Here's the secret no one tells you when you're growing up: You're going to have to cook ... every day (sometimes multiple times a day) ... for the rest of your life. And, after about 7,412 times of doing this, you're going to seriously consider eating cereal straight from the box from that point forward. Cool kitchen gadgets don't mean you can stop cooking - this is your life now - but they do mean you can enjoy things a little more while you're doing them.
This list is all about kitchen gadgets you should have in your household if you're a whole adult, and if you're reading this, you definitely qualify as a whole adult. There's no turning back now. I've got thermometers for your meat (because it really does make a difference), coffee gadgets to help you do all the things and even a cushy kitchen mat for all the standing you're doing either at the sink or the stove. Adultify your kitchen immediately and start now with the very adult-y gadgets below.
This Opener Makes Quick Work Of Jars
Since we're talking about gadgets that every adults needs in their kitchen, let's start with this one that may conjure images of the geriatric set. But, let's be honest: We all struggle to open jars from time to time. This one installs under your top cabinets and opens jars of various sizes.
Make Perfect Meat With This Handy Thermometer
I was 40 years old before I purchased a meat thermometer and it genuinely improved my cooking immensely. This one is wireless with instant-read technology and works for all types of dishes, from meat to candy to meat candy. Wait, no, that last thing sounds gross.
Froth Your Own Lattes With This Electric Whisk
The average American spends $1,100 a year on coffee, which is comforting to know because I'm clearly above average. This at-home milk frother will let you craft your favorite coffeeshop drinks...without the coffeeshop price. And, with all that money you're going to save, you could take a trip to Brazil and visit coffee beans in person.
Mix Up Everything With This Bowl Set
One of my first big-girl purchases for my kitchen was a set of high-quality mixing bowls, which can be used for everything from tossing veggies with seasoning to whipping together the ingredients for cookies. This six-piece set can handle any kitchen task and, with flat bases, they won't slip-slide around.
These Storage Containers Love Your Leftovers
It's time to graduate from those Country Crock containers and leftover boxes you got at the restaurant. You're an adult and you should act like one, which means you need to buy enough containers so you can lose the lids. Just kidding! This 24-piece glass storage set is a complete grown-up solution for leftovers and meal prepping.
This Rhino is A Clever Knife Sharpener
Just because you grew up doesn't mean you have to "grow up." This blade knife sharpener does just what it says but comes housed in the cutest little rhino package. Affectionately dubbed "Blade," the sharpener sits between the two "horns." Look at you - a real "monster" in the kitchen!
This Wok Can Handle All Types Of Dishes
You know you're really a full-fledged adult when you start acquiring specialty pieces for your kitchen, like this wok with domed lid and included bamboo spatula. Sure, it's perfect for stir frys but it'll work just as well for frying chicken, boiling potatoes or searing meat.
This Kitchen Mat Will Save Your Feet And Knees
The worst part of cooking, if you ask me, is all the standing. Standing at the sink, standing at the stove, standing and staring into the pantry wishing dinner would make itself. These kitchen mats are worth their weight in gold, providing relief for your feet and legs while protecting your floors from spills and stains. Choose from multiple sizes and more than a dozen colors and patterns.
Get Even Slices With This Cutting Gadget
I simply couldn't live without one of these onion slicers, which can be used for a lot more than onions. What I love about it is how it creates uniform slices for whatever you're prepping, so one sandwich tomato isn't perfect while the other looks like a small mountain. A detachable stainless steel "soap" is great for getting the onion scent off your hands.
Put Anything On Ice With These Cold Packs
Only after you become an adult do you realize that ice comes in different forms for different purposes. That good pebble ice is for crunching and these thin, reusable ice packs are ideal for lunchboxes and coolers. You'll get a set of two that are refillable for when you need them and light to store when you don't.
This Espresso Machine Belongs On Your Counter
Before you can do any of the adulting, you're going to need coffee. This espresso machine will set your morning (or afternoon or evening) right, with a built-in milk frother and removable water tank. This unit takes both ground coffee and pods for added convenience.
Pick A Peck Of Pickles With This Dedicated Fork
Have a passion for pickles? This pickle fork snaps right onto your pickle jar so you can solve those late-night cravings without rummaging around in the flatware drawer. You'll get two with this purchase so one for pickles and one for olives?
Dice Like A Breeze With This Versatile Chopper
The worst part of any kitchen project is the chopping and the dicing and the slicing. I'd cook eight times a day if it didn't require so much prep work. This chopper simplifies the process with four blades and a built-in container to catch all your goodies.
