KITCHEN TOOLS · BUYING GUIDE

Best Kitchen Gadgets

Updated

The best kitchen gadgets for everyday cooking: an instant-read thermometer, a Microplane zester, a mandoline with hand guard, a salad spinner, a Y-peeler, a garlic press and a bench scraper, compared by size, material and care.

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Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Stainless steel probe
Best overall 8.3 Check price
Microplane Classic Zester and Cheese Grater Surgical-grade stainless steel blade, plastic handle
Best budget 7.9 Check price
Best premium 8.1 Check price
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner Plastic (BPA-free)
Best for washing greens 7.6 Check price
OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler Stainless steel (Japanese stainless steel blades)
Best for peeling 8.2 Check price
How the editorial score works

The score rates documented features and practical tradeoffs on a 10-point scale, using the weighted criteria below. An 8 means strong support with one clear limit; a 9 means particularly complete support with minor limits. It is our editorial judgment from manufacturer information, not a hands-on test or a customer rating.

  • Build & materials30%
  • Ease of cleaning25%
  • Safety & handling25%
  • Storage footprint20%

The order of the picks also reflects who each product suits best, so it is not decided by the score alone. More on our method

  1. 01 · Best overall
    ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

    ThermoWorks · TX-3120 (4.5-inch probe; color suffix varies, e.g. TX-3120-RD)

    ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

    8.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    8.5
    Cleaning
    7.5
    Safety
    8.0
    Storage
    9.5
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 8.5
    Stainless probe, IP67 body, NIST-traceable certificate; ±1°F from 14 to 208°F
    Ease of cleaning · 7.5
    IP67 waterproof, but guide notes electronics often need hand washing
    Safety & handling · 8.0
    Accurate doneness checks; spot-check only, not to be left in the oven
    Storage footprint · 9.5
    Pocket size, 7 x 1.8 x 0.7 in

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forAnyone who wants meat, fish and baked goods cooked to the right temperature without guessing

    A pocket instant-read thermometer that reads in 2 to 3 seconds with the 4.5-inch probe and is accurate to ±1°F across the usual cooking range. It has an auto-rotating backlit display, an IP67 waterproof body and comes with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate.

    Strengths

    • Reads in 2-3 seconds, ±1°F from 14 to 208°F
    • IP67 waterproof, auto-rotating backlit display

    Weaknesses

    • For spot checks only; not to be left in the oven
    • Slower than ThermoWorks' premium Thermapen models

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    7 H x 1.8 W x 0.7 D in (4.5-inch probe model)
    Material
    Stainless steel probe
    Response time
    2-3 seconds (4.5-inch probe)
    Accuracy
    ±1°F from 14 to 208°F
    Water resistance
    IP67
    Battery
    1x CR2032 (3V), about 4,000 hours

    Details checked against the thermoworks.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best budget
    Microplane Classic Zester and Cheese Grater

    Microplane · 40020

    Microplane Classic Zester and Cheese Grater

    7.9/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    8.0
    Cleaning
    6.5
    Safety
    8.5
    Storage
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 8.0
    Surgical-grade stainless blade, plastic handle; fine teeth only
    Ease of cleaning · 6.5
    Hand wash recommended; dishwasher in utensil compartment only
    Safety & handling · 8.5
    Protective blade cover included for the edge and your fingers
    Storage footprint · 8.5
    Slim 12 x 1 5/16 in, 6 oz, with storage cover

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forZesting citrus and finely grating hard cheese, ginger and garlic

    The long, narrow rasp-style grater Microplane is known for, with a surgical-grade stainless steel blade and a plastic handle. It has an 8 x 1 inch grating surface and comes with a protective cover for storage.

    Strengths

    • 8 x 1 in grating surface for zest and hard cheese
    • Protective blade cover included

    Weaknesses

    • Hand wash recommended (dishwasher: utensil compartment only)
    • Fine teeth only; not for coarse shreds

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    12 x 1 5/16 x 1 in
    Material
    Surgical-grade stainless steel blade, plastic handle
    Grating surface
    8 x 1 in
    Shipping weight
    6 oz
    Care
    Hand wash recommended
    Origin
    Blade made in USA, assembled in Mexico

    Details checked against the microplane.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best premium
    OXO Good Grips Simple Mandoline Slicer

    OXO Good Grips · 1273180

    OXO Good Grips Simple Mandoline Slicer

    8.1/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    8.0
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Safety
    8.5
    Storage
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 8.0
    Angled adjustable stainless blade; three thicknesses plus julienne
    Ease of cleaning · 9.0
    Dishwasher safe
    Safety & handling · 8.5
    Spring-loaded food holder with generous finger-guard rim
    Storage footprint · 6.5
    14 in long, 14 x 4.5 x 5.4 in; needs real storage room

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forFast, even slices and julienne without knife skills

    A compact mandoline with three slice thicknesses and a julienne setting, built around an angled, adjustable stainless steel blade. Its spring-loaded food holder pushes food through and has a generous rim to protect fingers.

