The 10 Best Kitchen Gadgets for Home Chefs on a Budget
Whether you’re an aspiring home chef or simply love whipping up meals in your kitchen, having the right tools can make all the difference. However, kitchen gadgets can get expensive fast. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that still get the job done wonderfully. From multipurpose tools to specialized appliances, read on for the 10 best kitchen gadgets for home chefs on a budget.
1. Instant Pot
At the top of the list is the wildly popular Instant Pot. This multi-cooker makes slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more a total breeze. It’s energy efficient, easy to clean and cooks food incredibly fast. With just one appliance that costs under $100, you gain access to a ton of versatile cooking functions.
2. Immersion Blender
Immersion or stick blenders are ideal for pureeing soups and sauces right in the pot or bowl. This saves you from having to transfer hot liquids to a stand blender. They conveniently chop, mix, whip, and more. Quality hand blenders cost around $35 or less.
3. Digital Kitchen Scale
Get more precise recipes by using a digital kitchen scale for around $10-$20. They help you easily measure the exact quantities called for, which is especially useful for baking. Look for one that measures in metric and imperial units.
4. Cast Iron Skillet
This workhorse pan sears, fries, bakes, and more while lending food loads of flavor from the cast iron. Pre-seasoned pans go for $20-$30 on average. Over time, the more you use them, the more nonstick their cooking surface becomes.
5. Microwave Egg Cooker
Cook eggs in the microwave without all the mess! These handy containers let you make poached, scrambled, and omelet-style eggs in just a minute or two. At approximately $10, they make morning breakfasts and quick snacks a total breeze.
6. Meat Thermometer
Take the guesswork out of determining if meat is safely and properly cooked by using an instant-read meat thermometer. They provide temperatures in just a few seconds. Decent thermometers cost around $10-$15, helping prevent both under and overcooking.
7. Kitchen Shears
A good pair of kitchen shears, around $10, can snip through chicken bones, trim fat, open food packages, and more. Look for stainless steel shears that come apart for easy cleaning and sharpening. Kitchen shears help simplify all sorts of food prep jobs.
8. Microplane Grater
Shave chocolate, cheese, zest citrus, and grated ginger, garlic, nutmeg, and more with ease. These ultra-sharp graters feature razor-like etching on the surface that effortlessly processes a variety of ingredients. Microplane graters generally cost between $10-$20.
9. Silicone Baking Mats
Ditch greasing and flouring pans by placing your dough and batter on reusable silicone baking mats instead. They prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. These heat-resistant liners can go right in the oven or freezer. Stock up on a few for under $10 each. Related article: Emerging Technologies
10. Vegetable Chopper
Save major amounts of time chopping veggies with a manual vegetable chopper for around $15. Simply load the pieces in the container, place the lid on, and pull the handle to move the blades, neatly dicing foods. Enjoy faster salad prep, stir fry mixing, and more.
Equipping your kitchen for culinary success doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With this list of fantastic gadgets all under $35, you can take your home cooking abilities to the next level without breaking the bank. Invest in one or more of these clever tools based on your favorite dishes and techniques. In no time, you’ll be whipping up incredible creations worthy of a seasoned chef.