Everybody loves a good, easy-to-make meal, and with the right tools, you can throw together all the dishes you love in a flash.
Life can be busy, and the last thing most people want to do after a long day is come home and whip up some culinary masterpiece. Unfortunately, takeout can be costly (and, oftentimes, doesn’t taste as good as a homecooked meal). The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition, time, or taste when you have the right kitchen gadgets to back you up while you work. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites to help you take your cooking to the next level.
Here are a few of the best kitchen gadgets you can get online right now.
Nutri Slicer XL (This link opens in a new tab)
Meal prep can be so annoying, especially when you want to get as much fresh produce in your meals as possible. With the Nutri Slicer XL, all that cutting and chopping will be a thing of the past. The tool can slice, chop, and dice in a fraction of the time. It comes with a mandolin slicer, large and small veggie dicers, a shredder, and a slicing guard to cover all bases and keep your hands safe from the ultra-sharp blades. The storage container catches all the food and is even airtight, so you can chop now and use it later.
Heily Silicone Clip-on Strainer (This link opens in a new tab)
Straining pasta can be challenging with traditional strainers, but the Heily Adjustable Silicone Clip-on Strainer takes the guesswork — and potential accidents — out of the equation. The strainer is adjustable to fit pots of all sizes, but it is small and compact enough to take up virtually no space in your kitchen. The clip-on sides mean you can pour easily without the risk of spilling boiling water everywhere. The heat-resistant silicone is also dishwasher-safe, so you won’t have to worry about it morphing into something unusable after you wash it.
Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddle (This link opens in a new tab)
If you’re looking for an easy countertop cooking machine, the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddle may just become your new best friend. While its main draw is its grilling capabilities, it can also act as a panini press, flat grill, and griddle, depending on your mood — and the meal you’re trying to cook. The plates are all non-stick, so you won’t have to use too much oil to keep your food from becoming one with the grill, and it includes a drip cup and cleaning tool to make tidying up after use a breeze.
Fasta Pasta Microwave Pasta Cooker (This link opens in a new tab)
For those looking for quick meal options, pasta is often a go-to. But did you know that the process could go even faster? Well, it can with the Fasta Pasta Microwave Pasta Cooker. It’ll make the perfect al dente pasta every time and save you from waiting for water to boil.
Jofuyu Kitchen Herb Shears (This link opens in a new tab)
Chopping up herbs, green onions, and spicy peppers can be a hassle. Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with that when you have the Jofuyu Herb Kitchen Shears. The 5-blade scissors are designed to make chopping herbs easy, and they can help cut your prep time down significantly. The ergonomic handles make them easy to operate, even if you’re left-handed, and the quality of the blades ensures a perfect cut every time.
Available in two colours.
Chicky Thicky Chicken Shredder (This link opens in a new tab)
Say goodbye to shredding chicken the old-fashioned way and hello to the Chicky Thicky, a shredder tool that is so easy to use you’ll never go back to prehistoric forks and knives. It’s equipped with durable spikes and a clear lid so you can watch your progress. All you have to do is set your chicken (or any shreddable meat) into the base, put on the lid, and spin using the ergonomic and comfortable side handles. The non-slip base makes it easy to use, and the compact size means you won’t have to clear out any current kitchen utensils to make room. The name is also just super fun to say.
Ninja 2-Basket Air Fryer (This link opens in a new tab)
For those of you looking for something that can do it all in less time, look no further than the Ninja Foodi 2-basket air fryer. The machine is equipped with two baskets, so you won’t have to choose what part of the meal to cook first, and it’s also dishwasher-safe, so you can skip the hand wash. The Ninja air fryer doesn’t just fry, though. It can also broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate, making it one of the most versatile products for your kitchen.
Available in two sizes.
GoodCook Multi-Use Baking Pan Set (This link opens in a new tab)
Do you love the smell of bacon in the morning but hate dealing with the inevitable and dangerous grease splashes that come with frying it? Well, the GoodCook Multipurpose Baking Pan Set can solve that problem. The pan set is made of carbon steel and is great for cooking up crispy bacon because of its elevated wire baking rack. With even heat distribution and PFOA-free premium non-stick coating, you can cook fast and feel good about it. While its main draw is bacon, it can be used to cook anything from chicken wings to fries and chips and more.
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker (This link opens in a new tab)
Instead of hitting your favourite fast food joint on your way to work, you can cut breakfast prep time in half using this Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker. It fits English muffins, bagels, and biscuits, and all you have to do is choose what you want on it. Load up the sandwich maker with all your favourites — eggs, bacon, cheese, vegetables; you name it — turn it on, and in five minutes, you’ll have a breakfast sandwich better than anything you can get in a drive-thru.
Napolean Pro Bamboo Cutting Board with Bowls (This link opens in a new tab)
Cutting boards aren’t always designed with the user in mind, but the Napoleon Pro Bamboo Board is. The thick and raised design makes it more ergonomic — and safe — for cutting everything from vegetables to meats, and the included stainless steel bowls allow you to slide your finished work off so you can continue cutting what’s next. It also has a handy indent designed to catch any juices, so it won’t leak all over your clean counters.
Bella Electric Can Opener (This link opens in a new tab)
Can openers are one of the worst-designed kitchen gadgets — especially if you’re left-handed! You won’t have to struggle to open non-perishables with the Bella Electric Can Opener in your life. Its 60-watt motor opens cans quickly and easily with the touch of a button, and the durable design can handle anything from tiny tuna cans to large cans of tomatoes. It’s also super easy to clean and has a no-show cord for easy storage.
HappyCall Non-Stick Flip Double Pan (This link opens in a new tab)
Have you ever tried to flip an omelette, or anything for that matter, and realized you just ruined your lunch? This double pan will ensure that never happens to you again. The dual titanium non-stick pans are durable and corrosion-resistant. It also has a silicone gasket to ensure that oil splatter is kept to a minimum, and the double sides mean you can flip like a pro, regardless of what you’re cooking. It’s also dishwasher-safe.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.