1. An expandable colander you can fit snugly inside your sink to clean fruits and veggies, drain pasta, *and* dry dishes while also bringing some life to a typically boring area of the kitchen.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

This colander can expand from 14.5 to 19.5 inches. It's top-rack dishwasher safe as well!

BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes has and loves this product, "I have this colander in the pink color and absolutely love it! I don't leave it out on my sink permanently, but I've hung it right next to my sink using small Command hooks so I can quickly grab it and place it on my sink whenever I need to clean produce or drain pasta. I love being able to leave ingredients on it to drain while I work on other steps of a recipe, and it also leaves enough room in the sink for me to place dirty dishes or wash a pan without the dirty water going onto my clean ingredients. Highly recommend, especially for small kitchens!"

Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this. I leave it in my sink always. It makes washing fruits or draining pasta so much easier and has such a simple cleanup. It also adds a nice pop of color to my kitchen. I highly recommend it." —Alyssa

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in six colors and in two-packs).

2. Or a game-changing Snap N' Strain you can use with any pot or bowl. Just think of how much space you'll save in your already-crowded kitchen cabinets! Reviewers use it to strain a variety of things (not just pasta)!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It also has a spout so you can control how much liquid you pour out, and its compact design won't take up much storage space!

Promising review: "Typically, I am not a fan of one-trick kitchen utensils. But this thing is a game-changer!! Regular strainers are clunky and take up too much space, plus pouring scalding hot liquid into them with heavy food splashing around is dangerous and messy. This eliminates that. Seriously, how have I lived my life without this? I remember making a very large and heavy batch of soup stock, and it was difficult enough to just lift the pot and pour, let alone safely into a strainer that could easily move or tip over if I poured too quickly…but this baby made the transfer so easy it’s almost laughable that anyone would use a normal strainer these days! It’s sturdy, it stays in place, it's small, lightweight, won’t rust, easy to clean, doesn’t burn your hands after being submersed in liquid fire. What else could you ask for in a strainer? Enough already, just buy it!" —Kellu

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors).

3. Plus, a cutting board and strainer combo, your mom will "ooh" and "ahh" over when you excitedly show it to her over Facetime while *also* asking her, "Do you think this chicken is cooked?"

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising reviews: "I love this product! I use it every day to slice or cut vegetables or fruit and then rinse them in the colander. Versatile and fits over my sink perfectly." —Jeff Wedgwood

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors).

4. A Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, enjoy the fruits of your labor (yum) and then run it back again at dinnertime!

Amazon, www.instagram.com

Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action. 

Each air fryer comes with the "PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface, no problem.

Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. It was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." —Jennifer 

Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in three colors). 

5. Or an Emeril Lagasse dual zone air fryer over combowith precise temperature for both sides so you can cook two very different items at once (and in two different ways). It has the capability to air fry, bake, cook pizza, reheat, dehydrate, roast, broil, grill, toast, keep items warm, slow cook, and can be used as a rotisserie. Bam! Emeril is still killin' it!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We purchased this oven after our 26-inch drop-in oven finally saw its last day. It is a temporary oven till we remodel the kitchen. This oven does it all. I have cooked amazing dinners, cakes, cookies, and pies. the dual-zone sync option is awesome. Very happy customer here!!!" —Steve

Get it from Amazon for $272.99.

6. A set of stove burner covers to catch the inevitable splash of sauce that always finds its way out of your pot — it'll also help cover up some chipped the burners you unfortunately inherited from the previous owner.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Psst, as you can see above, this set also comes with a crumb catcher where your stovetop meets your countertop!

Promising review: "I've been using the foil ones and while they do the job, they're not so nice to look at. I like that this is black so it matches the original color of the appliances, but more importantly I like that this has a larger surface area to catch the drips that the foil ones never could before. They're also trim to fit, so they get right up into each burner without leaving gaps where drips can burn where it's hardest to clean. Overall recommended." —Michael

Get an 8-pack from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in four colors and three sizes).

