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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.
Even more effective when paired with a glass of "cooking" wine.
These are also game-changing if you like to bake cookies tbh.
Get a set of four (two half sheets and two quarter sheets, plus two pastry brushes) from Amazon for $31.85.
Promising review: "OMG!!! I don’t know how I ever baked without silicone baking mats before. This was my first time trying them, and I was NOT disappointed! They are truthfully nonstick. They bake evenly every time. They are quite durable; my daughter used one directly on the rack for her pizza (she didn’t know that this manufacturer recommends that you NOT do that). It baked the pizza evenly and the cheese came out perfectly browned, while the crust was perfectly crisp. They wash very well in the dishwasher; I just stand them in a slot between the plates. I’ve used these mats to bake cookies, hot pockets, chicken breast, bacon, crescent rolls, and more. Every single item turned out perfectly. I would HIGHLY recommend these baking mats! I will definitely be purchasing more for myself and others!" —YaLanda
Sorry, but you're about to lose the "I was chopping onions" excuse for why you're crying.
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
Promising review: "I was introduced to this amazing gadget at my sister's house as I helped her prepare dinner. She gave me a pile of vegetables to peel, chop, and dice, and then handed me this. The chore included five onions, three cloves of garlic, two red peppers, two green peppers, one potato, one yam, etc. It would normally have taken 20-30 minutes at least. Instead, using this, it took about eight minutes, peeling included. And it was FUN. The design of this chopper is simple yet elegant. Everything fits inside the container for storage, and assembles quickly and easily. Clean up is a breeze (dishwasher safe, but I plan to wash by hand). At any rate, I ended up buying myself one, and then gifting my daughter, daughter-in-law, and a couple of friends. I place peppers and tomato halves skin side DOWN for best results. Happy chopping!" —lucy jack
Get it from Our Place for $145 (available in seven colors)
Promising review: "My always pan is going to be my new favorite cooking ware. Super versatile and absolutely beautiful. Love the functionality that it possesses and the versatility range, someone really thought about all the best way to cook with this! Safe, easy to clean, and beautiful to look at! Makes you want to cook more delicious meals all day long! Shipping took a while because I preordered, but I was happy to wait!" —Celyn V.
Our Place is a POC-owned business based in Los Angeles. All of their boxes are packaged with biodegradable and recyclable materials, and the Always Pan is made in a female-owned factory in China.
Check out a review from one of my BuzzFeed colleagues to learn more about this pan!
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three colors).
Promising review: "I love this thing! It is quite sturdy and has no issues holding lots of ravioli, tortellini, or any other shaped pasta. One note, it does not do well with long spaghetti. It is also great for grabbing veggies out when I blanch them in water or chicken breasts I have poached. I was injured in an automobile accident and my hands are not in great condition. This has made having to use tongs for some things no longer necessary. It has also — almost totally — made lifting heavy pots full of liquid, unnecessary. Cooking is therapy for me; and, to find any tools which make it easier for me, is fantastic! I highly recommend this scoop to anyone needing a little help in the kitchen, or who just wants to not have to pull out strainers all of the time. No reservations of any kind." —Kayce Cawthon McCarty
Here's what BuzzFeed Food writer Hannah Loewentheil has to say about it: "I'd been contemplating buying an air fryer for quite some time, but it wasn't until I found myself cooking every night with my family due to COVID-19 that I finally decided it was the right time to get one. Friends of mine were raving about their new Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer, so after reading similar feedback on Amazon, I decided it looked like a winner. And it happens to be made by the same company that makes the crowd-favorite Instant Pot. I figured I would be using this appliance primarily as air air fryer, but as an added bonus, it can also roast, broil, bake, re-heat, and dehydrate food.
