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12 Best Cool Kitchen Gadgets Every Man Should Have

Let's face it, men are taking over the kitchen.

You're probably wondering:

How many men actually make dinner? According to the Washington Post, 43 percent of American men are doing (at least some of) the cooking. That's higher than at any other point in history.

And the numbers continue to rise.

Maybe you're a Gordon Ramsey in the making -or perhaps you avoid the kitchen as much as you possibly can. Either way, you need these killer kitchen gadgets. There are some that you just cannot live without.

They don’t even need to be all that high tech; a kitchen gadget can be as simple as a garlic press or a spatula. As long as it makes life easier, then it counts.

Each of these kitchen gadgets is sexy and manly in its own right. So, roll up your sleeves, pour yourself a drink and enjoy.

Whether you're just playing around, impressing your girl or entertaining the guys, these kitchen gadgets will bring out your inner man. Plus, some of these gadgets are just plain fun to play with.

And, as an extra bonus, these gadgets make great gifts too – especially when they’re on sale. Now, let's take a look.

Best Kitchen Gadget to Give as a Gift

#12

Handheld Food Smoker

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Save: $41 (27% OFF)

Why People Love it

Easy to operate (even for the inexperienced)
Great flavors
Fun gadget to use

80 User Score

4.2 Editor Score

682 Bought

ProsCons

No room for a smokehouse? Can't stand working with liquid smoke? This is the gadget you need to get the flavors you didn't even know you were missing.

Don't use this indoors the first time you try it. And you may never want to use it in tiny kitchens.

Details

Used by world-renowned chefs, this is the only handheld smoker that infuses food with earthy, smoky flavor in two minutes. So, if you're looking for an incredible gift for a man that loves to cook, this could be the one.

What’s it used for? This is used to impart a smokey flavor to foods, and unlike traditional smoking methods that require hours of cooking, this device can be used tableside just before a meal is served.

Is it easy to use? If you had a smokehouse on the property, you would probably find this a lot easier to deal with. It really works quickly and effortlessly. There isn't that much to it. Simply fill the chamber with one of the various types of wood chips, then turn it on, light, and apply cool smoke to your food.

Dishwasher-safe? No. Sorry. But, it's hard to argue with this type of flavoring simplicity.

Will it break the bank? It's less than $100, how great is that? Imagine how much you'll save on trips to the local BBQ joint. We think it's an awesome deal.

What Reviewers Say:

People that own this device really and truly love it. Here's what they have to say about it:

I just got this, so I don't know how long it will last at this point. I used this immediately because it seemed like a neat idea. I didn't have much at the time, or maybe I was just lazy, so I opened a can of tuna and threw it in a bowl. It was simple to use, didn't take much time, and I was amazed by the results. The tuna had a hickory smoke flavor to it and tasted awesome on crackers. I was amazed at how simple it was and how little time it took!! As long as this thing keeps working it will likely be one of my favorite kitchen items!!
All I can say is awesome...I originally saw the smoking gun after going to a bar in Manchester, England, called the Alchemist...they had a drink on the menu called the smoky ol' fashioned (and there are cool videos on youtube on how to make the drink)...best infused bourbon I've ever had, and had to get the gun when I got home. One of the best investments ever!!! I am able to recreate the drink at home, leaving me very happy!!! Also, I have been smoking burgers before putting them on the grill...awesome!!! The Camerons Smoking chips works well with the gun...I got the 8 pack (pints) for like $28, and it should last a long time!!!
Works great just remember to smoke proteins after they are cooked for maximum flavor. Easy to use and you can make your own wood dust with a drill for the smoker.

Learn more:Handheld Food Smoker »

Best Budget Oilless Air Fryer

#11

GoWISE USA Electric Air Fryer (3.7-Quart)

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Save: $178 (67% OFF)

Why People Love it

Uncomplicated clean up
Works remarkably well
Rapid cooking speeds

82 User Score

4.1 Editor Score

639 Bought

ProsCons

Compact
Great price

Sucks power
Reviewers report some quailty control issues
Watch out for the limited warranty on certain parts

Details

There are a lot of things to love about this air fryer. The size and weight of the appliance make it a perfect addition for even small kitchens. And yet, the cooking capacity is better than average. It’s also available in some cool color options. The pre-set programs make it easy to operate, even if it claims it will only fry (unlike many other models). But, it is a serious drain on power and creates a fair amount of heat (and cooking smells).

