The holidays are almost here, and you know what that means — festive music, delicious food, and the consistent last-minute scramble for gifts for everyone on your list. If you’re sick of buying gifts you’re not sure anyone actually uses, this list of chef-tested, super functional tools will make all the difference for the home cooks in your life.
Having the right kitchen tools is a necessity in the modern kitchen. It can be the difference between a smooth, creamy hummus vs. a lumpy, unidentifiable dip with chunks of chickpeas. It’s the difference between a sharp knife that effortlessly cuts through a tomato vs. a dull, dangerous one that slides and cuts your thumb instead. The right kitchen tools really are that important.
Beyond helping you achieve delicious results, the right tools can also help reduce plastic consumption — and in turn, your exposure to microplastics. Not to mention that thoughtful tools can make cooking more enjoyable! To help everyone you love start stocking an efficient, non-toxic, and fun kitchen, I’ve rounded up some of my fav essential kitchen tools and gadgets that inspire me to get cooking. Happy gifting!
Specialized Appliances and Gadgets to Elevate Your Life
Sometimes you just need kitchen gadgets that are focused and specialize in one thing, and do that one thing exceptionally well. These are the best kitchen tools to get you advanced, next-level results in your home kitchen.
1. Our Place Splendor Blender
Know a green drink lover that needs an upgrade to their morning routine? A DIY salad dressing maker who could use a break from hand mixing? This Our Place Splendor Blender is the gift that keeps on giving.
It features a powerful 1,000 watt motor and comes with sharp blades to cut through tough ingredients, delivering powerful results for that coveted creamy texture. All parts and accessories are safe for the top shelf of your dishwasher, and you even have the option to add personalized kits to up your blending game.
Specs:
- 1,000-watt motor
- Toxin-free recycled Tritan Renew vessel
Price: $135 at time of publish
From November 3 through December 2, Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide (it’s their biggest sale of the year!).
2. Ohom Sio Cold Brew Pitcher
If you have a cold brew lover in your life (or if that cold brew lover is you), we know exactly how to make their holidays a bit merrier. The Ohom Sio Cold Brew Pitcher is handcrafted with fine borosilicate glass by artisan glassblowers. It features a premium stainless steel strainer designed for cold brewing ground coffee, loose-leaf tea, and refreshing fruit infusions. Its smoky glass and chic copper-plated lid make this thing downright beautiful, and we swear it somehow makes your chilled drinks taste better.
Specs:
- Includes: Ultra-fine mesh stainless steel strainer, rose-gold coffee scoop
- Capacity: 54-Fl.-Oz. (1600 mL)
- Dimensions: 5.5” W x 10.25” H
- Weight: 3.39 lbs
Price: $69.95 at time of publish
3. GreenPan’s Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker
We tested the GreenPan Frost earlier this year and were blown away — its built-in chiller and compressor makes it a game-changer for churning out frozen treats faster than you can say ‘brain freeze.’
With six different modes, seven texture settings, and a large 2-Qt capacity bowl, you can make everything from creamy soft serve to frozen cocktails and mocktails in as little as 15 minutes. Try a minty chocolate milkshake for a refreshing take on a candy cane or a simple smoothie for a light breakfast before a day full of holiday indulgence. Who said frozen treats were just for summer?
Specs:
- Built-in chiller/compressor (no need to pre-freeze your ingredients!)
- 2-quart capacity (64 oz)
- Dimensions: 17.24” L x 8.74” W x 17.36” H
- Weight: 25.35 lbs
- Includes: Removable mixing bowl, installation rod, silicone cleaning brush, bristle cleaning brush, accessory bag
Price: $399.99 at time of publish
Shop GreenPan’s Black Friday sale now through December 2 to save up to 75% off.
4. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
A great cup of coffee starts with the best grind of your favorite coffee bean. The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder offers 15 different grind size settings, from a super fine grind for espresso to a coarse grind for French press (and everything in between). Stainless steel conical burrs create even, uniform grounds every time for that ideal cup of coffee. It holds up to 12oz of coffee beans in a UV-blocking hopper that keeps beans fresh, and the one-touch timer always remembers your last setting — just push to grind.
