Shortcuts for Lazy Cooks: Streamline Your Kitchen Routine With These 29 Time-Saving Tips
Hey there, bud! Check out these rad kitchen gizmos that'll make your culinary adventures a zillion times easier.
1. Pancake Batter Dispenser and Killer Mixer - You've got pancakes down to a science, just add this bad boy to the mix, and breakfast is served like a boss!
Link: Amazon.com - $14.99
Let's hear it from our fellow kitchen warriors:
2. Manual Short Order Chopper - Say goodbye to chopping carrots like a caveman! This beast chops fruits, veggies, even ice in an instant.
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $19.99 (multiple colors available)
Users can't get enough of this little buddy:
3. Magic Slow Cooker Liners - Spill-free and quick clean up? Yes, please! These neat-o liners keep your slow cooker smelling fresh and looking clean. No more endless scrubbing or soaking.
Link: Amazon.com - $3.18 (pack of six)
A satisfied user raves:
4. Silicone Air-Tight Food Covers - Cover up your leftovers with these silicone covers and forget about Tupperware hell. They're leakproof and can go in the microwave, freezer, or dishwasher.
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $13.99 (pack of 18)
One happy customer shares:
5. Microwave Pasta Maker - Who needs an Italian nonna when you've got this genius gadget? Cook your pasta to perfection in just 15 minutes, no boiling water required.
Link: Amazon.com - $17.99
Check out these praising words from users:
6. If you're feeling old-school, grab a Spaghetti Measure - Perfect for portion control every time, whether it's for a fancy dinner or a big gathering. And the best part? No more wasted food!
Link: Etsy - $5
This handy dandy tool comes from Clever Contraptions, a woman-owned small business based in Oregon.
7. Avocado Splitter and Knife - Slicing, dicing, and pit removal? No sweat! This bad boy handles it all with ease.
Link: Amazon.com - $11.95
Here's what one thrilled user has to say:
8. Handheld Mixer with Attachments - Tired arms from constant mixing? Solve that problem with this nifty mixer that comes with three attachments: whisk, frother, and blender.
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $34.97
Reviewers have nothing but praise for this gadget:
9. Touchscreen Air Fryer - Quick and delicious meals have never been more accessible! With 13 cooking modes, even the worst of cooks can create amazing meals (like humming while you eat type of amazing).
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $119.99 (available in four colors)
Rave reviews from users:
10. Compact Dash Air Fryer - Don't have much counter space? No problem! This compact Dash air fryer will give you delicious meals without taking up a lot of room.
Link: Amazon.com - $49.99 (available in five colors)
11. Reusable Air Fryer Liners - Sick of endless clean up? These reusable liners will make cleanup a breeze (and because they're made of silicone, you'll get years of use!).
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $11.95 (pack of three)
12. Hard-Boiled Egg Timer - No more guessing when it comes to boiling eggs! This clever tool tells you when the eggs are ready to perfection every time.
Link: Amazon.com - $6.99
13. Rapid Egg Cooker - Hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs - this egg cooking gadget does it all flawlessly. Eggs cooked to perfection every time? Yes please!
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $16.99 (available in eight colors)
14. Sous Vide Precision Cooker - Get restaurant-quality meals at home with minimal effort. This precision cooker can be controlled right from your phone and sends update notifications from up to 30 feet away! Cooking has never been so easy.
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $119
15. Rapid Food Slicer - Forget spending hours cutting teeny tiny cherry tomatoes! This nifty gadget makes it quick and easy (and it works for cutting bagels, chicken breasts, and cheese too!).
Link: Amazon.com - $12.95
16. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker - Want a quick, delicious cup of Joe in the morning? The Keurig K-Mini is your solution!
Link: Amazon.com - $79.99
17. Instant Pot 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker - This pressure cooker does it all! Perfect for those with limited space or limited cooking experience. It features 15 pre-programmed and customizable cooking settings for things as simple as soup or rice, to more complicated ventures like slow cooking and sautéing.
Link: Amazon.com - $79.99 (available in three sizes)
18. Pressure Cooker Magnetic Cheat Sheet Set - Need a hand with your Instant Pot? This handy cheat sheet will help you out with suggested cooking times, liquid ratios, and more!
