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 microwave rice cooker that takes the guesswork out of making rice so you'll get it perfect every time. It's way easier and less messy than using a pot or rice cooker. And it's dishwasher safe!
It comes with a measuring cup, colander, and a rice paddle.
Promising review: "Saw this microwave rice cooker on TV, decided to give it a try because my rice never comes out right. Used it the first time with packaged Spanish rice with the seasoning....after putting it in, I kinda freaked out because I was afraid the yellow saffron would stain the cooker.....SURPRISE, no stain AND perfect rice! I have used it at least once a week, perfect rice every time and truly easy cleanup. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE JOSEPH JOSEPH MICROWAVE RICE COOKER. If I could give it a million stars, I would!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.87.
2. A set of clip-on stands because they will hold your storage bags upright and in place so you can pour your leftovers in without them collapsing. It's like having an extra pair of hands, so you won't waste even a single drop of your famous chili.
They're *also* great for air drying bags you've washed out to reuse.
Promising review: "I used three of these to help me make freezer meals for after I have a baby. I can honestly say I don't know how I would have filled the freezer bags without these ingenious baggy holders. I was able to dump veggies, spices, meat, and cans of heavy beans and tomatoes into the bags, and they stood up the entire time without sliding or spilling. One of the bags I stuffed literally to the brim, as full as it could go, and the bag did not fall down. I would definitely recommend these." —Grace S.
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in packs of two, three, four, six, and 12).
3. A stainless steel bar if you scrub your hands after cooking yet they still smell like garlic and onions. Just rub this on your hands (no water needed!) and they'll be odor-free!
Promising review: "For years we have been just using large metal spoons or the sides of our metal sink to remove various odors from our hands (i.e. after chopping garlic or onions). Finally, I said to myself, 'Self, we need to move into the 21st century and get a metal bar'....and Ta-Daaaaah! I am really glad that we bought this because it looks really nice and it works so much better than a spoon or sink. For anyone that doesn't believe that this type of thing works, go ahead and chop 10 cloves of garlic and then rub your hands on this bar under cold running water. The results will speak for themselves. I would highly recommend this to anyone." —Sergio DaSilveira
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (Available in a mini size, a two-pack, and in the shape of a fish.)
4. An air fryer so you can get crispy, delicious food without ducking from oil splatter. You can get that fried food taste without deep frying a thing. And you'll be able to heat up leftovers that'll taste fresh.
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, reheat, 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 for 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 $99.95.
Check out the full review, plus some air fryer recipe suggestions for more!
5. A silicone tube that'll help you easily peel garlic. All you have to do is place a garlic clove in the tube and roll it back and forth. Not only will it peel garlic without the hassle, but your hands won't smell either!
Promising review: "It really works! My least favorite part about cooking is peeling all the little garlic cloves. This thing peels them in a snap! I don't have to smash each clove and pick the pieces of skin apart from the pieces of crushed garlic. The skin just slides right off! 10/10 would recommend." —Ruth Dickhoff
Get it from Amazon for $6.20.
6. A fold-down bread slicer because it'll help you slice even pieces of loaves. If you purchase bread from your local bakery or if you make your own, it can be tough to get even slices — until now.
It folds down flat to just an inch and a half.
Sierra Base is an Oregon-based Etsy Shop — all of their products are made in the US.
Promising review: "Wow this thing really works. I recently bought a Zojirushi bread machine that makes giant mutant loaves. The bread pal easily accommodates the massive bread, both width of 5+ inches and height of 7 inches. Cuts even slices, cleans easily and folds flat for storage. Looks nice enough to leave out though. I got a very long knife, Fat Daddio's 14-Inch Cake Slicer / Bread Knife to use with it, which is important. Also great packing and fast shipping. Very pleased. Thank you!" —uptownvelvet
Get it from Sierra Base on Etsy for $57.95+ (also available in a set with a knife and/or bread storage bags).
7. A microwave omelet maker so you can whip up breakfast without a pan in just minutes. This maker goes from the microwave to the dishwasher, so you can just get on with your day.