This Slicer Makes Quick Work Of Tomatoes
What is this sorcery? It's a rapid slicer that'll let you cut up multi grape tomatoes or grapes or other orb-shaped things so quickly, you'll be trying to put grape tomatoes in everything you make. The convenient handle makes it simple to hold and the non-slip design means you won't cut anything you don't intend to - hopefully.
Round Out Your Drinks With These Round Ice Cube Trays
We've already discussed orb-shaped things and ice so why not combine the pair into one handy gadget? These round ice cube trays make ice more interesting for drinks or cocktails or could be the starting point for tiny hot chocolate bombs or Jell-O shots, er, spheres.
Poach The Perfect Egg With This Adorable Float
Egg poaching might be tricky for some, but no one ever said it had to be boring. This egg poacher looks like a tiny pool float complete with palm tree, with the whole thing floating in a cup or pan of hot water. All you have to do is crack the egg ... and eat it when it's finished, of course.
This Peeler Simplifies Your Use Of Garlic
I don't even eat that much garlic but I'm in love with all things garlic-involved, including this adorable peeler that you use by simply rolling under your hand. This method keeps that Dracula-spooking scent off of your hands. When you're finished, you can toss it in the dishwasher.
Store Your Lid And More With This Stand
What do you do with the lid from your pan when you need to take a peek inside or give things a stir? I hate it when someone places the lid wet side down and then there's a ring to clean on the counter. (Yeah, I'm that person.) This pot lid stand gives your lids a resting place (it can hold two) and keeps your countertops clean.
This Rice Cooker Makes Easy Work Of Grains
Can you believe there are people alive who don't know how to cook rice? I'm not talking about those microwaveable bags either. This microwave rice cooker lets you measure, wash, cook and serve perfectly fluffy rice and grains in one. Everything you need to achieve glorious rice is included.
This Dispenser Plops Perfect Pancakes
Pancakes always sound like a good idea until it's time to make them and then it's a lot of measuring, mixing, stirring and gloopy messes on the griddle. This pancake batter dispenser simplifies everyone's favorite breakfast meal with easy trigger-action dispensing. You can use this for all types of things, too, like pizza sauce, muffin mix and brownie batter.
This Chopper Will Be Your New Meat-Browning BFF
Stop straining your arm to break up ground meat and use this meat masher instead. The clever design features five beveled blades in a pinwheel shape to cut through ground beef, ground turkey, and even mashed potatoes and veggies in a fraction of the time.
This Can Opener Will Spare Your Hands
This meat chopper is one of my best kitchen buys ever, even though I got mine from a place that rhymes with Hampered Ref. With the five wide beveled pinwheels, it makes quick work of browning meat for spaghetti, tacos and more. This tool is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.
Add A Shelf To Your Stove Within Arm's Reach
One of my favorite kitchen hacks is finding space where there is no space. Let me explain. This magnetic shelf pops right on the back of your stove, where you can put spices, oil and other quick-grab cooking items. At 30 inches, it runs the length of most standard stoves and creates extra space in a spot where you can really use it.
Steam All The Things With This Expandable Basket
Make things steamy in your kitchen with this expandable steamer basket that works in both regular stovetop pans and in pressure cookers like the Instant Pot. The folding design lets you adjust the size to any pan of your choosing. Use this for veggies, eggs and more.
Say Goodbye To Chemicals With This Oil Mister
This oil sprayer is one of my favorite buys on this list because it's also one of the healthiest. Think about the oil sprays in your local stores; they're full of chemicals and other junk. This mister lets you add oil - and nothing else - for salads, baking, roasting and more.
Butter Your Own Bread With This Spreader Knife
When you grow up in the country, you learn a lot of silly expressions like, "Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth." Butter rarely melts quickly anyway, especially when you're trying to spread it on your toast. This butter spreader/knife makes it perfect to spread the right amount of butter/jams/creams on your toast in adorable little curls.
Shred Meat With Ease With These Meat Claws
Back in the summer, I got hung up on making my own pulled pork at home. The most tedious part of the process was trying to shred the meat while it was still warm. These meat claws work wonders for letting you easily lift, shred, pull and serve a variety of things. Bring on the meat sweats!
This Gadget Steam Cleans Your Microwave
Think back to when you were a kid: Did you mom ever get so mad you could almost envision steam pouring out her ears? These microwave cleaners are a playful take on "Angry Mama." Simply fill with a cleaning solution of water and vinegar, place her inside the microwave and set it for seven minutes. Note: Please do not put your actual mama in the microwave.