7. A self-draining silicone sponge holder you'll use constantly because, let's face it, you're tired of a gross puddle of dirty dishwater leaking all over your counter, and your brushes and sponges are in need of a home to call their own. It'll be a win-win!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Thick good quality material, has weight to it so it won’t slide around, I love that it has a slant to it so the water slides off AND it slips over the edge of the sink so the water doesn’t collect underneath." —shaw

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

8. A set of gravity-activated grindersto make you feel like you're living alongside The Jetsons each time you season something. No twisting or turning needed — these automatically release freshly ground salt or pepper whenever you tip it over.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Watch this TikToker use these automatic grinders while cooking here!

Promising review: "These are really beautiful and add the exact touch of copper I was looking for in my space. When using, the end lights up blue which is very cool gives them a modern feel. They feel heavy and solid, including the clear receptacle that holds the salt/pepper." —Pink Dragon

Get the set of two from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors as well as a single grinder).

9. Or hand-painted wildflower salt and pepper shakers that'll put a *spring* in your step — plus they'll be an adorable, functional and darling addition to your daily at-home dining experiences.

Ivy Cottage Art Gifts / Etsy

Ivy Cottage Art Gifts is a small business that sells stunning handpainted kitchen items.

Promising review: "These salt and pepper shakers are a great size for someone who’s always in the kitchen! The paint job is as described and even more beautiful in person." —Kashlamb12

Get them from Ivy Cottage Art Gifts on Etsy for $38.99.

10. A porcelain butter dish you'll for how pretty and practical it is but *also* be surprised by how often you reach for it during the day. Just think about it — on a typical day you could very well be slathering butter on a waffle, buttering up some toast, or popping some butter into a pan to saute some veggies!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Excellent quality and fits a block of butter quite well. I particularly like that it has a lip the top fits over that keeps the butter inside so it isn't all over the edges of the cover. It washes up beautifully in the dishwasher or by hand. I liked it so much I sent one as a gift. Would definitely buy again." —Sunday Reader

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+(available in six styles).

11. KitchenAid shears, because you should probably stop using your regular ol' crafting scissors when you're cooking. 😅 Use these to beautifully cut quesadillas or pizza into slices (a must-have for parents!) or to quickly chop herbs.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These scissors do it all! From cutting poultry to removing gristle from the bottom of a tri-tip roast, and any number of other kitchen items. I'm left-handed, and the grip is comfortable. They're very easy to clean, and the plastic sheath that comes with them is a plus, preventing me from gouging myself when looking for other items in the 'sharp object' drawer. I'm thinking about getting a second pair. I highly recommend these kitchen shears!" —Suzy-Q666

Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in seven colors).

12. A 2-in-1 knife and cutting board for anyone who detests cleaning full-sized cutting boards — they're so awkward to fit into my sink and I somehow always end up drenched in the process. It'll also be a great option for making custom salads for the whole fam who don't necessarily want the same thing in theirs. Cut a few pieces of cucumber into your bowl and a few slices of bell pepper into your partner's!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Ronan is a small business that specializes in multipurpose tools for home use.

Promising review: "This is a kitchen must-have. We use it all the time — it's so easy to use that even our kids use it. Very durable blade that continues to perform and get value for your money." —Dawn R. 

Get it from Amazon for$15.99. 

13. A Dawn Platinum Powerwash dish spray that will become your right-hand man in the kitchen from here on out — it comes in various delectable scents and works wonders on caked-on food and grease. All you have to do is spritz, let it sit, then rinse it off! Reviewers are obsessed with it — it has over 90,000 5-star reviews. (WOW!!!)

www.amazon.com

I use this stuff constantly and can confirm it's fantastic. I use it on my frying pans and the grill pans from my griddler (which is ALWAYS a pain to clean). It loosens all the gunk and makes cleaning burnt bits and pieces much easier. It also really does smell incredible — very fresh and delightful! I recently swapped from the "fresh" scent to the "apple" one, and wow, it smells delicious. It also works great for removing stains on clothes (I've seen it remove coffee from a white tee with my very own eyes).

