This Is the Dinner I Make When I Have No Energy (and the Little Kitchen Helpers That Make It Possible)

There is a certain type of exhaustion that makes you think opening the fridge is a task. Been there done that. Mine has a solution – a sheet pan and whatever protein is closest plus one of those frozen rice pouches that take 90 seconds to microwave. No chopping boards, no recipes pulled up on a grease smudged phone, just dinner.

My family is also a big fan of my creamy angel chicken rice casserole (easy to cook for a quick dinner that’s delicious). But here’s the point….I’ve got to make dinner every single night and sometimes I’m not feeling it which is why I put together this list today. The 40+ things below make life easier when you are just too tired to cook, from the pre-minced garlic in a jar to silicone tongs that change the game in the kitchen.

1. A Tiny Food Chopper That Handles Pico, Hummus, and Salad Dressing

KitchenAid KFC3516IC 3.5 Cup Food ChopperSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

The large food processors are a bit much for one avocado. This model features a 3.5-cup bowl and comes with a stainless steel blade and handle which makes it easy to small jobs without taking up too much counter space. It even has two speeds plus a pulse function so you can stop at chunky pico or keep going until the hummus turns silky smooth. The actual selling point is the drizzle basin. You can stream olive oil through the lid while the blade runs to emulsify your dressing like a vinaigrette. It also has a pour spout, dishwasher safe parts, and a bottom cord wrap. The ice blue finish is very pleasing. It looks good enough to stay out on the counter and it’s small enough to leave out.

2. A 14-Cup Processor That Kneads Dough and Shreds Cheese

Cuisinart Food Processor 14See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Fourteen cups is a lot of capacity, and that’s the point. This is the workhorse you buy once and shove to the back of the counter for years. Stainless steel blades handle a single garlic clove without flinging it to the sides, then pivot to kneading actual bread dough without the motor biting the dust. The extra-large feed tube means fewer halved tomatoes and pre-chopped onions before you start. White and gold trim keeps it from looking like a contractor tool. Wipe-clean exterior, easy to clean removable disc stems, and the usual shredding and slicing discs. Honestly useful for anyone who cooks for more than two people or makes hummus a lot.

4. 35-Piece Silicone and Wood Utensil Set That Won’t Scratch Nonstick Pans

Kitchen Utensils Set (35 Pieces)See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

When most people hear 35 pieces, they think that’s excessive. But how often do you use a slotted spoon, pasta server, or pizza cutter? Silicone heads are heat resistant, and soft, meaning they won’t scratch nonstick coatings. So you can use them without worrying. The wooden handles also stay cool, even when the soup has been simmering for an hour. They feel substantial in the hand, making it easier to work with than a freebie set. Plus, there’s no plastic, BPA, or latex anywhere in the construction. The farmhouse design is also nice, and the utility holds up. This is a great starter kit for an apartment, or a full replacement for a drawer of melted spatulas.

5. High-Carbon Knife Set with a Rubberwood Block and Ergonomic Handles

Yatoshi 15 Piece Black Knife Block SetSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Most entry-level knife blocks either look cheap or are way too overpriced. Thankfully, this 15-piece set falls into a more reasonable category: 7Cr17 high carbon steel blades with a Rockwell hardness rating of 57-58. This means the edge is thinner and will withstand a few months of daily dinners before needing a sharpening. The ABS handles are slightly contoured at the bolster, so your hand doesn’t slide forward when you’re powering through a butternut squash. You also receive workhorses (chef’s, bread, santoku, paring) as well as six steak knives, kitchen shears, and a honing steel to keep your knives straight and the edges aligned. The rubberwood block is heavy enough to stay put on the counter. While it won’t quite qualify as heirloom-level. it is a quality upgrade from whatever dull knife is currently existing in your drawer.

