty since it's also a piece of kitchen decor in its own right!

    Based in Boston, MWCeramicsArt is a small biz crafting beautiful handmade pieces with a calming, minimalist aesthetic. 

    Promising review: "The spoon rest is absolutely beautiful. It is the perfect size and the black is in a matte finish — which I love! Very modern design. Meredith and I were in constant communication re: the delivery date (she was unsure whether it would arrive in time for the holidays, which it did!). She is so lovely and obviously cares about her customers. I look forward to supporting her business in the future." —Claire Gambrill

    Get it from MWCeramicsArt on Etsy for $35 (available in black or beige). 

    17. A large Cuisinart food processor for anyone who likes the idea of cooking, but detests the thought of prep. Luckily, this workhorse takes allll the work out of dicing and slicing, so you can focus on the parts of the meal you actually enjoy, aside from, you know, eating. 

    gif of reviewer using the food processor to slice strawberries
    reviewer's overhead shot of cheese that was shredded using the food processor

    If you're wondering whether it's worth shelling out money for this bad boy, keep in mind it has a whopping 14-cup capacity, so if you really hate chopping vegetables, this will hold a garden's worth. 

    Promising review: "I LOVE this food processor! I've looked for months, asked friends for recommendations, and read countless reviews. I decided on this model and it is SO easy and fun to use. Cleans up in a flash as well. Next to the Vitamix, this food processor is the "other" star in my kitchen. No idea how I cooked without one for so long!" —AM

    Get it from Amazon for $248+ (available in eight colors). 

    18. Some pretty gold measuring cups and spoons that'll add a little elegance to your everyday kitchen tools. Sure, they're a bit pricey compared to those flimsy plastic ones, but having a set of these will actually inspire you to bake more often, and you won't have to worry about the markings fading after, like, a month.

    the gold measuring cups and spoons on a counter next to a mixing bowl and baking ingredients
    gif of someone using the gold measuring cups to pour flour and sugar into a mixing bowl
    Food52

    FYI you'll want to wash these by hand. For best results when measuring things like flour, spoon the ingredient into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the canister, since that can pack in more than you need and make your final product dry (I say an emphatic "no" to that!).

    Promising review: "Wow, not only can these measuring cups be considered a work of art, but they also are a workhorse in the kitchen. No more worrying about the cups tipping over; these heavyweight cups and spoons get the job done beautifully and efficiently." —Tiffany M.

    Get a set of four measuring cups and four measuring spoons from Food52 for $60.

    19. A Cuisinart convection toaster oven, which, I can say from personal experience, bakes, roasts, and toasts just as well as a full-sized oven. While those little two-slice, pop-up toasters are cute and all, this one is just so much more versatile (you can fit a whole chicken in it!). 

    the convection toaster oven on a kitchen counter
    assorted homemade cookies that were baked in the convection toaster oven
    a homemade pie that was baked in the convection toaster oven
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    And, if you're the type of person who avoids turning on their oven during the summer, just know that this heats up in no time and won't make your house feel like a sauna, so you'll actually want to make something other than salad!

    I got this total *lifesaver* of an appliance a few months ago, and let me tell you — I love this thing so much I was tempted to remove a family member from my wedding guest list and replace them with this. I got it because my oven has been on the fritz for the better part of a year, and as someone who enjoys spending most weekends tackling a new baking project, I felt lost without having something that would do the actual baking part. Enter: This convection toaster oven, which has quickly become our household's most-used appliance. At first, I was skeptical and wondered if it would be able to tackle anything beyond a ginger snap, but lo and behold, it's baked up everything from cakes and cookies to pies beautifully (see photos!). While I mainly use it for baking, we've also used it for roasting fish and vegetables — oh, and toast, of course. It heats up in lit-er-al MINUTES, and while you won't be able to roast your Thanksgiving turkey in it, it's perfect for weekday/night cooking when you just don't want to wait for the oven to preheat. It does take up some counter space, but, then again, so did my old toaster that could only be used for...toast. Plus, for someone like me who can barely work a TV remote, it's incredibly user-friendly, with an easy-to-read digital display. I can't recommend it enough, and it's more than worth the money for its versatility, speed, and consistent baking. BUY IT!!!