This Spoon Rest Has Room For All The Utensils
It feels like I never have enough room for all my kitchen tools when I'm cooking or baking so I inevitably do the folded paper towel trick for somewhere to lay my extra gadgets. This silicone utensil rest was smartly designed with a built-in drip pad and room for multiple tools. It comes in more than 30 color options and two sizes to fit your needs.
Tidy Your Baggies With This Organizer
I did it! I finally broke down and bought one of these baggie organizers after having a similar version for my foil and cling wrap. This one is made of sturdy bamboo with four slots for bags from snack to gallon sizes. Simply slide the top off, replenish and wait for baggie nirvana to take over.
This Mini Sealer Preserves Your Open Bags
Meet the world's tiniest flat iron. Wait, no, this is a mini bag sealer so you can close up that bag of chips or candy bar and finish the rest later. (I mean, that happens, right?) This tool works with a variety of bags and has a lightweight, compact design that won't take up valuable drawer space.
This Funnel Make Liquid Transfer Easy
A funnel is one of those things I think, "Eh, I don't need one of those," until I do and then nothing else will work. This funnel set includes four sizes made from collapsible silicone for easy storage. Transfer any liquid from one container to another. These are heat resistant up to 500 degrees.
This Avocado Tool Splits, Pits And Slices
If someone in your house loves avocado as much as I do, this three-in-one avocado slicer from the geniuses at OXO is a must-buy. Split, pit and slice avocados in a flash, which is important because that's about how long they stay ripe before turning brown.
Your Refrigerator Will Never Be Cleaner Than With These Liners
In my next house (next life?), I'm going to be the person who organizes their refrigerator down to the last pickle, including lining the shelves to eliminate spills and gloopy messes. These liners come in an eight pack and could even be color-coded if you really want to take organizing to the next level.
These Measuring Spoons Do Double Duty
You'll never lose measuring spoons again if you buy these because they're magnetic and go right on the side (or front) of your refrigerator. This nine-pack includes sizes from 1/16 teaspoon to one tablespoon and even comes with a leveler, handy for measuring things like flour and sugar.
This Spoon Rest Is A Real Witch
"Woo-hoo, witchy woman/See how high she flies!" Oh, excuse me, just singing the lyrics from The Eagles' "Witchy Woman," circa 1972. This spoon holder is super fun for the kitchen in an adorable witch-riding design dubbed Agatha. Pop her on the side of your pot and carry on with clever cooking.
Keep Your Microwave Clean With This Protective Set
Keep your microwave pristine with this food cover and microwave mat that has you covered top and bottom. Use the bottom as a trivet or grabber to help you get hot stuff handled and use the top to keep spills and splatters at bay. I'm putting two of these in my cart right now.
Add Some Spice To Any Dish With This Combo Grinder/Shaker
Get rid of those cheap salt and pepper shakers from the grocery store and step up your game with this stainless steel and ceramic two-in-one salt and pepper shaker. The middle is clear so you can see exactly how much salt and pepper you have. I love that this is a grinder-style unit so you can use whole peppercorns.
This Screen Stops Splatters
I have a confession: Sometimes I don't do things just because I know the mess it'll make... and I don't want to clean it up. One of those things is frying - anything. A splatter shield was a great investment for me because it contains any oil mess right in the pan, which means I don't have to wipe down every surface in my kitchen. These come in sizes for any of your pans.
This Tray Stops Drips In Their Tracks
The area around your kitchen sink can get, well, gross. Drips, food particles, water and soap gunk are among the usual suspects. This tray fits around the base of your faucet to cover the surrounding real estate and stop the messes. The slightly sloped design for draining is borderline genius.
Cut The Cord Clutter With These Stick-On Organizers
I have a condition called cordaphobia, which I doubt is even a real word but it's a very real thing in my house. Cords and cables everywhere make me antsy; these cord wrappers are smart because they attach right to your appliance, keeping them neat and orderly and - best of all - out of the way.
Divide Yolks And Whites With This Adorable Egg Separator
You could separate your yolks from your egg whites like fancy chefs on TV do with just their hands or you could buy this chick-themed egg separator and avoid the mess. And, sure, it sort of looks like it has a sinus problem but you'll get over that when you see how easy it is to use.
Make Popcorn Perfection In Your Microwave
Popcorn is one of the major food groups in my house, and I'm not even ashamed to admit it. This microwave popper is made from temperature-safe glass and has a handy three-in-one lid that measures kernels, melts butter and covers the popper when it's doing its thing. Clean-up is easy since it's dishwasher safe.
