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Oct 19, 2023

49 Things That'll Help You Cook More This Summer

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Including options that'll help with all of your backyard BBQs.

BuzzFeed Staff

Fullstar is a small business established in 2017 that specializes in kitchen gadgets. Check out a TikTok of their veggie chopper in action.

Promising review: "Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food and it has a generous container." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I don't know why it took me so long to get an air fryer but this thing is a beast and a game changer for me. I was debating on getting this or one of those little ovens to bake and toast things in but I'm glad I decided to get this. Everything about it is easy to use and I haven't had an issue with it at all. I use it almost every day and the uses range from heating things up, toasting bread, frying frozen foods, destroying documents, whatever. It's still going strong like the first day I had it. I line the bin with foil and the tray with foil also so clean-up is a breeze. Sure, I may lose a bit of crispness because of that but I'll take that for ease of cleanup. Like others, a brand-new unit is going to have to go through maybe 5+ cycles with no food in it to get rid of the smell but after that, you can throw anything in this thing. The 5-quart size is perfect for me and might be just a tad big for apartments but I can live with that since I like to load it up." —R

Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in four sizes and six colors).

The set comes with two different-size magnets. See it in action on TikTok here.

Promising review: "I thought it over a few times, and then I bought these so I could have a quick reference handy for those times I wanted to make something in my air fryer, which is quite a bit. What surprised me is how often I refer to it. I just throw something in my air fryer, glance at the section that lists the item I’m cooking. Press a few buttons on my fryer, and I’m in business. No more having to search on my phone with wet fingers. A frivolous buy that turned out to be worthwhile." —PickyExtra

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also in two colors and Spanish language).

What's included: A fry pan, sauce pan with lid, sauté pan with lid, Dutch oven with lid, modular pan rack, and three-slot canvas lid holder.

Promising review: "This cookware set checked every box for me. From the satisfying unboxing to the easy storage and easy cleanup this was worth every penny. I love the magnetic storage system that comes with it, it allows for easy on-counter storage that looks great and is easy to access. Gone are my days of rummaging through drawers and cabinets for my pans. Cooking with this set is everything you'd expect. You can feel the quality of these pans just by holding them. A lot of products claim nonstick but this is the best nonstick pot or pan I've used. They heat up evenly and are clean after just a quick rinse under the sink. I highly recommend!" —AZ

Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $395 (available in six colors).

Promising review: "Really well-made product. It is sturdy and works great, I foresee this lasting for quite some time. It is very easy to use and can make stuffed burgers as well as regular burgers. I also bought the paper sheets recommended because then I can buy ground beef on sale and shape and freeze my own hamburger patties. It saves quite a bit of money to do it this way as opposed to buying already made ground beef patties, not to mention the taste is sooooo much better!" —deborah

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

What's included: Large deep dish, large shallow dish, medium deep dish, medium shallow dish, and two small dishes.

Anyday is a small, modern cookware brand from Steph Chen. If you need some inspiration, check out Anyday's dish ideas which include recipes from the likes of David Chang and Joshua McFadden!

Promising review: "Giving 5 stars does not do this dish justice; it needs five billion stars! This has to be the BEST product I have every purchased in my life. Since I do not have access to a stove or oven, these dishes have allowed me to 'cook' chicken, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, pork chops, and vegetables with just a microwave! Freaking genius!! Thank you Anyday for this beautiful ray of sunshine you have bestowed upon my life." —SR

Get it from Anyday for $170 (originally $200; available in three colors).

The tool is safe to use with nonstick cookware and you can throw it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Promising review: "The chopper breaks up ground beef, turkey, etc., much more efficiently than can be done with a spatula or turner. I don't normally purchase incredibly specialized utensils if I can get by without them, however, I think this chopper is worth the money because it saves time and makes cooking easier. The nylon material is heat-resistant and seems durable, but the packaging still directs not to leave on a hot surface when not in use." —Karen

Get it from Amazon for $8.72+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is a great item for lightly spraying salads, roasting vegetables, or adding some oil to a prepared plate of pasta. Avoids using more oil than necessary so that's a savings right there. I also use it to put a light coating of oil on all my cast iron cookware to prevent rust. Best of all, it looks great on the dinner table. Lots of uses which really makes it an asset in the kitchen. It seems that it should last a while so I think it is worth the few bucks spent." —Clancy

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

Each set comes with 13 professional chef knives, kitchen scissors, a peeler, a two-stage stage knife sharpener, and an acrylic knife stand.

Promising review: "I love these knives! I saw them on a TikTok and decided I had to have a set of black knives and they exceeded my expectations for sure. Super durable, and very sharp. And they aren't an eye sore in the kitchen." —Emily S.

