Need to convince guests you’re a cooking pro? These kitchen gadgets are here to assist.
If it’s your top priority to ensure this Christmas is the tastiest and stress-free yet, then we can help when it comes to sourcing gourmet gadgets. The best part? You needn’t even leave the house as these foodie finds can be ordered online and sent straight to your doorstep, and some are even available with a Black Friday discount.
From tackling the tear-jerking task of chopping onions, making the most luxurious (lump-free) mash, and garnishing your meals like a pro, take advantage of these deals for a delicious dining experience. Best of all, most of the best kitchen gadgets come with dishwasher-friendly attachments so you can make sure your kitchen is looking spic and span after you’re done.
Consider these 11 kitchen companions as the sous chefs that will convince friends and family that you are a confident chef who knows their way around the kitchen. And check out the Black Friday deals below to make a saving.
Kitchen gadgets to fake it ’til you make it
1. Make dinner a breeze with a Ninja multi-cooker
Click the image to shop the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 multicooker from Amazon
(Image credit: Ninja)
If you’re sick of buying one appliance that takes up space and does just one thing – we feel you. In a day and age when the newest kitchen gadgets are all trying to grab our attention, it can be hard to choose which one we want to be displayed on our countertop… And if you can fit more than one, it’s only a matter of time before one poor novel machine starts to collect dust.
If you think haven’t got space for a (deep breath): pressure cooker, air fryer, steamer, slow cooker, yogurt maker, searer, oven, grill, and dehydrator – think again. The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 multi-cooker, available from Amazon isn’t just a stylish appliance, its super-heated system cuts down cooking time by up to 70% when compared to slow cooking, simmering, or braising. It’ll also encourage you to make healthier family meals by using up to 75% less fat when cooking things like french fries.
Craving more info? Our Ninja Foodi Max 9-in-1 Multi Cooker 7.5L review reveals all.
2. Swap pre-made pasta for homemade
Click the image to shop the Vonshef manual pasta maker from Amazon
(Image credit: Vonshef)
Ahh… Pasta. The humble (and delicious) Italian dough, extruded into different shapes and lengths that we all love. Like a hug in a bowl, this comforting carb is cheap to make and the food foundation for silky smooth or chunky sauces. But, there’s something quite artisan about making your own. Whether you’re impressing a date or just want to learn a new life skill, a pasta machine makes all the difference from dried durum and shop-bought shapes.
This VonShef 5 in 1 Fresh Pasta Maker Machine Roller, available at Amazon, makes the classic forms including Lasagne sheets, Spaghetti, Tagliatelle, Ravioli, and Fettuccine. With three cut press blade settings, a tabletop clamp to stabilize it on your worktop, and a Spaghetti measuring tool for portion control, you can say Ciao Bella to homemade noodles and pillows of gourmet filled pasta.
Want more choice? Our best pasta makers will allow you to create the best this side of Piedmont.
3. Make onion chopping tear-free with a manual chopper
Click the image to shop the Tefal manual food chopper
(Image credit: Tefal)
We’ve all been there. Trying to chop an onion and ended up in tears… Literally. Sure, there are lots of ways that people swear by to stop tearing up, be it running a tap, popping a metal spoon in your mouth, or buying frozen chopped onion from the supermarket. But if you want people to think you’ve won the war of the waterworks with this vegetable, then invest in this Tefal manual food chopper, available at Amazon.
Why manual? Well… many of us simply don’t have the counter space to afford to have a large food processor sitting on our work surface. So this miniature slicer succeeds in a small kitchen. Plus, with the easy-to-use, pull string, you can dice and slice onions, shallots, and all-sorts uniformly.
4. Perfect rice with a rice cooker
Click the image to shop the Yumo rice cooker, available at Amazon
(Image credit: Yumo)
Rice is such a widely-eaten staple, not only in places with an Asian community or diaspora. The fluffy foundation of chilli con carnes, curries and the shining star of risottos and paellas. But if you’ve ended up with a starchy slurry or burnt bits ruining the bottom of your pan, it’s worth investing in a kitchen companion.
Granted, it can be tough to get right (too much or not enough water, rinse or no rinse)… And don’t get us started on the starch content difference between a long-grained Basmati and a short and plump Arborio. Sure boil-in-the-bag or microwave pouches are convenient, but the cost per packet actually works out to be significantly more expensive.
Take the math out of making rice with a rice cooker. This Yum Asia Kumo rice cooker, available at Amazon, has a 1 liter capacity, five rice cooking functions (including brown rice and sushi functions), three multicooker functions, is run on an energy-efficient 220-240V UK/EU power, and comes in two contemporary colorways in dark stainless steel and black.
Accessories include a stainless steel steaming basket, rice measuring cup, rice spatula, and soup ladle. And, in the mornings, swap rice for a warm bowl of porridge oats.
As a versatile carb option, make sure you know how to store cooked rice safely and eliminate food waste.
5. Get uber smooth mash with a potato ricer
Click the image to shop the Oxo adjustable potato ricer, available at Amazon
(Image credit: Oxo)
Forget lumpy mashed potato with a Dickensian gruel-like texture and say hello to smooth and creamy mash that you could mistake for your expensive moisturizer. Great for adults, and perfect to get kids involved in the kitchen, put down your potato masher and use a ricer instead.
Guaranteeing smooth and silky results, this cool kitchenware from Oxo, available at Amazon, will squeeze your spuds through tiny perforated holes for perfect pomme puree that’ll put most chefs to shame. Like Oliver Twist, we can’t blame you if you’ll be wanting some more!