Promising review: "This makes it so easy to keep my sink clear of dishes. I use it constantly throughout the day. Every time I use a dish, I give it a quick spray, wash it, rinse it, and put it in a dish drainer. It is wonderful. I wish it was a little cheaper as I’m constantly using it; other than that, I love it." —Linda W.

Get a pack of four Amazon for $16.88  (available in four scents).

14. Asoap-dispensing attachment to upgrade your Scrub Daddy into the ultimate dish-cleaning mechanism. You can go ahead and make an absolute mess of your pots and pants, knowing this gadget has got your back.

amazon.com

Smilyeez is a small business! Fill the brush handle with your favorite dish soap, attach it to your Scrub Daddy, then use the little lever to dispense the perfect amount of soap into the sponge! Many reviewers also note they like to use it to clean their bathroom.

Promising review: "This is a game changer for me. I hate dishes. Like seriously hate dishes. I hate touching wet food. When I wash dishes, I believe the water needs to be lava hot, and sometimes, it’s too hot for my hands when I use a rag or sponge. This tool helps me so much because it makes scrubbing easier without all the things I hate. I highly recommend." —Hope

Get it from Amazon for $12.95+(available in six styles).

15. And a set of cat-shaped double-sided sponges because why not turn one of your most hated tasks (scrubbing, well, anything) into an adorable experience that'll encourage you to do it *meow* instead of later?

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these! I don’t have a dishwasher so my roommates and I were using them daily, and they lasted about a month and a half each before we deemed them too gross to use anymore (although I’m sure you could use them for longer). They were very cute and did their job for a lot less money than the dog-shaped Scrub Daddies would. Would buy again!" —Ashlynn

Get a set of three from Amazon for$8.49. 

16. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer that'll have you wondering, "Where has this been all of my life?" It won't take up much counter space at *all*, and it doesn't need to be plugged in or charged, so you'll never find yourself waiting around too long for a fresh cup of joe.

Amazon

You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. 

Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." —Alex Bonick

Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 

17. Plus a tiny but mighty milk frother to add all kinds of foamy goodness to your drinks while also making you feel like you just graduated from a special barista class. Making at-home bevs is about to be a lot more exciting.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I honestly use this every single day, it makes the most incredible and consistent froth. I have dropped it more times than I can count, and it keeps going." —Amanda*C

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 45 styles).

18. An affordable and excellent chef's knife you can use to beautifully cut up ingredients in a way even Gordon Ramsay would applaud. (And we *know* how much he loves to aggressively shout criticisms!)

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Mercer Culinary is a small business!

Promising reviews: "Aside from a Victorinox paring knife and a filet knife, this is the ONLY knife I own. I've used it just about every day for the last two months, and only now does it seem to be losing its edge. Since I primarily cook from scratch, I've put it through quite a bit! It's survived pounds upon pounds of potatoes, onions, garlic, a few acorn squash, and carving a whole chicken. I'd say it's a sound investment for the price." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.38+ (available in several sizes/types).

19. Or a set of floral kitchen knivesthat'll make every meal prep feel like springtime (how refreshing!) — a new, sharp, beautiful set of tools is sure to motivate you to make dinner at home instead of Seamless-ing dinner for the umpteenth time.

www.amazon.com

The 12-piece set comes with a chef knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, a santoku knife, a slicing knife, a paring knife, and covers for each blade.

Promising review: "I have several knives of good quality, really didn’t need these, to be honest, I bought them because they were so pretty.  😍 To my surprise, they have turned out to be a great purchase. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they are also really sharp! Be super careful when using these little pretties; they’ll easily take a finger off, 😉 if you aren’t paying attention, but if you are using them properly, or like me, an experienced cook in the kitchen, you’re gonna love how easy they make, chopping, slicing, and you might find yourself wanting to cook more often, just to be able to use them. Make the purchase, and enjoy!" —Serena L.

