10 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets Every Home Cook Needs
If you love efficiency in the kitchen, youโll adore these gadgets. From cleaning hacks to cooking tools, Iโve rounded up ten tried-and-true essential kitchen gadgets that make life easier and messes manageable. Whether you’re dealing with clogged drains or frying splatter, these tools save time and effort. Plus, theyโre easy to use and built to lastโbecause we all deserve stress-free solutions in the kitchen!
There’s just nothing like a clogged drain in a tub, sink, or shower to get the day off to a bad start. Ack! Now what? Gallons of caustic drain cleaner? A mad online search for an available plumber? Today, I want to share a fabulous anti-clog tool plus nine other kitchen gadgets that I love and adore because they make my life easier. Besides that, I think they’re just plain awesome.
1. Zip-It: Say Goodbye to Clogged Drains
The Original Zip-It Hair Clog Remover
If you’ve got drains they’re a problem just waiting to happenโbut one you can prevent with a slickest little gadget you’ve ever seen.
Many years ago, a faithful reader introduced me to Zip-It, an ingenious drain cleaning tool that works like a champ on drains prone to gathering hairโshowers, bathroom sinks, etc. There are lots of knock-offs out there, but this is the original Zip-It from its inventor, still made in the USA. Totally genius. You’ll find one of these under every sink in my home.
Zip-Itย is a 25-inch plastic snake with barb-like hooks that when inserted into any drain, twisted, and then pulled out, easily removes all the hair, gunk, and stuff that builds up in those bathroom drains to eventually cause a major clogโstuff that doesn’t easily dissolve using boiling water or other tricks.
Zip-It is 100% environmentally safe and involves no toxic fumes or chemicals. Use it once a month to maintain clean drains in your home and you can say good-bye to future clogs and expensive house calls.
2. Starfrit: The Can Opener That Never Fails
Starfrit MightiCan Manual Can Opener
I never thought Iโd get excited about a can openerโuntil I met the Starfrit. For years, I stuck with my trusty manual opener, thinking there wasnโt much room for improvement. Then came a recommendation from EC Reader Tara, who told me sheโs had her Starfrit for 30 years and itโs still going strong. That kind of longevity piqued my interest, and I had to give it a try.
Within 48 hours of ordering, my own little Starfrit arrived. I was skeptical at firstโthis thing is mostly plastic, after allโbut it only took one can to win me over. Itโs lightweight, so easy to use, and glides across cans like itโs reading my mind. Plus, it has a genius Swiss-patented mechanism that holds the lid securely until you release itโno more fishing lids out of soup!
Itโs the kind of gadget you barely notice because it works so effortlessly. But trust me, if youโve ever struggled with dull blades or handles that pinch, youโll notice the difference immediately. This thing just works.
Itโs been a year now, and I canโt imagine my kitchen without it. The Starfrit isnโt flashy, but itโs dependableโand sometimes, thatโs exactly what you need.
3. ThermoPop: A Thermometer Youโll Actually Love
ThermoPopยฎ 2
I canโt count the times this little gadget has saved my baconโliterally. Whether Iโm grilling burgers, roasting chicken, or making candy, my ThermoPopย has been my go-to for years.
What makes it so special? For starters, itโs fast. In just a couple of seconds, I get an accurate reading. And the screen? Itโs geniusโbig, backlit, and it rotates automatically, so I can read it no matter how awkward the angle.
This thing is waterproof. Spills, splashes, or even the occasional accidental dunk? No problem. Mine has taken a few tumbles and keeps coming back for more, still as accurate as the day I got it.
Hereโs what I love most: itโs simple. One button, no frills, and it just works. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cool colors.
The best price is directly from ThermoWorks, but you can also find it on Amazon for added convenience.
4. Brieftons Spiralizer: Fun, Healthy Meals Made Easy
Brieftons 5-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer
It was new to meโa low-carb pasta alternative at Noodles World Kitchen restaurant. It’s called “zoodles”โzucchini noodles! My first thought was, how did they do that? Spoiler: Itโs not magic, but a nifty little gadget you can have at home.
This Spiralizer will turn out fresh zoodles right there in your kitchen. And itโs not just for zoodlesโthink sweet potato spirals, beet ribbons, or even apple curls for dessert. Bonus: Itโs just so much fun!
