Happy New Year,
If you’re currently reading this while surrounded by leftover holiday snacks and a slightly exhausted Christmas tree, please know: you are my people. While the rest of the world seems to be shouting about “New Year, New Me,” I’m over here just trying to remember what day of the week it is.
The truth is, big changes don’t have to happen overnight. If you aren’t feeling that “grand transformation” spark just yet, don’t worry, you aren’t behind. Today’s post is all about easing into the year at your own pace and finding joy in the small, messy and wonderful beginnings. So, how about checking out these 8 clever kitchen gadgets for easier cooking?
1. The Multi-blade Vegetable Chopper
If you find yourself procrastinating on cooking because of the “mountain of onions” standing in your way, this is your new best friend. These choppers allow you to dice, slice, and spiralize an entire onion or bell pepper in one swift motion. It cuts prep time and keeps the onion vapours away from your eyes. Usually best when used for batch cooking, salads, and homemade salsas.
2. Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer
No more cutting into a steak to “see if it’s done” or hovering over the oven. A wireless thermometer (like the Meater) syncs to your phone and alerts you the second your meat reaches the perfect internal temperature. It eliminates the guesswork and ensures you never serve dry chicken or overcooked roast again. Great for Sunday roasts, grilling, and thick-cut steaks.
3. Clip-On Pot Strainer
Bulky colanders take up half the dishwasher and even more space in the cabinet. A silicone clip-on strainer (often called a Snap N’ Strain) attaches directly to the edge of almost any pot or pan. You can drain pasta or grease with one hand, and it’s small enough to tuck into a drawer. Useful during pasta nights and browning ground beef.
4. Magnetic Measuring Spoons
Traditional measuring spoons on a ring are a nightmare—they get tangled, or you lose the 1/2 teaspoon in the depths of a drawer. Magnetic sets stay nested together neatly and often feature a “dual-sided” design (round for liquids and oval to fit into narrow spice jars). No more digging through drawers; they stay organised and accessible.
5. Automatic Pan Stirrer
Some recipes, like risotto or delicate sauces, require constant stirring to prevent burning. An automatic pan stirrer sits in your pot and “walks” around the bottom on a timer. This frees you up to chop other ingredients or pour a glass of wine while the “cooking” happens. Best for sauces, stews, and porridges.
6. Handheld Immersion Blender
We all know our good, trusted immersion blender. Transferring hot soup from a pot to a traditional blender is a recipe for a kitchen explosion. An immersion blender allows you to blend directly in a pot, bowl, or even a smoothie cup. Leaving you with fewer dishes to wash and significantly less risk of burns. Also, great for creamy soups, homemade mayo, and protein shakes.
7. Silicone Freezing Trays (Portion Control)
Gadgets like Souper Cubes allow you to freeze leftovers (like soup, sauce, or broth) in perfect 1-cup or 1/2-cup portions. Once frozen, you can pop the “bricks” out and store them in a freezer bag. It turns “too much food” into an easy, single-serving lunch for later, which is great for meal preppers and solo diners.
8. Rolling Knife Sharpener
A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because it’s prone to slipping. Rolling sharpeners use a magnetic base to hold your knife at the perfect angle while you roll a disc across the edge. You get professional-level sharpness without needing to master the complex “art” of a whetstone. Just right for anyone who finds their tomatoes getting squashed instead of sliced.