Promising review: "This brings omelets to my weekday breakfast. I've been trying to eat a low-carb diet, and the idea of eggs for breakfast appeals to me. But, I am *so* NOT a morning person; and getting up early to stir a low-n-slow scramble just does not work for me. I've tried microwaving eggs in custard cups but they always turned out either soupy and underdone or firm but dry and rubbery. But this makes them Just Right, every time, in two minutes flat. That's less time than it takes me to brew my coffee. Two or three eggs, some herbs, a few chopped veggies, and perhaps a sprinkle of cheese makes for a quick, easy, and tasty breakfast." —Vanilla Chameleon
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
8. A pair of claw shredders because they take all of the work out of shredding and pulling apart meat.
Promising review: "These claws are just what you need for shredding pork, chicken, beef or any other items. The points are sharp, narrow, and long and work well as a pair. It's much more efficient and quicker than using two forks. I thought I might have been a little extravagant in ordering this but now I realize it is very useful beyond shredding — e. g., holding a watermelon with one hand/claw as you cut with the other hand." —J. Renfrow
Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors).
9. A nonstick ceramic Always Pan so that your delicious meals won't turn into stuck-on messes. It has a nonstick ceramic coating made without PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, or nanoparticles. And it basically replaces your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, and nonstick pan. Oh, and it has spoon rest on the handle.
Our Place is a WOC-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.
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.
Get it from Our Place for $145 (available in six colors).
Check out our Always Pan review (number 4 in the post) from one of my BuzzFeed colleagues to learn more!
10. A set of bake-even strips that wrap around your cake pans for evenly baked results. You won't have to use a cake leveler and will no longer have to waste cake by cutting away pieces to make it more even.
Just soak them in water while you're mixing up the batter, then wrap.
Promising review: "I first heard about these Bake-Even strips on a baking blog and just had to try them out. I am so glad I did! My cakes would usually come out looking like a dormant volcano and I'd have to spend quite some time trying to cut them down to be level, usually ending up trimming almost half the cake away! But with these bake-even strips, my cakes came out flat and pretty evenly baked without the darker, slightly overcooked edges. I even got compliments on how even my cake levels looked....A definite MUST-HAVE for those who do a lot of baking." —Shari Nakano
Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.42 (also available in a six pack).
11. A perforated crisping pan if you want restaurant quality pizza at home. You can heat homemade, frozen, or leftover pizza that'll have the perfect crunchy crust. It can also be used to get anything else crispy in the oven.
12. A set of silicone cups because they make it so easy to get perfectly poached eggs without the hassle.
Promising review: "These are just the coolest things ever! I have tried several times in the past to make poached eggs, and never could get the hang of it. Earlier this year, I stayed in a hotel that had a beautiful tray of poached eggs on their buffet table every morning, and hey were so good. Now I can make beautiful poached eggs at home with these poacher cups...and it's fun and never makes a mess. The pot doesn't even get dirty because the cups float! Such a great idea, and definitely worth the price!" –Katie W.
Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.95.
13. A wooden knife designed for children so your tiny sous chef can help you in the kitchen — safely. This *knife* allows little ones to chop yet it's not sharp enough to cut fingers.
Piccalio is a California-based small business making wooden toys and furniture for kiddos.
Promising review: "The perfect gift!! My grandsons (ages 2 & 3) can now cut veggies alongside Mom without worry of cutting themselves! This is a GREAT creation and so beautifully made. I'm so glad I ordered it! I HIGHLY recommend this product and this seller!!" —Jeannie Bernstein
14. A quick and easy breakfast sandwich maker so you can whip up a quick and delicious breakfast — no long lines necessary! Skip the drive-thru and the morning rush and you'll even save some dough.
It'll cook eggs, veggies, meats, and toast up English muffins, biscuits, and even small bagels. It comes with a recipe book and it's dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "The best small appliance I have ever bought! My husband buys the microwaveable egg sandwiches that are frozen and they are pretty expensive, especially when you buy enough for the month. He just grabs one and goes to work. So not only did this little gadget work as well as it said, it will save us money in the long run. The food is better since it's fresher, and I just couldn't believe it took five minutes. The sandwich was done and without all that messy frying and smelling up the house. Now, this is so easy. I want to buy one for my kids, the one at college and the newlywed. Also, the one here on Amazon was cheaper than the one I saw at the store and I had it in two days." —Mistie Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in five colors).