Once youโve spiralized your zoodles, simply sautรฉ them in a bit of olive oil with garlic and your favorite seasonings for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal.
5. Mr. Scrappy: Garbage Disposal Savior
Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush
If youโve ever noticed a funky smell wafting from your sink, chances are your garbage disposal is the culprit. But donโt worryโMr. Scrappy is here to save the day! This handy little gadget tackles the grossness hiding under the splash guard (you know, that rubbery part that keeps stuff from flying out). Thatโs where all the yucky gunk hidesโout of sight, out of reach, and definitely not out of mind once the smell kicks in. Just follow the package instructions for use and you’ll have a clean, fresh-smelling garbage disposal in a matter of minutes thanks to the original Mr. Scrappy!
6. Fluicer: The Space-Saving Citrus Hero
Dreamfarm Fluicer Fold-Flat Juicer
If youโve been around here a while, you know how much I love my Dreamfarm Sharple (the peeler that sharpens itself every time you open or close itโgenius, right?). Well, guess what? The brilliant minds at Dreamfarm have done it again with their Fluicer, and itโs a game-changer for citrus lovers like me.
Unlike those clunky juicers that hog all the drawer space, the Fluicer folds completely flat. Its clever two-handed design uses your arm muscles (not your hands). Plus, the built-in pip catcher keeps seeds out of your juice while funneling it neatly into a glass or bowl.
Since it comes in three sizes, you can pick the perfect fit for your favorite citrus. I went with the yellow Fluicer because it handles limes and lemons, but thereโs one for oranges too. Honestly, itโs so easy and satisfying to use, I find myself looking for excuses to squeeze a lime (or three).
7. Frywall: Splatter-Free Cooking at Its Best
Frywall Splatter Guard
If youโve ever cooked something deliciously messyโlike our beloved Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs recipeโyou know the struggle: grease pops everywhere, turning your stove into a war zone. Enter the Frywallโit’s a splash guard for your favorite skillet.
Unlike those flat metal screens that block steam and make stirring impossible, the Frywall keeps the mess contained without shutting you out of the action. Need to flip, stir, or add a splash of sauce? No problemโitโs open at the top, so you can do your thing while it does its job. And since itโs made of heat-resistant silicone, it can handle high-temp frying and sautรฉing.
It comes in three sizes (8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch), so you can pick the perfect fit for your favorite skillet. Bonus: when youโre done, toss it in the dishwasher and roll it up for easy storage. Oh, and did I mention it comes in a bunch of fun colors? Practical and pretty.
Fun fact: Frywall had its big break on Shark Tank. Itโs one of those gadgets you donโt realize you need until you try it, and then itโs like, โHow did I ever live without this?โ
8. Levoons: Measuring Made Brilliant
Dreamfarm Levoons Scrape Level Measuring Spoons
Let me tell you about my newest kitchen obsession: Dreamfarm Levoons. Levoons are measuring spoons with a built-in leveling geniusโjust squeeze the handles, and a scraper perfectly levels off the excess.
This set of four measuring spoons snap together for neat storage, fan out for easy selection, and even come apart so you only wash the ones you actually use. The engraved measurements (in tablespoons, teaspoons, and milliliters!) are big and clear, and theyโll never fade or rub off, even after countless trips through the dishwasher.
9. Bacon Bin: Grease Storage Made Easy
Talisman Designs Bacon Bin Grease Strainer & Collector
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been left holding a pan of bacon grease wondering what to do with it. The Talisman Bacon Bin Grease Strainer & Collector comes with a removable strainer to separate all those crispy bacon bits from the grease. Itโs perfect for saving your grease for future frying or safely disposing of it without clogging your pipes. Plus, the heat-resistant silicone can handle hot grease without melting, and itโs dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Iโve been using mine for monthsโno odors, no mess, just a clever way to manage bacon grease.
10. Souper Cubes: Meal Prep Magic
Soup Cubes 1 Cup Silicone Freezer Trays with Lid
Ever wish you could portion out soups, broths, or sauces in a way thatโs easy to manage and saves freezer space? Soup Cubes Silicone Freezer Molds are the solution you’ve been looking for.