Link: Amazon.com - $9.95 (also available for air fryers)
19. Automatic Bread Maker - Fancy yourself a bit of a baker but hate the time it takes to whip up a loaf of bread? The automatic bread maker takes care of the entire baking process from start to finish, allowing you to make other things like cake and jams. Yum!
Link: Amazon.com - $99.99
20. 5-in-1 Water-Saving Colander and Mixing Bowl Set - This multi-purpose kitchen gadget makes cooking and draining things like pasta and veggies a breeze. The mixing bowl even has a super long pour spout, making it a go-to tool for baking.
Link: Goldune - $42 (available in five colors)
This beauty is a 5-in-1: rinse fruit and veggies, recycle the water it saves for cooking or watering plants, use the spout to pour batter, eggs, and sauces, and use it as a mixing bowl. Perfect for making lunch or dinner prep more efficient!
Goldune is a woman-owned small biz that was founded in Oct 2020 (yes, pandemic founded!). The site brings together various eco-friendly brands in the home, kitchen, and personal care arena making it easier to shop sustainably!
21. Oil Mister - Say goodbye to constant oil spraying while cooking! This mister makes it effortless to evenly coat every inch of your food with oil.
Link: Amazon.com (x2) - $15.99 (available in multiple colors)
22. Vegetable Holder - Slice, chop, or peel fruits and veggies effortlessly with this handy holder. It's safe for even the clumsiest of cooks!
Link: Amazon.com - $8.99 (also available in purple)
23. Cold Brew Pitcher - Looking for a quick and delicious cold brew coffee in the morning? Look no further! This cool pitcher makes cold brew coffee in a snap.
Link: Amazon.com - $27.99 (available in two sizes and three colors)
24. HyperChiller Beverage Cooler - Need your iced coffee ASAP? This chiller can turn your hot coffee into iced coffee in mere seconds. Keep it in your freezer for quick access.
Link: Amazon.com - $24.99 (also available in rose gold and navy blue)
25. Bagel Guillotine Slicer - Nothing is more frustrating than a malfunctioning bagel slicer. But worry no more, this nifty gadget does the job perfectly every time, and it's dishwasher safe to boot!
Link: Amazon.com - $19.99
26. Citrus Peeler Set - Tired of digging your nails into oranges to peel them? This set of citrus peelers makes it easy as pie to peel oranges and other citrus fruits without the mess.
Link: Amazon.com - $5.99
27. Knife Sharpener - A sharp knife is a happy knife! Keep yours in tip-top shape with this easy-to-use sharpener.
Link: Amazon.com - $8.87
Did you enjoy this amazing list of kitchen gadgets? If you want more, check out BuzzFeed's full gift guide for even more awesome ideas!
Enrichment Data:
These kitchen gadgets are designed to make cooking faster, easier, and more convenient:
- Chef's Knife and Cutting Board: A quality knife and cutting board help make meal prep a breeze.
- Non-Stick Frying Pan and Saucepan: Non-stick makes cleanup a breeze while allowing you to cook meals efficiently.
- Air Fryer: This gadget cooks a variety of foods quickly and easily while using less oil than traditional methods.
- Sous Vide Cooker: This equipment uses precise temperature control to perfectly cook meals like steak or eggs.
- Cold Brew Coffee Maker: This device brews coffee steeped in cold water, resulting in a smooth and less acidic coffee.
- Bagel Guillotine: Perfect for slicing bagels and other round breads, this gadget is a must-have for any breakfast lover.
- Citrus Peeler and Knife: A clever set of tools helps you easily peel citrus fruits while also allowing you to julienne, slice, or spiralize different types of produce.
These tools can also be useful for staying organized, cooking more efficiently, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen:
- Food Processor: This versatile kitchen appliance has multiple functions to help you chop, slice, puree, and grate various ingredients quickly.
- Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder: A battery-operated grinder provides hassle-free seasoning and adds a touch of sophistication to your meals.
- Salad Spinner: This compact and easy-to-use gadget cleans and spins greens dry in a matter of minutes.
- Meal Prep Containers: These color-coded containers are the perfect solution for organizing prepped meals and storing them in the fridge.