    Strengths

    • Spring-loaded food holder with finger-guard rim
    • Three thicknesses plus julienne; dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • Only three thickness settings
    • Priciest pick here and 14 in long to store

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    14 x 4.5 x 5.375 in
    Material
    Stainless steel blades
    Settings
    3 slice thicknesses plus julienne
    Hand guard
    Spring-loaded food holder
    Care
    Dishwasher safe

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best for washing greens
    OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

    OXO Good Grips · 32480V2B (model 32480)

    OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    7.0
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Safety
    8.0
    Storage
    6.0
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 7.0
    BPA-free plastic bowl, not glass or steel; non-slip base
    Ease of cleaning · 9.0
    Dishwasher safe; lid comes apart for cleaning
    Safety & handling · 8.0
    No blade; brake button and non-slip base for controlled spinning
    Storage footprint · 6.0
    Bulky at 10.5 x 10.5 x 6 in

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forAnyone who washes lettuce, herbs or berries and wants them dry fast

    A pump-style salad spinner: press the soft knob to spin, then use the brake button to stop it. The basket doubles as a colander, the lid comes apart for cleaning, and the spinner is dishwasher safe.

    Strengths

    • One-hand pump knob, brake button, non-slip base
    • Basket doubles as a colander; lid comes apart

    Weaknesses

    • Bulky to store at 10.5 in across
    • Plastic bowl, not glass or steel

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    10.5 x 10.5 x 6 in
    Material
    Plastic (BPA-free)
    Capacity
    6.22 qt bowl, 4.95 qt basket
    Care
    Dishwasher safe

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best for peeling
    OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler

    OXO Good Grips · 21081

    OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler

    8.2/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    8.5
    Cleaning
    8.0
    Safety
    7.0
    Storage
    9.5
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 8.5
    Two Japanese stainless blades flex for wide strips; rustproof
    Ease of cleaning · 8.0
    Dishwasher safe, though exposed blades need care when washing
    Safety & handling · 7.0
    Exposed sharp blades; handle suits either hand; Y grip takes getting used to
    Storage footprint · 9.5
    Tiny at 6 x 3 x 1 in

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forPeeling tough-skinned produce quickly, in either hand

    A Y-style peeler with two sharp Japanese stainless steel blades that flex to take off wide strips, plus a built-in potato eyer. OXO designed the handle for right- or left-handed use, and the peeler is rustproof and dishwasher safe.

    Strengths

    • Handle suits right- or left-handed cooks
    • Rustproof, dishwasher safe, built-in potato eyer

    Weaknesses

    • Y-style grip takes getting used to after a straight peeler
    • Exposed sharp blades need care when washing

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    6 x 3 x 1 in
    Material
    Stainless steel (Japanese stainless steel blades)
    Care
    Dishwasher safe
    Handedness
    Right- or left-handed

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  6. 06
    OXO Good Grips Garlic Press

    OXO Good Grips · 11327300

    OXO Good Grips Garlic Press

    8.1/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    8.5
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Safety
    8.0
    Storage
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 8.5
    Stainless steel with soft handles; large hopper takes several cloves
    Ease of cleaning · 9.0
    Dishwasher safe; swing-out basket makes emptying easy
    Safety & handling · 8.0
    Crushes garlic without a knife; soft handles; no exposed blade documented
    Storage footprint · 6.5
    10.5 in long single-purpose tool takes drawer space

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forCooks who use a lot of garlic and want it crushed without a knife

    A sturdy stainless steel garlic press with soft handles and a large hopper that takes several cloves at once. A swing-out basket makes emptying easy, and the press goes in the dishwasher.

    Strengths

    • Large hopper presses several cloves at once
    • Stainless steel, swing basket, dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • Single-purpose tool
    • At 10.5 in long, it takes up drawer space

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    10.5 x 4.5 in
    Material
    Stainless steel, soft handles
    Care
    Dishwasher safe
    Design
    Large-capacity hopper, swing-out basket

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  7. 07
    OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper

    OXO Good Grips · 73281

    OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper

    8.5/ 10
    Editorial score
    Build
    8.5
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Safety
    8.0
    Storage
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Build & materials · 8.5
    Stainless steel blade with quarter-inch markings; soft non-slip handle
    Ease of cleaning · 9.0
    Dishwasher safe, flat steel blade
    Safety & handling · 8.0
    Tall design keeps hands off food; rigid blade, not a knife substitute
    Storage footprint · 8.5
    Compact 6 x 1.5 x 4 in, 0.545 lb

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forMoving chopped food to the pan, portioning dough and cutting bars

    A stainless steel bench scraper with a soft, non-slip handle and quarter-inch markings on the blade. OXO designed it for portioning and scraping dough, lifting cookies, cutting brownies and chopping firm vegetables.

