Maybe you've upped your chef skills in the recent months or you're just turning on your oven for the first time. Either way, keeping your kitchen updated with the latest tools and gadgets is essential for making the cooking experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. From prep work to post-cleanup and all the chopping, sautéing and seasoning in between, Amazon has you covered for whatever your cooking needs may be.
A dream kitchen is often the efforts of teamwork by experts, chatty friends and, of course, yourself. Consequently, Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by TODAY to share some must-have cooking tools you need for your ideal kitchen setup. From a microwave pasta cooker to an all-in-one measuring cube, these cooking tools will help you end your summer strong with extensive backyard barbecues and delicious afternoon snacks.
Below are some of the most popular, tried-and-true items of the moment, whether you’re cooking for a family or are a solo chef.
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Kitchen Cube All-in-One Measuring Cube
For her first pick, Brach chose this all-in-one measuring cup that saves space in your kitchen and declutters your drawers. It allows you to measure over 19 different ways in both U.S. measurements and the metric system, and is also microwave and dishwasher-safe. You can measure liquids, grains, powders and more with this genius find, Brach notes.
Gteller Non-Slip Silicone Coaster
Editor's Note: Our pick has sold out but we found this similar product.
These silicone coasters wrap around the bottom of your glass to avoid any unwanted water damage while protecting your glassware. Coming in a pack of eight, you can choose up to three different sizes.
Anti-Slip Silicon Coaster Markers
Brach believes in the power of a great coaster and knows what differentiates a good coaster from a bad one: function and versatility. These coasters attach to your cup, which allows your coaster to easily accompany you as you move around your house. For extra functionality, you can put the coaster on top of your cup to identify whose drink is whose. Host your next dinner party without stressing about the surfaces of your beautiful tables!
Automatic Drink Dispenser
After this never-knew-you-needed-it gadget went viral on social media, Shop TODAY tried it — and it actually works. The electric drink dispenser makes every drink into an automatic dispenser, while eliminating the need to handle heavy containers. This is especially helpful for folks who have trouble lifting and pouring. Brach can tell you that this has made her busy mornings so much less stressful.
OXO Good Grips Precision Batter Dispenser
OXO continuously releases kitchen products that we love — and our readers do, too. Whether you love to start your morning with a fluffy pancake or can't resist a late-night baking extravaganza, this precision batter dispenser has you covered. All you have to do is squeeze the handle to dispense your desired amount of batter. Brach says it gives her the perfect pour each time.
Silonn Countertop Ice Maker
Brach is always looking for ways to beat the heat, especially since her fridge doesn't come with an automatic ice dispenser. She leans on this countertop ice maker that can make nine ice cubes in six minutes, according to the brand. With this machine, you can make 26 pounds of ice in just 24 hours! As an added plus, the ice maker is only as loud as a working refrigerator, so you can drink your cold beverages in peace.
Fullstar All-In-One Vegetable Chopper
After seeing this product on social media for months, Brach finally gets the hype. Chop, julienne, grate, shred, slice, dice — whatever your meal prep needs, this all-in-one kitchen must-have delivers. Easily switch out the five included blades to accomplish any cutting need, and when you're done, just remove the pieces and pop them in the dishwasher. Brach loves the device for its time-saving capabilities and thickness control dial.
Kitchen Sink Drain Basket
Whether she is using it to wash her fruit or dispose of soup, noodles or cereal without getting soggy pieces of food in her sink, Brach loves this sink drain basket. Since it comes in a pack of four, you can also use the basket to hold sponges or dry small kitchen products. Thanks to this drain basket, Brach's kitchen sink remains mess-free.
Best kitchen gadgets and tools from Amazon, according to reviewersFrom cleverly designed butter spreaders to bestselling immersion blenders to a multi-blade veggie chopper making the rounds on TikTok, these top-rated kitchen items are just what you need to elevate your daily and nightly meal game.
Lotus Trolley Bags (Set of 4)
Whether your local grocery store banned plastic bags or you've decided to keep your shopping habits more eco-friendly, you'll find a use for these Lotus Trolley Bags. All you have to do is hook each bag to either side of your cart and get shopping; then easily lift them out when you're ready to leave. Each bag is made with a durable double-stitched fabric and can hold more than 60 pounds.
