15 Things That’ll Make Cooking At Home Feel Less Like A Chore
Making cooking at home feel less like a chore starts with having the right tools that eliminate friction from meal preparation. These 15 carefully selected kitchen essentials address common pain points—from tedious prep work and messy cleanup to imprecise measurements and inefficient techniques—that typically drain the joy from home cooking.
Each tool simplifies a specific task, whether it’s faster chopping, easier cleanup, or more consistent results. When cooking becomes smoother and more efficient, you naturally spend less time on frustrating aspects and more time enjoying the creative, rewarding parts of preparing meals at home that make the effort genuinely worthwhile.
This One Tool Makes Avocados Way Less Annoying
OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer
This all-in-one tool safely slices, pits, and scoops avocados in seconds. It removes the mess and guesswork from avocado prep.
This Garlic Press Saves Your Fingers and Your Sanity
Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press, Stainless Steel
Crushes garlic effortlessly without peeling cloves first. Cleanup is quick, making weeknight cooking smoother.
This Pan Makes Everything Taste Better
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
Delivers even heat and incredible versatility for stovetop, oven, or grill cooking. Once seasoned, it becomes naturally nonstick.
This Grater Turns Cheese Into Fluffy Clouds
Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater
Sharp etched blades grate cheese, citrus, and spices with minimal effort. A small upgrade that makes prep faster.
This Salad Spinner Makes Greens Actually Enjoyable
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner, 6.22 Qt
Dries greens quickly so salads don’t end up soggy. Doubles as a serving bowl for easy cleanup.
This Gadget Chops Veggies in Seconds
Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper
Cuts onions, peppers, and more with one quick press. Saves time and keeps prep consistent.
This Tool Makes Sheet-Pan Dinners Foolproof
Silicone Baking Mat, Amazon Basics Reusable
Prevents sticking and promotes even cooking without parchment or spray. Cleanup is as simple as a rinse.
This Peeler Is Shockingly Satisfying to Use
OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler
Sharp blades glide through fruits and vegetables with ease. Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue.
This Scale Fixes Guesswork in Cooking
Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale
Measures ingredients precisely for baking and portion control. Compact design fits neatly in drawers.
This Pan Lid Stops Messy Stove Splatter
Tovolo Silicone Microwave and Pan Lid, Medium
Contains splatter while letting steam escape. Works on pans, bowls, and microwave dishes.
This Tool Makes Ground Meat So Much Easier
OXO Good Grips Ground Meat Chopper
Breaks up meat evenly while it cooks. Also useful for mashing beans or potatoes.
This Knife Upgrade Makes Prep Faster Instantly
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch
A sharp, lightweight knife trusted by professionals. Makes slicing and chopping smoother and safer.
This Gadget Ends Overcooked Meat Forever
ThermoPro TP19 Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
Delivers fast, accurate temperature readings. Takes the stress out of cooking proteins.
This Bowl Set Cleans Up Your Workflow
Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set
Durable glass bowls handle mixing, prepping, and serving. Nest for easy storage.
This Tool Makes Homemade Pasta Feel Possible
Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine
Rolls and cuts fresh pasta with consistent thickness. Turns pasta night into a fun, hands-on experience.
These cooking essentials prove that making home cooking enjoyable isn’t about expensive equipment—it’s about smart tools that eliminate frustration. When prep is faster and results are better, cooking at home naturally becomes something you look forward to rather than dread. For more kitchen inspiration, check out our kitchen upgrades collection.