    Strengths

    • Quarter-inch markings on the steel blade
    • Tall design keeps hands off food; dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • Rigid blade won't bend around curved bowls
    • Made for dough and firm produce, not a knife substitute

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    6 L x 1.5 W x 4 H in
    Material
    Stainless steel
    Weight
    0.545 lb
    Care
    Dishwasher safe

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Anyone who wants meat, fish and baked goods cooked to the right temperature without guessing7 H x 1.8 W x 0.7 D in (4.5-inch probe model)Stainless steel probe
Microplane Classic Zester and Cheese Grater Zesting citrus and finely grating hard cheese, ginger and garlic12 x 1 5/16 x 1 inSurgical-grade stainless steel blade, plastic handle
OXO Good Grips Simple Mandoline Slicer Fast, even slices and julienne without knife skills14 x 4.5 x 5.375 inStainless steel blades
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner Anyone who washes lettuce, herbs or berries and wants them dry fast10.5 x 10.5 x 6 inPlastic (BPA-free)
OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler Peeling tough-skinned produce quickly, in either hand6 x 3 x 1 inStainless steel (Japanese stainless steel blades)
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press Cooks who use a lot of garlic and want it crushed without a knife10.5 x 4.5 inStainless steel, soft handles
OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper Moving chopped food to the pan, portioning dough and cutting bars6 L x 1.5 W x 4 H inStainless steel

How we chose

We compared small, hand-held tools that each speed up a common cooking job, from checking doneness to washing greens, using the manufacturers’ published specifications. We weighed materials, size, cleaning needs, safety features such as hand guards, and the price on the maker’s own US site. We did not test these products ourselves.

What to look for in kitchen gadgets

Buy for the jobs you do most. Start with tasks you repeat every week, such as checking meat, zesting or peeling, and choose tools for those. Gadgets you rarely reach for only add drawer clutter.

Look at materials and blades. Stainless steel blades and bodies resist rust and stand up to daily use. Check what the handle is made of and pick a grip you can hold firmly with wet hands.

Check how it gets cleaned. Dishwasher-safe tools save time, but very sharp edges and electronics often need hand washing. Read the care notes before you buy, especially for graters and thermometers.

Make safety features a must. For anything with an exposed blade, such as a mandoline, insist on a food holder or hand guard. A blade cover on a grater protects your fingers and the edge in the drawer.

Measure your storage space. Long tools like mandolines and bulky ones like salad spinners need a cabinet or deep drawer. Compare the listed dimensions with the space you actually have.

Frequently asked questions

Which kitchen gadget is most worth buying first?

An instant-read thermometer, because it tells you exactly when meat, fish or bread is done. The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 reads in 2 to 3 seconds with its 4.5-inch probe and is accurate to ±1°F between 14 and 208°F. After that, a Microplane Classic Zester or an OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler covers everyday prep for little money.

Can these gadgets go in the dishwasher?

OXO lists its Salad Spinner, Garlic Press, Y-Peeler, Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper and Simple Mandoline Slicer as dishwasher safe. Microplane recommends hand washing the Classic Zester, or placing it in the utensil compartment if you use a dishwasher. The ThermoPop 2 is IP67 waterproof for rinsing, but ThermoWorks says not to expose the whole thermometer to temperatures over 190°F, so wash it by hand.

Is a mandoline safe to use at home?

A mandoline blade is very sharp, so always use the hand guard. The OXO Simple Mandoline Slicer has a spring-loaded food holder with a generous rim to protect your fingers. Stop slicing when the food gets too short to hold in the guard.

Are there good kitchen gadgets for left-handed cooks?

Yes. OXO designed the Good Grips Y-Peeler's handle for right- or left-handed use. The ThermoPop 2's display rotates automatically, so it reads the right way up in either hand.

What are the best kitchen gadgets for baking?

The OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper is built for portioning and scraping dough, lifting cookies and cutting brownies, and its blade has quarter-inch markings. The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 also helps with baked goods, reading in 2 to 3 seconds. The Microplane Classic Zester is handy for citrus zest.

Which OXO kitchen gadgets are worth buying?

This guide includes five OXO Good Grips tools: the Simple Mandoline Slicer, Salad Spinner, Y-Peeler, Garlic Press and Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper. OXO lists all of them as dishwasher safe, and the Y-Peeler handle works for right- or left-handed cooks. Pick the ones that match jobs you do every week, since single-purpose tools like the garlic press take up drawer space.

What are the best kitchen gadgets for cooking at home?

Match the gadget to the job. The ThermoPop 2 checks doneness, the Y-Peeler peels tough-skinned produce, the Microplane zests citrus and grates hard cheese, and the OXO mandoline gives even slices and julienne. The Salad Spinner dries lettuce, herbs or berries, and the Garlic Press crushes several cloves at once.