Top-Tested Kitchen Tools for Every Task

For the days when you prefer to travel extra light, Stasher, a brand best known for its reusable silicone bags, has added paper sandwich bags to its lineup. They are thin yet durable, are made without wax, and have a sealable closure.

TEST RESULTS: Our testers used the bags with their young kids and to bring food to work. They said the seal worked well and that it helped keep everything fresh until it was time to eat it. We found that the bags work best with relatively dry foods such as sandwiches, baked goods, and crackers.

Sometimes simplicity beats bells and whistles. That’s the case with the Gorilla Grip can and bottle opener: It’s strong, durable, and sharp, with an oversize turning knob and a nonslip grip.

TEST RESULTS: “I’ve had a number of can openers over the years, and this one no doubt works the best,” said one tester. In both lab and consumer tests, the handles’ rounded rectangular shape proved comfortable to hold, and the opener easily latched on to cans and created a smooth-cut rim.

Biom disinfecting wipes use a simple formula with water and 10 ingredients, including citric acid to disinfect surfaces. You can buy a resealable pack or fill a sleek Biom dispenser.

TEST RESULTS: These soft, sturdy wipes tackled cooking messes in our Kitchen Lab and in home kitchens. They also excelled in our Cleaning Lab’s tests at wiping up cooking spray and hamburger grease. One tester said they couldn’t believe how shiny their countertop looked after using the wipes.

Slide your fingers into the Mitts’ slots to get the perfect grip for cleaning an entire wine glass with ease, including the lip, bowl, stem, and base. You can buy the sponge on its own or as part of the pictured starter set with a holder that doubles as a place to store your rings sink-side.

TEST RESULTS: One tester described the unique-looking sponge as “thick and nice quality.” Another said it was easy to hold and gentle on glasses. It dried well and didn’t acquire any off-putting smells during our testing period.

Ozeri’s kitchen scale weighs in at 10 oz and can measure between 0.5 g and 13 lbs, with readings in increments as low as a tenth of a gram. It’s ideal for baking and obtaining small amounts of ingredients such as salt and yeast, and it can also be used for weighing larger items for cooking.

TEST RESULTS: This scale earned a perfect score in our accuracy tests, in which we take repeat measurements for different weights. Testers said that it was user-friendly and they liked how it was easy to clean and store. One told us that they had been “officially converted!” after using it a couple of times.

Made of strong (but lightweight) cast aluminum, this Zyliss garlic press effortlessly crushes up to four cloves at once. It has a long handle for an easy grip and a nonstick coating for simple cleanup—plus, it’s dishwasher-safe.

TEST RESULTS: The handles didn’t bend when we squeezed them, and the large swinging basket accommodated large cloves in our tests. One at-home tester with arthritis in their hands said the ergonomic design was a plus; another said it was “the easiest to clean and the smoothest [to use].”

This compact version of the Zevo Flying Insect Trap is shorter than the original, making it suitable for tight kitchen spaces. It uses blue and UV light to lure and capture flying pests such as gnats and fruit flies on a discreet sticky backing.

TEST RESULTS: Our testers found it effective. One said, “It quickly showed me just how many flying insects were in my home!” Each trap is wide, so you can get a good grip when plugging it into or removing it from an outlet, and a tester said “the design blended in” with their home. Beyond that, the cartridges were easy to replace without accidentally touching the adhesive.

This soft hand towel from Geometry has a waffle weave that helps it dry quickly. It’s generously sized and versatile for drying hands, dishes, or surfaces. It features a loop for hanging and is available in nine colors.

TEST RESULTS: Testers liked the texture of the towel. One said that it was very good at drying dishes and didn’t leave behind any lint or moisture residue. Another said, “It dried quickly without smelling bad like some other towels.” Our Textiles Lab analysts noted that it performed well in absorbency tests.

Souper Cubes’ one-cup freezer tray is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to portion and store soups, sauces, and more. It’s made of sturdy but flexible silicone, and the lid allows for stacking.

TEST RESULTS: GH culinary experts call it their favorite way to freeze leftovers. Testers found the storage container easy to use and portion food into, especially with the built-in measurement markings. One noted that none of their food developed freezer burn, and another said that the cubes defrosted quickly. Testers also liked how it helped prevent food waste.