6. Big-Batch Food Processor That Kneads Dough and Purees Soup

Cuisinart Food Processor 14See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

With a 720-watt motor that does not whine like smaller processors do, you will be able to make hummus, pesto, pie dough, and lasagna with two pounds of shredded cheese with ease. Although the 14-cup Lexan bowl is a big selling point, the extra-large feed tube will be the upgrade you appreciate the most. The motor is quiet and will chop whole tomatoes and whole onions without any pre-chopping. The machine includes a 4mm stainless steel chopping blade, medium shredding disc, and slicing disc, all of which are dishwasher safe. The detachable disc stem helps to clean the machine without having to go through an elaborate process. The motor is covered with a 5-year warranty, and while the machine is long and bulky, it is well worth the counter space if you consistently cook for groups of over 2 people.

7. Wooden-Handled Silicone Utensils That Survive 446°F Without Melting

Umite Chef Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set (33 Pieces)See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Choosing khaki here is the best decision. Most utensil sets look good in pictures and then arrive in an ugly shade of teal, but this 33-piece set is more neutral with wooden handles and soft beige silicone heads. Their holder also won’t ‘fight with’ your countertop. The silicone heads are safe up to 446°F which means they are good for searing and most reckless stovetop decisions. Also, the handles are stainless steel so the spatulas won’t go soft after a year. This set includes whisks, tongs, ladles, a pasta server, measuring cups, and 10 extra hooks. There is more than enough to outfit a first apartment kitchen, or to replace the warped plastic utensils currently in your crock. The silicone heads are safe for use on all non-stick pans, which is exactly why you bought non-stick.

8. Self-Drying Cutting Board Set with Four Color-Coded Boards and Knives

Etespie Smart Cutting BoardSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Cross-contamination is why most home chefs should have multiple cutting boards. This set solves it with four color-coded boards and matching stainless-steel knives: meat, fish, veggies, and fruits. With a UV sterilization and high-temp drying dock, you rinse, slot everything in, press the button, and an hour later it’s dry and sanitized. The cycle runs at 40 decibels (about the same as a library) so it won’t compete with whatever is simmering on the stove. The actual cleaning base is removable instead of the fake kind where gunk just sits in a crevice forever. Set also includes two retractable water cups. Genuinely thorough.

9. Handheld Vacuum Sealer That Locks In Freshness in Five Seconds

Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum SealerSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Most vacuum sealers are the size of microwaves, requiring their own shelf. This one fits in your hand. It charges so you can seal pockets of air anywhere (1,000 seals per charge), no excuses. Hit the button, wait 5 seconds then you’ll have a sealed bag containing leftover steak, a halved avocado, or 3 slices of pizza. The bags are BPA-free, safe to freeze and microwave, and you can wash and reuse them. 30 bags are included. When the pump stops you can hear a light whirring sound that turns off by itself. It’s useful for RV kitchens and camping trips, but especially for anyone who doesn’t want to toss out produce.

10. 15-Piece German-Engineered Knife Set with an Expandable In-Drawer Tray

Henckels Statement 15See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Knife blocks can take up too much space in your home. This 15-piece knife set stores in a drawer instead, nestled in a beechwood tray that expands from 10” to 16” to fit your specific storage space. Henckels has been crafting knives in Solingen for over 100 years, and that German attention to detail is evident in the full-tang construction—balanced enough to feel purposeful, but light enough to maneuver through an onion without wrist strain. The triple-rivet handles are satisfying to pick up. The set includes the essentials (chef’s, paring, and bread knives, two Santoku knives) along with six steak knives, shears, and sharpening steel. They are technically dishwasher safe, but you’re better off hand washing instead.

11. Damascus Steel Knife Set with Olive Wood Handles and a Magnetic Block

Yatoshi Knives Magnetic Kitchen Knife Block Set (6 pieces)See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Damascus knives have a stunning look, with rippling, watery patterns across the blade. This is caused by the 67 layers of folded steel surrounding a VG-10 core. The blade’s cutting edge has been hand-honed to a 16-degree double bevel, which is sharper than most Western knives. This is partially what enables it to slice tomatoes at their own weight. The olive wood handles are simple and elegant. They feature a warm tone with light grain patterns and a concealed tang for a cleaner grip. Each set of six includes a chef, bread, santoku, utility, and paring knife. The magnetic acacia block holds them on either side, and with an anti-skid pad underneath, it won’t slide when you yank the chef knife out mid-dinner prep. A 60 to 61 Rockwell hardness rating means the edges will last a long time.