Each tray features clear fill lines for precise portionsโยฝ cup, 1 cup, or millilitersโso you can freeze exactly what you need without the guesswork. They’re ideal for soups, rice, sauces, and more. The steel-reinforced edges add stability, while the flexible, food-safe silicone ensures quick and easy release.
As if that wasnโt enough, theyโre oven-safe up to 415ยฐF (lid off), dishwasher-safe, and come with tight-fitting lids to keep your freezer clean and organized.
Question: Whatโs the one kitchen gadget you canโt live without? Letโs compare notes.
EverydayCheapskateโข is reader-supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
More from Everyday Cheapskate
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260925-best-inexpensive-coffee-grinders-burr-manual-and-electric.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-25 11:06:342026-09-28 22:48:36The Coffee Grinder Upgrade That’s Actually Worth It
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260918-man-and-woman-signing-an-extended-warranty-in-a-car-dealership.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-18 15:23:432026-09-18 15:25:43Is an Extended Warranty Ever Worth It? The Truth for 2026
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260917-fall-cleaning-checklist.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-17 17:11:012026-09-28 22:48:45Fall Cleaning Checklist: 15 Overlooked Spots to Clean
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260913-how-to-winterize-your-home-snowy-driveway-suburban-home.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-13 15:32:142026-09-28 22:48:55The Complete Guide to Winterizing Your Home This Fall
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260830-best-sound-machine-for-better-sleep-woman-hiding-under-comforter.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-10 09:51:452026-09-28 22:48:58Best Sound Machine for Better Sleep: 3 Honest Picks
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260906-best-can-openers-manual-electric-luxury.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-06 18:07:432026-09-06 18:10:39The Best Can Openers That Actually Work (And Won’t Quit on You)
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260902-pumpkin-spice-latte-recipe-homemade-diy.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-09-02 16:16:022026-09-02 16:18:35Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe (Cheaper, Better, Faster)
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260831-Portrait-of-a-Pitbull-on-a-yellow-background-homemade-dog-treat-recipes.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-08-31 13:06:072026-09-28 22:49:173 Homemade Dog Treats Recipes Your Dog Will Love Most
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/20260826-DIY-cat-litter-deodorizer-kitten-looking-up-at-camera-from-box.png
800
1200
Mary Hunt
https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/wp-content/uploads/EC-Logo-by-Mary-Hunt-Tagline-Trimmed.png
Mary Hunt2026-08-25 21:17:362026-09-28 22:49:26The One-Ingredient Litter Box Trick That Costs PenniesPlease keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines
Last update on 2026-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My must-have kitchen item is my silicone spatulas. I have about 6 so thereโs always one clean to grab.
Over Christmas I was visiting family and had to open cans with a can opener that hardly turned and barely worked (I had to pry the edges up on a couple of cans in order to remove their contents)! I finally went to your website, found the Starfrit that you had mentioned in your list of best can openers, ordered it, and had it the next day! What a difference! It works great! My only regret is the time I spent using the old can opener!
I buy the drain hair clog removers at Dollar Tree. They work great and I have waist length hair that seems to constantly fall out, expecially in the shower. I just hang the ungloger in the shower and use it as needed. For $1.25 you can’t beat it!
Question – why all the recommendations for one use items. You usd to always say, “never buy a one use item.”
Very niceโฆ I really like your blog as well as website. Very useful information and worth reading. Thanks.
I just inherited my grandmothers kitchen items. I love them. I have two glass juicers and I use them all the time. Might be old school but they work wonders. I also have a screen with a handle that I use over my skillets to keep the grease in the skillet instead of on my stove. I love it. Never knew about these items. I bought a spiralizer and never used it. Still new in box. I forgot that my clan won’t eat veggies in weird ways like that. Guess it will go in my next garage sale. One way to save money is to think and think before you buy. I think it is a great deal everybody is talking about it then I realize that I didn’t need it. LOL
I like that….think and think before you buy!!!
I donโt like having one use tools. Instead of a spiralizer, I bought a mandolin that has a number of attachments including one that cuts very thin strips. Not quite as pretty, but it works. I mix the zoodles with an equal amount of spaghetti to get a full plate with half the amount of carbs and calories.
I love these gadget tips. I ordered a Danish dough whisk on your recommendation and that gadget gets a work out for many uses. My next gadget is the Lemon/Lime juicer. Thanks!