Specs:
- Grounds Container Capacity: 3.8 oz (makes 12 cups)
- Power: 150 W
- Dimensions: 7.5” L x 5.25” W x 12.5” H
- Weight: 4 lb, 7 oz
Price: $99.95 – $109.95 at time of publish
5. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Alright, so you’ve created the perfect cup of coffee with the help of your new OXO Brew grinder — but you got distracted while feeding the dog and prepping your lunch. Now your drink has gone cold, and your coffee’s a lot less appealing than it was 15 minutes ago. Enter your new best friend, the Ember mug.
This helpful kitchen tool is the best holiday gift for your busiest, most distracted, on-the-go friend (who probably deserves a hot cup of coffee or tea more than anyone). The Ember Smart Mug keeps your drink at your preferred temperature for up to 80 minutes with a full charge, or all day if you leave it on its charging coaster. The Ember app allows you to set your desired temperature, and the smart mug even turns itself off when it’s empty.
Specs:
- Temperature Range: 120°F -145°F (app-controlled)
- 10 oz Version:
- Battery Life: Up to 1.5 hours
- Dimensions: 4.3” W x 4.2” H
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- 14 oz Version:
- Battery Life: Up to 80 minutes
- Dimensions: 4.5” W x 4.6” H
- Weight: 16.1 oz
Price: $75.80 – $119.99
6. Caraway Kitchen Gadget Set
You know that one drawer in your kitchen that’s just become a catch-all for anything and everything? It’s probably nearly full to the brim, stuffed with everything from a broken set of kitchen scales to scratched up plastic measuring cups. Well, we won’t say that the Caraway Kitchen Gadget Set is going to solve literally everything, but we’d say it’s a pretty great start to replacing all of that flimsy junk.
These five essential tools are made from high-quality, non-toxic stainless steel (the same quality used in their stainless steel cookware set, which I love!) and are totally BPA-free. Almost as good as the tools themselves is the included organizer, which is made of 100% FSC-certified birch wood and fits neatly into a drawer to proudly display your new tools for the kitchen. I’m obsessed with everything Caraway makes, from their nonstick cookware to their gorgeous bakeware, and this gadget set is no exception.
Specs:
- 5 essential tools
- Includes FSC-certified birch wood organizer
Price: $245 at time of publish
Shop Caraway’s Black Friday sale: Buy More, Save More, up to 20% off sitewide. Get 10% off any purchase, 15% off orders $475+, and 20% off orders $575 or more. Or spend $975+ and you’ll get 20% off PLUS a free Bar Set!
Every great meal starts with great preparation. These tools make light work of chopping, mixing, and all the good stuff that happens before your ingredients hit the pan.
7. Caraway 17” Prep & Serve Butcher Block
It’s time to ditch those plastic cutting boards that shed microplastics into your food with every chop. Caraway’s walnut butcher block offers a cleaner, safer, and downright beautiful alternative for your kitchen. This dual-sided board features a grooved prep side for mess-free carving and a dished serve side that transitions beautifully from counter to dining table.
Made from sustainably sourced, USA-grown edge-grain wood with a food-safe finish, it’s naturally antimicrobial and gentle on your knives. The 1.75-inch thickness provides serious countertop stability, while recessed handles make it easy to move around the kitchen. With proper care, this heirloom-quality piece will last a lifetime.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 17”L x 12”W x 1.75’’H
Price: $245 at time of publish
Shop Caraway’s Black Friday sale: Buy More, Save More, up to 20% off sitewide. Get 10% off any purchase, 15% off orders $475+, and 20% off orders $575 or more. Or spend $975+ and you’ll get 20% off PLUS a free Bar Set!
8. Molcajete
Sometimes more complicated isn’t the answer, especially when it comes to gadgets like food processors and plastic spice grinders that leach unwanted additives into your guacamole. This authentic molcajete brings you back to one of the world’s oldest culinary tools, used by great cooks for thousands of years. Each piece is hand-carved from a single piece of volcanic basalt rock and completely unique. The rough interior texture naturally grinds and crushes whole spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients without putting your food into contact with any synthetic materials.
