I'm still pretty green when it comes to cooking, but I love spending time in the kitchen.
That means I need all the help I can get, and I've already learned that using the right tools really makes a difference.
Some of these kitchen tools are quirky, while others are downright genius.
But each one will make a noticeable difference in the kitchen, either by saving you time, money, or stress.
1. Upintek Chopping Container - $23.99
The main selling point of this all-in-one kitchen tool is you can slice up onions in no time, without any watery eyes.
But in fact, the seven tools that fit on this container can chop up everything from vegetables to cheese, and store it neatly in the container below.
The system is built tough enough for hard veggies like carrots, but entirely BPA free, and the stainless steel blades won't rust or bend.
Best of all, every part in the system can be stored neatly inside the container, so you get a ton of use out of a very small "box."
Cleaning brushes are included.
2. Oye Garlic Press - $12.95
It doesn't make for a very flashy gift, but sooner or later everyone realizes they need one of these useful tools.
It's made from stainless steel, and the ergonomic design makes it easy to use.
Plus, it's dishwasher safe, and keeps your hands from smelling like garlic.
It even comes with a lifetime guarantee against breaking or rusting. Try using it with garlic too!
3. 5-Tray Fruit Dehydrator - $35.07
Make healthy snacks like banana chips and dried fruit in bunches with this extra-large appliance.
Unlike other models, you don't need to rotate this dehydrator because it uses a bottom-mounted fan.
All of the racks are made from BPA-free plastic, and it features an adjustable thermostat. It even makes beef jerky.
4. Pancake Pen 2.0 - $10
You've probably seen parents draw Disney characters and other fun shapes in pancake batter using this handy bottle.
You don't need to go back to art school to use the Pancake Pen - the non-drip cap helps anyone apply batter evenly, so your pancakes are more consistent.
But, you could probably manage some Mickey Mouse ears with this thing.
5. Slotdog Cutter - $19.99
What's the point of this fancy hot dog slicer?
Sliced hot dogs expand as they cook, allowing more flavor from the grill to seep in. The juices from inside also caramelize the dog, making it crispy.
Flavorful condiments can even soak into the dog better with the grooves sliced in. And as an added bonus, the cutter is dishwasher safe.
6. Never Soggy Cereal Bowl - $8.99
Don't let the name fool you.
While this clever sectioned bowl was designed to keep cereal from getting soggy, it has plenty of other uses.
It's great for chips and dip, milk and cookies, or fries and dipping sauces. It's also useful for pairing hot and cold dishes.
And it's conveniently made from microwave safe, BPA-free plastic.
7. Microwave Omelette Maker - $14.99
This plastic cooker makes an omelette in your microwave in just three easy steps.
The process uses less butter or cooking oil than a stove top, so you can stick to your diet. The platinum silicone container is also dishwasher safe.
It even comes with a book of tasty recipes.
8. Salad Spinner - $29.94
If you're still missing this essential kitchen tool, this is the one to get.
It stands apart from other spinners because of the special pump and brake mechanism. The basket also looks nice enough to use as a serving bowl.
And best of all, the whole thing is dishwasher safe and BPA-free. No wonder it got the America's Test Kitchen seal of approval.
9. Splatter Screen - $14.99
This multipurpose screen protects your hands, face, and also nearby walls from grease, sauce, or hot oil.
A pair of feet also keep it from rubbing grease on your counter once you take it off. It can also double as a strainer, and it's made from dishwasher safe rustproof stainless steel.
10. Ninja Countertop Blender - $109.99
It slices, it dices, it pulverizes ice to snow in just seconds. But most importantly, it makes tasty and healthy drinks.
The 72-ounce pitcher holds enough for everyone, while the to-go cups are perfect for single servings.
Best of all, all parts are BPA-free and machine washable.
11. Whale Strainer - $9.45
It lets water out and keeps pasta in. More importantly, this strainer is just adorable!
Okay, the clever design also helps support the pan while you're straining, so there are no dangerous slips either.
12. Egg Cracker and Separator - $12.29
Talk about all-in one: this clever tool splits open an egg (with no bits of shell left behind) and divides yolk from egg whites at the same time.
And it does it all at the touch of a button.
13. Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Popper - $39.99
This space-saving machine makes up to 18 cups of popcorn in less than three minutes, and promises to leave "almost no" unpopped kernels.
It's also healthier than other popping methods, because there's no oil involved. (That also makes the machine easy to clean.)
But the built-in butter melter will add flavor.
14. Microwave S'Mores Maker - $9.80
This quirky tool makes tasty s'mores in a snap, no campfire required.
The special handles press down on two s'mores at once, so you can cook up desert quickly. This accessory is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
15. Vegetable Spiralizer - $39.95
You can make tasty and healthy vegetable noodles in three sizes with this simple tool. It also cuts garnishes, veggie fries, or fruit spirals.
