7 Handy Kitchen Tools a Food Writer Uses Daily

I test a lot of kitchen gadgets for my job. Some, like Ooni’s new stand mixer, are big and expensive, while others are small and cost less than $10. But price and size are of little consequence when I’m cooking. No, what I value most is how well these pieces are made and how practical they are in my kitchen. 

Now that we’re more than halfway through 2025, I took some time to think through all of the tools I acquired this year and compose a list of my favorites. I can assure you that not all kitchen products are created equal, but these seven have stood out from the many now crammed inside my drawers and cupboards. Shop Made In’s non-toxic, nonstick sauté pan, John Boos’ wooden cutting board, BrüMate’s 40-ounce tumbler, and more impressive pieces you can find at Amazon, starting at $9.     

The Handiest Kitchen Products I’ve Tested in 2025 

• John Boos R-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board, $106, originally $125 
• OXO Good Grips Strawberry Huller, $9, originally $10 
• Bentgo Signature Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 6, $60 
• Made In CeramiClad 3.5-Quart Sauté Pan, $199
• BrüMate Era 40-Ounce Leakproof Tumbler, $45 
• Beast Mighty 850 Plus Blender, $149
• De’Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine, $1,000

John Boos R-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board 

A John Boos wooden cutting board is as striking to look at as it is functional. I love that it doesn’t shed toxic particles into my food, and while it costs more than its plastic counterparts, it will also last longer in my kitchen. The R-Board series is available in three sizes and types of wood, all of which are available at Amazon. As with all wooden tools, if you oil it regularly and don’t put it in the dishwasher, it will stay in its original pristine condition for years. 

OXO Good Grips Strawberry Huller 

I’m not sure I’ll be pulling out my OXO strawberry huller to make Iga Swiatek’s viral strawberry and yogurt pasta, but I do use it weekly to easily de-stem the pounds of fresh berries I bring home from the farmers market. It also makes quick work of removing tomato cores, potato eyes, and so much more. For just $9, this small tool has a big impact on my efficiency in the kitchen.   

Bentgo Signature Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 6

Bentgo’s glass food storage containers do a great job of keeping my leftovers fresh and organized. They’re dishwasher- and microwave-safe for ease of use and nestable to save space in my cabinet. What’s more, the design is equal parts chic and sleek for a timeless appeal.  

Made In CeramiClad 3.5-Quart Sauté Pan 

I was lucky to receive a sample of Made In’s CeramiClad sauté pan and saucier when the new line launched in January. The non-toxic ceramic coating is so nonstick that I only add oil to my skillet because I like the flavor, not because I have to. Despite its slippery surface, my eggs crisp and my chicken breasts brown beautifully. This do-it-all pan will no doubt see daily use in your kitchen as it has in mine.

BrüMate Era 40-Ounce Leakproof Tumbler  

Until a few months ago, I was unfamiliar with BrüMate and its impressive line of insulated water bottles. But when the brand reached out to introduce itself, I was immediately drawn to the 40-ounce Era tumbler. It has all of the features I look for in a water bottle — large capacity, leakproof lid, and dishwasher-safe body — plus a straw. I love that when I’m finished sipping, I can simply twist the top closed to ensure no water leaks out; say, onto my laptop.    

Beast Mighty 850 Plus Blender 

While I typically turn to my full-size Vitamix blender to make smoothies, I’ve been using my much smaller Beast blender to make marinades and sauces, chop nuts, and more. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great blender when I want to whip up enough banana smoothie for just myself, but it’s also the ideal size to double as a mini food processor. To add to its appeal, it’s dishwasher-safe and the mist green shade looks beautiful on my kitchen counter.

De’Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine 

About two months ago, my mom replaced her trusty Nespresso machine with De’Longhi’s new La Specialista Touch. While it’s more complicated than the former, she loves using this upgraded espresso machine to grind beans fresh, froth milk, and experiment with its 10 preset drink functions. If you’re also looking to take your espresso game to the next level, my mom is convinced you can’t do much better than this sophisticated machine.