Get them from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in a 10-piece set).

20. And cut-resistant gloves for anyone who has already had the somewhat horrifying experience of slicing one of their digits. Sorry, Chef, but no one wants blood in their meatballs. Safety first!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can even pop these in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.

Promising reviews: "I got really tired of coming away with sliced fingers after manually grating cheese or potatoes. Measuring the glove size as instructed was easy, and the fit was perfect (small). I have used these gloves every day since I received them. I was going to try a mandolin, but that was more troublesome than it was worth. Just slip on the glove, and you are safe!" —S Martin

Get them from Amazon for $14.69 (available in sizes S—XL).

21. A super absorbent floral dish drying mat to add some pretty vibes into your kitchen and to your least favorite chore (doing the dishes, siiiiiiiigh) It's a functional *and* lovely option for anyone in need of somewhere to dry their cups, bowls, and plates.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

The top layer is made of absorbent PU leather, so you can easily rinse or wipe it clean! It also has an anti-skid rubber backing to prevent sliding.

Promising review: "I was a little concerned about how things would dry on this mat since it isn't fabric, but everything seems to dry really well – and it is just so pretty a thing to have on my counter! Can't beat the price either." —Nana M.

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in three sizes and six colors/styles).

22. A family-size Perfect Pot you can use on both the stovetop and in the oven — it'll replace your stock pot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, colander, braiser, and spoon rest! Talk about a fabulous gift, jeez.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "When it comes to cookware, I truly believe you can’t do better than this brand, the material used, the rich, beautiful color, the ease of use, and the nonstick properties are absolutely amazing. I will make sure that I buy every last pot from this line." —Lori Bush

Get it from Amazon for $140 (available in six colors).

23. Or a 12-piece ceramic, nonstick Caraway cookware set complete with everything you'd possibly need to inspire you to make a mouthwatering meal in the comfort of your kitchen instead of heading out to eat (again). The set has a one-year warranty (phew) and is naturally non-stick, so you'll save $$$ on butter, oil, and cooking spray, and will be able to withstand waaaaay more cooking than those raggedy pots and pans you've been using since college.

Caraway, www.instagram.com

Each piece is oven safe, has a nontoxic coating, *and* comes with a lid holder/pan rack to keep them all neat 'n' cozy when not in use. They are oven-safe up to 550 degrees and safe for all stove tops.

BuzzFeed editorAmanda Davis has this set and is a fan! She said, "I started out with just the cream-colored sauté pan and loved it so much I knew I *needed* the entire set. TL;DR: the hype is absolutely real. This cookware is gorge in person, but I love that it's actually non-stick! It's so easy to cook on, it's easy to clean, and it's cute enough to leave on top of the stove for all (i.e. me) to see. I also love the pan and lid storage that comes with the set. They each fit inside my kitchen cabinets perfectly and really help with keeping things tidy and organized. I'd say it's definitely worth the investment!"

Learn more about this cookware set in our full Caraway Pan Set review!

This set includes a 10.5" frying pan, 3-quart saucepan and lid, 6.5-quarr Dutch oven and lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan and lid, four modular magnetic pan racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks.

Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $395.50+ (available in six colors) or straight from Caraway for $395.50+ (available in 12 colorways).

You can also shop the pots and pans individually on Amazon or Caraway starting at $85.

24. Extra long oven mitts to protect your arms while you're checking on the delicious veggies you're roasting for dinner and then again later when you're popping the oven open to see if your famous chocolate chip cookies are perfectly browned and ready for dessert.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I absolutely love these oven mitts! It's one of those kitchen items that are a MUST, but always put off purchasing. I had criteria for what I wanted in mitts and found them. The mitts do everything they say they do and that's keeping my hands and arms safe. I highly recommend them." —Amazon Customer

"Great purchase. I use these every day. Had them for a while now and they hold up beautifully." —Badgerman

Get them from Amazon for $17.99 (available in six colors).