Microwave Pasta Cooker
The Fasta Pasta promises "perfect al dente pasta" every time. Say goodbye to waiting for water to boil and stressing about boiling over as the microwave pasta cooker only requires three steps: measure, microwave and strain. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use the microwave device for vegetables, soups, casseroles and rice.
Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Cutting Board
This cutting board forms a convenient chute when you squeeze its flexible handle. After cutting your ingredients on the board's knife-friendly surface, simply walk over to your pan, squeeze the handle and let your veggies or protein slide. After you eat, put the cutting board in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Silicone Utensil Rest with Drip Pad for Multiple Utensils
Available in more than 30 deep and vibrant colors, this silicone utensil rest can hold up to four of your cooking utensils to keep your counter mess free. The BPA-free kitchen tool is also heat-resistant and slip-proof, according to the brand.
Pots and Pans Organizer for Cabinet
This pots and pans organizer will make your kitchen feel clean and systemized like it never has before. The sections can be assembled vertically, horizontally or both to fit optimally in your cabinet.
"Our pots and pans cabinet is just one large open space so all of our pots and pans stacked on top of each other," one reviewer wrote. "I happened to see this rack and knew instantly it would resolve our issue. Very easy to put together and all of our pots and pans fit neatly. In turn, this created more space in the cabinet."
Americana 1.5 Qt Freezer Bowl Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Use this automatic ice cream maker to fuel all your summer desserts. With a 1.5-quart freezer bowl, the machine provides the perfect amount of ice cream for families or a group of friends, according to the brand. After freezing the machine's bowl overnight, simply put in your preferred ice cream mixture and flip the machine's switch. Customers boast "better than store bought" ice cream in 30 to 45 minutes.
Doqaus Ice Cube Trays (Set of 4)
This Amazon bestseller comes with four trays that are stackable and easy to clean. Use them to make ice, or fill them with fruits, soda, cocktails, ice coffee, and more. The trays are also LFGB certified and BPA free, according to the brand.
Thaw Claw
Thaw frozen meat up to seven times faster, according to the brand, with this underwater defrosting device. It's meant to fit in any type of sink and prevents frozen meat from floating in the water, so it can thaw quicker.
Wavelu Air Fryer Silicone Pot
Avoid any leftover residue or burnt pieces of food from your air fryer by using this silicone pot. The lines allow for better air circulation and even heat distribution, so your food will take less time to cook. It's a great alternative to using parchment paper — and more cost-effective to boot.
Avant Grub Drink Shield and Soda Protector (Set of 6)
Spilled soda cans will become a thing of the past with these colorful drink protectors. To use, just slide onto the top of the can, and when you're not drinking, swivel the shield over to cover the opening. Not only do they prevent spills, but they also protect against any dust or bugs from flying into your drink, which will be especially helpful when you're outdoors this summer.
Aozita Olive Oil Bottle, Pourer & Funnel
Never spill or over-pour your favorite (and expensive) olive oil again with this popular dispensing bundle. The set comes with a carafe, two spouts with caps and a funnel for clean transfer — and cleaner, oil-free fingers.
Mueller Ultra-Stick Immersion Hand Blender
Whether you're beating eggs for a morning omelet, whipping cream to top a birthday cake or pureeing veggies to create a game day dip, this bestselling immersion blender will come in handy. The must-have kitchen tool features a compact design, two speed options and detachable blending arm for easy cleaning.
Alpha Grillers Garlic Press Stainless Steel Mincer
If you cook with garlic often, you're probably aware of the lingering scent it leaves on your fingers long after you've finished your meal. Not only will this time-saving device help you avoid being sticky and smelly, it can also mince up to three whole cloves at a time and features an ergonomic handle for comfortable squeezing, according to the brand.
Zulay Metal 2-in-1 Lemon Lime Squeezer
If you're tired of spooning out lemon pits or cleaning up stray spritzes of freshly squeezed fruit juice, this kitchen tool might become your new best friend in the kitchen. The brand says it's made with a durable metal and protected coating, and is designed to squeeze out every last drop.
