I'm a trained cook – these are the 12 clever kitchen gadgets I think practically pay for themselves

These gadgets and gizmos will save you time, effort, and money

KitchenAid Food Chopper
(Image credit: KitchenAid)

You know those kitchen gadgets that sit in the back of a drawer, gathering dust? These aren’t those. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances obsessive, I've searched high and low to find some really great gadgets.

Whether they are saving time, simplifying messy tasks, or cutting down on food waste, these gadgets practically pay for themselves. From perfectly chopped onions in seconds to barista-style lattes at home (without the café prices), these are the kitchen heroes you didn't know you needed – until now.

12 game-changing kitchen gadgets


These kitchen gadgets may be small, but they make a big impact. From simplifying meal prep to helping keep your ingredients fresher for longer, they’re designed to make daily life easier and more efficient. By investing in tools that streamline your kitchen routine (and look after your larger appliances) you’ll save time, money, and food waste.

My personal favorites are the Dreo BaristaMaker (I've saved so much money on matcha lattes) and the glass spray bottles for olive oil. The latter are a genius purchase, as they preserve non-stick, help my air fryer last longer and are so convenient to use.

With gadgets this useful, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them.

Lydia Hayman
Kitchen Editor

Lydia is the Kitchen Appliances Editor for Homes & Gardens, testing everything from air fryers and mixers to juicers and coffee machines. She trained in Culinary Arts at Leiths School of Food & Wine and previously served as the Recipe Editor for Mindful Chef.