Beyond being one of the best kitchen tools for simple prep, it doubles as a stunning serving vessel for dips and sides, from rustic salsas to pesto. The heavy pestle does most of the work for you, and the natural stone requires no electricity or plastic parts. These beauties are made in Mexico and built to last generations.
Specs:
- Available in 6″, 8″, and 10″ sizes
Price: $49.95 – $99.95 depending on size
9. Made In Mise en Place Bowls
“Mise en place” is the French culinary term for “everything in its place,” referring to the practice of organizing all of your ingredients for a recipe before you begin. Pro chefs swear by this technique, and so do we — these four nesting bowls help prep feel easy, breezy, and beautiful.
They’re made in England from a uniquely hard-wearing china that’s both safe and exceptionally durable. They’re tested and made without PFAS, lead, or BPA, so that even your prep can be worry-free. Plus, these bowls are seriously strong: they’re microwave-safe, oven-safe, and come with a 1-year no-chip guarantee. In short, this set of kitchen tools saves you time, cuts way down on cleanup, and makes cooking less stressful overall.
Specs:
- Set of 4 nesting bowls (2 oz., 7.5 oz, 18 oz, and 35 oz.)
Price: $99 at time of publish
From November 14 through December 7, take up to 30% off restaurant-tested, chef-loved tools and receive free cookware with select purchases.
10. Tumbler Knife Sharpening Set
Did you know one of the most dangerous tools you can have in your kitchen is a dull knife? That’s right — sharper equals safer, so you could say this knife sharpener helps keep you safe. The magnetic block holds your knife in a secure position, and all you have to do is roll the sharpener by the blade. This essential tool is precise, long-lasting, and most importantly, it keeps your knives in tip-top shape for safe chopping or dicing.
Specs:
- Magnetic block knife holder
- Rolling sharpener
Price: $129 at time of publish
11. Our Place Kitchen Shears
Leave it to Our Place to come up with a pair of kitchen shears with a 5-in-1 multifunctional design. These scissors can handle anything you throw at them, from snipping fresh herbs to literally cutting right through bone for your next chicken sheet pan dinner. And once you have them, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all the time, whether it’s to cut flowers or slice open tough packaging.
They’re made with premium stainless steel blades and soft-grip handles for ultimate comfort. And after you’re done snipping, they come apart for super simple cleaning. They’re an essential cutting tool that brings a little pop of color to any kitchen drawer.
Specs:
- 8.2”L x 3.4”W
- Weight: 0.25 lbs
Price: $25 at time of publish
From November 3 through December 2, Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide (it’s their biggest sale of the year!).
12. Microplane Eco Handled Graters, Set of 3
We firmly believe a sharp microplane grater and zester are key tools for the kitchen that make everyday tasks so much simpler. It’s never been easier to zest a lemon, lime, or tangerine for your next homemade salad dressing, sauce, or mocktail and grate fresh parmesan over your next pasta night recipe.
This set includes three pieces that have you covered for absolutely anything you’re trying to zest or grate. For hard items like carrots, go for the Coarse Paddle Grater. For softer items like potatoes and zucchini, the Extra-Coarse Paddle Grater is your girl. And citrus, chocolate, and spices shred themselves in the classic Zester Grater.
Made from surgical grade stainless steel, the super sharp teeth on all of these graters work in both directions. Each grater is 100% recyclable (the handles are made with organic Moso bamboo and resin!) and comes with a safety cover for storage.
Specs:
- Coarse Paddle Grater: 2 ¾” wide, 11 ½” long
- Extra Coarse Grater: 2 ¾” wide, 11 ½” long
- Zester Grater: 2” wide, 11 ¾” long
Price: $52.95 at time of publish
13. Misen Everyday Bench Scraper
You might not know it yet, but every home cook needs a bench scraper. Based on our very scientific estimates (wink wink), this essential Misen tool instantly makes your workflow five times cleaner and ten times more efficient.