This Washing Machine Is For Your Fruits and Veggies
There's nothing better than having fresh fruits and veggies in the house for cooking and just noshing on. Cleaning them, however, can be a bear. This "washing machine" is specifically for fruits and vegetables. Toss it in the water with your berries, broccoli or beef (not at the same time, that would be strange) and it handles the heavy lifting of getting your food clean and ready to eat.
This Guide Is Clutch For Air Fryer Cooking
The air fryer is one of the greatest inventions of the past few years, in my opinion, but I never - and I mean, never - know what time or temperature to set things at. This magnetic cooking guide can easily be attached to your refrigerator and is a cheat sheet of sorts, with times and temperatures for everything from brownies to bratwurst.
Sprinkle Your Treats With This Dusting Wand
We can't all be princesses, but we can all be magical dusting fairies with this dusting wand that works for sugar, flour, spices and more. From the kitchen gadget gurus at OXO, this duster is magical for evenly flouring pans, sprinkling surfaces for rolling dough or dusting powdered sugar atop your favorite desserts.
This Digital Scale Will Keep You On Track
Every kitchen needs a scale. Whether you're baking, cooking, meal prepping or trying to lose weight, a digital scale like this one takes up no space and helps keep you on track. This one comes in a couple of sizes and has five units of measurements and a bright LED display. A tare function lets you add bowls or containers right to the scale without compromising accuracy.
Get A Clean Whisk Every Time With This Wiper
I'm about to tear up my baking with this product, dubbed the "ultimate stand mixer accessory." This Whisk Wiper Pro attaches to the whisk of your stand mixer and then, when you slide it down, voila! Everything on your whisk comes right off. If there was ever a "why didn't I think of that?" product, this has to be it.
This Basting Brush Has A Scoop Reservoir
One of the most satisfying kitchen experiences is basting. Don't ask me why, but whether it's throwing butter over steak or a glaze over duck, it's pretty rewarding. This basting brush has a scoop reservoir, which makes it even simpler to sop up all that delicious liquid for perfecting your meal.
Make Air Fryer Clean-up A Cinch With These Liners
Sure, you have an air fryer. (Who doesn't?) And, you hate cleaning it. (Again, who doesn't?) Let me introduce you to air fryer liners, which 100 percent makes the process of cleaning a cinch. These silicone-style baskets fit best in a traditional air fryer with the bucket, but can also be used in the microwave, oven or Instant Pot.
Turn Fruit Into A Frozen Treat With This Soft Serve Maker
Don't tell them "no" when they ask for ice cream; just come up with a healthier option. This frozen fruit soft-serve maker transforms any frozen fruit into a smooth ice cream- or sorbet-like treat without additional fats, sugars or preservatives. One reviewer called it "the best thing she's ever bought for $40."
You'll Get Sheer Enjoyment Out Of These Shears
Regular scissors are not kitchen shears. (Repeat after me.) Yes, you need both. These shears are great for cutting all types of food, but could also be used for other household needs (although don't tell the other members of your family that). This two-pack comes with handy blade covers, too.
Make Space Where There Is None With This Outlet Shelf
No matter how many outlets you have, it never seems to be enough. And, for me, that includes "enough" space around the outlet to place things. This outlet shelf gives me just enough extra room for, say, my phone or a toothbrush or Echo Dot, without sacrificing my valuable counter space. These have built-in cord management, and - honestly - you'll wonder how you made it this long without one.
These Versatile Cooking Utensils Sit Anywhere
Rachael Ray has been a force in the food industry for a long time and a proprietor of kitchenware for nearly as long. These kitchen utensils might be among my favorite offerings from her (don't sleep on her garbage bowl, though). Slotted and solid spoons, along with a "spoonula," are included and the best feature is the built-in notch that lets each rest on your pot or pan.
Elevate Your Ramen Game With This Cooker
Just when you thought ramen couldn't be simpler (or cheaper), along comes the rapid ramen cooker, a microwaveable gadget that's great for home or office. Add your noodles and water, and watch it cook in three minutes. If you have a college kid on your hands, this is giving must-have vibes.
Get Into Your Wine Faster With This Electric Opener
Whenever I see "easy" and "wine" in a product description, I just know it's a product worth sharing with y'all. This electric wine opener set includes an automatic corkscrew and foil cutter for opening, an aerator/pourer for serving and a wine stopper for leftovers. You have leftovers, right?