Get the 17-piece set from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sets of 7, 8, 10, and 17 and in four finishes).

The temperature range is 32–197 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooker can be controlled right from your phone, so you don't even have to stay in the kitchen while cooking. It also provides cooking notifications, and stays connected through Bluetooth from up to 30 feet away. Plus, you get access to over 1,000 recipes, so you'll have inspiration for yummy meals! Get the Anova app here.

Promising review: "Since I started cooking sous vide, my family says my cooking has gone to a new level. I started with the original Anova, and just recently picked up this Nano. The Nano is awesome because it's much smaller vs. the first Anova, making it easier to store in a drawer or something. It sounds trivial but by making it easier to grab. Set-up is so much quicker, and I can cook a beef roast for 30 hours without adding ANY water. If you're just starting out in sous vide, I recommend this cooker." —Jeff Nichols

Get it from Amazon for $99+ (available in two styles).

Promising review: "Wow, this little gadget is pretty amazing! I have some old (expensive) non-serrated knives that are supposed to never need sharpening but unfortunately, lost their sharp edge long ago. I saw this gadget and decided to try it. I set the bottom of this gadget on the edge of the counter and ran one of the knives through the side labeled 'Coarse' about 10 times, then ran it through the side labeled 'Fine' another 8–10 times. Bingo! The knife was transformed back to its former high-dollar cutlery glory. I could hardly believe how effectively it had sharpened the knife, which I had been ready to throw away a week before." —Schelly L. Wagoner

Get it from Amazon for $10.30.

Read our full review of the KitchenIQ two-stage knife sharpener!

FYI: The towel absorbs 10 (!) times its weight in grease and absorbs liquids 20 times faster than other fabrics. Plus, it comes from Green City Living — a woman-owned small business based in Denver, Colorado.

Promising review: "I was skeptical about the bacon sponge but tired of watching everyone use piles of paper towels to drain bacon. It's great at soaking up the grease, and then I just pop it in hot soapy water in the sink, let it soak a while, rinse it out and let it dry and it's ready for the next batch. I like it so much that I'm getting a backup." —Sansa

Get it from Green City Living on Amazon Handmade for $14.99.

The arm spins in the pan, disrupting whatever's in it and effectively stirring for you. The future is now!

Promising review: "My husband loves to cook. We have two very small children, so while his meals are mostly yummy, they are also sometimes burnt. This was perfect for him. He's able to turn it on, run into the next room to save the day with a plastic bag and a washcloth for whatever blowout-esque mess I'm dealing with, forget he's cooking, run back into the kitchen frantically when he remembers, and arrive only to find the meal practically cooking itself. Best. Gift. Ever." —Jake the ChefturnedDaddy

Get it from UncommonGoods for $25+ (available in rechargeable and battery operated models).

Promising review: "I didn't have high expectations for this corn cob peeler, but saw the good reviews so thought I would give it a chance. I am amazed. I can peel an ear of corn in seconds. As a child, I remember how my mom would peel off the corn and freeze it for year-round corn. She would work her fingers to the bone. How great this would be for people who can or freeze corn. I noticed the blade is razor sharp, so I am being very careful with cleaning and storage. Highly recommended!" —Flossygirl

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in five styles and as a set with corn holders, a scraper/chopper, or a zester/grater).

The bottle isn't just for dispensing, either. It also has a whisk ball in the bottom so you can mix up your batter with just a few shakes.

Promising review: "This thing makes pancakes a breeze! The batter mixes really fast in this bottle and it makes pouring the batter on the griddle super easy. I make pancakes at least once a week so this is a great addition to my kitchen tools." —LBND

Get it from Amazon for $14.72.

The 1-pound appliance has room for six eggs and an auto-shutoff function which prevents overcooking.

Promising review: "I love hard-boiled eggs for protein, especially when I’m on the go as a student/worker, but it's hard to wait for the water to boil then put In the eggs and get ready all at the same time. This cooker is amazing!! Saves me time, it's quick and I don't have to watch it while it cooks — I can go get ready and then I hear a loud buzzer notifying me when the eggs are done! (The buzzer is really loud; sounds like a basketball game buzzer.) I was surprised how fast the eggs cooked." —OnAJourney

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in eight colors).

Want to know a lil' more? Read through our full review of the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker.

Promising review: "I am a stickler for properly defrosting meat after working in food service for years and this makes that process super easy and surprisingly quick! I've even convinced my father — a retired rocket scientist — that this is the best way to defrost." —Sarah

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in two colors).

BTW — this grinder is battery-operated, so make sure to get a few AA batteries, too!