Use the generous stainless steel surface to scoop up huge piles of chopped ingredients and move them straight from the counter to your pan. True to its name, it’s also the quickest way to scrape up flour and dough scraps from your counter. Whether you go for the beautiful walnut handle or the dishwasher-safe silicone version, we can pretty much guarantee this is a multi-tasker you will use daily. Seriously, use it once and you’ll instantly wonder what you ever did without it.
Specs:
- Materials: Stainless steel with the choice of walnut or silicone handle
- Dimensions (with handle): 6.5” L x 0.75” W x 4.5” H
- Weight: Walnut (6.2 oz), silicone (7 oz)
Price: $24 at time of publish
Total control over heat is how a chef builds flavor (and keeps the kitchen safe). These non-toxic kitchen gadgets give you the precision and quality you need for mindblowing dishes.
14. GreenPan Slow Cooker
The holidays are the perfect time for slow-cooked meals — gorgeous cozy stews, set-it-and-forget-it capabilities for busy days buying last-minute gifts, and that homey smell wafting through your house. But those slow-cooked meals just don’t hit the same if you have to think about forever chemicals leaching into your family’s food. We reviewed this powerhouse appliance and came to a clear conclusion: it’s time to ditch your old conventional slow cooker and upgrade to GreenPan.
GreenPan’s Elite 14-in-1 6-Qt Slow Cooker features their PFAS-free Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating, infused with diamonds for incredible durability. This versatile appliance isn’t just for slow cooking, either — its 14 presets include stir-fry, rice, bake, sear/sauté, soup functions, and more. Brown your ingredients directly in the 6-quart removable pot, then let it work its low-and-slow magic.
The dishwasher-safe inner pot makes cleanup effortless, while the non-toxic nonstick surface means you can cook with the confidence of knowing you’re keeping chemicals out of every meal. It’s the do-it-all countertop companion your kitchen needs (or you can even take it camping and have your favorite stew waiting for you after a big day out).
Specs:
- 6-Qt removable pot
- Stainless steel steamer rack
- Measuring cup
- Dimensions: 19” L x 12.4” W x 10.9” H
- Weight: 14.8 lbs
- Cord Length: 31”
- Watts: 1350 W
Price: $299.99 at time of publish
Shop GreenPan’s Black Friday sale now through December 2 to save up to 75% off.
15. Infrared Thermometer
Stop the temperature guessing games once and for all. If you’re serious about getting a perfect sear, you need an effortless way to understand the heat you’re working with. This thermometer uses infrared technology to precisely gauge the temperature of your cooking surface. Simply point the laser at your skillet or grill grate and press the trigger. This non-contact method eliminates cross-contamination and is great for checking oil before shallow frying or confirming the heat on a simmering sauce.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 3.5” l x 2” W x 7.5” H
- Includes sturdy nylon carrying case, 2 AAA batteries
Price: $119.95 at time of publish
16. Our Place Trivet
Holiday hosting brings cozy chaos into your home, and that chaos sometimes means the occasional burn mark or two from hot pans on your gorgeous dining table. Well, an equally gorgeous trivet is the solution to preventing this.
The Our Place Trivet is a stunning and functional piece of stoneware designed to protect your counters and tables from hot pots and pans. It’s a full 10 inches in diameter, so it peeks out beautifully under even your largest cookware pieces. The genius pleated shape creates essential airflow underneath your cookware and keeps this trivet looking great even when there’s nothing on it.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 10’’ Diameter x 0.75” H
- Weight: 2.13 lbs
Price: $39 at time of publish
From November 3 through December 2, Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide (it’s their biggest sale of the year!).
17. GreenPan Silicone Tools
If you’ve invested in PFAS-free ceramic nonstick cookware, you need these heat-resistant kitchen tools. Why? Well, you should never use metal utensils that can damage and degrade the surface of your nonstick coating, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your pans.
These premium tools feature a rigid steel core for the stability you’re used to in your metal kitchen tools and utensils, but their BPA-free platinum silicone (and anti-slip grip) means they’ll never leave a scratch. They’re honestly some of the best silicone kitchen tools I’ve tested (and trust me, I’ve tested a lot in my nonstick cookware journey). They’re heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 392°F. If you want your nonstick cookware to last as long as possible, these are an absolute must-have.