- Reusable Storage Bags: Reusable bags help reduce waste by storing food and freezing it for later use.
- Square Cutting board: This space-saving cutting board provides ample space for chopping and is easy to clean.
- Silicone Stretch Lids: These lids can stretch to fit various containers, providing a leak-proof and microwaveable cover for leftovers.
Some specialty gadgets that are popular among chefs and home cooks include:
- Egg Separator: This tool helps you separate egg yolks and whites cleanly and efficiently.
- Apple Corer and Slicer: This multi-function gadget cuts apples into slices and removes the core, making quick work of preparing fruit for a healthy snack or dessert.
- Vegetable Spiralizer: This kitchen gadget creates long, thin strands of vegetable noodles, providing a healthier alternative to traditional pasta.
- Avocado Slicer: This tool quickly and neatly slices and pitted avocados, making it easy to enjoy this popular fruit.
- Garlic Press: This gadget peels, minces, and presses garlic, eliminating the need for a knife and reducing hassle and mess while cooking.
- Mandoline Slicer: This device allows you to thinly and evenly slice vegetables with ease, resulting in uniform slices for presentation purposes.
- Citrus Juicer: This handy tool efficiently extracts juice from citrus fruits, making it easier and quicker to prepare cocktails, smoothies, or dressings.
Practical and useful gadgets that help clean and maintain your kitchen include:
- Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: This portable vacuum makes quick work of cleaning up small messes, such as flour, sugar, or crumbs.
- Dishwasher Rack Organizer: This organizer helps you fit more dishes into your dishwasher, making clean up easier and more efficient.
- Silicone Scraper: This flexible scraper helps remove burnt-on food and sauce from pots and pans, making cleanup faster and easier.
- Soap Dispenser: This gadget allows you to keep soap at the ready, making it easier to wash your hands after cooking or handling raw meat.
- Microfiber Towels: These towels provide a soft and absorbent surface for drying dishes, reducing the risk of scratches and stains.
Sources:
- Upgrade your pancake game with the Pancake Batter Dispenser and Killer Mixer, perfect for easy and fast breakfasts. - Amazon.com - $14.99
- "As someone who makes pancakes or waffles three to four times a week, this is the easiest and fastest way to get it done. I just add everything to the bottle, shake, and pour into the waffle maker or griddle. When I am done, just add some water, shake again, empty, and then place everything in the dishwasher." -Amazon Customer
- Manual Short Order Chopper - A must-have for quick and hassle-free chopping of fruits, veggies, and even ice. - Amazon.com (x2) - $19.99 (multiple colors available)
- "Makes chopping up veggies super quick! All you have to do is rough chop down your veggies, toss them in and give it four to five pulls for perfectly diced chunks for salsa or toppings on eggs or tacos. It comes with a handy cover, too, so all you have to do is rinse the blade and toss the container in the fridge or cooler." -Kevin B.
- Magic Slow Cooker Liners - Spill-free and quick clean up? Yes, please! These neat-o liners keep your slow cooker smelling fresh and looking clean. No more endless scrubbing or soaking. - Amazon.com - $3.18 (pack of six)
- "I been using this brand for a while now... I own a Kitchen Aid slow cooker and this fits well over the ceramic pot. When I am done, just add some water, shake, empty, and then place everything in the dishwasher. No more need for an intense clean or soaking. With this liner, the cleanup is zero for the pot and you only need to wash your slow cooker lid. So easy and it's one of the greatest inventions." -Triple Bogie
- Silicone Air-Tight Food Covers - Say goodbye to Tupperware hell. These leakproof covers can go in the microwave, freezer, or dishwasher. - Amazon.com (x2) - $13.99 (pack of 18)
- "I bought these to replace the lids on my Pyrex because they were all cracked. I have multiple sized Pyrex including rectangular ones. These lids are thin and stretchy which work perfectly around pretty much any dish. Even though they are all circular they stretch to fit the rectangular ones great!" -Matza
- Microwave Pasta Maker - Cook your pasta to perfection in just 15 minutes, no boiling water required. - Amazon.com - $17.99
- "I love this microwavable pasta cooker. It's quick, convenient, less mess, and the noodles taste delicious... Seriously, you're pasta will be cooked just right... I hate to cook, but this microwave pasta maker works on lasagna and ravioli, too!" -Renee
- If you're feeling old-school, grab a Spaghetti Measure - Perfect for portion control every time, whether it's for a fancy dinner or a big gathering. And the best part? No more wasted food! - Etsy - $5
This handy dandy tool comes from Clever Contraptions, a woman-owned small business based in Oregon.