Promising reviews: "Nothing like freshly ground spices to add a little snap to your cooking. The pods snap on and off with ease and the grind size is very easy to adjust from barely ground to pulverized... The ability to group commonly used spices together in threes and carry them across the kitchen or outside to the grill just adds to the usability." —Todd Tittle

Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in four colors, comes with grinder and two interchangeable pods).

BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves this gadget:

"I recently purchased this because it was my cheapest option for making zoodles, and also because my apartment is the size of a shoebox and there was no room for anything bigger. I LOVE how easy it is to swap out the caps to do other things, too — I've started grating my own cheeses and feel very fancy. But mostly I just love that it's very safe to use (it comes with a finger guard!), super easy to figure out, very compact, and even has measurements on the inside of the cup if you're ever portioning things out for a recipe."

Get it from Amazon for $19.98.

Promising review: "I bought this for my mother, who has some problems with arthritis, and when we gathered around to see if it worked, we were all pretty impressed. It left the edge of the can crimped in a way that avoids those sharp edges, which I personally have been sliced by several times. At first, it didn't seem like it was working, but then we lifted it and boom! Open can. I might get one for myself, honestly." —Rachel C.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "This is among my favorite purchases. Simple as can be and makes the best sandwiches, quesadillas, etc... I have yet to grill a steak but turkey burgers came out perfect! All in all, a great little grill." —Patti Lee

Get it from Amazon for $44.99.

Promising review: "I am actually excited for my weekday breakfast now. These homemade McMuffins are so good! My favorite version uses sliced tomatoes, Swiss cheese, and precooked bacon (from Costco). So many options, so easy! My kindergartener and my teenager both love it. I may have to buy another one for our family. It's also easy to clean with a quick wipe-down." —Joolie

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors).

Psst — a lot of folks also use these for pancake and protein pancake bites, too!

Promising review: "I bought this in hopes to make egg bites similar to Starbucks and I have not been disappointed. I chose this one after reading reviews on the smaller four-bite size. I have used it multiple times and have had excellent results each time. I followed the recipe in the booklet and used a tip from another reviewer that suggested to triple the cottage cheese amount. It's very easy to use and clean." —April124

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is my third one. One was melted on the stove burner recently by someone I seem to have married who doesn't know fire is hot yet. The other lasted through five years of heavy use. This folds absolutely flat and can be used as is or partially opened for a thinner cover to put over a bowl, say. Not difficult to clean since things don't really stick to it but if you have a mess it just takes a small second to make sure the folds end holes are all clean. This is also great for making microwave popcorn. Another neat gift to give someone since it's a handy gadget that saves space and something you'd use a lot." —Ms. Windermere

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

PS: They also come in handy with dishes going into a water bath (think: cheesecakes, custards, and puddings).

Promising review: "These bags are so wonderful. They are thick enough to deal with a few scrapings with spoon while stirring. And the cleanup takes seconds instead of an hour of soaking and five more minutes of cleaning. Very impressed with this project." —Taoswaan

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $3.02 or a pack of eight from Walmart for $4.64

Check out BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly's Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners review here.

Promising review: "I used to laugh at this kind of product until my friend was using hers. It made it all so easy! Honestly, I can't believe someone as clumsy as me was functioning without it. Where I used to use a knife and spoon or fork to deal with avocados, it's now just this one thing. Each part of the tool does its job really well, and it's easy to clean. Love it so much. Even if you're not a clever tool kinda person, just get it. It's worth it." —kikikitten

Get it from Amazon for $11.95.

The nifty tool can also be used to cook corn on the cob or revive old tortillas and bread.

Promising review: "My husband bought this for us one day, and I was skeptical at first, but when I actually tried it myself, I loved it! It only takes me a few minutes to cook potatoes! And in the microwave... not in the conventional oven where it will take me like 45 minutes to cook them!" —David Hemphill

Get it from Amazon for $14.77.

Promising review: "After a childhood experience that involved a pressure cooker spewing black beans all over the ceiling, I had no interest in ever trying a pressure cooker again. Until I started hearing about the Instant Pot. I've had it three weeks, and have used the pressure cooker function to make dishes as varied as black bean soup, butternut squash soup, dulce de leche, and cheesecake. My favorite aspect of it is that you set it and walk away. No more having to monitor the temperature. No more having to time the pressure phase." —A. Jennerjahn

Get it from Amazon for $73.25+ (available in three sizes).

Learn more about the Instant Pot in "I Tried The Instant Pot That Everyone's Obsessed With."

Promising review: "I got so tired of measuring spoons either getting lost in my drawer or having to deal with ones on rings. These are fantastic. The magnet holds them together well, and I love that each ‘spoon’ is actually two (each end is a different shape, too)." —Alicia S.