The Chef’n citrus juicer has a large holder to accommodate big lemon and lime halves as well as ridges to keep them in place. The strong swinging pusher and the star-shaped hole help maximize juice yield while keeping pesky seeds out of food and drinks.

TEST RESULTS: This was the top-performing handheld citrus juicer in our Kitchen Lab tests. It extruded a lot of juice with little effort and was easy to clean. Testers said they didn’t have to press too hard and that it got the job done well.

It’s hard to find affordable glass containers with tight-fitting lids, especially ones that nest and take up little room in your cabinets. This Member’s Mark set does the trick. It includes 12 square and rectangular containers that range in capacity from 0.6 cup to 7.3 cups.

TEST RESULTS: Testers loved the various sizes and how they nested for storage; in fact, all said they would continue to use them. The containers were lightweight compared with other glass containers we’ve tested.

The Cangshan 5.5-inch prep knife is on the shorter side for a chef’s knife, making it great for smaller jobs (or hands). It comes with a plastic sheath for safe storing and transporting, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or packing a picnic.

TEST RESULTS: Testers found this knife versatile around the kitchen. One said, “I found myself reaching for it over and over again.” Another said his continued to perform superbly after nearly three months of daily use.

For those looking to streamline their dishwashing routines, Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets are made without synthetic fragrances or dyes and don’t have the dissolvable film found around many tablets. They’re designed for use in all dishwashers.

TEST RESULTS: They earned a nearly perfect score in GH’s Cleaning Lab tests, for which they were tasked with washing dishes smeared with mac ’n’ cheese, oatmeal, and more. At-home testers also said the tablets cleaned well—and one specifically noted that this happened without pre-rinsing.

Hamilton Beach’s Sandwich Stacker is the larger, next-generation version of its popular Breakfast Maker. It can fit full-size pieces of bread and toast them while cooking eggs, heating precooked proteins such as ham and Canadian bacon, and melting cheese all at once.

TEST RESULTS: Our Kitchen Lab analyst was able to make a breakfast sandwich in five minutes by following the step-by-step instructions in the user guide. The bread was toasted nicely, the eggs were fully cooked, and the sandwich slid out of the machine neatly. One tester said it was “way easier” than making breakfast sandwiches the old-fashioned way.

The Fresko Vacuum Sealer is slim and powerful. It features an automatic mode that doesn’t require you to lock the bags in place, which is sometimes a pain point with vacuum sealers. Just place your filled bag in the machine, close the lid, and let the machine do the work. You can also use Manual mode.

TEST RESULTS: It worked quickly in our tests and sealed burgers well enough to be frozen for months. All testers thought it was easy to use right out of the box. One said you could “almost use it single-handedly.”

These borosilicate glass containers from Bentgo are as slim and lightweight as they come. The 18-piece set comes with round, square, and rectangular shapes in different sizes that nest inside each other. The slim lids are made from tempered glass that’s silicone-wrapped, and each features a steam vent for reheating and sealing.

TEST RESULTS: Testers liked the assortment of containers in this set and thought that they sealed well. One noted that they particularly liked the lids, which were more durable than the plastic lids on other glass storage vessels they’d tried.

A long serrated knife is surprisingly useful, especially for bread and desserts. This lightweight 10-inch Victorinox one has wavy teeth for cleaner cuts as well as an ergonomic handle for a comfortable hold.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s Kitchen Lab analyst said this knife’s sturdy construction was like that of a professional kitchen knife, and an at-home tester said it “delivered professional-level sharpness.” Our testers said it cut crusty loaves neatly and consistently.

These design-forward oil and vinegar dispensers from AdHoc are highly functional. Each pour spout features a tight seal around the rubber stopper and a filter that allows you to use it with infused oils and vinegars. Each dispenser has a glass cover, and the flared top parts of the bottles catch drips.

TEST RESULTS: These dispensers were easy to fill and didn’t require the use of a funnel in our tests. One at-home tester told us, “It delivered the perfect drizzle.”

Martha Stewart’s glass milk frother is lightweight and compact with an oversize handle. It has settings for light, dense, and cold foam as well as hot chocolate. The lidded carafe can be stored in the fridge.

