Many home cooks struggle with cluttered drawers filled with impulse buys that never see use. However, certain kitchen gadgets you didn't know you needed can transform daily food preparation by making tedious tasks much faster and easier.

Which tools improve prep work?

Specialized tools can reduce the physical labor involved in cooking. For example, a small silicone tube can be used to peel garlic cloves by rolling them on a counter. Other helpful items include:

  • Microplanes for zesting or grating hard cheeses and vegetables.
  • Cut-resistant gloves to protect hands when using sharp tools like mandolines.
  • A slim spurtle to reach the edges of jars when managing sourdough starters.
  • A stainless steel jigger with top-down markings to prevent spills and eliminate the need to crouch.
  • A veggie chopper that allows users to quickly press down a lid to slice onions or peppers without the usual mess.

Are there better material options?

Newer materials are changing how cooks maintain their equipment. Wood fibre cutting boards have emerged as a modern alternative to traditional wood. According to Kitchenalia manager Alejandra Maldonado, these boards are antibacterial, resist stains, and can be placed in the dishwasher. They also do not require regular oiling to prevent cracking and serve as a way to avoid microplastics.

For those baking bread, eco-friendly beeswax and linen satchels can help keep loaves soft and crusty for over a week. Additionally, technology like sous vide cookers allows for precise temperature control via smartphone apps, enabling users to cook meals without constant supervision.

Why invest in new tools?

While many kitchen items are too specialized or difficult to use, high-quality gadgets solve specific problems. A sous vide cooker, for instance, can be controlled via Bluetooth from up to 30 feet away, meaning you do not have to hover over a stove for hours. Similarly, specialized graters like the Microplane offer different sizes for different tasks, such as zesting or shredding hard cheese, making them more versatile than standard tools.

FAQ

How can I protect myself while grating food?

You should invest in a pair of cut-resistant gloves to wear when using sharp tools like Microplanes or mandolines.

What are the benefits of wood fibre boards?

These boards are dishwasher safe, resist cuts, and do not require the regular oiling that traditional wooden boards need.