If you've ever browsed TikTok Shop, watched TV infomercials, or stepped foot in the kitchen section of a TJ Maxx, you know that there are a lot of unnecessary kitchen tools out there. Do we really need a dedicated pair of herb scissors? Or an all-in-one breakfast sandwich maker? If you have to ask yourself if you'll actually use the product, the answer is probably no.
And let's be honest: kitchen space is a valuable thing. Many of us are working in small spaces with limited real estate, so we need to be discerning when stocking our kitchens. We only want tools and accessories that will actually be used, as opposed to collecting dust in a drawer.
That being said, there are some utensils that we think are non-negotiable. I consulted our team of food experts to round up the kitchen tools and accessories that every home cook should have. And to make things even better, every pick comes in at under $20. Here are the 13 products that will seriously improve your cooking game—with minimal investment.
Bench Scraper
Our team all chimed in to talk about how much they love a bench scraper. Senior Food Director Robert Seixas relies on bench scrapers for scooping ingredients and cutting things like butter and flour. Visual Director Rebecca Simpson Steele says that hers makes "everything easier when baking."
Not a baker? Not a problem! A bench scraper is a great tool to clean your counters and cutting boards to keep things tidy.
Thermometer
If you're cooking any animal protein, you should have a thermometer nearby. Certain tricks and hacks can help you get an estimate of a piece of meat's internal temperature, but it's never going to be as accurate as a thermometer. The difference between perfectly cooked and overdone comes down to just a few degrees.
Since investing in a thermometer for her own kitchen, Assistant Editor of Audience Development Izabela Campos says that her "steaks, pork chops and chicken breasts are always cooked to perfection now."
ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Knife Sharpener
Starting a cooking project with a dull knife isn't necessarily setting you up for failure—but it does make the process much harder. In fact, dull blades are actually more dangerous than sharp ones, because you're using more force to achieve the same cuts. That's why Creative Director Jessica Musumeci says that a knife sharpener is "a must."
Rasp Grater
You probably have a standard cheese grater around somewhere, but we'd argue that a rasp grater is even more versatile. Food Editor Brooke Caison says it's an essential kitchen tool. You can use it to grate soft, delicate ribbons of cheese. Using a rasp grater for garlic is far less tedious than mincing it by hand. And, of course, it's a game changer for zesting citrus.
Non-Slip Mats
Yes, we're talking about the same material you put under your carpets. You should invest in a roll of non-slip material because it will improve multiple corners of your kitchen. First, place it at the base of your drawers to avoid things from sliding around. Then, cut yourself a couple squares to place under your cutting boards—no more slipping across your counter!
Fish Spatula
When it comes to flipping food, there are a lot of different spatulas out there. But there's arguably only one you need in your kitchen, and it's a fish spatula. The lightweight, flexible material makes flipping a breeze.
But don't let the name fool you. Food Editor Taylor Ann Spencer says that a fish spatula is "good for so much more than just fish." It's an incredibly versatile tool that'll work for virtually every recipe. "You’ll use it for everything from flipping pancakes to frying chicken cutlets," Spencer adds.
Tongs
When you want to flip food but want more control than a spatula can provide, you can always rely on a pair of tongs. Think of them as an extension of your hand. Senior Editor of Audience Development Sam Caccamise loves to use them when tossing salads, flipping meats, grilling just about anything, and even handling raw chicken when breading cutlets. "There is nothing they can't do and I stand by that," she says.
Prep Bowls
One of the foundational techniques used by professional chefs across the world is simple: mise en place. The French phrase directly translates to "putting in place," and in kitchens it refers to doing all of your prep before you even turn on the stove. An organized cook is a happy cook, so putting all of your chopped vegetables and measured ingredients into dedicated prep bowls is guaranteed to make your experience more enjoyable. Designer Alison Dominguez describes them as "life saving."
Funnel
Decanting oil into a squeeze bottle. Pouring old cooking oil into a bottle to safely dispose of it. Transferring literally any liquid in your kitchen. A funnel makes kitchen tasks much easier—and cleaner.
Meat Mallet
You may look at a meat mallet and think of it as a unitasker, but this humble tool is anything but. You can use it for pounding cutlets and tenderizing tough cuts, obviously, but Senior Food Director Rob Seixas says you should broaden your horizons. He likes to use it to crush ingredients in smaller pieces, like chocolate and nuts.
Ice Cream/Cookie Scoop
Visuals Director Rebecca Simpson Steele was influenced by our very own Delish Test Kitchen to buy a cookie scoop. "It's super helpful for all things baking," she says. It's also great for ensuring all of your meatballs are the same size, portioning food equally, and of course, scooping ice cream.
Freezer Cubes
Defrosting a container of soup or sauce can be a major commitment. Want just a small bowl? You're going to have to use up the rest of the defrosted food before it goes bad...unless you use freezer cubes. These silicone containers are just like ice cube trays, but for individual sized portions of food. It lets you stretch your leftovers for longer, and it makes your freezer so much tidier.
Miniature Trash Can
Rachael Ray has provided a lot of helpful kitchen guidance throughout her career, but few are as important as the almighty trash bowl. Keeping a vessel nearby to toss vegetable scraps and discarded packaging keeps things much tidier as you cook. But instead of a bowl, we love a miniature trash can that attaches to drawer and cabinet doors. Keeping it just below your counter means you can use your new bench scraper to push all of your trash directly into the can.
Splatter Screen
Cooking bacon on the stove top may make your entire kitchen smell amazing, but it will also cover your stove in tons of grease. And, if you're not careful, the bacon fat may pop out of the pan and burn you (ouch!). A splatter screen keeps things more tidy and spares you the extra scrubbing—not just for bacon, but for every stovetop cooking project.