TEST RESULTS: This frother produced silky and consistent foam in Kitchen Lab tests for all sorts of drinks. Testers liked its design, ease of use, and efficiency. One said that they liked how they could “push a button, walk away, and return to milk for coffee-shop-level drinks.”

Epicurean’s cutting boards are made from a paper composite material that combines the lightweight benefits of plastic with the durability of wood. Plus, they can be washed in the dishwasher. This model from the brand’s Gourmet series has a large juice groove on one side–perfect for cutting meat and avoiding messes.

TEST RESULTS: This cutting board scored high in lab tests for ease of use and cleanup. It stored neatly and compactly. Testers liked its thin width, durability, and large but manageable size. One said it was beautiful enough to make charcuterie boards on.

These silicone freezing trays from Smootheeze are designed to help you prepare your breakfast or snack ingredients in advance. They can also be used for meal prep or leftovers. This set of four includes three trays with nine 1/2-cup compartments and a lid, as well as an additional tray specifically designed for whole bananas.

TEST RESULTS: Testers used these to store all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and leftovers such as tomato sauce. The ingredients popped out easily when they were ready to use them. Bananas did not brown or collect any ice crystals in our tests.

Thyme & Table’s 14-piece knife block set with a built-in sharpener includes all the pieces you need for everyday tasks–and a wood block in which to store them. It includes a chef’s knife, a santoku knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, and a paring knife as well as six steak knives. Each is made of stainless steel.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s Kitchen Lab analyst was impressed by how balanced the knives felt in her hand and how sharp each one was, especially at this under-$100 price point. At-home testers commented on how sharp they were and complimented their overall design.

John Boos has been making this R-Series line of cutting boards since 1955. The boards are made of maple wood and are each 1 1/2 inches thick. They can be used on both sides and have recessed finger grooves on the sides for easy handling.

TEST RESULTS: We found this 18- by 12-inch model to be a manageable size for everyday use. In Kitchen Lab tests, it was smooth to cut on and held up to use with a variety of knives. At-home testers said it worked well with their knives, and one told us it added warmth and character to their kitchen.

Hotel Chocolat takes hot chocolate to the next level with its system that can make both hot and cold chocolate. It’s designed to be used with the brand’s signature chocolate flakes, which are melted and frothed inside the electric pitcher.

TEST RESULTS: Both the hot chocolate we made with cow’s milk and that we made with plant-based milk were rich, creamy, and luxurious. One tester called the results “unbeatable” and similar to what they could get at an expensive cafe. The drinks whipped up quickly (and in one step!), and the container was easy to clean.

This cutting board from Sonder Los Angeles is made from American black walnut wood, known to be durable for daily use and gentle on knives. It’s dual-sided—flip it over to find three built-in wells that can be used for prep or when serving.TEST RESULTS: Testers liked the weight of the board and its stability when they were cutting ingredients, and they all complimented its beautiful design. One tester said, “My knife glided through all projects.”

Meater’s wireless thermometers connect to an app so you can track the internal temperature of your food as well as the ambient temperature of your oven or grill. The combined measurements allow it to provide an estimated cooking time.

TEST RESULTS: This smart thermometer proved accurate in our boiling water and ice water tests. It easily connected to the app, which has an intuitive user interface that even newbies were able to navigate. One tester used it to cook a pork shoulder for eight hours and said, “It went flawlessly thanks to the Meater.”

The Mannkitchen Pepper Cannon is made from hard-anodized aluminum and has high-carbon stainless steel burrs–two features that help make it strong and built to last. It has a wide fill mouth, a 1/2-cup capacity, and a lid you can grind into when you need a lot of pepper.

TEST RESULTS: We’ve been recommending this one for years. We’ve tested more than 15 pepper grinders, and this is the one we’ve continued to reach for over the years thanks to its ease of use and consistency.

More precise than a bread knife, this Zassenahaus slicer allows you to get even and consistent cuts no matter how good your knife skills are. You can adjust the thickness up to 0.7 inches.

TEST RESULTS: This bread slicer cut through crusty sourdough loaves beautifully in our tests. At-home users tried it on all different types of bread, including French, pumpernickel, and gluten-free; they said it worked very well and efficiently. One said, “I had no idea I needed this until I got it. I will never go back to cutting bread with a knife ever again!”