Don't Be The Last Person You Know To Buy An Instant Pot
Raise your hand if you have an Instant Pot? Couldn't raise your hand? Don't fret but now is definitely the time to snag one. This seven-in-one version does it all: steams, sautés, makes yogurt, prepares rice, function as a slow cooker, and it comes with access to an app that has more than 800 recipes.
These Gloves Will Keep Your Arms Protected
These oven gloves are going to find a way to my house because I'm tired of the "mitten-style" gloves where you can't really use your fingers. (You know what I mean.) Extra long to protect your wrists and arms, these can withstand heat up to 650 degrees. And, the polka dots, while cute, are also functional, giving you more gripping power.
Organize Your Cabinets With These Sliding Shelves
Organizers are always a good idea; two-tiered, sliding organizers are an even better idea. These shelves are ideal for cabinets and under sinks, not only organizing your gear but also making it simpler to get to the stuff in the back. Removable dividers add extra convenience and the hooks on the side are super handy.
Give Order To Your Pots And Pans With This Organizer
This pan organizer is one of my all-time favorite purchases on Amazon. While it can be mounted with the included hardware, I've always used mine as a freestanding unit - with no issues. These keep your pans separated (up to five total) and easy to grab when it's time to cook.
Work Up Some Suds With This Soap Dispenser
Are you still using a sponge holder and a dish soap dispenser? That's so last year. This combo unit gives you a place to stash your kitchen sponge while also functioning as a soap dispenser, which holds a whopping 13 ounces, with a simple push. Non-slip feet keep it in place. Just think of the room you're saving!
Make Prep Simpler With Versatile Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are like Lay's potato chips - you can't have just one. This three-pack of cutting boards is made of bamboo so it's eco-friendly as well as long-lasting. Three different sizes let you use them for a variety of reasons, including as a makeshift charcuterie board.
This Organizer Means No More Lost Lids
If you've ever flipped your lid over a missing storage container lid, you need what I'm about to tell you. This lid organizer has multiple (and adjustable) compartments for a variety of lids. But, the best part, is that they're all in one spot so you'll be able to find them when you need them. Unless, of course, your dishwasher eats them ... which definitely happens.
This Rack Will Streamline Your Spices
If I had an entire drawer to devote to spices, I would absolutely buy one of these organizers, which can accommodate nearly 30 jars across four trays. Unlike some spice organizing products, this one includes everything you need from the bottles themselves to the labels used to identify each spice. If you make just one improvement to your kitchen, let it be this.
Improve Your Knife Skills With This Modern Set
Knives are sort of a must-have and not really one of those things you're likely to forget when you're stocking your kitchen. These knives, though, are an extra dose of "cool" thanks to the acrylic stand that comes with them. You'll get everything from a santoku knife to an eight-piece set of steak knives for the table.
These Dishcloths Are Quick-Drying
Of all the things you purchase for your kitchen, I think dish cloths are the hardest. Too small, too large, too absorbent, not absorbent enough, and the list goes on. These waffle weave cloths are soft, absorbent and quick-drying, which is basically the trifecta of good dish cloths. The variety of colors is a bonus.
Add These Lights To All Your Dark Spaces
Even if your kitchen (or bathroom) is basically perfect, most of us can agree that a little extra light never hurt anything. These stick-on wireless LED lights can go anywhere (literally) with a rechargeable battery, built-in magnet and motion-sensing technology. Grab some for under your kitchen cabinets, inside your pantry, in your bathroom or even the garage. Reviewers rave about their usefulness and effective lighting.
These Mixing Bowls Have Bonus Lids
Hear me out: Mixing bowls but make them with lids. How many times have you mixed up a dough or even a chicken salad and had to move it from the mixing bowl to a storage container? This seven-piece set has all different sizes, nests for saving spaces and includes lids for each, which is a total win. You could choose black or white but that multicolored version has pizzazz.
Hang Dishes Out To Dry With This Mat
Do you have a dishwasher? Are you the dishwasher? Either way, one of these dish drying mats will come in handy. Heat resistant, waterproof and a quick-drying design (thanks to the ribbed component), you'll appreciate being able to stack your coffee mugs, hold hot stuff or free up some space in your dishwasher (if you have one). This comes in multiple sizes and nine colors. Pro tip: One of these in your bathroom is genius for toasty hair straigteners and flat irons.
Compost Even In Small Spaces With This Bin
If you don't think you can compost, you're wrong. No matter if you live in an apartment or even a more urban area without yard space, you can still compost for your indoor plants. This small compost bin can sit on your counter or under the sink and, thanks to the lid, still keep odors at bay. Without any weird crevices for food particles to sink into, clean-up is a breeze.