Today’s roundup is in response to a challenge from a reader named Marcela in Texas. She asked us to create a list of cool kitchen gadgets gifts under $25.
Challenge accepted!! Testing new kitchen gadgets is one of our favorite things to do. We want to see if they live up to the hype. After all, you’re not a nerdy chef unless you are experimenting. And some of these gadgets make big claims.
There are hundreds of unique kitchen gadgets under $25 out there. The trick is finding the interesting ones that chefs will actually use. We also like gadgets that have more than one use in the kitchen. Keeping our budget under $25 is going to be tricky too because we want to maintain quality. No cheap knock-offs.
*WARNING* reading this post may lower your bank account balance. Sure you want some gifts ideas for your friends and loved ones, but it’s going to be hard to resist buying some of these items for yourself. It sure was for us!
Now, let’s see which of the best kitchen gadgets made the cut along with some of our nerdy tips to help you make the most out of each choice…
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
Eating wet lettuce is icky. Drying lettuce and herbs can be a time-consuming drag, but not with a salad spinner. This is a cool kitchen gadget that is a must-have for all herbivores. It also creates a fun job for kids and loved ones that want to safely help in the kitchen. Nerdy tip: Most people buy the smaller version to save space in the kitchen and simply dry larger salads in batches, as needed.
Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Cooking is about ensuring that you bring your foods to a safe temperature. You need speed and accuracy in the kitchen. That’s why I use this thermometer which is also used by professional chefs. My eyes aren’t great so I like that it’s larger with a backlit display which makes it even easier to read. Nerdy tip: The built-in magnet makes it easy to keep handy by hanging on the fridge or near the grill.
Monster Colander Strainer
Never cook alone again with this adorable googly-eyed spaghetti strainer lovingly looking at you every time you enter the kitchen. Besides being a fun and functional novelty it’s also BPA free and dishwasher safe. Nerdy tip: Try to resist putting this on your head and falling in love with it…I dare you!
Collapsible Chop and Strain Cutting Board
The best kitchen gadgets are the ones you can use for more than one thing. This cutting board also expands into a handy little basin to wash vegetables and it even has a built-in drain plug so it can serve as a strainer as well. Nerdy tip: Perfect for small kitchens like apartments, RV’s, and boats. And also great for camping and picnics.
Levin Professional Digital Kitchen Scale
Here’s a fast, accurate, easy to read, and professional-looking scale. We love the 33lb capacity and the 5 weight unit settings to choose from. Quickly subtract the weight of the container with the well-placed tare button on the front panel. Nerdy tip: Unlike many of its competitors that use fancy expensive batteries, this scale uses standard size AAA batteries that are easier and cheaper to replace.
Phone/iPad Kitchen Stand
Every time you read a recipe or use your phone/tablet in the kitchen you must make sure it doesn’t get food or water on it. It’s also important to keep your hands free while cooking. This trusty little stand is made with a durable aluminum frame and is easy to use with a one-click locking adjustment button and rubber grips and liners to keep your device safe and handy. Nerdy tip: Stop dropping your phone and spilling stuff all over it in the kitchen.
Adjustable Rolling Pin
Nothing looks more amateur than spending hours in the kitchen only to have your cookies and pastries turn out to be different heights and sizes. Not any more! Bake like a professional with precision heights and widths. Quickly adjust the roller ring sizes and follow the easy to read measurement charts on the included pasty mat. Great for pizza and pasta too! Nerdy tip: The stainless steel construction makes for easy cleanup just take it apart and wash it by hand or run it through the dishwasher.
GIR Silicone Spoonula
This is perfect for everyday cooking. Sometimes you need a spoon, other times you need the scraping edge of a spatula. This allows you to have both. GIR is one of my new favorite kitchen brands. They make beautiful and functional products that are very well designed. Nerdy tip: I initially bought the short version first and later upgraded to this larger one and I’m much happier with it especially when cooking with medium-sized pots, pans, and bowls. Giada loves it too!
