9 Kitchen Gadgets That Actually Save Time (and Space)

The best kitchen gadgets aren't the flashy ones. They're the simple tools that shave minutes off jobs you do every day, stop a mess before it starts or free up space in a crowded kitchen. Below are nine small gadgets that earn their place, grouped by the problem they solve, plus a few tips to get the most from them.

Gadgets that speed up food prep

1. A multi-blade vegetable slicer

Grating cheese, shredding cabbage for coleslaw or slicing cucumbers takes far longer with a knife than it should. A 4-in-1 stainless steel vegetable slicer gives you four different blades on one tool, so one item replaces several single-purpose graters. Always use a hand guard or hold food with a fork near the end, and rinse it straight after use so food doesn't dry on the blades.

2. A stainless steel cutting board

Wooden and plastic boards can crack, stain and hold onto smells such as garlic and onion. A stainless steel cutting board is non-porous, so it wipes clean quickly and doesn't absorb juices, which is handy for raw meat and strongly flavoured foods. Use a separate board for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods either way.

Gadgets that make cooking easier

3. A 2-in-1 oil sprayer

Pouring oil from the bottle almost always means using more than you need. An oil spray bottle lets you either pour or mist a thin, even coat over pans, roasting trays, air fryer baskets and salads. It's also a simple way to cut back on oil without changing your recipes.

4. Egg and pancake molds

Metal rings keep fried eggs and pancakes neat and evenly cooked, which is useful for breakfast muffins and stacking. A heart-shaped egg and pancake mold adds a fun touch for kids' breakfasts, birthdays or Valentine's Day. Lightly oil the inside first and let the batter set before lifting the ring.

5. A fine mesh tea strainer

Loose-leaf tea usually tastes better than tea bags, and a reusable strainer cuts down on waste. A fine mesh tea strainer with a long handle sits across most mugs and keeps even small leaves out of your cup. It's also useful for dusting icing sugar or straining small amounts of sauce.

Gadgets that keep the sink tidy

6. A faucet sponge and brush organizer

Wet sponges sitting on the edge of the sink never dry properly and start to smell. A faucet organizer hangs around the tap and holds your sponge, brush and cloth up off the counter, where water drains away and they dry faster.

7. A silicone sink splash guard

If water from the sink ends up across your worktop every time you wash up, a silicone splash guard sticks on with suction cups and stops splashes reaching the counter, and the cabinets underneath.

8. A soap-dispensing kitchen brush

A kitchen cleaning brush with a built-in soap dispenser and rotating head reaches into pans and pots without you having to keep reaching for washing-up liquid. Rinse and stand it upright after use so the bristles dry.

A gadget for lunches on the go

9. A layered salad jar

Packed salads go soggy when the dressing sits on the leaves all morning. A layered salad jar keeps dressing, toppings and greens separate until you're ready to eat, which makes taking lunch to work far more appealing.

How to choose kitchen gadgets that you'll actually use

• Solve a real annoyance. Think about the jobs you put off or the mess you clean up every day, and start there.
• Prefer multi-use tools over single-purpose ones, especially in a small kitchen.
• Check how it cleans. Dishwasher-safe or quick-rinse tools get used; fiddly ones end up at the back of a drawer.
• Look for durable materials such as stainless steel and food-grade silicone.

Frequently asked questions

What kitchen gadgets are worth buying?

Focus on tools you'll use several times a week: a good slicer or grater, an oil sprayer, a reliable cutting board and something to keep your sink area dry and tidy.

Are stainless steel cutting boards bad for knives?

Steel is harder than wood or plastic, so it can dull knife edges faster with heavy chopping. Many people use a steel board for meat, fish and messy foods and keep a wooden board for heavy knife work. Hone your knives regularly either way.

How do I keep kitchen sponges from smelling?

Let them dry between uses by storing them off the counter, rinse them well with hot water after each use and replace them regularly.

Browse all our kitchen gadgets, or see more simple home fixes like how to stop a draught under your door.