Manual or digital: It’s almost surprising that you can get such a quality digital air fryer for this price. Operation is via LCD touchscreen, but you may need to spend just a bit of time getting to know the controls.

Presets and programs: Fries, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, fish, warm - and cake. What more could you ask for?

Capacity: You can fit 3.7 quarts of food in this baby. That’s a fair size, especially given the outer dimensions of this fryer and its cost.

Noise: 57 DB

Temperatures: Variable between 175-400°F.

Timers: 30 minute timer with automatic standby feature that switches the fryer into standby mode upon completion.

Multitask ready: Yes, just take a look.

Cleaning: The pot and basket are removable and can be dumped in the dishwasher. That’s such a big help, isn’t it?

Additional features: It’s the pre-set programs that wow us here. You really don’t get much else in the way of features.

Product dimensions:

Width: 11"
Depth: 11"
Height: 13"
Weight: 12 lbs

Will it break the bank: Hardly – at least most of the time. Its MSRP is more than $250. But, you’re going to pay a lot less – closer to $100. And, sometimes, you’ll find it even less than that. Nice.

Learn more:GoWISE USA Electric Air Fryer (3.7-Quart) »

Best Kitchen Gadget for Pizza Nights

#10

Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors

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Save: $7 (23% OFF)

Why People Love it

Makes a great gift
One of the most useful of the "cool" kitchen gadgets
Once you try it, you'll never go back to a slicing wheel

84 User Score

4.8 Editor Score

495 Bought

ProsCons

While these sheers make pizza cutting easy - that's hardly where their usefulness ends. They're also great for pastry cutting (or even fabric). That's because of the lovely lifter on the bottom blade.

Some of the older models were made from substandard materials. Even now you may want to avoid putting these in the dishwasher.

Details

Even if you don't have any other kitchen scissors (though we think that you should), you really want to get your hands on one of these.

What’s it used for? These pizza scissors are one of the most fun kitchen gadgets you're going to find. They don't just cut your pizza, they also help to lift it so you can serve it quickly and easily. Cool, right?

Is it easy to use? Super easy. Really, you just need to be able to use a pair of scissors to make these happen. The Scizza's unique spatula tip slides easily under food (or anything else) and the extra-long 4-inch blades cleanly and completely slice through food. Brilliant.

Dishwasher-safe? You can put these scissors in the top rack of your dishwasher, but hand washing in warm, soapy water is recommended.

Will it break the bank? For scissors, these aren't exactly inexpensive. So, you'll want to care for them. That's where the whole hand washing thing comes into play.

What Reviewers Say:

For such a small gadget, people love to write reve reviews about it.

So you know those crappy "as seen on TV" commercials, where the problem for which the product was created is shown in a very ridiculous, absurd and unrealistic way? (For instance, you would see a person trying to, say, open an umbrella, and the umbrella would break and pop and everything would be all over the place). Not kidding, this is how I was until this product. I had what is considered "one of the best' pizza wheels, and it would drive me INSANE.
We make homemade pizza in my house, and we do it with the thinnest crust, and cutting that thing is like the workout before the food. It was frustrating. I tried using the sharpest, best knifes instead, tried applying pressure, and eventually, it worked - but the pizza would always have some tearing, and the time it takes would be longer than the actual cooking time. So I went online, looking to find the absolute best pizza cutter. Then I saw these pizza scissors. I saw the good reviews and thought to myself- Why not? I absolutely didn't think it would be that easy, but hey - it's gotta be easier than that annoying wheel, right? I got this yesterday, and couldn't wait to make a homemade pizza again and try it. Of course, I did, and it's simply amazing. It cuts through the pizza as if it was the thinnest paper. Absolutely amazing. I do believe this must be the best product out there for cutting pizza. If you're looking to actually cut pizza and do it as efficiently and quickly as possible - this is the product for you.
We make pizza at home all the time but would argue about who had to cut the pizza. We have tried several different wheels and the large rocking blade too. The crusts were always difficult to slice and the cheese and toppings stuck to the wheel and slid out of place. Enter my Scizza - now I always want to cut the pizza! I was skeptical at first because I just didn't think it could be so easy to use but it really is. No more scratched pans either. Get these and get rid of all those wheels.
I love this scizza. It keeps my pizza pan from getting the scratches that a reg scissors makes.