3 in 1 OXO Avocado Slicer Tool
There are fewer things more exciting in life than that 20-minute window that your avocados are perfectly ripe. But cutting, pitting, slicing, and scooping out the fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit) can be a chore, not to mention a little dangerous if done incorrectly. Grab this all-one-one avocado tool that does it all safely with ease. Nerdy tip: Avoid the cheap knock-offs and buy the original from OXO.
Swedish Dishcloth Cellulose Sponge Cloths
Tired of smelly sponges? Throwing away money on paper towels every month? Ready to help save the planet? My aunt first introduced me to Swedish dishcloths in Europe years ago. These are super absorbent and can hold 20x times their weight in water. Beyond being eco-friendly and biodegradable they are made with 70% Cellulose and 30% Cotton so they are durable. Nerdy tip: Just ONE Swedish dishcloth can replace up to 15 rolls of paper towels. Save a tree, or two.
Fast Thawing Tray Cutting Board
We all forget to get the meat out of the freezer for dinner. This amazing kitchen gadget actually works like magic. Simply remove your meat from the packaging and place it directly on this plate and let it thaw in just minutes, saving yourself hours. This thawing plate is also designed with grooves and a silicone border to catch water and non-slip grips on each corner for stability. The reverse side even includes a built-in cutting board. Nerdy tip: Do not put this in the dishwasher. Hand wash only.
Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop
Tired of bending your serving spoons? Breaking your wrist trying to chisel ice cream out of the tub? No time to give your spoon a warm bath before every scoop? Try this modern take on a classic scoop that’s been used in homes and ice cream parlors since 1935. This Zeroll scoop is designed with fluid in the handle that helps conduct your natural body heat to help it glide smoothly through buckets of ice cream. Nerdy tip: Don’t put this in the dishwasher. Some machines use really high heat and chemicals which can damage this scoop. Be safe and hand wash only.
Frywall Splatter Guard
As seen on TV! No seriously, this was featured on Shark Tank. Apparently, there are many of us out there that dread cleaning up the splatter and spillovers from sauteing and stir-frying on our stoves. Nerdy tip: For easy clean up just use a soapy sponge to wipe it down or throw it in the dishwasher. Also, make sure your pan has at least a 9.5 “ diameter.
Muffin Top Silicone Baking Cups
Baking muffins and cupcakes make people happy. So why not have some fun while making your presentation super cute and memorable, all while being environmentally responsible. These reusable baking cups are made of 100% food-grade silicone and are BPA-free. Nerdy tip: You can also use these to serve ice cream, pudding, or cornbread with a smile.
Microwave Indoor S’mores Maker
Ahhh…S’mores. Sitting by the campfire making memories. But why wait for a campfire to have some fun with your friends and family? Now you can easily make s’mores in minutes right from the comfort of home. This cute kitchen gadget makes for a great novelty gift as well. Nerdy tip: Buy it, love it.
Primula Infusion Pitcher
Water is boring. But adding natural healthy flavors to it will not only make it more interesting and tasty but also more healthy. This easy to use pitcher allows you to quickly add fruits and veggies into your water. Nerdy tip: Perfect for everyday use and more durable than the expensive glass varieties we tried.
Chefast 5-Blade Herb Scissors
Chopping herbs can be very time-consuming. Get the scissors that would make even Edward Scissorhands proud. Using these 5-blade scissors, each snip is equal to 10 knife cuts. Save time and energy chopping cilantro, parsley, lemongrass, lovage, and other fine herbs. Nerdy tip: For easy cleaning, use the built-in comb in the blade safety cover. Also, be careful with the cheaper knock-off competitors. They tend to have dull blades that rust easily, so stick with this original brand.
Citrus Sprayer Set
This is a fun, fast way to add just the right amount of citrus to your next salad or meal without all the squeezing and seed picking. These are easy to clean and this set comes with two sizes. Nerdy tip: Make sure to roll/squeeze your fruit to loosen up the juices before cutting the tops off and inserting the citrus sprayer.
