When you have a busy life filled with a hectic job and kids that have to be dropped off at softball practice, the last thing you need is a chaotic kitchen that slows you down and makes life more burdensome. Instead, simplify your life by buying items that save you time and make cooking easier. They’ll make preparing delicious, healthy meals feel like the least stressful thing on your to-do list. From adjustable measuring spoons to heated butterknives, this list has everything, and you’ll wonder how you lived this long without them. Below, products that’ll make cooking just a little simpler.
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Heated Butter Knife
1. Heated Butter Knife
Yep, like something straight out of The Jetsons cartoon, this knife will let you butter your toast without having to microwave the butter first. It's also great for cheese, bread, and other cold items.
Where to buy: $21.99, Amazon
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Fruit Slicer
2. Fruit Slicer Set
If you're bonkers about fruit (or trying to get into the habit), this set of fruit slicers and juicers combines all your fruit preparation needs in one. It's an apple slicer, avocado scooper, citrus cutter, and lemon squeezer, plus all-around masher, mesh cutter, grater, and mixing bowl. Did we also mention that it's simply adorable?
Where to buy: $16.99, Amazon
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No Cry Resistant Gloves
3. Cut-Resistant Gloves
Any episode of Chopped will tell you that even professional cooks knick themselves from time to time. However, if you're the klutzy type who's trying to slice a tomato while small children run around your ankles, it's probably best to have a little protection. These special gloves are cut-proof, tougher than leather, and will save you a visit to the emergency room.
Where to buy: $10.99, Amazon
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Magnetic Spice Tins Pretty
4. Magnetic Spice Tins
Every kitchen has a messy spice cabinet stuffed full of so many seasonings that you can't even find what you're looking for half the time. But it doesn't have to be that way. These magnetic tins let you easily organize and label your spices and stick them to any metal surface. Simple.
Where to buy: $24.99, Amazon
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Wall Mount Grocery Bag Dispenser
5. Mounted Grocery Bag Dispenser
And speaking of stuffed cabinets, you probably have one full of plastic bags. You open it and all the bags come flying out, right? Make your life a little easier with this dispenser that you can easily mount on any wall, keeping those dreaded grocery sacks out of the way.
Where to buy: $14.97, Amazon
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Adjustable Measuring Spoon
6. Adjustable Measuring Spoon
Why use five spoons when you can use just one? This measuring spoon lets you adjust from 1/8 teaspoon size to a full tablespoon.
Where to buy: $6.98, Amazon
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Pot Organizer
7. Height-Adjustable Pot and Pan Organizer
When you open your cabinet door, do all the pots and pans fly out? We know — it's our secret shame, too. Fortunately, these organizing racks let you stack your pots and pans easily without getting them scratched up.
Where to buy: $24.76, Amazon
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Coffee Spoon Clip
8. Stainless Steel Coffee Scoop with Bag Clip
Now here's something for the coffee addicts, which, let's admit, is all of us. This scoop is also a bag clip, letting you measure your coffee in the morning and clip the bag closed when you're done so everything stays fresh.
Where to buy: $6.99, Amazon
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Baggy Opener
9. Baggy Opener: Hands-Free Holder
Ever tried to pour leftovers into a plastic bag? Messy, right? These bag holders are like an extra pair of hands. Simply clip your bag into the racks and easily pour in whatever you need.
Where to buy: $11.99, Amazon
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Oil Vinegar Spray
10. 2-in-1 Oil and Vinegar Mister
This is another nifty invention you never knew you needed — until now. This mister lets you spray your salads easily without having to worry about going overboard with too much oil or vinegar.
Where to buy: $19.95, Amazon
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Snap Strainer
11. Clip-On Kitchen Food Strainer
Save time dragging out your strainer by using this clip-on version instead. It fits any pot, pan, or skillet — and any item that saves us from washing an extra dish is an automatic win for us.
Where to buy: $10.60, Amazon
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Spiralizer
12. Veggie Spiralizer
If you're thinking of switching to a low-carb diet, a spiralizer is a must-have. Easily cut veggies into cute spirals for a healthier alternative to pasta or curly fries. Of course, you could save yourself the money and teach yourself how to julienne a vegetable, but who has the time for that?
Where to buy: $19.97, Amazon
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Herb Grinder
13. Herb Grinder
Cutting herbs is always harder than it seems. The process gets your knife and cutting board all dirty while producing less-than-acceptable cuts of thyme or parsley. However, this grinder lets you dice your herbs easily without the work.
Where to buy: $10.99, Amazon