12. Four-Probe Wireless Meat Thermometer That Tracks Your Roast from Anywhere

Wireless Meat Thermometer with 4 ProbesSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Four probes and three connection modes plus one rechargeable base that lasts 25 hours? That might seem like a lot, but it’s Thanksgiving, and you’ve got to keep track of the turkey, ham, brisket and ambient oven temp without having to open the door every 10 minutes. Each probe measures internal food temperatures and surrounding environment temperatures with an accuracy of 1.8 degrees. The Inkbird app does the rest with 26 preset USDA recommended temps, custom notifications, and graph tracking. With Wi-Fi mode, there’s no range limit. You can leave the house, and still know when your roast hits 135 degrees. The base also features a magnetic, IP67 waterproof rating, and is dishwasher safe. For anyone who has ever overcooked a $90 cut of meat, this is your solution.

13. An Aqua-Sky Mini Chopper That Goes from Pico to Hummus

KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper KFC3516AQSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Several condiments like pico de gallo, hummus, pesto, and vinaigrette, can be stored in the same bowl with a capacity of 3.5 cups. This size is ideal for filling the bowl with a full-size food processor (overkill) or an immersion blender (under construction). The aqua sky finish is a style choice, and a positive one. The texture question can be answered by two speeds plus pulse, so you can keep the salsa chunky or take the hummus all the way to smooth. The real giveaway is the drizzle basin: it lets you stream olive oil in slowly while the blade runs, and that’s how emulsified dressings actually come together. Pull-out locking blades mean you can pour straight from the bowl without having to fish it out first. The bowl is dishwasher safe, the cord wraps underneath, and that is all done.

14. Nine-Piece Utensil Set with a Fingerprint-Resistant Metallic Finish

HexClad 9-Piece Kitchen Utensil SetSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Gunmetal finished PVD coated utensils, 9 pieces. Included ceramic crock. PVD Ceramic coating is the same process as luxury watches, and doesn’t show fingerprints as fast. Silicone heads are heat resistant to 450°F, so the flexible spatula wont warp from hot pans. The set includes all the standard utensils (spoon, turner, whisk, ladle) plus some extras like a fish spatula, perforated wok spoon, and pasta server. The crock is also non slip so dropping the whisk won’t cause a racket. Everything is dishwasher safe.

15. Michelin-Chef-Designed Four-Piece Set Forged from Swedish Damasteel

Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection 4See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Thomas Keller put his name on this for a reason. The three-knife lineup (8-inch chef’s, 5-inch serrated utility, 3.5-inch paring) covers most of what a home cook will need, and the blades are made from Swedish Damasteel RWL34, a powdered steel with a serious edge retention and a 61 hardness rating post Cangshan’s ULTRA6 heat treatment. Translation: they stay sharp. The bolster-free design means you can choke up into a proper pinch grip without a chunk of metal in the way, and sharpening goes from edge to heel. The acacia block has actual grain you can feel, warm and matte. Full-tang construction, NSF certified, lifetime warranty. A starter set that doesn’t act like one.

16. Seven-Blade Spiralizer Attachment That Peels, Cores, and Slices

KitchenAid 7 Blade Spiralizer Plus with PeelSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Imagine the endless prep that goes into zucchini noodles, ribboned cucumber salad, and handcrafted curly sweet potato fries. With this attachment for KitchenAid mixers, it takes mere seconds. From ultra-fine to medium, these spiralizer blades come in varying thicknesses and include three different diameters for slicing as well as peelers. Durable metal construction pairs well with your mixer to power through dense vegetables like butternut squash that often cause plastic spiralizers to wobble. Blades are dishwasher safe and everything fits in a tidy case instead of the typical single bag most attachments come with. Mixer is sold separately. If you have one, the value is undeniable.