Dowellife Cut Resistant Gloves
Nothing will ruin your appetite faster than slicing yourself open. These food safety gloves balance an extra layer of safety while allowing for dexterity and are great for most home kitchen uses. Nerdy tip: Cut-resistant is not cut proof. You should still mind your blades accordingly or splurge for chain mail.
Norpro Coffee Scoop with Bag Clip
Ahhh…coffee! There’s nothing more fun than searching for your lost coffee scoop first thing in the morning. Keep your scoop handy and your coffee fresh all with one cool coffee gadget. The scoop is long so it’s easy to get to the bottom corners of your bag and the clip is big enough to properly crimp the bag shut. Nerdy tip: This scoop is also the perfect size for refillable K cups. Save money. Save Earth.
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
Sure, all the cool kids are now switching over to pour-over coffee makers. But they’ve actually been around for years, it’s only recently that people have rediscovered the superior taste. Not to mention this method is also more sustainable in helping eliminate daily plastic and paper waste. Nerdy tip: For best results wait for the water to stop boiling before pouring it over the coffee. The ideal water temperature should be around 205F to avoid burning the grounds and to maximize the flavor.
Can Colander
Nobody likes soggy tuna. Grab this useful kitchen gadget to drain your cans quickly and easily without cutting your fingers or losing bits down the drain. Nerdy tip: For canned vegetables simply attach this and flush with some running water to rinse away excess salt right in the can.
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Strainer
Tired of juggling your strainer while you pour? Here is an easier way to drain water from pasta or grease from ground meat. Just clip this strainer onto the edge of your pot or pan before pouring. When you’re done, throw it in the dishwasher and store it flat in a fraction of the space of a traditional colander. Nerdy tip: Works best for small to medium-sized pots and pans.
Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Bag
Our oceans are being filled with plastics that are impacting sea life at an alarming rate. We can help do our part to make our kitchens more sustainable by reducing the use of plastic bags. These reusable bags are made with food-grade silicone that include air-tight pinch-lock closures to keep your food fresh. Nerdy tip: These silicone bags are safe for the microwave, dishwasher, boiling water, and oven (up to 400F). Unlike traditional plastic sandwich bags that will melt and contaminate your food.
Ecowaare Mesh Reusable Produce Bags
The average family uses 780 disposable plastic grocery bags each year. Switch to these reusable mesh bags to replace those little produce bags at the store. These are a super cute and eco-friendly alternative. You get a set of 15 breathable mesh bags color-coded in 3 different sizes with locking drawstring closures. Nerdy tip: Use these as produce shopping bags to transport your food, or for produce that stays on the counter or in your pantry. For best care, hand wash and air dry bags.
Negg Boiled Egg Peeler
Peeling one little egg isn’t a big deal. But peeling a half-dozen or more can be really time-consuming. Use this handy patented egg peeler as the instructions suggest and watch the shells magically come off. It’s also made in the USA. Nerdy tip: Make sure you cook your eggs following their instructions and chill them immediately after boiling to get the best results.
KPKitchen Batter Dispenser
Working with batter is messy. It drips and splashes everywhere using a ladle or pouring from a bowl. This cool kitchen gadget will help you work faster and cleaner while helping you measure the perfect portions every time. Just load your batter and pull the trigger for 2 seconds for the perfect pancake. It’s so easy to use that even a child can operate it. Nerdy tip: The handle on this model has been redesigned to be more sturdy. Also, try using it for other types of batter including cupcakes, waffles, and muffins for quick and fast measuring.
Boil Over Spill Stopper
Traditional lids are messy. Balancing wooden spoons across your boiling pots and other witchcraft is best left to professional YouTubers. These covers do what they claim. They stop spillovers and splatters when used properly. And they are also safe to use in the microwave. Nerdy tip: The same cooking rules apply when using these. Don’t overfill your pots and watch your heat. Wait for the boil to come to a stop before removing them. Also, even though they come with tiny little handles you should use tongs or hot pads when removing these lids.