    Get it from Amazon for $179.95.

    20. An AeroGarden Harvest so you can grow — and pick! — fresh herbs right on your counter, no soil required. Nothing feels cheffier than sprinkling a flourish of fresh herbs over a dish and saying, "Bon appétit!" am I right? 

    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 former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Yi Yang's 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 $101.46+ (available in three colors). 

    21. A Ninja Foodi indoor grill for anyone who craves a bit of char, but doesn't have the outdoor space for a full-size grill. Even if you're not a super experienced griller, reviewers say it's a breeze to use.

    overhead shot of model cooking chicken on the indoor grill
    reviewer photo of grilled chicken

    While it's pricey, it also has air frying, dehydrating, baking, roasting, and broiling functions, so you're getting soo much bang for your buck! Also, in case you're worried about smoke taking over your house, this comes equipped with a temperature-controlled grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone to reduce smoke.

    Promising review: "I don’t know how I functioned without this for so long. We used a convection oven/air fryer for the longest time, and I got sick of grilling outside in bad weather. This legit does it all...and I cook for a family of 6 (or more depending on visitors!) I’ve had it for two days and have already cooked some of the best baby back ribs and roasted a whole chicken, and the meat quality that came out was AMAZING. It is INCREDIBLY easy to clean, and doesn’t require any scrubbing! IF YOU WONDER IF IT'S WORTH THE MONEY, IT IS!" —Amazon Customer

    Promising review: "This thing is absolutely AMAZING! My chicken and veggies came out perfectly! It was very easy to use. I always hated cooking because I would either mess up or it wouldn’t taste right. But this thing has made it fun and exciting to cook with! I used it for the first time in my apartment and I’m in love. Honestly THE BEST purchase I have ever made on Amazon." —Amanda

    Get it from Amazon for $269

    22. A ceramic pie dish so beyond beautiful, even self-proclaimed "non-bakers" will look for excuses to exercise their crust-making skills just to bust this baby out. 

    overhead shot of the pie dish holding a fruity baked dessert and surrounded by various fruit ingredients
    side view of the speckled white pie dish
    Jefferson Street Co. / Etsy

    And, while this one may cost more than your standard metal pie plate, it's actually quite reasonable considering it's handmade!

    Jefferson Street Co. is a Salt Lake-based small biz that makes just the most *gorgeous* handmade kitchenware.

    Promising review: "Excellent product! I never knew ceramic could be nonstick! I’ve baked pies, gratins, and even roasts in the pan. A little warm water and a sponge cleans everything right off." —Li sa

    Get it from Jefferson Street Co. on Etsy for $48 (available in other colors via their Etsy shop). 

    23. A powerful juicing machine, because, yes, you could technically juice your fruit by hand...but is that how you really want to spend your valuable time? And just think of all the cash you'll save by making your own green juice at home!

    reviewer gif of fresh orange juice coming out of the juicer and into a pitcher
    reviewer's hand holding a glass of fresh squeezed green juice

    This handy gizmo makes things *so* much easier, and not only is it efficient, it can also extract juice from tougher, starchier foods.

    Promising review: "Wow! What a huge difference from my old juicer! This one is so quiet, easy to clean, and really makes juicing simple and fun! I’ve juiced celery, carrots, oranges and apples daily and it's just awesome! I’d definitely buy again!" —Erin Griffin

    Get it from Amazon for $69.97.

    24. A Cuisinart digital steamer for preparing perfectly tender vegetables, seafood, chicken, and grains. But the best part? You don't have to wait around for water to boil! 

    gif of reviewer lifting the lid off the steamer to reveal a giant cooked crab
    reviewer photo of vegetables cooking in the steamer

    Just fill the tank with water, set the timer, and you're good to go! Plus, reviewers say most ingredients can be cooked in a matter of minutes, so it's wayyy quicker than roasting.