Learn more:Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors »

Best Kitchen Gadget for the Pasta Lover

Philips Noodle & Pasta Maker

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Save: $51 (15% OFF)

Why People Love it

Way more simple to use than you would expect
Makes delicious (and cost-effective) homemade pasta
Convenient and quick

85 User Score

4.5 Editor Score

376 Bought

ProsCons

Make fresh and flavorful pasta from scratch - with minimal effort. You can make up to a pound within 15 minutes. Score!

The cleanup of this machine leaves something to be desired... for some users. Others love it.

Details

This is an incredible idea for any man that loves his pasta and noodles - and is tired of the effort. Indeed, it's ideal for anyone who likes to eat lots of noodles at home or if you want to get creative with your ramen.

What’s it used for? With the Philips Noodle Maker making fresh, homemade pasta is easy, no need to knead. Just put in the ingredients and let it make your noodles or pasta in 10-15 minutes.

Is it easy to use? Yes, yes, yes. Add flour, press the start button, add water or egg or other flavoring liquids, and then in minutes your noodles will be coming out of the maker. There are even kneading time adjustments available.

Dishwasher-safe? Unfortunately no. This is a handwash deal. If the pieces could go in the dishwasher then we wouldn't stop raving about this until everyone bought one.

Will it break the bank? This is definitely a luxury item. If you don't love your pasta, or have some disposable income, you will need to move along.

What Reviewers Say:

With 4.7 stars out of a possible 5 on Amazon, you have to know this is going to be an attention-grabbing product.

Cleanup? It's an absolute breeze.The machine breaks down into a few different easy-to-clean parts. I've been able to use Force Telekinetics to disassemble, clean, and re-assemble in less than 4 minutes. The counters even stay clean, no flour all over the place. The pasta extrusion tools are a little different - you put them in the frozen vastness of space for a little while (you could use a freezer, I suppose), then use a punch tool to punch out the pasta from it - also easy as can be.
I'm a gadget lover but this machine exceeds all of my expectations. The machine can make single or double batches of pasta. I have only tried single batches so far. Single batches only take 10 minutes! Double batches take 15 according to the manual.
Ok, so I gave this five stars because it deserves them. It's easy to use, easy to clean and produces good fresh pasta. Is the pasta better than store bought dried pasta, simply yes.

Learn more:Philips Noodle & Pasta Maker »

Best Kitchen Gadget for a Boys Night In

Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven

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Save: $17 (34% OFF)

Why People Love it

Bakes pizza perfectly
Easy to use and super versatile
A real time saver

87 User Score

4.7 Editor Score

460 Bought

ProsCons

You can expect to save as much as 60 percent in energy consumption (compared to a conventional oven). It's the rotating tray that evenly bakes your pizza (or anything else on it).

If it stops working, it's better to call customer service than short the power in your home. Sorry.

Details

This gadget perfectly cooks pizza and wings. Plus, it's just one of the coolest kitchen gadgets you can ever own. The rotating tray turns continuously to assure even baking and it saves as much as 60% in energy compared to a conventional oven. That's pretty cool.

What’s it used for? Use this to make pizzas from scratch, or heat one of those refrigerated pizzas you picked up at the grocery store. But, you can also use it to cook wings or just about anything else that needs such lovely attention like egg rolls or cinnamon rolls.

Is it easy to use? If you can push a button and place pizza on a tray, it's easy to use. If you struggle with these functions, then you should move along.

Dishwasher-safe? No, this is a wipe and handwash sort of gadget. Luckily, there aren't a whole lot of parts.

Will it break the bank? For $40, it's one hell of a gadget. And, you may just find yourself saving money. Not only is it cheaper than using the oven, it's so much fun that you'll choose to use it instead of ringing for pizza delivery.

What Reviewers Say:

You're going to love this baby. A lot of people do.

My in-laws gave us one of these as a gift. I thought it was a joke. Then we used it. The Pizzazz consistently cooks frozen pizzas well. The nonstick disk is simple to clean, and I don't understand how anyone would scratch it, unless he's using steel wool or something to clean it. And that is hardly necessary: it washes clean with a bit of soap and water (or even just a clean towel). All in all, this is a surprisingly effective product.
I just tried out my new Presto Pizzazz Oven...and I can see it is going to be very well used in my kitchen. I decided to try some wings for my first cooking venture with the oven. I was curious to see how it would do with non-pizza items. I had uncooked chicken wings, that I seasoned and placed on the tray. I did let them cook a bit longer than recipe called for (about an hour), I turned them twice during the cooking process, and they came out just perfect!
We received this as one of "those" (you know what I mean) Christmas gifts. I thought it was destined to sit on some out of the way shelf in my kitchen, taking up space, until I could rationalize re-gifting or donating. Over 3 years and many, many, many pizzas later; I am now look to replace it. It has become one of the most used appliances in my kitchen! It is fun to use and watch, something the kids can safely use, and creates great tasting pizza. Can't beat that!

Learn more:Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven »

Best Kitchen Gadget for Entertaining at Home

SodaStream Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker Starter Kit

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Save: $34 (34% OFF)

Why People Love it

Remarkably easy to use
Cost effective alternative to sodas
If you have it, you'll use it all the time

89 User Score

3.8 Editor Score

72 Bought

ProsCons

Get soda water in less than a minute without electricity, batteries, clean up, or tubing. You're going to love making your own mixers or sparkling drinks at home.

You will need to replace the CO2 bottles from time to time. And, watch out - you can't put the bottles in the dishwasher.

Details

SodaStream has been around for a long time - even if this gadget is a new addition to this list. And it's perhaps one of the best additions you can offer a home bar - or just have lying around for those long summer days when you need a mixer... or perhaps to take a break from all those drinks. Once you start using it, you'll never turn back. Plus, it's so much better for the environment than an endless stream of cans and bottles.

What’s it used for? This is the easiest way to make soda water, tonic, and a host of carbonated beverages. As long as you have the appropriate syrup, you can whip up just about anything you want. Brilliant, right?

Is it easy to use? Yes, yes, and yes! Once you've inserted the CO2 bottle into the back, all you need to do is screw in the bottle and push a button. Really, it's about as simple as that.

Dishwasher-safe? Sadly, neither the machine nor the bottles are dishwasher safe. You'll need to wipe down the machine and hand wash the bottles. If only it could go in the dishwasher, we'd be in love.

Will it break the bank? If you can get this model for less than $75, you've just scored a massive deal. Not only do you get the SodaStream machine, you also get a starter carbonator and a bottle for mixing drinks. However, you should know that you'll need to pick up the flavors separately. Still, you'll recoup your investment quickly during the long summer days (or the winter ones when stopping off at the shops seems like a huge hassle).

Learn more:SodaStream Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker Starter Kit »

Best Kitchen Gadget for Bachelors

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

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Save: $5 (17% OFF)

Why People Love it

Create amazing breakfast sandwiches at home
Hardly difficult to clean
Easy to use (regardless of your morning state of mind)

90 User Score

4.5 Editor Score

685 Bought

ProsCons

The design of this gadget enables perfect cooking of every layer (rather than a messy mound of breakfast food). The secret? cooking the egg separately - and yet all at the same time.

The lack of an on/off switch means you'll need to deal with the plug every time. And, you're going to wish you had more than one of these so you can make multiple sandwiches at once.

Details

There's no way that you can pass this gadget up. It lets you make your own delicious breakfast sandwiches. And, whatever the reason for your late night, not going out for hangover food is the best thing in the world, right?

What’s it used for? Now you can cook delicious breakfast sandwiches in the comfort of your own home. It always tastes better when you use fresh ingredients, including eggs, cheese and much more. (Oh, and if you need it, Hamilton Beach also has a model that makes 2 at once!)

Is it easy to use? Not only are your breakfast sandwiches ready in 5 minutes, there are a few quick and easy recipes included in the box. And, it's deadly simple to use, especially as you keep the egg separate!

Dishwasher-safe? All the removable parts are dishwasher safe, but you'll need a damp cloth to wipe down the body. All the surfaces are covered with durable, nonstick coating, so you definitely don't want to scrub at them with abrasive sponges.

Will it break the bank? If you were to use this once a week, it wouldn't take you long to recoup your investment. Use it daily and you'll probably have paid for it in a matter of days. In other words, it won't break the bank... as long as you use it!

What Reviewers Say:

If you're like these folks, you're going to love this baby.

This device is super quick and actually helps you make a breakfast sandwich in 5 minutes or under! Who doesn't have 5 minutes to spare for a great breakfast?!
I'm gadget-crazy and bought this on a whim, and I'm pretty impressed. My sandwich came out perfect the very first time! I used Pam spray, English muffins, ham, cheese, and an egg. Heated it up a little past the recommended time. Set a timer for five minutes. Used tongs to lift up the compartments and whaddya know! A perfect, cute little sandwich! I pulled it out with a plastic spatula and set it on a tiny cookie rack to cool so the bottom wouldn't get soggy. Nothing leaked, nothing stuck. Very compact and tidy. Let the contraption cool, then rinse and wipe.
Would recommend everybody buy one if you like breakfast sandwiches!!!!!!!!!

Learn more:Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker »

Best Kitchen Gadget for Making Comfort Food

Dreamfarm Smood Masher

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Save: $3 (12% OFF)

Why People Love it

Easy enough for even the kids to use
Cleaning is a breeze
Makes mashing effortless (and fast!)

92 User Score

4.3 Editor Score

253 Bought

ProsCons

This simple gadget transforms cooked potatoes into smooth mash rather quickly and easily. The handle has been designed so that you can hold it in whatever way suits you best.

It doesn't fit into any kitchen drawer, so you may need to rethink your space a bit.

Details

Holy mash potatoes! You know the problem with ordinary potato mashers right? You still get lumps. This super sweet gadget has an ergonomically designed handle and (can you believe it), it's heat resistant to 500 degrees F. We can't believe it took so long for someone to think of this.

What’s it used for? The potato mashers you grew up with are inefficient. They allow chunks of potato to slip out the side. You'd have to spend way more time than you ever wanted to make your mash lump-free. That's where the potato ricer came into play - but that's messy (and a lot of hard work). Now, finally, we have the Smood. (And you want to get this now!) All you do is press as this gadget takes the pressure off your wrist.

Is it easy to use? This baby takes less effort than a regular potato masher - and it traps your potatoes so they've got no way of escaping your quest for potato perfection. If you're not in love with the Smood from Dreamfarm, well... we just don't know.

Dishwasher-safe? Oh yeah baby! Toss it right on in.

Will it break the bank? Okay, okay, it's not as if this is the cheapest potato masher out there, but you're paying for quality... and lump-free mash.

What Reviewers Say:

With big stars on Amazon, you can bet people have a lot of brilliant things to say about this gadget.

This must be the best potato masher ever!
I am insanely, inappropriately, inordinately happy with this potato masher! I am a good cook (well, so my family says), but somehow lump-less mashed potatoes always eluded me. Not anymore! I LOVE this potato masher!
I thought this would be like my mother's spring coil whisker of the 1950s, but this is way better. It is very heavy duty, and mashes potatoes very effectively without leaving big chunks. I was extremely pleasantly surprised. Now I am thinking of buying one for each of my children!

Learn more:Dreamfarm Smood Masher »

Best Kitchen Gadget for Aspiring Chefs

KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener

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Why People Love it

Remarkably easy to use
Sharpens quickly and efficiently
Wonderfully compact

93 User Score

4.4 Editor Score

252 Bought

ProsCons

You don't need to haul your knives off for sharpening every month with this handy gadget. It's small enough to fit in the knife drawer - and it makes a great gift for guys with smaller kitchens.

It might just be a little too compact for some users.

Details

You know that sharp knives are the most important thing you can have in your kitchen. That's why you need this sharpener. Or maybe it's because of the compact shape and price of this kitchen gadget. How about its status as an Amazon #1 Bestseller? We give up - there's too many reasons to recommend this baby. And all that is on top of the fact that it's what you need to get dinner on the table properly. Nice, right?

What’s it used for? If your knives are dull, you run the risk of ruining the entire cooking experience (and possibly the food). The handy thing about this sharpener from Kitchen IQ is that it offers both coarse and fine options.

Is it easy to use? Yes and that could be the corner angle (V-Grip Bottom) that allows you to use the edge of your counter rather than the awkward position you normally need to assume. We just beg you to exercise caution when working with knives. Please, please, please.

Dishwasher-safe? It's not really necessary to wash this baby; you can just wipe it clean. Of course, we urge you to wash your knives and dry them thoroughly before sharpening them. Anything else is just plain unsanitary.

Will it break the bank? No! Better yet, it will save you a lot of money. Not only will you skip the expense of professional sharpening (on a regular basis), but just think of all the meals that will be devoured when properly prepared. Nice, right?

What Reviewers Say:

Lots of people love this gadget; you might well be one of them.

Based on the 5-star reviews, I decided to give the KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener a try. After carefully following the instructions, the knife was restored to it's like-new scary sharpness on the first sharpening. It has stayed sharp for 2 weeks with much use. We have since sharpened several other knives with similar high-quality results. It's a really great tool!
This is a fantastic product. It's inexpensive, ergonomically friendly, and sharpens very well. Because it is both small and attractive, I can leave it on the kitchen counter beside my knife block for very quick, easy touch-up sharpening (use the ceramic slot for this purpose).
I absolutely love the KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener! My knives were becoming a bit dull after many years of use, and instead of purchasing a whole new knife set, I got this useful gadget for a very cheap price. I love that it's small so it doesn't take up much space on my small counter. My advice is to make sure to set the the sharpener on the edge of the counter at an angle so you have better control. My knives now cut like I just recently purchased them.

Learn more:KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener »

Best Kitchen Gadget for the Über Healthy

Paderno Tri-blade Vegetable Slicer By Spiralizer

Get from Amazon

Save: $36 (60% OFF)

Why People Love it

Makes healthy food fun to make and eat
Easy to use
Even easier to clean

95 User Score

4.5 Editor Score

556 Bought

ProsCons

This gadget cuts veggies and fruit into noodle ribbons super quickly and easily. And, it's surprisingly sturdy with suction feet that release by pulling the tabs.

This takes up quite a bit of space when fully assembled (and disassembling and reassembling is a bit of a pain).

Details

This vegetable spiralizer will help you easily keep up with your healthy lifestyle and make dieting a breeze! It's perfect for low carb/paleo healthy meals when you use it to make vegetable pasta.

What’s it used for? Make quick work of fancy vegetable peeling with this spiral vegetable slicer. Think curly fries and zoodles for a start. Or, just have fun making professional-looking garnishes, such as onion rings.

Is it easy to use? Unbelievably, this is one of the easiest kitchen gadgets you'll ever use. That said, it does take some time to put together - and you'll need to do that every time you use it. Once you get the hang of it though, you won't be able to live without it.

Dishwasher-safe? Yes. Wait, maybe we need to make that sound a little more exciting... YES! Put this baby in the dishwasher! (But only on the top rack.)

Will it break the bank? It's actually rather cost-effective, especially when you get into using it. Plus you get three sets of blades and the whole thing is backed by a one-year warranty. Nice.

What Reviewers Say:

This is a #1 Bestseller in its class, you can bet people love talking about it.

I had to interrupt my cooking to write this review. Believe me, I am not easily moved to write product reviews. This would be my second here on Amazon. But, this little turning slicer is amazing. Simply amazing.
I wanted to make my own curly fries. This vegetable slicer does that! I used the 1/4" blade and found that you must use the pressure handle on the unit to produce the best cuts. You do end up with a vegetable core, which some users complain is a waste, but that really isn't a big deal to me. I tried cutting up and frying the cores, but I didn't like them so now I just throw the cores away. It's very little waste anyway. I did find that smaller potatoes produced tighter spirals, but the smaller size also produced a lot more "waste" and very short curved shaves of potato. Larger potatoes produced fewer of the tight spirals and much more of the swooping long spirals, but they also produced less "waste". Using a combination of large and small potatoes produced a good mix of curly fries for me. I fried them in the deep fryer, shook some sea salt on them, and they were YUMMY!
It performed much better than I expected. I really like it.

Learn more:Paderno Tri-blade Vegetable Slicer By Spiralizer »

Best Kitchen Gadget to Make the Essentials List

OXO Stainless Steel Garlic Press

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Why People Love it

A true quality product
Wonderfully sturdy and easy to use
Makes a terrific gift

97 User Score

4.4 Editor Score

397 Bought

ProsCons

This garlic press is durable with large, soft, non-slip handles - and the chamber is big enough for a few cloves. Basically, it's comfortable and convenient.

Occasionally, the soft grips will fill with soapy water in the dishwasher so you may need to remove them to release that water. Better still (or more irritatingly), you can hand wash this garlic press.

Details

You may not want to use it to prepare a meal for the ladies (though garlic is a natural aphrodisiac), but a garlic press says that you know your way around the kitchen. Women think that’s sexy.

What’s it used for? If you want to add fresh, minced garlic to any dish, you'll need a garlic press. Sure, you'll find plenty of celebrity chefs who claim it's just as quick to chop and then press with the flat of your knife. We don't believe them; this is clearly faster and easier.

Is it easy to use? If you have one kitchen gadget in your drawers, this is the one to have. The large capacity garlic chamber works through several small cloves with minimal effort. All you need to do is fill the cup and squeeze. You'll get minced garlic easily - no mush and no chopping.

Dishwasher-safe? The manufacturers say it is dishwasher-safe and many people toss their OXO Garlic Press into the machine, but you may not want to do it everyday. It may lead to soap trapped under the rubber grips (or wear it down too quickly).

Will it break the bank? This is definitely not the cheapest garlic press on the market. But it is easily one of the best before you start moving into stupidly expensive models. Really, you should just splurge on this.

What Reviewers Say:

You'll find an incredible amount of people that want to rave about this gadget.

I'm afraid I've developed an unhealthy relationship with this garlic press. It's so shiny, and has such lovely heft. Most importantly, it presses garlic with an incredibly smooth and powerful action. I've started to add way more garlic than normal, just so I can keep using the press. Post-press, you simply flip over the handle and the nonstick pokey side pushes the garlic remains cleanly out. I usually gather those remains and smush them all back in for a final press. I just can't get enough... When I'm finished, I just lay it flat in the top section of the dishwasher. It comes out perfectly clean and shiny each time. You'll love it. Trust me.
I LOVE this garlic press! I bought it based on the reviews here and I am so glad that I did. I had previously purchased a Kuhn Rikon and it was near impossible for me to smash a clove of garlic; I had to ask my boyfriend to help. I also had a no name one that wasn't bad, but I thought maybe I was missing something when people raved about having a garlic press. I have a hard time mincing garlic with a knife, so I thought I would give this one a try, even though the Zyliss had higher ratings on America's Test Kitchen. It really is very sturdy, and since it has such a wide opening you can smash 2-3 cloves at a time. You barely have to exert much pressure and it cleans up pretty easily. I will probably have this one the rest of my life because it is so well made. I am very thrilled with this purchase!
This is the best garlic press I have ever seen for any price, ever. Fresh garlic makes such a huge difference. I've gone through about five different presses, and all of them had something I didn't like... except this one!

Learn more:OXO Stainless Steel Garlic Press »

Best Overall Kitchen Gadget for Men

Bamboo Cutting Board with Knife Storage and Screen Shield for iPad

Get from Amazon

Save: $10 (33% OFF)

Why People Love it

Makes an incredible gift for foodies
Protects (and makes a great stand for) tablets
Definitely makes food prep more fun

98 User Score

4 Editor Score

859 Bought

ProsCons

This combination cutting board is ideal for watching cooking videos and shows while prepping dinner. The bamboo is also durable and easy to use (besides being good looking in the kitchen).

You can store knives in it, but it's really not ideal unless you can work it into your overall decor.

Details

There are few things sexier to a woman than a man preparing a meal. Now you can show off your skills and your style while doing just that. It's so hot that the folks over at Houzz can't help themselves - and even CNET is ready to recommend this cutting board to the guys that are perhaps a little messy in the kitchen. So what are you waiting for?

What’s it used for? This awesome cutting board has a protective screen for your iPad. Follow a recipe, or just watch a movie, it all depends on why you're cooking. The removable, clear screen shield protects the iPad from chopping debris. Plus, there are eight built-in storage slots for various kitchen knives.

Is it easy to use? If you can use a cutting board, it's about as simple as that. Okay, we do need to warn you about hacking into your fingers while watching the screen during food prep - at least if you want to keep your digits. The side slots for knife storage are only really necessary if you leave this on your counter top for your kitchen tablet. But, all in all, it's as easy as you would think to use.

Dishwasher-safe? Nope, sorry. You'll need to hand-wash this baby. And, think of this as a friendly reminder not to store dirty knives in any woodblock, drawer, or anywhere else. Wash them and then put them away. Anything else makes your kitchen unsafe to work in or eat from.

Will it break the bank? Hardly. When it first came out, you would have paid a bit more for it. Now it's about as cost-effective as you can imagine. Of course you want it.

What Reviewers Say:

It's really not hard to find positive reviews for this simple gadget.

This one is a must if you like to cook and want to keep your iPad intact. The bamboo cutting board holds the iPad very well and even comes with a stylus so you don't have to use your dirty hands to touch your screen. Very smart guys!
Don't you just hate it when you suddenly realize you've got to chop some vegetables, but you're absolutely killing that level of candy crush that you've been stuck on for weeks? Time to say hello to your new best friend: the cutting board with an iPad stand. Now you can wield sharp objects without ever taking your eyes off of your tablet. It's perfect for those evenings when you have to get dinner on the table in a hurry, but you still haven't caught up on your Twitter feed. Horrors! Now your facebook status can include, "on my way to the emergency room, but I broke my high score record on Temple Run!!" In all seriousness, I've used this wonderful appliance quite a few times without injury, and now I don't know how I ever prepared dinner without it. It's also a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Before the bamboo cutting board with iPad stand, I could barely drag my six year old away from the television. Now she loves helping me slice potatoes, and she never has to miss a minute of Sofia the First!!

Learn more:Bamboo Cutting Board with Knife Storage and Screen Shield for iPad »

By: Katie Schenk

Katie’s Cleveland proud; but she’s also lived in Australia, Switzerland and now stays in South Africa. That’s a roundabout way of saying she can’t sit still; she’s always moving, always busy.

She has a BA in International Relations from Kent State University and work towards a Masters in Human Rights. She speaks French, is learning German and used to dream in Spanish. For years, Katie worked as a producer on fashion and advertising shoots before she realized her passion was the written word.

Katie’s far more interested in guy’s gear than women’s, except she has a wardrobe brimming with little black dresses. She drinks her beer out of the bottle and is raising her two boys to be better men.

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