5 Most Used and Most Loved Kitchen Gadgets

My cooking has dramatically improved with practice and I’ve learned a lot over the years from family, friends, Food Network stars, podcasts, and blogs. I’ve found that having the right tools in my kitchen really does make things easier. The items below are things I use all the time. They are simple and most don’t cost much, but make a huge impact in your kitchen.

Silpat Baking Mat

Silpat Baking Mat, $25 – This is a 13″ x 18″ sheet pan although they do have other sizes. This is a flat mat that sits inside your sheet pan. Roasting broccoli? Bust out this bad boy. I’ve used these baking mats for over 10 years; I still have the first one I ever bought although it has been thoroughly loved! It works so well when roasting or baking something in the oven, it prevents the food from sticking to the sheet pan, it also creates an even browning and can be used over and over again because it’s washable. Just hand wash with hot soapy water then lay flat to dry. Finally, no more pizza dough sticking to the pan!

Citrus Squeezer

Citrus Squeezer, $19 – This tool is similar to mine and makes it so easy to squeeze all the juice out of lemons or limes. It’s made out of aluminum and will get the job done easily. If a lemon wedge is too big for the tool I’ll just cut it in half and get to squeezing. If you use lemons or limes a lot in cooking this is a much have.

Zester and Grater

Zester and Grater, $11 – I have the Kitchen Aid brand but it seems to be hard to find online. The one linked is similar and has very high reviews. I love this for lemon or lime zest and when I need grated ginger or garlic in a recipe. The zesting is super easy and fast. Dishwasher safe too.

Fine Mesh Strainers (3 sizes)

Fine Mesh Strainers, $11 – I’ve had these for over 10 years. They are made of stainless steel. I use them all the time whether I’m straining bone broth or sifting powdered sugar to use in a frosting recipe. The little one is used quite often when I’m brewing coffee and the coffee grounds accidentally leak over the side of the Melita into the coffee cup. I quickly grab the smallest strainer and pour the coffee through it into a new cup and have a cup of joe free of coffee grounds.

4 Cup Liquid Measuring Cup

4 Cup Liquid Measuring Cup, $5 – I just started using this recently. I’ve had a glass 2 cup liquid measuring cup for over 10 years which I love, but the 4 cup one is so handy. When making soups that call for 4 cups of water, one trip to the sink and you’re done. Also for mixing small amounts of ingredients this works really well. Salad dressing, coffee cake topping, scrambling eggs, etc. I think I would also really like the 2-quart size pitcher. It would make mixing and pouring pancake batter that much easier.

What is your favorite kitchen gadget?

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