Elevate (or streamline) your day-to-day with these kitchen must-haves, beloved by Yahoo staffers and well beyond. (Photos: Amazon, Material, Amazon)
Our shopping editors are constantly testing products to bring you the very best (so when we love said products enough to make them permanent fixtures in our homes, you know they have to be several cuts above the rest). That’s especially true of kitchen items, where a never-ending influx of gadgets are in the race for our precious cabinet space (making the items on this list all the more coveted and worthy of serious consideration). From freshness-preserving bag sealers to some of the coolest cutting boards we’ve seen (not to mention the roll-up rack one editor loves so much she’s giving it as gifts!), read on for the kitchen essentials we rely on regularly to prepare our meals, tidy our spaces and everything in between.
“I feel like I am saving oil and calories at the same time! The sprayer allows me to coat a pan perfectly from edge to edge. Before using this sprayer, I would pour a ton of oil in the pan and tip the pan side-to-side to disperse, inevitably being left with a little too much oil sitting in the pan (aka extra unnecessary fat and calories). I also love that I can easily coat salads, or chicken, veggies and seafood before roasting or air-frying without using my hands.” —April McCormick, Health Editor
“I love these for holding and preserving fruits and veggies. The natural jute weave looks so pretty and stylish on the wall. Everyone compliments me and then buys their own! The various sizes are perfect for both small and large produce, and since four bags come in the set, I can keep things separate. No more onions and potatoes rolling around together in the cupboard!” —April McCormick, Health Editor
“Super-easy way to create airtight seals on food bags: chips, granola, frozen veggies, etc. Just fold the bag, slide the "Stic" halfway, press out the air, then slide to the end.” —Rick Broida, Senior Technology Writer
“The amount of can openers I’ve trashed because they are as effective as cutting steel with a butter knife is astonishing. This one, though, that slides through cans like a hot knife through butter, brings me a weird sense of joy.” —Scott Simone, Managing Editor
“This is not the exact juicer I own (the brand I have isn't on Amazon anymore), but it is amazing. It makes juicing my lemons so so so easy." —Rachel Roszmann, Weekend Editor
“On the recommendation of a chef friend, I've been using these peelers for years. They're razor-sharp and make quick work of peeling carrots, potatoes, apples, etc. They don't dull easily." —Lisa Schweitzer, Senior Editor
“I used to not be able to slice onions without sobbing, but now that I have these (super stylish) goggles, I can chop to my heart's content! You do have to make sure they're flush against your face, but once they're secure, I've found that they do a great job of keeping those allium juices from stinging my eyes.” —Britt Ross, Deals Writer
“It's an over-sink drying rack, a hot plate, extra counter space and more. Plus, it rolls right out of the way when I don't need it. Awesome. I've gifted this to many family members and friends and they love it too.” —Libby Sentz, Contributing Shopping Editor
“I made the simple switch from plastic wrap to beeswax wraps a year ago and haven't looked back. They soften and mold to the shape of different fruits and veggies with the warmth of your hand and are incredibly easy to clean. The wraps are especially useful for oddly-shaped produce like half-used lemons, onions and avocados.” —Amanda Garrity, Commerce Editor, Gift Guides
“I was lucky enough to be sent this multitasking workhorse from the brand and have completely fallen in love with it. It's definitely the most expensive tool in my kitchen but, given I've used it nearly every day since receiving it, I would say the prep system is well worth the cost. Not only is it an amazing blender that lets me whip up smoothies, milkshakes, soups and more with ease, but it also works as a food processor. It comes with multiple shaped slicing discs, so I'm able to perfectly chop, mince, shred, julienne and slice ingredients with just the push of a button. Even better, all the containers and lids are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.” —Rebecca Carhart, Fashion and Beauty Writer
“Grapes and berries are special — and this basket shows them off properly. I can take them straight from sink to table in this little beauty (available in four speckled shades). The stoneware is dishwasher-safe so it's easy to clean as well.” —Libby Sentz, Contributing Shopping Editor
“This handheld frother has taken my morning coffee to the next level. In just seconds, I'm able to transform any type of milk into the thick and creamy foam needed for lattes and cappuccinos. I also use it to make matcha tea, as I found it’s so much easier (and faster) to use than a traditional matcha whisk and it's also great for protein drinks or pre-workout beverages as I find it combines the powder and liquids much better than stirring or shaker bottles do.” —Rebecca Carhart, Fashion and Beauty Writer
“I have a comically small kitchen, and this thing not only keeps my microwave from becoming a disaster every time I heat up leftovers, but it does double-duty as a colander. It's collapsible, too, so it takes up hardly any space. I have two, just because I use them so frequently!” —Izabella Zaydenberg, Deputy Editor
"I’ve been trying to up my veggie intake, and fresh salads have become my go-to. This spinner from OXO Good Grips — complete with a non-slip rubber grip and brake button — makes it convenient to rinse and dry greens for healthier, cleaner eating. And Amazon customers love it too: The spinner is a No. 1 bestseller and has over 28,000 five-star reviews." —Kristin Granero, Home and Garden Editor
"I got my hands on one of these cutting boards after I saw how nice they looked (and well they worked!) in a friend’s kitchen and have expanded my collection since. They're beautiful, durable and sustainable, available in five shades and made of BPA-free kitchen plastic scraps and renewable sugarcane. They double as fun serving boards, have a corner cutout for easy hanging and, to add to the thoughtfulness, Material is donating 50% of profits from the To Pó-Po with Love version to Heart of Dinner. The brand offers The Mini reBoard for lighter prep work and The Grippy reBoard for greater traction (last time I checked, you could also score 15% off with email signup)." —Kristin Granero, Home and Garden Editor