- Avocado Splitter and Knife - Slicing, dicing, and pit removal? No sweat! This bad boy handles it all with ease. - Amazon.com - $11.95
Here's what one thrilled user has to say:
- "I've almost cut myself, or cut myself, too many times attempting to remove the pit of the avocado. And this is the best, most underrated tool ever. 10/10 quality, washes well in dishwasher. So easy to use and I promise you won't cut yourself!" -Aly
- Handheld Mixer with Attachments - Tired arms from constant mixing? Solve that problem with this nifty mixer that comes with three attachments: whisk, frother, and blender. - Amazon.com (x2) - $34.97
Reviewers have nothing but praise for this gadget:
- "I got this after my old stand blender burned out while I was grinding oatmeal. I thought a stick blender would be able to work through dry ingredients a little better and keep from overheating. I'm happy to say that is the case... This little thing is very powerful for its size and really chops whatever you set it to... It's easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean and works great...Some people have commented that you can only use this for a minute at a time, trust me that is plenty. It is meant to be more of a pulsing blender and you move it around enough that a minute of actual operation will likely work through whatever you are blending." -Clara
- Touchscreen Air Fryer - Quick and delicious meals have never been more accessible! With 13 cooking modes, even the worst of cooks can create amazing meals (like humming while you eat type of amazing). - Amazon.com (x2) - $119.99 (available in four colors)
Rave reviews from users:
- "I may never use a regular oven again! It's super easy, cleanup is so quick. It doesn't heat up the kitchen. It's safe! You can set it to cook and go do something else; however, it cooks anything in half the time... My #1 reason for wanting an air fryer is to cook chicken wings. It exceeds my expectations! #2 reason, 🍟 french fries. I've cooked steak successfully. Reheats food much better than a microwave also." -Susan W.
- Compact Dash Air Fryer - Don't have much counter space? No problem! This compact Dash air fryer will give you delicious meals without taking up a lot of room. - Amazon.com - $49.99 (available in five colors)
- Reusable Air Fryer Liners - Sick of endless clean up? These reusable liners will make cleanup a breeze (and because they're made of silicone, you'll get years of use!). - Amazon.com (x2) - $11.95 (pack of three)
- Hard-Boiled Egg Timer - No more guessing when it comes to boiling eggs! This clever tool tells you when the eggs are ready to perfection every time. - Amazon.com - $6.99
- Rapid Egg Cooker - Hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs - this egg cooking gadget does it all flawlessly. Eggs cooked to perfection every time? Yes please! - Amazon.com (x2) - $16.99 (available in eight colors)
- Sous Vide Precision Cooker - Get restaurant-quality meals at home with minimal effort. This precision cooker can be controlled right from your phone and sends update notifications from up to 30 feet away! Cooking has never been so easy. - Amazon.com (x2) - $119
- Rapid Food Slicer - Forget spending hours cutting teeny tiny cherry tomatoes! This nifty gadget makes it quick and easy (and it works for cutting bagels, chicken breasts, and cheese too!). - Amazon.com - $12.95
- Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker - Want a quick, delicious cup of Joe in the morning? The Keurig K-Mini is your solution! - Amazon.com - $79.99
- Instant Pot 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker - This pressure cooker does it all! Perfect for those with limited space or limited cooking experience. It features 15 pre-programmed and customizable cooking settings for things as simple as soup or rice, to more complicated ventures like slow cooking and sautéing. - Amazon.com - $79.99 (available in three sizes)
- Pressure Cooker Magnetic Cheat Sheet Set - Need a hand with your Instant Pot? This handy cheat sheet will help you out with suggested cooking times, liquid ratios, and more! - Amazon.com - $9.95 (also available for air fryers)
