The Garlic Press I'd Bring to a Desert Island
I have to be honest — as weird as it may sound, if I could only use one item on this list for the rest of my life, it would be this garlic press from OXO. Why? I absolutely love using garlic in almost every recipe I make, but there is nothing more painful than chopping it by hand.
This garlic press makes it effortless. In seconds, I can crush cloves directly into the pan without any sticky fingers or wasted pieces. It costs $21 at Amazon and $29 at OXO.
Mixing Bowls with an Unexpectedly Useful Feature
I added this set to my wedding registry when I finally decided it was time to swap out my Barbie-pink mixing bowls from Williams-Sonoma for something more durable and grown-up. I reach for these constantly — whether whisking eggs for a quick omelet, marinating fish, or throwing together chicken salad. They are lightweight but sturdy, easy to clean, and the nesting design saves cabinet space. The lids let me prep ahead, cover, and pop into the fridge without extra containers. The set is $80 at Amazon (regularly $100) and $80+ at Wayfair.
A Meat Chopper That Makes Dinner Prep Easier
I didn't even know I needed a meat masher until I tried one — now I reach for it constantly. Ground beef, turkey, or sausage? This tool breaks it up in a skillet effortlessly, fast, and uniform, which is better than the uneven chunks I used to hack with a spatula. It makes weeknight dinners like tacos, chili, or spaghetti Bolognese so much easier — no more overcooked edges or clumps. It costs just $9 at Amazon.
Kitchen Shears with So Many Brilliant Uses
While kitchen shears are great for opening packages or trimming fat from meat, they are also handy for cutting herbs, slicing frozen veggies, and even slicing pizza. I reach for these multiple times a day. They save me from dragging out knives, chopping boards, and extra dishes, making simple tasks less tedious. Once you have a pair within reach, you notice how often you need them. They are $11 at Amazon and $8 at Target.
A Splatter Guard to Prevent Grease Buildup
I used to think mopping up grease after making bacon was just part of the deal — until my brother-in-law introduced me to a splatter guard. It seemed frivolous, but once you try it, you get the hype. Now I can cook without worrying about grease all over my stovetop. I own the Le Creuset version with a folding handle and rubber rim that keeps the screen in place, but this pared-down option from Amazon is less than $10 and has over 30,000 ratings. The Le Creuset is $48+ at Amazon and $60 at Williams-Sonoma.
A Viral Appliance That's Still Surprisingly Hype-Worthy
I know what you might be thinking — this smart oven from Breville isn't exactly random. It gets a lot of hype on social media, so I added it as a big-ticket item on our registry, but I was surprised by how much I use it. I barely touch my full-size oven anymore. Whether roasting vegetables, reheating leftovers, or baking a small batch of cookies, this toaster oven is faster, more energy-efficient, and produces crispier results. It's one of the only appliances I showcase on my counter — it quietly took over my kitchen. It costs $350 at Williams-Sonoma and $350 at Amazon.
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