Get the set from Amazon for $15.97 (available in four color combinations).

Promising review: "Bought a new refrigerator so thought I would do it right. Great product — lets the air get under the fruit/veggies and keeps them fresh longer, and keeps the drawers cleaner, too." —M. Kopp

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in two designs).

Promising review: "Makes straining pasta, veggies, etc., so easy. Easy cleanup and less clunky than a full-size strainer. I love it so much I've just bought four more as gifts." —LJ

Get it from Amazon for $12.45+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "If you like waffles, but don't want to eat gigantic ones and/or don't have a ton of counter space to spare for a full size waffle maker, this little thing is well worth the price. Another benefit of this smaller size is that you can use the waffles from this little machine to make sandwiches, for those who like breakfast on-the-go, not to mention a sweet and savory treat in the morning. We have actually been surprised by how much we use this item considering other waffle makers we've purchased all end up collecting dust in the back of a cupboard. This really is a waffle maker that you'll use more than once; in fact, diehard waffle fans will probably use it every day." —Memory Lane

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 20 colors/patterns).

I have one of these and I love it SO much. It makes measuring PB particularly easy and once it's all in there, you just push the bottom up and everything comes out. This way, I don't have to use three spoons and a spatula to measure a single ingredient. It can measure regular wet and dry ingredients, too, but it really comes in clutch for the sticky stuff.

Promising review: "Saw Alton Brown using one of these to make peanut butter cookies and I had to have one. I've used it for PB, coconut oil, and sour cream so far, and it's great. Pop it apart and throw it in the dishwasher. No more scooping gooey ingredients into a measuring cup and then scooping them back out; just scoop them in and pop them out, scape with your spatula and it's done. Love it." —Laura Marks

Get it from Amazon for $20.44.

Promising review: "This was a great purchase for the price. I was making empanadas and folding them by hand, which didn't look too good. This set helps me cut them easily into circles and then easily presses them close. Consistent look each time! I like that there are three sizes in the set so I can make them according to my mood. Easy to wash and use. Would highly recommend for the price and functionality!" —Sox

Get a set of three from Amazon for $6.99.

The scissors have five blades which do the work of 10 knives! They also come with a cleaning comb which makes it easy to get out every last bit of your herbs.

Promising review: "We use HelloFresh which has a lot of meals with scallions. My uniform knife cutting skills are sketchy at best and I just knew there had to be a gadget out there that would make things easier. These herb shears are awesome! They make my life much easier. They are just like the description says, easy to use, easy to clean, and so far seem pretty durable." —Mike Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I love this Dutch oven. I got the 7.25-quart size for four people, and it has been an irreplaceable pot for soups and stews and coconut chicken adobo. I have also used this to bake bread, too, and it worked well. I have had to stop myself from buying even more!" —Austin

Get it from Amazon for $259.95+ (available in seven sizes and 13 colors) or Le Creuset for $260+ (available in seven sizes and six colors).

Brightland is a WOC–owned small biz, from Aishwarya Iyer, that sources its olives from a family-run farm in California.

Promising review: "The oils taste so GOOD — really fresh and light. I love that they add so much flavor to every dish making me a chef at home!" —Barbiana L.

Get it from Brightland for $70.

Collin Garrity is the St. Louis-based woodworker behind these lovely tools.

Promising review: "Just exactly what I was looking for. The wood is smooth and comfortable to use and just pretty to look at. Quickly becoming a staple utensil for my kitchen." —David and Amy Emler

Get it from Shop Collin Garrity on Etsy for $16 (available in three types of wood).

It's dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Measurements include: 1 cup, ½ cup, 1/3 cup, ¼ cup, 2 tbsp, 1 tbsp, ½ tbp, 1 tsp, ½ tsp, ¼ tsp, 120 ml, 80 ml, 60 ml, 30 ml, 15 ml, 7.5 ml, 5 ml, 2.5 ml, 1.25 ml.

Promising review: "First of all, I gotta say I don't cook much and if there's something I hate after cooking is having to wash all the bunch of utensils I have to use once I use them. This cube has been amazing, I don't have to wash a million utensils over and over, it's very easy to use, easy to clean and it's very handy to use for when I’m meal prepping for the week. I bought this out of curiosity and ended up enjoying it a lot. If a regular guy like me is enjoying it, I’m sure it would be a great tool for people who cooks or bakes in a regular basis." —Daniel Matajira

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

Omsom is an Asian woman–owned small biz from sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham. Their noodles, sauces, and sets are a love letter to their family and culture.