6. Get great garnishing results with a Microplane grater
Click the image to shop the Microplane premium zester grater, available at Amazon
(Image credit: Microplane)
If you’ve ever tried to recreate a restaurant dish at home, you’ll know that no meal is complete without a fancy garnish. Whether it’s citrussy zest of lemon or lime, add an umami-packed punch of fresh Truffle, create a fluffy mountain salty Parmesan or create shavings of chocolate on your dessert, it’s the little touches that really do count.
But, your bog-standard grater blades are often too coarse to achieve polished and precise results. Even on the smallest side, nothing really cuts like mustard like a Microplane grater, available at Amazon.
For the cook who has almost everything, this dishwasher-safe handheld tool can take off orange rind without the bitter pith and is made from surgical grade stainless steel which remains rust-free and retains its sharpness. Available with 25 different handle colors, this utensil can be matched to your kitchen design. An incredible innovation and an even better Christmas gift or stocking filler.
7. Transport guests to exotic lands with a Tagine
Click the image to shop the cast iron tagine from Le Creuset
(Image credit: Le Creuset)
If you’re the type of person who likes to experiment with different flavors and foods, you might have been adventurous enough to try a Tagine at a middle-eastern or Moroccan restaurant. This North African stew of spiced meat and/or vegetables is prepared by slow cooking in a shallow earthenware cooking dish with a tall, conical lid… And we’re sure you’ll agree it looks rather breathtaking!
This oven-safe Tagine from Le Crueset is made from cast iron for superior heat retention and distribution and has a hygienic, durable, and easy-to-clean enamel interior. With a stoneware lid, this piece of elegant earthenware locks in steam to form cool water droplets that fall back into the ingredients for extra succulence and flavor.
Once you’ve devoured your delicious meal, stick it in the dishwasher for easy clean-up. Available in a choice of colors including volcanic red/orange ‘Volcanic’ and red/black ‘Cerise’ hues, the trendy kitchenware company also provide a lifetime guarantee on their products.
8. Earn your stripes with a griddle pan
Click the image to shop the Le Creuset griddle frying pan from Amazon
(Image credit: Le Creuset)
Whether you’re an omnivore who loves a juicy steak or burger or a vegetarian who loves grilled veggies, there’s something classy and cheffy about seeing some char-grilled marks on the food you’re preparing.
A good griddle pan is essential for creating these lines, making your mains look so appetizing. Ideally, you’ll want one that’ll reach uber-high temperatures to get that signature sealing effect.
This enamelled cast iron frying pan by Le Creuset, available on Amazon has a toughened non-stick steel rivets with a stainless steel handle. For searing, grilling, and browning at higher surface temperatures on low-to-medium heat settings. The ribbed surface and pouring lips allow fat and liquid to drain away from food for healthy cooking.
We particularly love this 1kg pan, because it’s easy to use and clean, is suitable for all hob types and you can even finish off dishes in the oven (to roast) or stick under the broiler grill.
9. Crush it in the kitchen with a pestle and mortar
Click the image to shop the Honed grey marble pestle and mortar from John Lewis & Partners
(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)
Hit the ground running with your spices and seasonings with a granite pestle and mortar. This heavy culinary instrument has been seen in kitchens all around the world since the stone age.
Whether you have a traditional kitchen or modern space, this classic duo has been used to grind and pound ingredients to release their fragrant oils and hard shells. While there are a plethora in the market that vary in material, color and weight, we love this honed grey marble pestle and mortar from John Lewis & Partners.
10. Blow guests away with a cook’s torch
Click the image to shop the Sondiko butane torch at Amazon
(Image credit: Sondiko)
Dessert – our fave course! And, in our opinion, the one that you can bring the most theater, flair, and personality to. It’s a given that the best BBQs and grills produce smoke, fire, and flames, but not all can be used indoors. So turn up the heat with a cook’s blow torch.
You can create some cracking dinner party puds with this appliance. Think crunchy, smashable creme brulee, marshmallowy Italian meringue, caramelized fruit… And even adult-style S’mores.
This Sondiko butane blow torch, available at Amazon, fills from a standard gas lighter refill, has an adjustable flame and a safety lock so the kids won’t accidentally turn it on.
The item comes fully assembled for you to unleash your culinary creativity. And, if you don’t have a sweet tooth, it can be used to char bell peppers, add a crispy top to your mac ‘n’ cheese, or add the finishing touches to a sous-vide steak. With nearly 19,000 global reviews, it’ll blow you away with what it can do. It also makes a kitchen gift for the guy or gal who has everything!
11. Get to grips with a good pair of tongs
Click the image to shop the Zyliss stainless steel tongs with silicone tips from Amazon
(Image credit: Zyliss)
If you’re still using a metal spoon or fork from your utensil drawer to flip meats and vegetables on the hob or in your roasting tin – it’s time to stop and shop for some tongs.
Clamp down on your cooking and flip with confidence knowing you won’t break delicate fish fillets or omelets in the pan or when transferring to a plate. A good set of pincers will give you precision when turning multiple bites of food, ensuring each piece gets uniform coloring and cooking all over. Plus, is there anything more satisfying than the noise of clicking tongs together.
These Zyliss tongs, available from Amazon, feature high-grade, heat-resistant, silicone tips, and are uniquely shaped to handle all shapes and sizes of food. Once you’ve finished showing off (we mean demonstrating your skills, simply lock them in place and pop them in the dishwasher.