The blades are removable, so the machine is extra safe and easy to clean.
The food holder itself locks food securely, so you get clean and consistent cuts each time. Suction cups also lock it on the counter for your protection, and the entire thing folds up to save storage space.
16. Rotary Peeler - $15.36
Everyone who uses this compact slice-and-dicer falls in love with it.
It includes three blades which are suited for everything from potatoes and carrots to tomatoes and even kiwi fruit. The peeler peels, the Julienne blade cuts, and the serrated blade will slice through just about anything.
There's even a built-in tool for scooping out potato eyes. And while it looks a little complicated, the entire tool snaps apart and is dishwasher safe.
17. Color-Changing Egg Timer - $8.46
You don't need any guess work while boiling now, because the face inside this gadget shows when eggs are soft, medium, or hard boiled.
There's nothing special to do but drop it in - no adjustments for the water level or number of eggs.
Unlike a regular timer, it's temperature-based - not time based - and so more accurate.
18. 5-Blade Kitchen Scissors - $9.99
Cut through herbs five times faster with this nifty pair of scissors, and spend less time standing in front of the chopping board.
The blades are made from food-grade stainless steel, while the handles are comfortable TPR plastic.
And yes, they're dishwasher safe.
19. Mess-Free Corn Stripper - $13.95
Just slide it over cooked corn and it will slice the kernels off, storing them in the built-in container.
It's useful for all kinds of kitchen jobs, including topping salads and rice dishes. The parts also separate for easy cleaning.
20. Infrared Cooking Thermometer - $20.99
Always prepare your food safely with the help of this high-tech gadget.
It gives fast and accurate readings, while the backlit LED screen is easy to use. Smart features also protect your battery life.
21. Stuffed Burger Press - $14.95
Make perfectly round burgers stuffed with tasty ingredients like chopped veggies, cheese, or bacon using these moulds.
They work perfectly on an indoor pan or outdoor grill, then can be tossed in the dishwasher. A recipe book with stuffing ideas is included.
22. One Click Butter Cutter - $19.99
The stainless steel blade drops a perfect pat of butter on any dish, and it even works with a chilled stick.
The whole cutter can be kept in the refrigerator - stick included - then cleaned in the dishwasher once it's empty.
23. Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker - $20.08
Make a complete restaurant-quality breakfast sandwich - including fried egg and cheese - in just five minutes with this handy appliance.
It works with English muffins, biscuits, and even small bagels.
All parts are removable, nonstick, and dishwasher safe for convenience.
24. Silicone Food Huggers - $9.99
These reusable covers protect your fruit and vegetables from the elements, helping them stay fresh longer.
They also fit over odd-shaped bottles, jars, and anything Tupperware can't cover.
They're even dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
25. Instant Pot - $99.95
Look, if you don't have one of these programmable pressure cookers, your life is a lot harder than it needs to be.
It has seven functions - from slow cooking to rice cooking and even making yogurt - and cooks meals for up to six people.
The smart device includes pre-programmed settings and time-delayed cooking, so you can set meals in the morning and arrive home to perfectly-cooked food.
And 10 built-in safety mechanisms give you the confidence to set it and forget it.
26. Cold Brew Coffee Maker - $19.99
You can make four servings of delicious cold brew coffee in this pitcher, which fits in the door of most fridges.
The fine mesh filter guarantees a smooth drink, while the air-tight lid locks in freshness.
It's also BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
27. 5-in-1 Kitchen Tool - $10
It's a slotted spoon, solid spoon, spatula, turner, and cutting tool all in one.
It's also made from durable, heat-resistant nylon and dishwasher safe. Honestly, what else could you ask for?
28. Apple Slicer And Corer - $12.99
Turn a whole apple into 16 slices - minus the core - with just one push.
It's great for making snacks, and also slices pears just as well. Oh, and did we mention it's dishwasher safe?
29. Multi-Use Stand Tower - $17.00
You can dry out plastic bottles with this plastic tower, or use it to hold bags for kitchen prep work.
Either way, you'll wonder how you lived before buying one of these convenient little holders.
Silicone grips on the top and bottom of the legs mean there are no accidents.
30. Yolk Fish - $7.48
This cute tool separates eggs from the yolk while keeping your hands clean.
It's a simple way to cut down on cholesterol for the rest of your life, and since it's made with FDA approved food-grade silicone, the yolks stay perfectly healthy if a recipe calls for them.
31. Stackable Spice Carousel - $45.95
This rotating carousel's stackable design means it saves tons of counter space.
Each of the durable plastic canisters can dispense a perfect ¼ teaspoon measurement, or dispense to taste using the built-in shake.
It can also mount under a cabinet or shelf to save even more space.
