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With the right kitchen tools, you can make meal prep and cooking a breeze. And the best part? You don't have to spend a lot of money to get high-quality, effective tools.
Here are 20 must-have kitchen tools that are all under $50.
- Immersion Blender - An immersion blender is a versatile tool that can blend, puree, and whip a variety of ingredients right in the pot or container they are in. It eliminates the need for transferring hot liquids to a blender, which can be a messy and dangerous process. Plus, it's easy to clean and takes up very little storage space.
- Chicken Shredder - A chicken shredder is a tool that makes shredding cooked chicken quick and easy. It's perfect for making pulled chicken for sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Plus, it's dishwasher safe and can also be used to shred pork, beef, or other types of meat.
- Instant Pot - The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more. It's perfect for making soups, stews, and one-pot meals, and it can cook food up to 70% faster than traditional methods. Plus, it has a delayed start timer and automatic keep-warm function, making meal prep and planning even easier.
- Silicone Baking Mats - These reusable mats are a great alternative to parchment paper or cooking spray when baking. They're non-stick, easy to clean, and can be used in the oven or microwave. Plus, they're environmentally friendly and can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for disposable baking supplies.
- Garlic Press - A garlic press is a simple yet effective tool that can save you time and hassle when cooking with garlic. It quickly and easily crushes garlic cloves, eliminating the need for tedious mincing or chopping. Plus, it's dishwasher safe and takes up very little space in your kitchen.
- Mandoline Slicer - The mandoline slicer is a must-have tool for any home cook who wants to create uniform slices or julienne cuts of fruits and vegetables. It's perfect for making salads, vegetable chips, or even homemade potato chips. Plus, it has adjustable thickness settings and comes with a safety guard to protect your fingers.
- Salad Spinner - A salad spinner is a great tool for washing and drying greens and other vegetables. It can remove excess moisture from your produce, making your salads crisper and more flavorful. Plus, it can also be used to dry herbs or berries, and the bowl can double as a serving dish.
- Microplane Zester - The microplane zester is a small, handheld tool that can quickly and easily zest citrus fruits or grate hard cheeses, garlic, or ginger. It's perfect for adding flavor and texture to your dishes, and it's easy to clean and store.
- Cast Iron Skillet - A cast iron skillet is a versatile tool that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. It's perfect for searing meat, cooking vegetables, or baking desserts. Plus, it's virtually indestructible and can last for generations if properly cared for.
- Handheld Milk Frother - A handheld milk frother is a great tool for creating frothy milk for your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It's also perfect for making whipped cream or foamy toppings for your desserts. Plus, it's easy to use and takes up very little space in your kitchen.
- Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed citrus juice can take your cocktails, marinades, and dressings to the next level. A handheld citrus juicer is an affordable and efficient way to get every last drop of juice out of lemons, limes, and oranges.
- Potato Masher: Whether you like your mashed potatoes creamy or chunky, a potato masher can help you achieve the perfect texture. This simple tool can also be used to mash other vegetables like carrots or turnips.
- Garlic Press: Garlic adds flavor to almost every dish, but mincing garlic can be tedious and time-consuming. A garlic press allows you to quickly and easily crush garlic cloves without getting your hands dirty.
- Cheese Grater: Grating cheese by hand can be a workout for your arms. A handheld cheese grater can save you time and energy while producing finely grated cheese for your recipes.
- Immersion Blender: An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, can blend soups, smoothies, and sauces directly in the pot or pitcher. This tool is compact and easy to store, making it a great addition to small kitchens.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: Baking is a science that requires precise measurements. A digital kitchen scale can help you accurately weigh ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, ensuring that your baked goods turn out perfectly every time.
- Pizza Cutter: A pizza cutter is a must-have tool for any pizza lover. It allows you to quickly and easily slice through pizza, flatbreads, and quesadillas, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
- Silicone Spatula Set: Silicone spatulas are a durable and versatile kitchen tool that can be used for stirring, scraping, and flipping. A set of different sizes and shapes can be helpful for a variety of cooking tasks.
- Pastry Brush: Whether you're glazing a ham or brushing butter onto croissants, a pastry brush can help you evenly distribute liquids or melted butter onto your food. Look for a silicone brush that is easy to clean and won't shed bristles.
- Food Processor: A food processor can chop vegetables, make pesto, blend hummus, and even make homemade nut butter. While some models can be expensive, there are affordable options that can handle most kitchen tasks.
With these 20 kitchen tools, you'll be well on your way to easier and more efficient meal prep and cooking. And the best part? They're all under $50, so you don't have to break the bank to upgrade your kitchen.