15. A rapid egg cooker that you'll be egg-cited to use because it takes all the guesswork out of making eggs. You can choose a setting to make hard-, medium-, or soft-boiled eggs. It can also make poached or scrambled eggs and omelets!
All you have to do is fill it with water based on your level of *egg doneness* and it will automatically shut off when your eggs are ready! And the removable parts are dishwasher safe.
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 $16.99+ (available in eight colors).
16. A knife sharpener so that the most important tool in your kitchen is sharp and ready to slice and dice. I have a fave knife (hey, it happens to the best of us) and I like to keep it in tip top shape. Dull knives lead to smooshed tomatoes and I don't have time for that. This has two grooves — one for sharpening and one for quick touch-ups. And it's designed to grip on the edge of a counter!
Promising review: "I have had my set of knives for over 10 years. I was looking to replace them when someone recommended trying to sharpen them. I hated sharpening the knives with the sharpener they came with. I wanted something easy. This was it! I sharpened all my knives with it and they are like they were when I first purchased them. This knife sharpener made it quick and easy. It saved me a lot of money from purchasing a new set. If your knives are dull, give this a try. You can't beat it for the price!" —M. Bell
Get it from Amazon for $10.84.
Learn more about this handy sharpener in our editor's in-depth KitchenIQ sharpener review, and check out our picks for the best chef's knife.
17. An avocado tool that splits, pits, and slices avocados so you no longer have to struggle to navigate around a huge seed and you'll get every ounce of green goodness.
This genius tool will make it super easy to split open avocados, remove the pit, and slice it into perfect pieces.
Promising review: "Avocado? Yes, Please! This tool is awesome. Easy to cut open the fruit. Pit remover works well, just push onto the pit and give it a twist, and the pit pops right out. The best part is the slicer. Makes beautiful slices for a great presentation. The tool can then be used to scrape any remaining fruit out of the skin. Really happy I bought this!" —NPR Man
Get it from Amazon for $11.95.
18. A 3-in-1 burger press so you can create mouthwatering stuffed burgers. This allows you to fill meat or veggie patties with cheese, seasoning, or whatever you'd like.
It's made with nonstick coating, plus, it's dishwasher-safe!
Promising review: "I usually avoid these little gadgets because really, who actually needs something like this? But I'm eating my words now because I love the thing! After reading about the leftover stuff that winds up in store-bought hamburger I started grinding my own meats. It makes a huge difference and it's not that much work. These presses allow me to put some meat in the press and gently tap it into place for a perfect burger. Creating stuffed burgers is much easier than doing it manually. Best small ticket item I've purchased in quite a while." —NHShopper
Get it from Amazon for $12.79+ (available in four variations).
19. A split-decision pie pan because if I had to choose between apple or pumpkin pie...I'd chose both! And now you can, too. You can bake two different pies at the same time with this pan because it has two sections.
The pan is made of heavyweight aluminized steel, which allows for strong heat conduction and even baking. It also features nonstick coating for easy release. It's safe in temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's dishwasher-safe!
Promising review: "I love cherry and he loves apple, but to make two pies would be such a waste since it's just the two of us at home, and buying store-bought pie just isn't the same. This was the perfect solution. I LOVE IT!" —Sherry S.
Get it from Amazon for $14.90.
20. A colander spoon so you can scoop food out without having to use an actual colander — you can drain right from a hot pot. This is perfect for pasta and fried foods, and it has hooks so it can rest on the side of you pot or pan.
It's made from toughened nylon and is suitable for use on non-stick cookware. It's resistant to temps of up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this but I was tired of hauling out my big colander for small jobs. This is perfect and I use it almost daily. I am buying this for Christmas gifts this year!" —Wendy Smith
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two colors).
21. Nonstick toaster bags because they'll allow you to make the easiest grilled cheese sandwiches ever. No need to whip out a pan, grab a spatula, or light the stove. Just pop your cheese sammy in one of these reusable bags and put it in the toaster. Lazy? Maybe. Genius? Definitely.
Promising review: "I bought this for my elderly mom who loves grilled cheese sandwiches. I was skeptical that this bag on the toaster would work but it did! The only thing I would suggest is after you toast the sandwich, let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts better. I prepared it and gave it to her straight away. Bread was toasted on the outside. Cleanup was easy. All in all impressive!" —Christopher Carnrick at Pirate Palms
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in a six- and 10-pack).