I've had this air fryer for about three weeks now, and I can honestly say it's become the hero of my kitchen. It preheats quickly, it's large enough to a good amount of food at once, it's easy to clean, and it makes food taste crispy on the outside and moist on the inside without any oil. I've been using my air fryer to make vegetables just about every night and it makes them taste so good. If you're cooking for kids, picky eaters, or you just don't get so excited about eating vegetables, the air fryer could be perfect for you. If you like chicken, the air fryer might change your life, and I don't mean that to be dramatic. The air fryer produces restaurant-quality chicken that tastes absurdly decadent, except there's no oil involved in the cooking — just air. We also tried making sesame chicken in the air fryer using boneless skinless chicken thighs. The sesame chicken tasted almost identical to my favorite Chinese takeout, and it had nothing to do with my cooking skills. Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken gets so crispy. I couldn't believe I made this at home!!"
Get it from Amazon for $116.99.
Check out the full review, plus some air fryer recipe suggestions for more!
Bonus: do it before you marinate for an extra boost of flavor and moisture!
Get it from Amazon for $19.89 (available in four colors).
Promising review: "This tool is a must for any cook who is sick of preparing meals for their family, only to have the main meat dish turn out dry and tough. This tenderizer is SO easy to use, and with only a few criss-cross applications, I achieved the world's best, most tender, juicy pork chops ever! With only a little salt and pepper and a sprinkle of olive oil and roasted garlic cloves, my family would NOT stop raving about a dish they normally would eat in stony silence. I have since used it on EVERY cut of meat I prepare for my family and have yet to be disappointed! Just rinse it with hot water and toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher, and it is ready to go to work for you again!" —IfAmazonDoesntSellItIDontBuyIt
Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "Basically my favorite thing ever. Tried these for the first time after failed attempts with other poachers and being too lazy to do a normal poach. These were SO easy. Bring water to a boil, slide egg from a ramekin into the pods, and within about 3.5 minutes, the eggs are done." —Alexandra K.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five colors).
Promising review: "I cannot say enough good about this strainer. It fits all my pots from small to huge, even frying pans! I have strainers, colondars, every kind of lid converter...........This strainer is the best ever. When the pot is too heavy for me to hold to drain off the water, with this I can still hold on with both hands, and then when it is mostly drained, I set the pot in the sink to continue to drain (fidigity pastas) Washes up like a dream, or toss in the dishwasher. I do not know how I lived without this strainer. Now I can get rid of probably 20 items out of my kitchens!" —SGA
How long should you cook your eggs? How much rice should you make? This'll tell you!
Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (also available in BBQ and baking versions).
Promising review: "I bought these for my husband and me, and while he has used it more, I have benefitted from the apron, too! Lots of tips and measurement comparisons, and easy to read when you flip the skirt up while wearing it. We had soft boiled eggs for the first time ever because the apron inspired him! The pocket placement is a bit awkward, but it doesn't impede the effectiveness. It seems well sized...my husband and I are happy eaters. Great apron!" —Brodhi99
Promising reviews: "Best thing I’ve ever bought! I use it constantly and it’s wonderfully fast! Producing great meals." —Trubyslippers
"We bought this a few weeks ago since we have been hearing so much about them and let me tell you, these are the best thing to come around since sliced bread. Basically we haven't had anything to eat in two weeks that hasn't been made in the Instant Pot. The pot itself comes with a recipe book and there are so many more online and we are yet to find a recipe that isn't amazing. The build of the Pot is super sturdy as well. highly recommend." —Thomas D
Get a six-quart Instant Pot from Amazon for $79 (also available in three-quart and eight-quart sizes).
Still wondering if this is right for you? Check out I Tried The Instant Pot That Everyone's Obsessed With for an in-depth look.
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
Promising review: "This is my new favorite kitchen 'gadget.' I loved it so much, I bought a second one. I bought it to wrap around pans while cooking so that grease splatter does not travel to walls, counter tops, other burners and so on. I also use it outside on my stainless table when I am cooking outside; it protects the siding of my house from any splatter. The product is nonstick, as advertised, and hinged. It is flexible, so I can adjust it as needed around my pan or griddle. It stands well around cookware, just as the picture displays. Cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick coating. It lays flat when not in use. My home stays much cleaner thanks to this handy splatter guard! Love it!" —Lisa A.