17. A Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale That Measures in Six Different Units

Food Scale, 11lb Kitchen ScaleSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Baking is a form of chemistry, and in every form of chemistry accuracy is crucial. This scale measures weight in increments of one gram (meaning it is more accurate than the standard 0.1oz scales), which may not seem like a big deal, but knowing that a sourdough recipe calls for exactly 340 grams of flour makes a difference. Any, and I mean any, weight variation in each ingredient would water down the precision of your recipe and lead to failure. Four sensors operate, alongside each other, for any weight from a single espresso shot to an 11lb turkey. The mixing platform is wide enough even for a big mixing bowl (the one that fits the entire batter of a cake). The LCD display switches from one of six units (grams, ounces, pounds and ounces, milliliters, fluid ounces, and pounds), and the tare button allows you to reset any container’s weight to zero. The surface is so easy to clean, and your finger prints won’t smudge it, and, yes, it won’t trap any crumbs. Batteries are included, which is the small warmth every gift recipient secretly wishes for.

18. An All-in-One Cooking Robot That Stirs, Kneads, and Sautés for You

Wonderchef Chef Magic | AllSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Indian cooking involves some less glamorous steps like stirring onions for 20 minutes. This countertop robot can now tackle that part of it. An automatic stirrer sits inside the heated pot while a smart screen guides you through the ideal temperature, speed, and timing, so the bhuna happens without a babysitter. You can choose from over 200 pre-loaded recipes (Jain, vegetarian, non-veg, global) and get new ones weekly with Wi-Fi updates. You can even adjust recipe settings from the other room. Plus, it can chop, knead, steam, and sauté—all in one pot. It also comes with a recipe library developed by Sanjeev Kapoor, so you can be sure your dal makhani will taste like real dal makhani. It’s pricey, but it will replace about six appliances and a whole lot of your time.

19. Color-Coded Cutting Boards and Knives with a UV-Sanitizing Holder

Axiom Creations Smart Cutting BoardSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Cross-contamination can be one of the most annoying problems while cooking at home. Especially when dealing with raw chicken, and then switching to cutting a salad. The solution is simple. Get four, color coded cutting boards. But with the smart holder, that solves even more problems. It has a UV light that targets bacteria on the cutting boards and knives. Then, the smart holder goes into a drying cycle to ensure that no moisture goes back into your drawer. Four stainless steel knives fit into the smart holder, so now your cutting boards and knives can be stored in one place. The smart holder has a minimalist design, and can be used in kitchens that have a modern design to avoid having to use a plastic knife holder.

20. One-Handed Electric Grinders with a Built-In LED Spotlight

Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder SetSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

The ability to grind with one hand is a great feature, and it works really well. You simply push the button while stirring the pan with the other hand. The rubber-coated grip is actually a cool feature. It feels a bit soft and is tacky enough to not slide out of your hand, even when your fingers are slick with olive oil. You can adjust the coarseness anywhere from a fine powder to cracked pepper with just a twist of the body instead of other grinders where you have to adjust it at the top. A little light will even shine on the pepper as you grind which might sound pointless, but it’s super helpful when the lighting is bad. The grinder is charged with a USB-C cord, has a ceramic grinding core, and a reservoir that holds a lot of pepper so you won’t have to refill it as often.

21. A Compact Food Chopper That Handles Salsa, Hummus, and Dressings

KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food ChopperSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

You usually chop about three and a half cups worth of stuff, like half and onion, some garlic, and some cilantro for tacos. The big food processor stays in the cupboard, but this one is always on the counter. It has two speeds and a pulse so you can choose how smooth you want your hummus and how chunky you want your pico. The drizzle basin helps you stream olive oil for vinaigrette without your processor stopping. The locked blade is the best part, so you can pour out your salsa without the blade pouring out with it. The bowl is dishwasher safe, the cord wraps underneath, and it comes in empire red like all KitchenAids.

