I Can’t Do My Job Without These Kitchen Tools

As a food writer, I spend a lot of time testing all sorts of kitchen tools. New cooking tools are constantly being invented, and the classics are often reinvented. However, after decades of cooking, culinary school training, and years of testing kitchen equipment, I have found one thing to be true — nothing beats a classic. Sure, every once in a while, a new kitchen gadget will come along that changes how we cook, but it’s rarer than you might think. In most cases, my favorite cooking tools are the ones I’ve been using since I was old enough to help my parents in the kitchen.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand in my kitchen drawer, it’s a single-use cooking tool like a strawberry huller or avocado slicer. Call me old-fashioned, but more often than not, a good knife can get the job done better. With that in mind, these are the kitchen tools I use every day for cooking just about everything. These are the simple, tried-and-true tools that have stood the test of time. The best part? They’re all less than $10.

Best Kitchen Tools Under $10 on Amazon

• ChefAide 5-Piece Silicone Spatula Set, $9
• YW Quart Containers, $9, originally $13
• Hansgo Wooden Spurtle, $7
• Yusshn Vegetable Chopper, $10, originally $15
• Momo & Nashi Kitchen Conversion Chart Magnet, $10, originally $15
• FusionTec Pastry Wheel, $3, originally $4
• GoodCook Mesh Strainer, $5
• Zulay Milk Frother Wand, $10, originally $17
• Y-me Citrus Juicer, $9, originally $11
• YoulerTex Reusable Kitchen Cloths, $8
• Taylor Deep Fry Thermometer, $10

ChefAide 5-Piece Silicone Spatula Set

In my kitchen, there is no tool more reached for than a simple silicone spatula, and this set from ChefAide is my go-to choice for stirring, mixing, folding, scraping, and flipping. I love their cooking versatility, high-heat resistance, and comfortable grip. These are also perfect for keeping nonstick cookware scratch-free thanks to their soft but sturdy designs. 

YW Quart Containers

Open my refrigerator at any given time, and you’re bound to see at least four of these on the shelves. Whether I’m mixing and storing my favorite salad dressing, saving leftover lobster bisque, or portioning marinara sauce, these quart containers are my favorite option. I love their convenient 32-ounce size, no-fuss, practical design, and incredible affordability. You can even toss these in the dishwasher and microwave!

Hansgo Wooden Spurtle

I recently wrote about my love affair with this spurtle, but it’s so good it’s worth another mention. While spurtles have gained some popularity in recent years, this kitchen tool is perhaps the most ancient one on the list, so it still counts as a classic. 

This is the tool I reach for when I’m doing just about anything in the kitchen, from scraping batter from a bowl to mixing potato salad to flipping a grilled cheese sandwich. I love the beautiful simplicity of the wood, the comfortable ergonomic handle, and the immense versatility of this tool.

Yusshn Vegetable Chopper

I have to admit, I resisted this tool for a while. After all, I am a firm believer that a knife is the best and most efficient way to chop ingredients…usually. But if I’m making any kind of salad, be it leafy and green, fruity and full of bananas and strawberries, or creamy and egg-based, this chopper is the most convenient way to go. I love the multiple attachments that make easy work out of chopping, grating, and slicing, and its dishwasher-safe design makes it even more convenient.  

Momo & Nashi Kitchen Conversion Chart Magnet

As is true for many of us who lean more toward the creative side of things, math was never my strong suit. Even now, my kids go straight to my husband when it’s time for math homework. Unfortunately, in both cooking and baking, there tends to be a lot of math. Add in the fact that we use both the imperial measurement system and the metric system in cooking, and it’s a recipe for disaster. That’s why I love this conversion chart magnet from Momo & Nashi Kitchen. It’s a complete cheat sheet for those of us who still struggle with kitchen math or metric conversions displayed right in the fridge. 

FusionTec Pastry Wheel 

My two favorite foods of all time are pasta and pie, and I use this tool for making both. This simple and affordable little pastry wheel makes perfectly crimped cuts in any dough I might be working with, be it pasta, pie, bread, pizza, or cookie. With its sharp, precise wheel and comfortable wooden handle, this handy tool is one I find myself reaching for over and over again. 

GoodCook Mesh Strainer 

Whether I’m sifting flour, rinsing rice, straining chicken stock, or making a velvety beurre blanc, this GoodCook mesh strainer is the tool I’m reaching for. Another of the most used tools in my kitchen, this strainer is made of durable stainless steel mesh and has convenient metal hooks for resting on top of bowls or cookware. 

Zulay Milk Frother Wand

This Zulay milk frother wand is another new essential for me. While I survived for years without this surprisingly multiuse tool, I couldn’t imagine going without it now. As we all know, a milk frother wand is great at whipping up a fantastic cappuccino, but its functionality doesn’t stop there. I use this wand for emulsifying salad dressings, decorating dessert plates with chocolate sauce, and whipping cream. 

Y-me Citrus Juicer

I love antique citrus reamers. Often made of vintage glass with ornate details, they’re stunning in any kitchen display cabinet, but they aren’t always the most practical choice. When it comes to actually juicing citrus, this is the tool I turn to. This handheld version from Y-me is the ideal way to extract juice for anything I might be making, from homemade lemonade to key lime pie. I love its powerful press, comfortable grip, and rust-proof design. 

YoulerTex Reusable Kitchen Cloths

When I find a sustainable kitchen tool that works just as well, if not better than the traditional version, I get more than a little excited. These reusable kitchen cloths from YoulerTex have almost completely replaced paper towels in my kitchen. Made from 100% biodegradable materials, these multipurpose, reusable cloths are my go-to choice for wiping the countertop, cleaning up spills, and keeping my appliances sparkling. They also add a touch of whimsy to my kitchen with their beautiful designs. 

Taylor Deep Fry Thermometer

I have a few thermometers in my kitchen drawer, but this is the one I reach for when I’m deep frying (which is often). I have a weakness for all things battered and fried, and this thermometer is my number one tool for making sure those foods are perfectly crisp, golden brown, and delicious. I also turn to this thermometer when I’m cooking with sugar that needs to be at an exact temperature. The easy-to-read display, quick and accurate reading, and convenient pan clip make this one of my trustiest kitchen tools.