Spice racks only *wish* they could. These drawer liners are made of a soft foam to keep your jars in the right position (label up!) so you can quickly grab what you need. And you can trim 'em to fit your drawers!
Get a 10-foot roll from Amazon for $16.07.
Promising review: "This is one of my favorite things I've ever purchased from Amazon! I think this will be my go-to gift for all of my friends who love cooking as much as I do! Freeing up cabinet space and having something that can so easily be rinsed off in the sink makes this a for-sure buy!" —momonono
The vents regulate the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide and keeps moisture away so your strawberries taste freshly-picked days and days and days later. I recently got a couple of these and a bunch of basil and strawberries stayed fresh for SO LONG!!
Get them from Amazon for $14.65+ each (available in five sizes and in sets of multiples).
Promising review: "I read the reviews and thought I’d give these a try since they here easily half the price of the other ones I looked at that had to have the charcoal filters replaced periodically. These need no filter changes and oh-my-gosh, they work! I went on a 10-day trip to visit my mom and left my husband home with asparagus, strawberries, and spinach in the containers. He ate some of all of them, but there was plenty left when I got back and they were in perfect condition! I couldn’t believe it! These will save us a lot of money not throwing away food because we couldn’t get through it fast enough. (We shop at Costco and get large containers of produce.) These are TOTALLY worth getting and I will be getting a few more sizes. Excellent product!!!" —Elizabeth Walter
Check out our full review of these game-changing containers!
Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "Wow was I surprised. I have a professional knife set that is probably 20 years old and has never been sharpened. Recently I started trying to eat a little bit healthier, so I've been doing a lot of stir-frying. Trying to cut chicken into small stir-fry-size bits was a struggle. I was going to take my knives in for professional sharpening and then decided to try this $6 kitchen sharpener first. After running my knives through the course sharpener approximately 10 times and then through the fine setting approximately 10 times I cut some chicken today for the first time and it was like cutting through butter. It took no time at all to make my stir-fry chicken." —Alan Marvin
IDK about you, but you can totally tell which cake recipe is my favorite based on how much batter is smeared all over the page.
Get it from Amazon for $13.07 (available in three styles).
Promising review: "Life-changing. I don't know how I lived without this for so long, it's made cooking while trying to follow a recipe MUCH easier. Even my larger cook books fit easily in it and it's very simple to wipe down after splashing flour, melted butter, and all other sorts of delicious ingredients all over its face, which I do regularly. If you're debating getting this product, don't, it's inexpensive, lightweight, durable, easy-to-use, and will make your life so much easier in the kitchen." —Chris
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $9.95.
Promising review: "I’m so happy I came across these oven rack protectors. I thought where have they been my whole life? :) Many little burns on my arms over the years will no longer happen with these silicone protectors. Three come in a nice package. One protector wasn’t long enough for my rack. I only have 2 racks so I cut the 3rd protector in half so both racks are nicely covered~as shown in my picture. They are easy to put on & easy to take off & wash by hand if needed but are also dishwasher safe. I’d like to buy a set for my entire family. I definitely recommend these." —meshelle
Unlike traditional plug-in rice cookers, you can throw this whole thing in the wash, so there's no potential for mold or other grossness.
Get it from Amazon for $35.15.
Promising review: "I've had this for seven months now, and I think it's still my favorite tool in my entire kitchen. I eat a ton of rice, and I love how easy this is to use and how easy it is to clean. It comes out consistently every time. I hated how messy cooking on the stove is, and my electric cooker got mold down inside the part that you can't wash. With this, there's no mess, and there's nowhere you can't clean or that can trap mold or bacteria. I can throw every part of it into the dishwasher after I'm done with it. It's awesome! I wish I'd had this back in college." —C. Stone
Crabby? Get it? Cuz it's shaped like li'l claws.
Get it from Amazon for $6.86.