22. An all-natural oven scrub made with powdered pumice stone if you've been avoiding your oven because you dread the post-cooking cleanup. You'll easily wipe away years of stuck-on messes with this stuff.
This also comes with a scrubber!
Everneat is a small Etsy shop based in Fairfield, Connecticut, that specializes in cleaning products.
Promising review: "Finally tackled the rings on our stove top with this scrub and a reusable paper towel (as I was worried about using a scourer on an easily scratched surface) and the rings came right off! These are those 'oh, crap, the pot boiled over' rings that I ignored that lead to my stove top looking a bit crusty. The oven scrub ate them right off and left my oven and stove top looking great." —Jessie Bono
Get it from Everneat on Etsy for $19.99+ (available in a glass or plastic jar).
23. Silicone stretch lids so when a recipe calls for half an onion, you'll be able to easily store the rest for another dish. You can finally ditch plastic wrap because, let's face it, it doesn't even stay put. But these babies wrap and cling around dishes and food to keep ingredients fresh for longer.
This set includes seven stretch lids in various sizes and a large bowl lid. These are BPA-, lead-, plastic-, and phthalate-free and they're dishwasher- and freezer-safe.
Promising review: "These lids are great! No more searching for the right lid. They're especially helpful for my glass bowls. I've never had success with plastic wrap, so these feel like a miracle. I love that they'll stretch to cover a bowl that's too full to fit its lid, so finding the right container for leftovers just got a lot easier." —Vanessa Brannan
Get them from Amazon for $15.99.
24. A batter dispenser to prevent big messes when you're trying to make the perfect pancakes. This allows you to easily squeeze batter onto a griddle, in cupcake liners, or anything you need to. Bonus: if you kids want to help, it'll take the hassle out of pouring from a bowl or trying to scoop batter with a spoon.
This dispenser is made of high quality BPA-free plastic and has a 4-cup capacity. All you have to do is fill it with your choice of batter, squeeze the handle to pour it out evenly, and it's dishwasher safe, so then you can just pop it in there to clean!
Promising review: "Finally a kitchen utensil that saves time, mess, and frustration! I ordered this because my 10-year-old daughter loves to make pancakes but she also leaves an incredible mess. She also loves to make cupcakes and that's even a double mess. Upon receiving the batter dispenser, my daughter took it out of the package and started making pancakes right away without my instructions. She loved the ease to make the pancakes in the container and then one click on the pan with no mess." —Jim Hudson
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
25. A microwave bacon cooker because if you wake up with bacon on your mind (because same) but the thought of whipping out a pan, remembering to flip the bacon, and then draining all that grease just kills your joy, you need this.
Microwave time is just 1 minute per slice! The tray catches all the grease, and it's dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "This is the best little gadget I have tried in a long time. I lay a paper towel on top and fold to drape over the edges to catch the splatters, program for one minute per slice of bacon, and that is it. If you have a full rack, 12 slices, you will take the rack out, remove the ones that are done, put back in, cook for additional one minutes until all are to your satisfaction. You can put the gadget into the dishwasher or wash in good soapy water and have it ready for the next use." —G. Carver
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
26. A pair of knife-protection gloves to protect your fingers and hands while you're slicing and dicing away in the kitchen. When you're trying to put together a quick and delicious dinner, who has time for cuts and scrapes?!
Check out our review of these wonderful safety gloves!
Promising review: "I bought the gloves because I had two nasty cuts in quick succession from a cheese grater. Anyone who has had injuries to their fingers knows how difficult it is to continue to do everyday activities and meal preparation while still protecting your wound. I received the gloves quickly after my order and pressed them into use immediately that evening. I am most impressed. My fingers/hands were protected from my very sharp grater and knife while I prepared dinner. I bought two pairs, one to keep and one to give as a gift. I am now going to buy a third pair in a larger size for a friend who also likes to cook but suffers from occasional run-ins with mandolines, graters, and knives. Great product!" —O'Hare
Get them from Amazon for $11.49+ (available in five styles and sizes S–XL).