22. A 14-Cup Workhorse That Kneads Dough and Slices Whole Vegetables

Cuisinart Food Processor 14See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

**Fourteen cups is a lot of bowl, which is the whole point. This workhorse handles an entire batch of pesto, a double recipe of pie dough, or two pounds of carrots without making you do it in shifts. The extra-large feed tube takes whole tomatoes and small potatoes, so the prep before the prep gets shorter. The motor has a five-year warranty, which tells you what Cuisinart thinks of it. The lid clicks on with that satisfying, slightly aggressive snap, and the sliding and shredding blades aren’t adjustable, so you’re committing to one thickness per disc. Available in copper, which looks better on a counter than the standard brushed silver everyone else has.**

23. Handheld Mandoline That Slices Straight Onto Your Plate or Cutting Board

OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline SlicerSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Mandolines are known to be fast, sharp…and kind of scary. The good news is that this model is less scary than countertop models because it has a non slip handle and a foot that stabilizes it over your bowl or cutting board. The three thickness options give you the same flexibility as larger models at 1mm, and 2.5mm and 4mm slices. This means you’ll be able to cut paper thin slices of cucumber for sandwiches, medium slices for gratin, and thick slabs of potatoes for roasting. The icing on the cake is the window on top so you can see how much you chopped. You won’t have to worry about chopping 4 cups of shallots anymore when you really only needed 1. It’s made out of solid material, and it’s extremely satisfying to use. Your food prep will go so much faster. It also fits vertically in a drawer.

24. A Retro-Looking Digital Scale with a Removable Bowl for Pouring

SMEG Contemporary Digital Kitchen ScaleSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Smeg appliances fit very well into a Wes Anderson kitchen, and this scale fits their style. Jade green matte finish is the kind of object you won’t put away in a cabinet. The removable stainless steel bowl holds up to 11 pounds, covering everything from one egg to double batches of bread flour. You can pour, rinse, and move on. The battery is rechargeable and lasts 36 hours, so you’re not searching for a fresh CR2032 in the middle of a recipe (a small but real quality-of-life improvement). The digital display can be switched from grams to ounces to milliliters for easy measurement. It may be expensive for a scale, but it deserves the counter space.

25. An Immersion Blender in Pistachio That Purées Soup Right in the Pot

KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

KitchenAid knows that pistachios are the flavor of the month. This color means you can leave it out on the counter instead of hiding it in a drawer. That’s half the battle when it comes to hand blenders. What else makes this one worth it? The speed control trigger. It helps you avoid soup explosions when you’re blending. The 8-inch arm is stainless steel and removable for dishwasher cleaning. The patented nonstick coating protection pan guard is also a nice addition. The included 3-cup jar is BPA-free and comes with a lid. Perfect for smoothies (if you remember to use it). It’s quieter than the inferior stick blenders you already own and the weight is noticeable in a good way.

26. Six Stackable Kitchen Tools That Travel Together in One Tidy Bundle

Pisol Kitchen Unique Gadgets Set 6 PiecesSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

One stack, six tools. They all come together like a puzzle, meaning fighting the junk drawer situation is finally possible. Included is a cheese grater, ginger grinder, pizza wheel, bottle opener, peeler, and herb stripper — all made of 430 stainless steel blades, while the handles are made of ABS plastic. They won’t slip even when your hands are oily. If you’ve ever picked rosemary leaves off the stem one by one, the herb stripper alone saves you time. Yes, it’s dishwasher safe. And it even comes in a neat gift box, so it’s a great choice for your friend who just moved into their first apartment and only has one wooden spoon.

27. Five-Blade Scissors That Mince Fresh Herbs in One Snip

2026 Upgraded Herb ScissorsSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Chopping basil with a chef’s knife will leave you with bruised and blackened leaves in no time. Five parallel stainless steel blades create the solution and will chop your chives, parsley, cilantro, and mint without crushing them. The TPR-coated handles have actual give, and this matters when you are going to be mincing a whole bunch of dill for tzatziki. Three rivets are used to hold the blade stack together, and as a result, nothing wobbles when you do a cut. The sheath additionally functions as a comb to remove any trapped bits of herbs that are stuck in the cutting blades and comes with a small cleaning brush as well. It is practical, and slightly nerdy, and is the type of gadget that a serious home cook will actually use. It also makes a great housewarming gift for the friend with a windowsill herb garden.