Specs:
- Silicone Solid Spoon: 12.8” L x 2.5” W
- Silicone Slotted Spoon: 12.8” L x 2.5” W
- Silicone Dough Scraper: 12.2” L x 2.3” W
- Silicone Ladle: 13.3” L x 4.2” W
- Silicone Burger Turner: 13.1” L x 3.6” W
Price: $99.99 at time of publish
Shop GreenPan’s Black Friday sale now through December 2 to save up to 75% off.
P.S. If you haven’t upgraded to an all-star line-up of non-toxic pans yet, take this as a sign — our detailed review of the GreenPan Reserve Pro collection is a great place to start your search.
Look, we know that the ins and outs of a kitchen aren’t always glamorous (especially around the holidays), but there are some tools you can invest in to keep things neat and non-toxic. Here are the best kitchen tools for making leftovers and organized pantries look effortless.
18. Caraway’s Food Storage
If you’re still using beat up plastic Tupperware from your college days, it’s time to make a change in your life — and this storage is the ideal place to start. Made from ceramic-coated glass containers, these stackable food storage containers are both durable and multifunctional. And they’re more than just refrigerator-safe, they’re also freezer-safe, microwave-safe, and oven safe up to 450°F. And in pure Caraway style, a set comes with organizers to keep your cabinets neat and tidy.
Specs:
- Material: Non-toxic, ceramic-coated borosilicate glass (BPA-free)
- Includes:
- Large container (10 cup cap.): 8.55” X 8.55” X 2.61”
- Medium container x2 (6.6 cup cap.): 8.55” x 5.85” x 2.61”
- Small container x2 (4.4 cup cap.): 5.85” x 5.85” x 2.61”
- Dot insert x2 (9 oz cap.) 5.36” x 2.57” x 1.85”
- Container racks x3, container straps x2
- Includes cabinet organizers
Price:
Shop Caraway’s Black Friday sale: Buy More, Save More, up to 20% off sitewide. Get 10% off any purchase, 15% off orders $475+, and 20% off orders $575 or more. Or spend $975+ and you’ll get 20% off PLUS a free Bar Set!
19. Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wrap
Get one step closer to eliminating plastics from your kitchen with these gorgeous Bee’s Wrap reusable beeswax food wrap sheets. They’re all natural, made in the US, and they seriously cut down on single use-plastics. Just unroll, cut, wrap, and reuse.
Eco-conscious consumers love these wraps for their sustainability, and we agree. We’ve been using these in our kitchen for years — they’re really that good.
Specs:
- Material: Beeswax (plastic-free)
- Dimensions: 52” L x 14” W roll
- Not microwavable
Price: $24 at time of publish
20. Weck Barrel Jar, 3L
This one’s for the preservers, sauce and jam-makers, soup queens, and blue-ribbon bakers. The 3L size of the barrel jar is ideal for preserved lemons, pickled onions, cucumbers, your favorite butternut squash soup recipe, and even storing large batches of flour. Crafted of durable glass, it also features an airtight rubber seal and stainless steel clamps that keep everything fresh. Made in Germany, it’s heat-resistant to 350°F. Bonus: They look beautiful on open shelves.
Specs:
- Material: Durable glass with rubber seal and stainless-steel clamps
- Capacity: 3.17-Qt (3L)
- Dimensions: 5.5” Diameter x 10” H (with lid)
- Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
- Heat-resistant up to 350°F
- Made in Germany
Price: $29.95 at time of publish
Final Thoughts
What a list. We’ve covered everything from large appliances down to the most specialized gadgets for the kitchen that make cooking easier AND more fun. When you choose a high-quality piece as a gift, you’re not just buying a tool; you’re investing in your loved one’s health and success in the kitchen. This guide to essential kitchen tools does address efficiency, but it’s really more about quality and finding joy in the kitchen. So go ahead and treat that special cook in your life — even if that person is yourself.
Laura is a trained chef with roots in the organic food movement and brings intelligence, intoxicating energy and girl-next-door approachability to the subject. More about Laura Klein, Chef & Wellness Expert.