27. A 3-in-1 super pot that can basically replace your stove because it can be used to grill, steam, slow cook, simmer, and so much more. You can even use it to serve because it can be placed on your table.
Features a deep, large capacity 3-quart pot and a large 10 inch grill. The non-electric parts are dishwasher-safe!
Promising review: "Bought this to replace my stove. I can grill in it, fry fish, make soups, stews, and omelets, steam vegetables, and bake in it. I love it. It's easy on the electric bill and doesn't heat up the house." —William Thomas
Get it from Amazon for $37.17+ (available in two colors).
28. A nonstick sectioned skillet to make multiple things at once with way less cleaning up to do later. You can make an omelet in one section while you perfectly brown home fries and sausages in other sections. I mean... where has this pan been all my life?!
This features five compartments, only requires one burner, and is stain-resistant, PFOA-free, and oven and dishwasher safe.
Promising review: "I am so in love with this pan. I can cook several things at once for breakfast even if I use it to cook my fajitas and the other compartments for what I like with the fajitas. I put mine in the dishwasher and was a little scared but it cleaned it without any scratches or rust." —Shawnie Fennell
Get it from Amazon for $57.19.
29. A chain mail scrubber so your cast-iron skillet will look like the day you bought it. This also works on waffle makers and griddles. You can chef it up in the kitchen with an impressively clean pan.
Non Toxic Home Shop is a small business based in Oviedo, Florida that sells eco-friendly cleaning products.
Promising review: "I am happy I bought this! Saves me a lot of time cleaning my cast irons! Perfect investment." —Nicholas
Get it from Non Toxic Home Shop on Etsy for $27.
30. An oil mister because you no longer have to get your hands messy and greasy when you need to coat your food in oil.
Promising review: "This is a great item for lightly spraying salads, roasting vegetables, or adding some oil to a prepared plate of pasta. Avoids using more oil than necessary so that’s a savings right there. I also use it to put a light coating of oil on all my cast-iron cookware to prevent rust. Best of all, it looks great on the dinner table. Lots of uses which really makes it an asset in the kitchen. It seems that it should last a while so I think it is worth the few bucks spent." —Clancy
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available in a two-piece set).
31. A handheld garlic press so you can mince and crush garlic in a flash. It also comes with a garlic peeler and scraper so you'll be totally ready if a vampire arrives for dinner.
32. An herb stripper because I looooove cilantro but I do not enjoy removing the leaves from the stems. I mean who has the patience? Clearly, not me. This genius tool will remove bitter stems quickly so you can avoid the frustrating task of stripping herbs.
Shop Collin Garrity is a small biz that specializes in wooden crafts, accessories, decor, and kitchen tools.
Promising reviews: "Beautiful, beautiful work! I am so excited to finally have a herb stripper and one that is handmade! Fast shipping and the seller included a nice card with directions on how to use/wash the stripper as well as a beautiful postcard print. Thank you!" —Alex Saul
"This is laser cut so I did a bit of sanding just to round the edges but the construction and quality is excellent! I just used it today on some tarragon and I was so happy for the amount is saved my hands!" —Kat
Get it from Shop Collin Garrity on Etsy for $16 (available in three finishes).
33. An egg separator that'll make it so easy to make an egg white omelette. This egg-cellent little tool uses suction to help bakers get through a usually complicated and annoying task of separating yolks from whites.
Promising review: "This is by far the best kitchen gadget I've ever owned. It actually makes me want to be in the kitchen (which is not my favorite place). It works exactly as described, is easy to clean, and is cute to boot. Just don't be tempted to stick this fish to yourself. I've had to explain to all my coworkers how I ended up with fish hickeys." —Siber
Get it from Amazon for $12.90 (available in three colors).
34. A microwave pasta cooker so you can make pasta in minutes without having to babysit a pot of boiling water. You no longer have to worry about your pot overflowing or constantly checking to see if your noodles are ~perfect~.
Promising review: "One of those 'why didn't I think of this?' kind of things. It makes cooking pasta so easy and foolproof! No trying to bend/break pasta to get it to fit into a round pan. The instructions tell you exactly how long to microwave it for the different size proportions." —EQUUS
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
You, ready to tap into you inner Iron Chef:
