10 Surprisingly Useful Kitchen Utensils for Everyday Cooking
You’ve probably already heard about or own the essential kitchen accessories—pots, pans, spatulas, and maybe even a chef’s knife. But what if I told you there are a few unique cooking utensils that could not only simplify your routine but make meal prep a lot more fun? Whether you’re looking for tools that save time or simply add a bit more convenience, these hidden gems are well worth adding to your kitchen.
If you’re wondering, "What cooking utensils should I buy to take my kitchen setup to the next level?" then this post is for you. Let’s dive into the top 10 kitchen utensils you didn’t know you needed!
Table of Contents
- Microplane/Zester
- Bench Scraper
- Fish Spatula
- Silicone Baking Mats
- Spider Strainer
- Garlic Press
- Herb Scissors
- Y-Peeler
- Citrus Reamer
- Dough Scraper/Chopper
1. Microplane/Zester
The Microplane might look small, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you can have in the kitchen. Originally designed as a woodworking tool, this handy gadget is perfect for zesting citrus, finely grating garlic or ginger, or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan to your pasta. The sharp blades effortlessly shave off just the outermost layer of citrus, avoiding the bitter pith beneath. It’s an upgrade from regular graters because it gives you finer, more even results.
Why You’ll Love It:
Imagine making a lemon loaf cake and needing the perfect, fine zest to enhance the flavor—this little tool makes it a breeze. Plus, it can handle hard spices like nutmeg! It’s definitely one of those unique cooking utensils that’ll elevate your dishes.
Here is a link to the original Microplane Classic Zester Grater, Black
2. Bench Scraper
While it’s often used by bakers, the bench scraper is far more versatile than it seems. You can use it to divide dough, scoop up chopped veggies, or even clean up your countertop after rolling out pastry. Unlike knives, the wide, flat edge is designed to pick up everything without damaging your surface or dulling your blade.
Why You’ll Love It:
Prepping stir-fry vegetables becomes way easier with this scraper—you can quickly scoop them up from the cutting board and transfer them to the pan in one clean motion. No more veggies flying all over the kitchen! It's one of those kitchen accessories you'll wonder how you lived without.
Our favorite is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Scraper & Chopper,Silver/Black
3. Fish Spatula
The thin, flexible design of the fish spatula is perfect for flipping delicate foods like fish, crepes, or pancakes without breaking them. But don’t let the name fool you—this spatula can be your go-to for any sautéed or grilled item that requires finesse. Its slotted design also allows liquids to drain quickly, making it ideal for turning items in a pan without oil splashing everywhere.
Why You’ll Love It:
Whether you’re flipping a fillet of salmon or the perfect over-easy egg, the fish spatula’s flexibility makes it an upgrade over regular spatulas. No more tearing or breaking apart your food! If you're building your set of cooking utensils, this is a must-have.
4. Silicone Baking Mats
If you bake frequently, these silicone mats are a game-changer. Instead of constantly buying parchment paper, these mats are reusable, non-stick, and incredibly easy to clean. They’re not just for baking cookies—they can be used for roasting vegetables or even making candy.
Why You’ll Love It:
Picture making roasted potatoes without them sticking to the tray—these mats ensure a perfectly crisp result with zero sticking, and they save you money in the long run since they’re reusable! One of the best kitchen accessories for any eco-conscious cook.
The Amazon Basics one is great: Buy here
5. Spider Strainer
Ever tried fishing out pasta from boiling water with a spoon? It’s not exactly the easiest thing to do. Enter the spider strainer. With its wide, flat basket, this tool lets you easily scoop out everything from noodles to fried food without bringing excess water or oil with it.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for boiling dumplings, frying tempura, or even blanching vegetables—the spider strainer lets you scoop with ease. Plus, it's quicker and less messy than using a colander. This is a unique cooking utensil that really makes kitchen tasks more efficient.
We love the Hiware stainless with the most and highest reviews on Amazon: Here
6. Garlic Press
You might think, "I can just chop garlic," and while that’s true, a garlic press can save you a lot of time, especially when you need finely minced garlic fast. This tool ensures uniform pieces, releasing more flavor into your dishes. And the best part? You don’t even need to peel the garlic!
Why You’ll Love It:
Next time you’re making garlic bread or a batch of guacamole, press the garlic directly into your mixture for a quick burst of flavor. This is a game-changer for garlic lovers who use it in almost everything! A small but mighty kitchen accessory to simplify your prep.
As you already noticed, we are big fans of OXO! Get it here
7. Herb Scissors
If you’ve ever tried chopping up a bunch of herbs, you know how tedious it can be. Herb scissors, with their multiple blades, allow you to quickly and evenly snip herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives directly into your dish.
Why You’ll Love It:
Imagine making a tabbouleh salad that requires a ton of chopped parsley—these scissors make that task fast and fun! No more fiddling with knives, and you’ll get a uniform chop every time. A must-have cooking utensil for herb-heavy recipes.
Get the Jenaluca ones, they have the most reviews and super affordable here
8. Y-Peeler
Most of us are used to straight peelers, but the Y-peeler is an ergonomic upgrade. Its design allows for faster, more efficient peeling, especially for oddly shaped vegetables like carrots or butternut squash.
Why You’ll Love It:
Peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes or carrots for a stir-fry? The Y-peeler’s design helps you get the job done in half the time, reducing strain on your wrists. Definitely one of those unique kitchen utensils you’ll reach for every day.
Yup, OXO is our favorite again.. :). Get it here
9. Citrus Reamer
Juicing lemons or limes by hand can be frustrating when you don’t get all the juice out. A citrus reamer makes the process quick and efficient, ensuring you squeeze out every last drop. It’s small, simple, and perfect for making lemonade with your kids or adding fresh citrus to your meals.
Why You’ll Love It:
Want to make fresh lemonade with your kids? The citrus reamer is much easier to handle than an electric juicer and lets everyone get involved. A fun and practical kitchen accessory for any citrus lover.
We like the Zulay as its made of stainless rather than plastic. Get it here
10. Mortar and Pestle
An ancient tool that’s still incredibly useful today. Great for grinding spices, herbs, or garlic into a paste or powder. It’s a fantastic way to release fresh flavors that pre-ground spices can’t compete with. And you know we at Pynch Kitchen love our spices fresh and flavorful!
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for making homemade pesto, guacamole, or spice blends. It’s one of those unique cooking utensils that lets you work with raw, whole ingredients to get the most flavor.
We like the Waldwerk set as it comes with a base that prevents the mortar from moving around. Get it here
Conclusion
While everyone has the basic cooking utensils, these unique kitchen utensils are the real secret weapons for making meal prep smoother and more enjoyable. From zesters to garlic presses, these tools are essential upgrades to your kitchen accessories that you didn’t know you needed—until now.
