Prepping dishes and desserts to bring to holiday gatherings takes time. And finding the necessary time to do them can be hard when you’re juggling work, family, and other life duties. But what if we told you there’s ways to streamline kitchen tasks and get them done quicker? It’s as simple as adding just a few useful kitchen tools to your collection.
In fact, we found some seriously clever items that you likely never even knew you needed. Whether you’re slicing apples, zesting a lemon, straining pasta, or stripping herbs, these hidden gems will help save you time. And the best part is that they’re all $15 or less. Shop top picks at Amazon, starting at $6.
Best Underrated Amazon Kitchen Gadgets Under $15
- Farberware Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, $6, originally $10
- Zulay Kitchen Premium Garlic Press Set, $13, originally $30
- KongNai 4-Piece Kitchen Funnel Set, $6, originally $8
- Hiware Stainless Steel Spider Strainer, $10, originally $14
- Jiaedge Herb Stripper, $6 with Prime, originally $14
- Gerossi Cheese and Citrus Zester Grater, $9, originally $12
- PrepWords by Progressive Apple Slicer and Corer, $15, originally $20
Farberware Nylon Meat and Potato Masher
Amazon
Set the fork and spatula aside, and use this meat and potato masher by Farberware to mash potatoes or break up ground meat. It sports five nylon blades that break up ingredients easily, making these jobs easier and quicker. It’s heat resistant and safe to use on any cookware, from nonstick to cast iron. Over 20,000 shoppers have put it in their shopping cart in the past month. It’s 44% off right now too, making it a tough deal to pass by.
Zulay Kitchen Premium Garlic Press Set
Amazon
With over 18,500 perfect ratings, this bestselling garlic press will make short work of mincing garlic for tomato sauce, shrimp scampi, mashed potatoes, and so many other recipes. Another perk to this clever tool? No garlic smell on your hands. Pop the clove into the chamber, grip the two ergonomic handles to push, and et voilà — the minced garlic comes out of the chamber’s holes. It also comes with a silicone garlic peeler to easily peel off the husk and a brush to clean any residue in the chamber. Shop it while it’s 57% off and grab another one to wrap up as a holiday gift.
KongNai 4-Piece Kitchen Funnel Set
Amazon
Instead of trying to find a place to store a bulky funnel, grab this 4-piece funnel set that collapses and takes up very little space. Each funnel is made of soft flexible silicone and is a different size and color, so you can use them for a range of vessels. The set has two large and two small-sized funnels for transferring wet or dry ingredients, making it perfect for refilling flour containers ahead of the holidays, olive oil bottles by your stove, and so much more. They’re dishwasher safe too, for an easy cleanup.
Hiware Stainless Steel Spider Strainer
Amazon
Whether scooping out pasta, french fries, or vegetables, this spider strainer is a game changer that everyone needs. It has web-like threads in its bowl that make draining liquid quickly away from any food a breeze. Plus, it’s durable stainless steel for fuss-free heat-safe use. The long ergonomic handle keeps your hands and fingers away from the heat. Shoppers agree too. It has raked in over 24,700 five-star ratings. “It’s a must-have for any home chef,” one person wrote. Score it for $10.
Jiaedge Herb Stripper
Amazon
Fresh herbs make everything taste more flavorful. However, prepping and pulling off the leaves can be quite tedious and time-consuming. That’s where this stainless steel herb stripper comes into play. It has nine holes that are all different in size to best suit whatever variety of herb you’re using. The holds help you quickly strip off the leaves. Plus it has a curved edge that serves as a knife to cut the leaves. This edge can be covered with the included protector for safe use when you’re stripping the herbs.
Gerossi Cheese and Citrus Zester Grater
Amazon
Shredding cheese for pasta, zesting lemon for holiday breads or cakes, or grating some nutmeg for recipes are all tasks that are done effortlessly with this handy grater. It has a stainless steel blade with fine angled teeth that create the perfect small grate many other tools can’t duplicate. The soft rubber handle is comfortable to hold and allows for a secure grip. Plus, it has a protective case to put over the blade, and it takes up little room in a drawer. Grab this slim tool while it’s 26% off.
PrepWorks by Progressive Apple Slicer and Corer
Amazon
Prepping apples for fresh apple pie this Thanksgiving or even slices for a snack takes time. But over 8,000 shoppers in the past month have found a better way to tackle this task. It’s the PrepWorks by Progressive apple slicer and corer. This two-piece gadget cores and slices an apple all with one push. And, you get 16 even slices. “This is by far my favorite new kitchen gadget,” says one reviewer. “I was so impressed I literally ordered a second one [as] a gift while eating my apple.” Shop it now while it’s 25% off.