    Promising review: "There is simply nothing to dislike about this steamer. It exceeded my expectations. I had a $30+ steamer for five years and loved the concept of cooking, but the plastic trays were flimsy and awkward to handle. The design concept on this unit is superb and the removable fill tank and feature which delivers steam from the top of the container works great. I would highly recommend this unit. It is pricey but is well worth it." —John Daniel

    Get it from Amazon for $149.99

    25. A wooden cutting board that's just so stunning, merely looking at it will make you dread prep work a whole lot less. 

    reviewer photo of the cutting board in its box, with a container of wax
    reviewer photo of the cutting board holding chopped onions and a knife

    And not only that, it'll also help preserve your knife's sharpness much better than that old plastic one in your drawer, so you might actually save some money in the long run. Plus, it comes with a container of wax you can apply to it to keep it from drying out. 

    Promising review: "A must-have cutting board for any kitchen! Looks great on the countertop, easy to cut on, works as a beautiful charcuterie display, and best of all, a breeze to clean. I was very impressed with the craftsmanship! This would be a great housewarming or holiday gift!" —es.wooster

    Promising review: "JUST BUY IT. This is beautiful! And beautifully packaged. I am so pleased I went with this board. Totally worth the price." —Hayley Nail

    Get it from Amazon for $57.95+ (available in two sizes and styles). 

    26. A pretty apron for anyone who believes that good style should extend even to the clothes you wear to protect your IRL clothes. Oh, and it's also made of super sturdy fabric, which helps explain why it's a favorite of pro cooks and bakers alike. 

    model wearing the yellow flower print apron
    Hedley & Bennett

    Truly, this apron will make you feel so cute, you'll be humming and skipping around the kitchen as you take a tray of freshly baked cupcakes from the oven and give the sauce bubbling away on the stove a quick stir. If you're still thinking $95 is a little steep, take comfort in the fact that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Plus, it has pockets!

    Promising review: "I was hesitant to make the purchase because of the price point, but after doing TONS of research, I made the call to buy my dream apron and I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. I wear it every day and it makes me feel in the present when I make dinner. Never thought that an apron would be a life altering purchase, but it seriously has been." —Remy P.

    Get it from Hedley & Bennett for $95 (available in one unisex size). 

    27. A — hear me out — double oven mitt to protect your hands when taking piping hot vessels out of the oven. Not only does this *ingenious* product keep your hands from getting burned, it's also designed to prevent your clothes from getting stained, should a pot have some saucy residue on it. 

    someone using the gray double oven mitt to carry a dutch oven
    someone using the gray double oven mitt to carry a dutch oven
    StudioBlueCanary / Etsy

    Since it covers both hands at the same time, you're really getting more for your money, and once you see it save your favorite white top from a marinara mishap, you'll never want to cook without it. 

    StudioBlueCanary is a small biz based in Maplewood, NJ that specializes in lovely handmade kitchen linens.

    Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for! It arrived just in time to take a loaf of banana bread out of the oven! It was beautifully packaged and arrived quickly. The whole experience made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I love my new mitt!" —Michelle O'Riordan

    Get it from StudioBlueCanary on Etsy for $48 (available in three colors). 

    28. And finally, an incredibly handy electric can opener, because let's face it — preparing a meal is so much more enjoyable when you don't have to exert all of your upper body strength just to open some canned tomatoes. Once you try this bb, you'll never go back to hand cranking again. 

    reviewer gif of the green and white can opener opening a can
    reviewer photo of the red and white can opener on top of a can

    Don't forget the AA batteries!

    Promising review: "Such an easy way to open cans. This will reduce my cooking time! I would shy away from cans at grocery stores because I had such a hard time using my mechanical can opener. They were risky and left sharp edges that could hurt anyone. This can opener is a godsend. It comes with an instruction manual that clearly shows how to use it. It's super simple. I got it out of the box, inserted four AA batteries, and it was good to go. This is very user-friendly, no sharp edges, and gives a clean cut. I love love love it. To everyone who is thinking about getting one, it's a little more expensive than the manual ones, but well worth it. It will save your hands!" —liberty

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 10 colors). 

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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