Promising review: "This is pretty much the best invention since, well, since spoon rests — only a whole lot better!!! I've always hated transferring a dripping spoon to a separate spoon rest or plate. I've often left my utensils in the pot with the food only to burn my hand. This pot clip works so well. It clips easily to the side of my pots and fits the handles of all of my utensils. The little rubbery projections firmly grip, keeping the utensil from sliding. My daughters are fortunate to have husbands who love to cook and both of the guys got these handy pot clips as stocking stuffers. And I bought a second one for myself! Great invention!!!" —Yeah-Nah
Just season it (as you would a cast-iron pan) before using.
Get it from Amazon for $59.75.
Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for in a wok! One of those pieces of cookware that can be passed on to next generation. Very sturdy and after seasoning, is as nonstick as most coated cookware. My in-laws who are from Guangdong province, who worked in Chinese restaurants in Chinatown in Oakland for decades approve. Good enough for me!!!" —Andy Hong
And you can trim them with a pair of scissors to fit whatever size oven you have.
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.95.
Promising review: "I have used these liners for years. I hate cleaning my oven and this liner has saved me so much time and effort, not to mention my oven always looks like new. I should comment on the durability of these liners. It recommends that you remove the liner before initiating the self-cleaning feature on the oven. I admit that I have forgotten a couple times. Although it does the liner no good, it does stand up to the tremendous heat. I would recommend this liner for every busy person who has no time or desire to clean their oven. It's amazing." —Cartec
There's a cleaning comb built into the storage cover to make removing any herbs that are stuck in the blades a breeze. And reviewers note that it's also great for shredding documents and mail!
Get them from Amazon for $15.99.
Promising review: "Received the scissors as expected , and used them right away to snip some dill. What a great way to cut up your fresh herbs for cooking! These save so much time and it is a pleasure to own these scissors.....they are a LITTLE thing that makes a BIG difference!" —Island Girl
My mom: "Just eyeball it!" My Virgo self: ::glares::
Get a set of five from Amazon for $7.93.
Promising review: "These are absolutely the best thing ever. First they are heavy duty. If these ever fail, you've been dragging them on concrete. My serious use is to be able to do repeated exact measurements of inks and liquid additives for art. For strong flavorings like liquid mint or clove, these are perfect for small batches. We all have a friend who gives us 'that look' when you say add a tad more....Now they can know exactly what a TAD is. I have a friend who is new to cooking and has family recipes. She was delighted when I sent her a set. She's looking forward to adjusting Grammie's recipes." —Linda T.
Get the set of four from Williams Sonoma for $19.95 (available in the greyscale color set pictured above, or a set of colorful mats in red, yellow, green, and white).
Promising review: "These small, flexible cutting mats are so convenient for small jobs — easy to wash and easy to transport chopped veggies to the frying pan." —Grannie2
Get a set of three bowls from Amazon for $15.82 (also available in smaller and larger sets).
Promising review: "Solid, quality Pyrex bowl set. Each size comes in handy. I like the extra edge lip when wrapping plastic food wrap (it clings and wraps around it very well). I use them for everything as I try to stay away from anything plastic when cooking. I've mixed cake batter and whipped mayonnaise like stuff (caviar spread for example) with the mixer using the metal beaters and it all worked out well. The bottom is nicely rounded so mixing anything is easy. Overall great set and a must-have for any kitchen." —Adrian R.
It calculates by temperature rather than by time, so your eggs will be cooked just the way you like them every single time.
Get it from Amazon for $6.80.
Promising review: "This kitchen device is a no-brainer for the money and simple convenience. You simply put it in the pot of water with the eggs, and as the eggs cook, a thin layer of heat-sensitive material sandwiched in the middle changes color (darkening) from the outside perimeter inward, indicating how much the egg is done. This has to be in the top 20 great gadgets/tools to have in the kitchen. I have recommended this and purchased this as a gift for others and the consensus is a unanimous thumbs-up. I never boil eggs without it." —SS
Just fill it with water (according to your chosen level of egg doneness), add up to six eggs, and turn on. When the eggs are done, it'll automatically shut off! Yes, you can take a nap while waiting for your eggs to boil — and not worry about leaving them on too long. The removable parts are also dishwasher-safe, so get ready for this to be your new lazy best friend. You can also make poached eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelettes in this game-changing product.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors).