25. A compact Ninja Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster you can use like a regular toaster *then*flip on its side to transform it into a toaster oven. May waffles and reheated leftover pizza (which is superior to all other leftovers, BTW) be in your near future.

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the flip toasterin action. 

Promising review: "This has been a game changer for our household. This Ninja gets used every day, usually in both modes. While there is a bit of a learning curve, that’s to be expected with any new appliance. It’s a fantastic toaster and toaster oven. We have limited counter space so I really appreciate how compact it is when it’s flipped up to toaster mode." —Alison Chamberlain

Get it from Amazon for $129.99.

26. A vertical pan handle attachment that'll make it easier than ever to lift that adorable cast-iron skillet you just HAD to have in a fun color to match the rest of your kitchen.

Amazon

This helpful gadget will add leverage so you can keep your wrist in a neutral position. It's great for anyone with arthritis or overall hand/wrist pain. You *also* won't need to use an oven mitt since the handle will protect you from heat! It's safe for up to 350 degrees — so please don't use this inside your oven.

Promising review: "This is awesome. I’m elderly and love to cook. This is a new lease on life for me in the kitchen. I even bought one for my girlfriend, and she loves it as well!" —CARLTON FITCHLEY

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

27. Environmentally friendly dishcloths made of cellulose and cotton you can use to clean your counters, stovetops, dishes, shower doors, and mirrors and the tears you're likely to shed when you accidentally burn dinner for the umpteenth time.

Amazon

Promising review: "Love this little dishcloth! It’s SUPER absorbent and picks up really well. I use it in the kitchen every day to clean up countertops, sink, spills, placemats, dining table, etc. and it’s easy to wash, too. Great way to save money on paper towels." —Milica P.

Get a set of three from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 30 styles).

28. A set of Anyday microwaveable cooking essentials that'll completely change how you cook and store leftovers — each dish is microwave- and dishwasher-safe *and* can also be used for steaming, roasting, and serving! You'll have waaay less to clean so you can get back to doing more important things like catch up with your bestie on that questionable first date she went on last night.

Anyday

The set comes with a large deep dish, a large shallow dish, a medium deep dish, a medium shallow dish, and two small dishes. I was sick and tired of having mismatched storage containers, plastic containers, and overall mess in my cabinet, so I recycled all my old containers and upgraded to this set. They've been great! I love that they stack easily inside my cabinet, have great suction for storing leftovers, and fit nicely in my dishwasher. I have a 3-year-old which means he basically eats one-third of his meal at a time. It's been nice to throw the remains into one of these containers and heat it up the next day, no extra dishes needed (and less waste)!

Anyday is a small business created by 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 a 5-star review 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 a 14-piece set from Anyday for $229 (available in three colors) or a two-piece set from Amazon for $69.99(available in three colors).

29. And a 12-ounce bottle of Mike's Hot Honey you can drizzle over any and every meal — breakfast, lunch, and dinner! This condiment is about to be there for you more than your ex ever was.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I've introduced everyone in my life to this delectable condiment. Mike's Hot Honey is sweet with a kick of heat — you'll want to pour it over everything you eat. I personally love it on chicken cutlets and pepperoni pizza, but do with it what you will!

Promising review: "I tend to shy away from spicy foods, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to try a new condiment to liven up snacks and recipes with. I was afraid the spice would be overpowering, but it’s actually quite mellow and smooth; just the right touch of heat. So far, I’ve enjoyed this on fruit salad (banana/strawberry/blueberry) with cottage cheese and drizzled on the original Chick-fil-A sandwich....so delicious!" —Sleeps in Rain

Get it from Amazon for $7.89.

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.