28. Touchscreen Toaster That Knows the Difference Between a Bagel and Brioche

Revolution R180 Connect Touchscreen Smart ToasterSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Toast has gone through a major transformation! The InstaGLO 2.0 has a heating component that becomes fully operational in 2 seconds creating the soft, steamy interior and crisp caramelized exterior that you would associate with a seared steak. It has a three-step command system allowing you to customize which type of bread you want toasted, how brown you want it, and whether or not it was frozen. It even remembers your previous choices! The toaster’s slots are wide enough so that you don’t have to wedge or pray that the bagel gets stuck. It’s Wi-Fi is so strong that it even collects the weather info while it toasts your sourdough. Lastly, it is completely compatible with the Toastie Press add on (sold separately) which will allow you to make grilled cheese sandwiches without butter. If you eat bread products on a frequent basis, the consistent results this product offers will be worth it.

29. A 14-Cup Food Processor That Kneads Dough and Purées Soup

Cuisinart Food Processor 14See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Fourteen cups is a lot of bowl, which is exactly the point. This is the workhorse you buy once and keep for a decade. The 720 watt motor handles dough without whining, which puts it ahead of most home processors that stall the second you ask for pizza crust. Three discs come standard: a 4mm slicer, a medium shredder, and the chopping blade. The feed tube is extra wide, so a whole tomato goes in unbothered. Press pulse and a pound of onions turns to fine dice in about four seconds, with that low, satisfied grinding sound that means dinner is actually happening. Black stainless finish, dishwasher safe parts, five year motor warranty. Not cute. Just competent.

30. Wireless Meat Thermometer That Texts You from 285 Feet Away

KitchenAid Smart Wireless Rechargeable Meat Thermometer |See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Wireless technology has come to the most important part of meat thermometer cooking. This one allows you to stay free for 285 footing with Bluetooth technology. Go grab yourself a drink while it cooks for the seventh time. This probe tells you both internal and external temps so instead of guessing if your smoker is running hot you can actually know. The app will ping to let you know if it’s time to flip, pull or rest. 45 minutes on the dock equal 24 hours of runtime so it’s not a problem to remember to charge it. The probe is dishwasher safe and it can survive a 6 hour soak so the post rib clean up can be done without a separate ordeal. Intergrate it into every steak night and essential for every low and slow weekend. Finally, a practical solution for the person who already has too many tongs.

31. Heat-Resistant Utensil Set That Spins on Its Own Carousel

Joseph Joseph Elevate Carousel Nylon Kitchen UtensilSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

It’s frustrating using utensil crocks, such as when you need to quickly grab a slotted spoon to keep your pasta from boiling over. The tool carousel eliminates the need to rummage through a utensil crock. With a simple spin, you can pull out any one of the six different tools: slotted spoon, spaghetti server, solid spoon, slotted turner, flexible turner, or ladle. The handles are weighted, so when you set a sauce-covered turner down to stir, the head stays up and won’t leave a streak across the counter. Small details like these really do add a lot of value. The utensil heads are made of heat resistant nylon, which can withstand up to 392°F, and the silicone grips can withstand heat up to 520°F. Plus, the pale sky blue color looks nicer than the typical plastic color you find in other utensil sets sold at the same price.

32. Vacuum-Insulated Cocktail Shaker With a Built-In Jigger Lid

Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail ShakerSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

The constant issues with cobbler shaker are the problems of leaking and their lids getting fused shut within no time because of cold temperatures. However, the double wall vacuum insulation eliminates this problem because it lessens the risk of numbing your fingers, and no annoying condensation builds up. The twist and lock lid takes care of everything else. The jigger top is the biggest selling point for this shaker. It eliminates the need for mismatched jigger sets by measuring from a 1/4oz to 6oz. It also has a built in strainer that lets you pour from a 45° angle which is great for pouring accurate measurements. It is made from pro grade 18/8 stainless steel so there is no risk of having a tin can taste in your drinks and the design is so that it fits really well in your hand. If you an avid cocktail maker then this is the perfect shake for you.