What's included: Soy Garlic Saucy Noodles (3), Coconut Lemongrass Curry Saucy Noodles (3), Chili Sesame Saucy Noodles (2), Garlic Black Pepper Saucy Noodles (2), Spicy Bulgogi Sauce (2), Yuzu Miso Glaze (2), Spicy Mala Sauce (2), Lemongrass BBQ Sauce (2), Larb Sauce (2), Sisig Sauce (2), Krapow Sauce (2).

Promising review: "This makes dinner so easy. We get the protein out, sauce it, and have an amazing meal made in minutes." —Antonio C.

Get the 25-piece bundle from Omsom for $99.

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say:

"I tried out these noodles as part of the Ultimate Variety Pack and haven't looked back since. I want to ALWAYS have these in my kitchen cabinets. Yes, they're THAT good. I'm very lazy and have spent way too much money on takeout in my life, so I'm forever looking for a solution to help me get takeout-worthy food at home for the least amount of effort. These totally fit the bill. I also like to toss chopped scallions on top. I'll even even mix in sautéed veggies and chicken to help bulk up the dish...or just use up the stuff that I have that I know I need to eat. I adore them so much that I even bought my brother a big bundle of them for Christmas and he was VERY excited when he opened it because Momofuku and David Chang's amazing reputation precede them."

Get a 15-pack from Amazon for $47.99 (includes 5 servings each of 3 varieties) or get a 20-pack from Momofuku for $52 (includes 10 servings of the popular Soy & Scallion and 5 servings each of the other 2 varieties).

Promising review: "I bought these because I got tired of throwing away plastic bags or plastic wrap for halves of lemons and lime. I wish I had found these sooner! They work great and are perfect for storing halves of citrus." –Cheryl Wood

Get the set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two color combinations).

What's included: One can opener, one ice cream scooper, one peeler, one pizza cutter, one garlic press, one cheese grater, and one whisk.

Promising review: "Exactly as depicted... Ordered the mint and rose gold set and they are true to color and very pretty. Some are even now hanging with our copper pans. The pizza cutter comes in a clear sleeve and was way sharper than our pizza rocker. The can opener did its job on the first spin, the peeler was up to the job of carrots, and the whisk was ready to go into the gravy, but was deemed too pretty to use this soon. Would definitely give as a gift. I imagine the navy and rose are just as lovely. Enjoy!" —Ty Po

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in eight colors and two metal finishes).

Promising review: "I’ve been loving my new butter crock. As simple as packing in a stick of softened butter into the top of the crock and then filling with cold water to the line on the bottom of the crock. Keeps my butter spreadable and fresh on the counter for days. I replace with fresh cold water daily to maximize freshness. Recommend for when spreading butter on fresh bread, corn on the cob and steamed vegetables. Great hostess gift, thank you gift, or housewarming gift." —M. Murphy

Get it from Amazon for $16.19+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "This was a really hard purchase for me. I searched for quite a bit but couldn't settle on any trivets that also fit the aesthetic of my kitchen. These are perfect! Love the color, size, shape, dimensions… all of it. It was hard to press that purchase button though just because of the price (there are sooooo many cheaper options), but these seem like they will stand the test of time." —Anna

Get a set of three from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors).

What's included: Breakfast bowl, everyday bowl, cake plate, side plate, and dinner plate.

East Fork is an Asheville, North Carolina-based small biz that's been throwing and firing pottery since 2009. Today, they are a Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified (meaning they offset and reduce all of their greenhouse gas emissions), and they "partner with local non-profit, grassroots organizations and individuals working toward racial equity, community reconciliation, and the liberation of folks who’ve been systematically oppressed by white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity."

Promising reviews: "Great pieces worthy of collection and praise. We have been slowly collecting pieces of East Fork as we go and absolutely love how durable and beautiful they are." —Grant and Vicki T.

Get it from East Fork for $146 (originally $162; available in eight colors).

Promising review: "I needed some easy-to-clean and store cutting boards. These are great! I actually need to get one more set because I use them so often!! They are so easy to just rinse and toss in the dishwasher. The colors are cute too." —Michele Carroll

Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy these online but could not find anything locally I liked. I am so happy with these containers! They are HEAVY and very well made. Much higher quality than I anticipated receiving." —Courtney N.

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (pieces can also be bought individually).

Promising reviews: "This might be the best blender I've ever owned. I dream of preparing delicious smoothies every day." —Samantha Villavicencio

"We primarily use this for smoothies and milkshakes. It works beautifully. It's quiet, fast, and blends efficiently and thoroughly. I've had several blenders and this is the best. Worth the money." —Kristin Lim

Get it from Amazon for $299.95 (available in seven colors).

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.