MayNest Washable Refrigerator Liners
Part shelf liner, part decor, these colorful non-slip mats will make all the difference when storing food and kitchen accessories. They're made with 100 percent food grade EVA, which is non-toxic and easy to clean — just use a damp cloth to wipe away spills and crumbs.
Bentgo Stackable Lunch Container
Why pack your lunch in multiple storage boxes, when you can just store it in one? This clever Bentgo container offers four compartments to hold your main dish, toppings and dressings. It also comes with a reusable fork that clicks into place at the top, so it's out of the way of your food.
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Kizen Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Preparing meat can be stressful, especially if you're a newbie in the kitchen. According to the brand, this handy gadget can determine temperatures in just three seconds, eliminating the worry of over- or under-cooking any poultry dishes.
Souper Cubes Freezer Tray
Since appearing on "Shark Tank," this silicone freezer tray has been selling like hotcakes online. (The larger tray even sold out at one point!) The design boasts four compartments meant to perfectly portion out soups, broths or other recipes you can make ahead of time.
Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Meat Masher
This handheld tool is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon and holds a five-star rating from nearly 40,000 reviewers. According to the brand, the five-blade design allows for chopping and mashing with ease and is even good for scraping remnants off the side of bowls. It's also said that the nylon head is heat-resistant and won’t damage your pans.
Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Cutlery Organizer
Great meals begin with great organization. This cutlery drawer is beloved by more than 56,000 reviewers for its compact design, which fits into even the slimmest of drawers. The handy photos printed next to the slots lets you know which utensil goes where.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This mini waffle maker makes snack-size versions of your favorite treat, or, for low-carb lovers, it can easily whip up a waffle in minutes. While you can choose from several color options, we suggest looking at the fun shapes and designs available, including pineapples, hearts and a few holiday-inspired ones.
Seropy Roll Up Dish Drying Rack
This bestselling over-the-sink drying rack is a storage-friendly way to air-dry dishes or rinse fruits and veggies. When you're done, just roll it up and tuck it away, making clean-up a snap.
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Strainer
This multi-functional gizmo has won over Amazon and social media users. It’s another space-saver as it easily clips to whatever pot or pan you have to strain, without taking up the same cupboard space as a traditional colander.
GreaterGoods Digital Food Kitchen Scale
As chef Zoe Adjonyoh told Shop TODAY, a food scale is a must-have for pros and kitchen novices alike to accurately measure out ingredients or portions. Though she uses a Salter, this top-rated pick delivers the same functionality at a modest price point of $14.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner
The slotted spatula has quite a devoted following, especially on Twitter. Despite the name, this tool is pretty multi-functional because of its thin, angled edge, which makes flipping food in a pan much easier — from fish to pancakes.
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Aozita Glass Spice Jars (Set of 24)
Spice up your organization routine with this TikTok favorite, which allows you to assemble all of your herbs and spices so they are all the same size — and in the same place. The airtight containers also come with labels for the top and sides of the jar.
Crack'em Egg Cracker & Spoon Rest
Sure, you can crack an egg on the side of your counter, but then where would you rest your spoon? This (odd) little tool has an elevated center, which can be used to easily crack an egg without getting bacteria on your workspace, or, for eggless meals, work as a convenient spoon rest.
Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener
You may not have realized your can opener was lacking until now. This cordless electric version promises to open cans with a single click and cuts around the rim without leaving sharp edges. With more than 46,000 five-star ratings, this might be the last can opener you ever need.
Simple Spreading Stainless Steel Butter Spreader
Never tear your toast with cold butter again thanks to this clever 3-in-1 knife. The knife has mini cutouts on the side to create easily spreadable coils of butter. It also has a hole at the top for creating larger ribbons, and a serrated edge to cut even pieces.
For more stories like this, check out:
- This stick-on drawer maximized my kitchen storage space — and it's under $17
- I said goodbye to cabinet clutter with this bestselling $20 pan organizer
- I tried the one-handed drink dispenser going viral on TikTok — it actually works
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