33. Bluetooth Meat Probe That Tracks Internal and Ambient Temps at Once

MEATER Plus: Smart Bluetooth Wireless Meat ThermometerSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Two probes on a stainless steel skewer allow you to track the internal temperature of the meat up to 212°F and the ambient temperature up to 527°F. No more cracking the oven door to check your roast. The charger works as a Bluetooth repeater so you can move anywhere in your house while a brisket does its thing. The app provides estimated finish times and step-by-step instructions for those who are still worried about undercooking the chicken thighs. It is dishwasher safe, which is great considering the probe will be covered in pork fat. Great for steak nights. A must for Thanksgiving.

34. A Vacuum Marinator That Flavors Steak in 15 Minutes Flat

STX International Chef’s Elite Vacuum Marinator &See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

At first, vacuum marinating might seem like a cooking-show gimmick, but there is a lot to understand about the science behind it. The vacuum pulls out the air from the meat, which creates tiny pockets, and then the marinade rushes into these pockets. With vacuum marinating, your meat will fully marinate in just 15 minutes, in comparison to a full overnight marinade. Included in the kit is a meat tenderizer of the spiky variety, silicone traction bands to keep the drum in place, and an adjustable timer with an auto shut-off so you can walk away while it cooks. The drum is also dishwasher safe, which is nice after using it for a teriyaki marinade. The noise from the drum is pretty quiet, so it won’t be an issue when you are marinating meat for dinner on weekdays. This is perfect for chicken thighs, flank steak for dinner parties, or for people who always forget to marinate the night before.

35. An AI Cooking Assistant That Chops, Stirs, and Knows 750 Recipes

upliance AI Cooking Assistant | 750+ RecipesSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

It’s Pav bhaji on Tuesdays, rajma on Wednesdays, and pasta on days when nobody can agree. The pitch is an AI countertop cooker, which also chops, sautés, stirs, and steams over ten different cooking methods. With over 750 recipes (global and Indian) which update weekly via the app, you just toss ingredients into the cooker and it does everything else (including the part where you would stand over the cooker and stir the onions until they are the right shade of brown). It comes with a built in scale, self rinsing cycle, WiFi monitoring and an exciting bonus of a built in scale. One thing to note is that it requires 220 -240V and US users will need to buy a transformer. This cooker is not for the casual cook, but for anyone who regularly prepares Indian food, this gadget is worth it.

36. 54 Kitchen Tools That Cover Every Cooking Task You Have

Home Hero 54 (Pack of 54)See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Fifty-four separate items may seem excessive, but consider the context. When equipping a first apartment, restocking after a move, or if you are finally retiring your old melted spatula, the numbers start to make sense. The set includes the essentials (slotted, ladle, pasta, whisk, and tongs) plus measuring cups, measuring spoons, and even a few gadgets you might forget to buy, but will be glad you have. The silicone heads are attached to stainless steel handles, so they are nonstick and dishwasher safe. The handles are solid and sturdy and have a brushed silver finish. It looks modern rather than resembling a starter kit from a dorm. It provides practical gift ‘energy’ without being boring.

37. Six German Stainless Knives in a Glossy Retro Block

Smeg Black Stainless Steel Knife Block SetSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Smeg is known for its distinctive countertop, and this prep knife block continues its countertop appeal. The knife block comes with six German stainless steel blades (vegetable, utility, meat, santoku, bread and chef knife). The block’s base is made from acacia wood and coated with glossy powder-coated carbon steel. The stainless steel, polished, and weighted handles are designed to feel purposeful rather than gaudy. The block won’t slide around when you retrieve the santoku to chop an onion thanks to the anti-slip feet. You’ll need to hand wash the knife block but that will help its finish stay glossy. If black is not the vibe for your kitchen, the block is also available in Smeg’s signature cream color. It is a complete set and not a starter set.

