Top Kitchen Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed: Under $35

 

 

You know you’re an adult when kitchen utensils excite you. Anything that helps me do something faster, easier, or efficiently is an automatic purchase for me. Below, I wanted to share my top kitchen tools you didn’t know you needed. Get your credit cards ready!

Pineapple Corer: I can’t be the only one that had no idea how to cut a pineapple. My first time, I had to Google and YouTube ā€œhow to cut a pineapple,ā€ and this was like a year ago. True story. They are honestly a pain, which is why I would overpay for the precut store version. Funny enough, I originally saw Blippi (my son’s favorite YouTube personality) using a pineapple corer and knew I needed to get one. This tool will slice and core within seconds. All you have to do is cut the top off of your pineapple and insert the tool, slowly turning it through the pineapple, and that’s it. It cores and slices all in one—literally, no other way to eat a pineapple. I’ve purchased a few of these as gifts for friends and family, and everyone is absolutely amazed when I show them how to use it. Thanks to Zulay Kitchen for gifting me this awesome tool! They also have many other items I love, like their cheese and knife board set and under cabinet pot/pan organizer. You can save 10% on their site using my promo code THETRAVELINGAL10. Also available on Amazon.

Brownie Pan: I’m not trying to brag, but I make the best brownies ever. My coworkers, friends, and family constantly beg me to make them. I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret. It isn’t what you put into the brownies, but where you put the brownies. My trick of the trade: The Perfect Brownie Pan, also here, here and here! This thing makes any brownies soft, moist, and chewy. No need to cut into the middle anymore, as all the pieces come out perfect — crisp on the outside, gooey and moist on the inside. If you love brownies, this pan is a must. It’s easy to use, dishwasher safe, and under $30! I’ve been a proud owner for at least 7 years and I’ve had zero issues. My brownies come out perfect every time. I mainly use the box Betty Crocker mix and voila! Award-winning brownies! Now run to order before they sell out again!

Bacon microwave: My husband loves breakfast and specifically bacon for breakfast. I hate cooking bacon and I suspect I’m not the only one. It splatters everywhere, it smells, baking takes forever and still creates a mess. When I came across this bacon cooker at TJMaxx for $10 bucks I figured it was worth a shot. Honestly, the pan sat for weeks before I even touched it. When I finally did, I couldn’t believe it. This thing makes perfect bacon in the microwave in minutes. Basically, you put your bacon in, cover it, and place it in the microwave for 1 minute per piece. The cook time varies based on the number of slices you have, so 2 pieces take 2 minutes; 5 pieces, 5 minutes. Super easy. No mess. I throw it in the dishwasher when I’m done!

6 in 1 server plate: Y’all know I love to bake or is it that I love to eat sweets, so I bake? It’s both. You can check out some of my favorite recipes: funfetti cookies, rum cake, and the best red velvet cake. This server plate is a 6 in 1 and has multiple functions, such as a basic cake stand, a salad bowl, dip & chip tray, or a fruit/vegetable/food tray with dip. You can do so many things with just one item. I use it more as a cake server, but I love that it has so many uses. It’s acrylic and looks super chic on the counter.Ā 

Spin tray: After watching so many Home Edit and Mary Kondo episodes I was inspired to reorganize my kitchen. Surprisingly most of my drawers are pretty neat, but my oil drawer was cluttered. I had my bottles lined up and was always moving them around to get to one. Low and behold there is a solution for this. I came across these awesome spin trays at the Container Store and use them in my kitchen and bathroom. The 9′ version fits my oils perfectly. Now I just have to spin the tray to get to a bottle. I’ve never been happier to open a cabinet. The spin tray can be used in several areas like the kitchen, bathroom, really anywhere.

Chopper: If you like salads, dips, soups, or frankly anything that needs to be chopped. This tool makes it easy and quick. The chopper has a few different attachments based on the size you are looking for. I chop all of my veggies for soups and salads in minutes. I’ve used this for tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, you name it. No more crying while cutting onions for me. Not only does it save me so much time, but it also makes cooking much easier.

Instant Meat Marinator: My husband and I love grilling, but most of the time I completely forget to defrost meat and run out of time to marinate it. This instant marinator solves my problem immediately. You can marinate chicken, meat, fish, and vegetables in 5-15 minutes. Using the provided pump, you vacuum out the air and the marinade absorbs into the food quickly. We’ve always been able to marinate flavors super quick! Another great gift idea too.

Pomegranate Deseeder: Besides pineapples, pomegranates are another fruit that is annoying to deal with. I absolutely love pomegranates, but deseeding them is a nightmare until I found this tool. You slice your pomegranate in half, plop it on top of the grid bowl, cover with the lid, and tap firm until all the seeds fall out. I usually use an ice cream scooper or spoon to tap and within a minute I’m ready to eat!

Hopefully, you guys find a tool or two for your kitchen! What are some of your favorites not listed?

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Zulay Kitchen for sponsoring this post! I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

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