Seven Kitchen Gadgets Under $50 That I Actually Use Every Week

I have a drawer of shame. Spiralizer, garlic press I hated, an egg separator shaped like a cartoon face. Gadgets I bought on impulse and used once. So when I recommend cheap kitchen gear, it's stuff that has survived the drawer test for at least a year.

1. Instant-read thermometer (around $20 to $40)

The single most useful kitchen tool under $50. No more cutting into chicken to check. No more dry pork. A fast, accurate thermometer makes you a better cook overnight.

2. Bench scraper (around $10)

Scoops chopped vegetables off the board, cleans flour off the counter, divides dough. I use it more than my spatula.

3. Microplane zester (around $15)

Citrus zest, garlic, ginger, hard cheese, nutmeg. It replaced my garlic press and two graters.

4. Kitchen scale (around $20 to $30)

For baking it's a must. For everyday cooking it means less mess from measuring cups. Get one with a tare button and grams.

5. Silicone spatulas, a pack (around $15)

Heat-resistant, scrape bowls clean, safe on nonstick. One-piece designs so food doesn't hide in the joint.

6. Sheet pans, half-size (around $20 for two)

Heavy aluminum sheet pans don't warp in the oven. Roast vegetables, bake cookies, use as trays. Cheap thin ones twist at high heat and make a loud bang in the oven.

7. Salad spinner (around $25 to $35)

Wet greens make sad, soggy salads. A spinner dries greens, berries and herbs in seconds. It's bulky, I know. Still worth it.

What didn't make the cut

• Avocado tools. A knife and a spoon work.
• Electric can openers. Slower than the manual one.
• Herb scissors. Regular scissors do the same thing.
• Anything that does only one thing and needs its own storage box.

Where to buy

Target has a great kitchen section with good house-brand basics, especially spatulas and sheet pans. Walmart is cheapest for scales and salad spinners. Amazon has a deep range of thermometers at every price, so check reviews for accuracy. Home Depot surprisingly sells a few solid thermometers in the grilling section, often on sale in summer.

Verdict

Start with the thermometer and the bench scraper. They cost less than a takeout dinner and you'll use them every week. Leave the novelty gadgets on the shelf.