38. Nesting Mixing Bowls With Non-Slip Bottoms and 26 Kitchen Gadgets

Umite Chef Thickened Heavy (26 Pieces)See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

A nesting mixing bowls set comes with six bowls ranging from 1 to 7 quarts. The lids actually seal, and there is a grater that clips onto the rim, so you won’t dirty a second cutting board. The bowls have silicone bottoms that are color-coded and stick to the countertop when you are whisking something thick. No sliding. No chasing the bowl with your hip. The insides of the bowls are a mirror finish stainless steel while the outside is matte. The entire set stacks into a single cabinet. The 7 quart bowl lid has a removable disc so you can pour ingredients into the blender without unsealing the lid. This is a small feature, but it is a smart one.

39. A 14-Cup Food Processor That Kneads Dough and Shreds Cheese

Cuisinart Food Processor 14See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

With a 14-cup work bowl, you can change the way you cook. Easily make eight servings of soup base, double batches of pesto, and make enough bread dough to use the dough setting. Most home processors fake it, but this one can actually handle a full pound of flour without the whining sound smaller machines make when they are about to give up. It has stainless steel blades and an extra large feed tube (which means fewer pre-cuts) and a wipe-clean cream finish exterior that doesn’t scream ‘appliance.’ It’s not small and it’s not cheap. But if you cook a lot, the math makes sense. It can make hummus in 30 seconds and slaw for a crowd in under a minute.

40. Quiet Vacuum Sealer That Locks 50 Bags in 20 Minutes

Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer MachineSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Most vacuum sealers for countertops operate at around the same noise level as a small lawnmower. However, this one only runs at 65 decibels, which is like a background conversation rather than a construction power tool. The patented (apparently), Globefish Technology, applies more than twice the standard pressure on air removal which is great if you’ve ever opened a freezer bag that quietly re-inflates overnight (you know the one). It has 4 pumps, which means it’ll seal 50 bags every 20 minutes (great for batch-cooking Sundays). The easy-lock handle is one-handed, and it has a built-in cutter, bag roll storage, and a Pulse Vac option for wet stuff (soups, marinades, that leftover curry you don’t trust to a normal container). It comes with a roll and 10 bags. It has a 3-year warranty, which suggests they expect it to last.

41. An Immersion Blender With Five Speeds and a Retro Cream Finish

SMEG Handheld Immersion Blender with BeakerSee price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

The device features five different speeds and a motor that is able to power through the work with 350 watts. The stainless-steel shaft can be untwisted from the handle which makes it easier to clean after making a puree, without having to deal with a heavy, wet appliance. Unlike most immersion blenders that pretend to be standalones, this one also comes with an included beaker, chopping bowl, and wire whisk. The ergonomic handle is designed with a no-slip grip that works even if your hands are damp. The cream color option is unique and Smeg does this better than most brands. This appliance will not be shoved into a cabinet and will be used frequently as it is designed to be seen.

42. Damascus Steel Knives That Stick to a Walnut Magnetic Block

Yatoshi Knives Magnetic Kitchen Knife Block Set (6 pieces)See price on AmazonSee on Amazon →

Damascus knives understandably appeal to a broad range of customers. Damascus knives make them feel as if they really know how to cook, and owning a set gives them a sense of pride. With these six knives, you’ll have the full set. The VG-10 cutting core is surrounded by 67 layers of stainless steel, and it has been hand-sharpened to a 16° double bevel. That hand sharpening means it will slice through a tomato without any kind of sawing motion. G10 handles are made from fiberglass, and they give it a nice grip, even if they get wet. The walnut block is clever. The magnets are on the outside of the block, so instead of knives disappearing into slots for storage, you’ll see them stuck to the side. It includes a chef, bread, santoku, utility, and paring knives. That gives you the full assortment of knives, which can be shown off like the little status symbol it is.