Manual Food Chopper
Chopping… Chopping… And more chopping! That’s everyday life in meal prep. You can do it by hand, pay hundreds of dollars for an electric food processor, or you can snag one of these snazzy manual food choppers. This new model is designed to be even more durable and easy to clean. Plus, it even comes with a lifetime guarantee. Nerdy tip: No cords make it portable. Plus, it’s push-button design makes it easier to use than those awkward hard to crank models. Especially for seniors and those with grip difficulty.
Kibee Over The Sink Drainer Rack
We spend a lot of time at the sink during meal prep. Traditional bowl colanders are bulky and only serve one purpose. The best kitchen gadgets have many uses. Transform your sink into a wet counter space with this over the sink drainer rack. You can use this rack as a platform to wash vegetables, defrost frozen food, cool baked goods, or as a mat for hot pots and pans. Made from rustproof food-grade stainless steel. Nerdy tip: Best to confirm sink size before purchasing.
Casabella Guac-Lock Storage Container
Brown guacamole? Ewwwww!! We all know that air and avocado don’t mix well. Store your guac safely and prevent browning with this cute storage container that is specifically designed to remove air and help your food last longer. You can also use this for other sides like hummus, cocktail sauce, salsa fresca, and even tzatziki. Nerdy tip: For best results mix in a larger bowl and transfer extra guac into the container for storage while making sure to press out any air pockets.
Cast Iron Tortilla Press
Store-bought tortillas don’t compare to the warm fresh homemade ones. Rolling out each tortilla is a chore that often results in weird shapes and sizes. Quickly create perfectly sized tortillas every time using this authentic FDA approved cast iron tortilla press. It’s built to last and will quickly turn your kitchen into a tortilla factory. Nerdy tip: This is made of real cast iron so be sure to hand wash, dry well, and coat with cooking oil before storing.
Souper Cubes Freezing Tray + Lid
Making soup, stock, or pesto from scratch is timing consuming. And what do you do with all of the extra leftovers? Take your meal prep game to the next level by freezing perfect portions in handy little ready to use serving sizes. Want a cup of homemade soup? Pesto for dinner? Just grab a cube from the freezer and warm it up. Nerdy tip: Freeze your batch and empty the cubes into freezer bags for storage and keep the trays free to reuse for something else. Also, do not use this in the microwave as it has a steel reinforced rim.
Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
You’ve definitely seen this one if you’ve ever been to an Italian restaurant. Now you can have one in your own home. This classic kitchen gadget makes it easy to grate just the right amount of cheese very quickly as you need it. This model can be adjusted for left or right-handed use. Nerdy tip: Save some cleanup time. Just toss the grater into the fridge with the cheese block in a medium-sized freezer bag for easy storage until next time.
Ototo Silicone Herb and Spice Infuser
Picking rosemary needles and various herbs out of your soups and stews is messy and time-consuming. Grab this cute little kitchen gadget that makes adding deep rich flavors from herbs and spices to your cooking a breeze. Also great for mulled wines, and ciders. Nerdy tip: Flip the orange part inside out for easier cleaning.
Steam Releaser
This one is just cute. Make your kitchen happy while venting your pots with this fun little spinning steam releaser. Nerdy tip: The green base is made from food grade heat resistant silicone but the white spinning flower is plastic so be careful not to put it over another burner.
Suck UK Apron Cooking Guide
Everybody started out as a beginner. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. This apron is fun and useful to wear and is a great gift for your favorite aspiring chef. Easily look down to reference cooking times, measurement conversions, freezing times, and more without fiddling with your phone. Nerdy tip: Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle to preserve the print.
Take Away Dice (*BONUS*)
Let’s be honest, there are evenings when things don’t go to plan. Cooking should be fun and sometimes it’s better to just toss your latest kitchen experiment into the bin and live to cook another day. For you my friend we have this snazzy take-away dice to help make that decision. Nerdy tip: Just roll and watch in suspense as fate chooses from 6 different takeout options for you. Great gift idea!
So many cool kitchen gadgets to choose from. Let us know if we missed any of your favorites? We hope you found this list fun and useful. If you did we appreciate you sharing this post with your friends.