Favorite Low-Cost Tools That Save You Time in the Kitchen

Sharing is caring

Discover my favorite low-cost kitchen tools that save time in the kitchen, energy, and frustration. From a bench scraper to a digital scale, these simple gadgets make everyday cooking faster, easier, and more fun.

My Favorite Low-Cost Tools That Save You Time in the Kitchen

As a chef and nutrition consultant, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, both mine and other people’s. Over the years, I’ve realized that it’s not the fancy gadgets that make you a better cook. It’s the small, inexpensive tools that quietly save the day. I never had many fancy kitchen tools in my kitchen, but somehow, the food always came out great!

The small, inexpensive kitchen tools always save the day and time in the kitchen.

Here are the things I use every day in my kitchen, the ones that make me feel efficient and organized.

And honestly? They don’t break the bank.

Bench Scraper

If you don’t have one of these yet, trust me, it’s very helpful and you will use it every day. I use a bench scraper to scoop up piles of chopped onions or herbs, meat, transfer them to a pan, and scrape my counters clean. It makes me feel like I have my act together, even when I don’t.

Instant-Read Thermometer

This little gadget keeps me from overcooking chicken or second-guessing whether a roast is done. No poking or cutting into the meat, just a quick read, and I know exactly where I’m at. It’s peace of mind in tool form.

Microplane

With microplane I zest lemons and limes constantly. It brightens up dressings, marinades, and even a simple glass of water. I also use it for garlic, ginger, or a dusting of Parmesan over pasta. The flavors feel fresher and more alive.

Coffee Grinder

Yes, I love my morning coffee, but I use my grinder for spices just as much. Freshly ground cumin or coriander tastes nothing like the stuff that’s been sitting in a jar for months. It wakes up your cooking.

Frother

A tiny $10 frother makes me feel like I have a barista in my kitchen. Lattes, matcha, hot chocolate, done. I’ve even used it to whisk up vinaigrettes when I don’t feel like dirtying another bowl. Literally, I take it with me when I travel!

Ground Meat Breaker

I got this tool for my birthday from a friend. Had no clue that something like that existed! But once I used one, you’ll never go back. It chops meat evenly and quickly without the endless scraping and stirring. Weeknight dinners just got easier. Great for Mexican cooking, casserole, shepherd’s pie, and chili.

Digital Scale

I love cooking by feel, but when it comes to baking or testing recipes for clients, a scale is my best friend. Great for baking! It’s more accurate, saves me dishes, and makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing.

Garlic Press

Some days I enjoy chopping garlic, other days I want to skip straight to the cooking. A good garlic press handles that for me, no judgment.

Can Opener

Nothing glamorous here, but when you need it, you really need it. Of course, I have 2 favorites! One is from Papered Chef and it is 15 years old!!! Another one is from Kitchen Aid. A solid can opener is worth every penny.

Fine Mesh Strainer

From rinsing quinoa to straining broths to dusting cocoa over desserts, it does so much more than you’d expect. I like to have a set with diffrent sizes.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Even though I rarely measure for myself, I always do when I’m creating recipes. Yes I have so many sets! And some fancy ones for props for my images. Measuring cups and spoons keep things consistent so you can actually recreate what I make.

Baking Sheet

If I’m meal-prepping, my sheet pans are always full. Since I cook a lot for people and make recipes for the blog, I have many baking sheets. I use it for Roasted veggies, baked salmon, you name it. I like to use non-toxic ones or made from clay.

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are simple, stackable, and always in use. I toss salads in them, whisk sauces, or just use them to hold chopped veggies while I cook.

Silicone Spatula

If you like to scrape every last drop of cake batter from the bowl (guilty), this is your tool. It also stirs without scratching.

Vegetable Chopper

For those days when I’m not in the mood to dice onions (which is often), this little gadget saves time and tears.

Vegetable Spiralizer

I love turning zucchini or carrots into noodles. It’s a fun way to add more veggies, especially when pasta cravings hit. And a vegetable spiralizer does just that! It is fun!

Citrus Juicer

I squeeze fresh lemon and lime juice into almost everything: salads, sauces, and sparkling water. A simple handheld juicer gets every drop out and keeps the seeds away.

Zester

I know I already mentioned the microplane, but a traditional zester makes pretty strips of citrus peel. I use them for cocktails, garnishes, or to infuse oils.

My Top Three

If I had to pick, my bench scraper, instant-read thermometer, and digital scale save me the most time. They’re simple, reliable, and I reach for them daily.

You don’t need an expensive kitchen full of gadgets. Just a few smart, affordable tools can make cooking feel smoother, faster, and a whole lot more fun.

Sharing is caring

Love My Content? Buy Me a Coffee!

Creating these resources for you is my passion, and I love hearing how they’ve helped you on your health journey. If you appreciate my content and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee to help fuel more tips, recipes, and inspiration. Every little bit means the world to me!