6 small novelty kitchen tools that are actually useful, according to a chef – and they're all under $30
These tiny kitchen heroes will put a spring in your step
With spring in the air, there’s no better time to refresh your kitchen with tools that make cooking feel lighter and brighter. As a trained chef and kitchen appliances editor at Homes & Gardens, I've tested my fair share of gadgets, from the best air fryers to the quietest blenders. Often, smaller, novelty items turn out to be gimmicks, but I have to admit – a select few have stood the test of time, making my life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable.
These six tools are ones I genuinely vouch for. They're small and affordable but adept at bringing speed and ease to your cooking routine. Especially when prep-heavy recipes like salad, vegetable pasta, and fruit desserts are on the menu this season.
6 tiny kitchen tools that are actually useful
A spoon rest might seem like an unnecessary extra – but it’s a small tool that makes a big difference, keeping counters free of spills and preventing spoons from slipping into your pot. Le Creuset’s version is not only durable and easy to clean, but it also adds a touch of color and French charm to your stovetop. A simple essential, but one I’d never be without.
A mandoline creates thin, even slices with zero effort. Whether you’re making homemade pickled cucumbers, shaving fennel for a salad, or prepping potatoes for a gratin, you'll save time and ensure consistency – which is really the key to becoming a great cook. Just promise me you’ll use the hand guard – those blades are very sharp.
We all have timers on our phones, but nothing beats a dedicated kitchen timer. It's reliable, accurate, and you don't need to worry about getting food on it. Whether I’ve got something roasting in the oven when I'm out in the garden, or I'm perfectly timing my soft-boiled eggs, I have this little tool with me to keep things on track.
This one is a bit niche, but I've found a melon baller to be surprisingly useful. Aside from creating perfectly round fruit bites (which instantly elevate a fruit salad), I use it for coring apples, pears, and de-seeding cucumbers. If you love fruit and a bit of presentation flair, this is worth the drawer space.
If you’ve ever tried to fish spaghetti out of a pot with a regular spoon, you know the struggle. A pasta fork is designed to grab and lift long noodles with ease. It makes serving pasta so much neater and more beautiful, too. A simple yet essential tool for any pasta lover.
Need a burst of citrus in your dish? A fine dusting of Parmesan? Or even shavings of garlic or ginger straight into the frying pan? A Microplane does it all effortlessly. I use mine daily, and once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Not every kitchen tool is worth the drawer space, but I think these six are genuinely helpful. They've earnt a place in my kitchen for making my cooking smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. I have also written about larger kitchen gadgets that I think practically pay for themselves – from super quick, low-waste food choppers to barista-level milk frothers that mean you'll never buy a takeout latte again. Some gadgets are so useful, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