Promising review: "If hard-boiled eggs are at all a part of your life, this device will change everything. Reclaim lost hours, catch up on missed TV, reconnect with old friends and family -—anything is possible with the free time you'll find at your disposal as you drop six eggs into this beast, press a button, and then walk away. What will you do? High-intensity exercise? Model building? Learn a second language? I hear your concern. 'What if I become so engrossed in my newfound love of taxonomy that I forget about my eggs?' Fear not, efficient chef. Like the trumpet of Gabriel himself, the unmistakable tone of this technological marvel could rouse the dead and will bring you running to your fresh-and-ready ova's side. The Dash Go Rapid Egg Cooker is what mankind has been working towards since the first roundish stone was shaped into a wheel. Witness the apex of human innovation!" —J. Mercer Crenshaw
Get it from Amazon for $4.49.
Promising review: "This is a very well made, convenient, and handy juicer for the kitchen. Sometimes, I just need a little citrus juice while cooking and I don't want to have to break out my monster juice press. This one has a handy removable measuring cup which allows me to collect the exact amount of juice I need. The juice extractor has a nice edge to the ribs which allows me to get the most juice possible in just a few rotations. The slotted base allows just the right consistency of liquid to pass through while holding back the pulp (you still might need to press the pulp a little just to get all that valuable juice). Easy to wash and assembles conveniently for storage. This is a must-have for home chefs." —Kona408
Get it from Amazon $14.79.
Promising review: "A simple but very useful product. We have purchased 6 of them for our own use plus to give as gifts. The bottom line is this product works, does what it claims it will do which is to remove jar lids. It is easy to mount underneath a cabinet, in the kitchen. So far my wife nor I have found a lid we can't remove using this device. With it permanently mounted it is always in the same place and not lost in some drawer. We have one in the kitchen of our house and our motorhome. It is well built and should last for many years. Everything needed to install is included." —Joe B.
These are way easier to keep track of (and seal WAY better) than those stupid plastic dongles that come on bread and English muffins.
Get a set of three from Amazon for $12.99.
Promising review: "These little plastic doodads may have saved my marriage! My husband and I had a longstanding competition to see who had the best method of closing bread and roll bags, since I absolutely hated dealing with metal twist ties or plastic clips. I would throw them away once I opened the wrapper and fold over the top, but he was sure this was going to make things go stale. I wasn't quite sure what to think of these little beauties when I saw them, as I am wary of bag clips that really don't stay put or keep things fresh. You simply push the spring loaded end, opening the little divot, and pop it over the end of any bag that would use a twist tie. It is so much quicker, easier, less frustrating (and, frankly much cuter, too) and they have made my kitchen a happier place." —L. J. Schrader
Promising review: "I love this lemon lavender candle — great for the kitchen. The scent is very refreshing to me — not in any way overpowering." —KWL
Get it from Pretty Honest for $24.
Pretty Honest is a Black-owned business that makes pretty, deliciously scented, biogradeable soy wax candles. And they're just so pretty — check out the summer pastel collection!
Aaaaaand the grooves also help channel away excess grease, if you're into that sort of thing, too.
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
Promising review: "This is something I wish I had bought YEARS ago. I was already familiar with cast-iron cooking and cleaning ( this isn’t something to put in the dishwasher ) and I recently decided to make the change and try it indoors. I basically use the same cooking method indoors as I do out using my barbecue. I am able to perfectly grill meat shrimp hot dogs ( basically anything as outdoors) and the flavor and texture is excellent and comparable to grilling outdoors. The only thing I suggest is you do it using an over head fan otherwise the house might smell like a barbecue. I sincerely love this pan and wish I had tried using one indoors vs buying multiple indoor grilling options that never worked. I definitely recommend this pan if you are considering grilling indoors and from all of the cleaning methods I’ve been recommended washing under hot water then wiping and adding an oil then heating has worked best for me. Zero issues." —Karen in California
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.