24 Cheap Impulse Buys for Your Kitchen You’ll Actually Use
Updated: Feb. 07, 2024
Game-changing kitchen gadgets don't have to break the bank. These cheap thrills make life more fun—and boast big rewards!
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Oil Spray Bottle
Why drizzle olive oil when you can have fun and spray it on? Shoppers are obsessed with this spray bottle—and we get why. The oil sprayer makes it incredibly easy to coat air fryer goodies in a delicate layer of oil. And if you’re picky about olive oil, the sprayer makes sure you only use what’s necessary. Fill it with these best olive oil brands.
Crab Spoon Rest
Say hello to your new sous chef, Red the crab. A cookware accessory and handy gadget, the crab spoon rest provides a cute hangout spot for cooking utensils. It dangles over pots and pans, saving counters from messy spills. Thanks, Red!
Microwave Pasta Container
Pasta on demand? Yes, please! When hankerings for quick mac n’ cheese or spaghetti sets in, this microwave-safe pasta container has your back. It’s a game changer for pasta lunches and reheating last night’s noodles. Microwave cooking can feel luxurious, after all.
Taco Trays
Taco night just got an upgrade thanks to these genius taco trays. Not only do they help proudly display your taco creations, they keep all the goodies inside their shell. They make it feel like dining at your go-to taco joint when you’re actually in your sweatpants at home.
Citrus Squeezer
Fed up with juicing not ripe enough limes or lemons, I impulse bought this two-in-one citrus squeezer. Though nothing revolutionary, it truly squeezes out every last bit of citrus juice—and saves me from getting it all over my hands. It has certainly leveled up my ingredient prep game when adding lemon juice to salad dressing or lime juice to cocktails. Not to mention it comes in multiple fun color combos. Happy squeezing!
Food Savers
Here’s a kitchen product that will reduce food waste and help you actually use that half-peeled onion you saved a week ago. These silicone food savers “hug” half-used produce and provide an air tight seal to keep it from spoiling. They come in a pack of assorted sizes perfect for tomatoes, apples, oranges, kiwi—you name it. The reusable items look adorable and are so fun to use.
Appliance Slider Mat
Not only does this slider mat make it a breeze to move heavy appliances like a KitchenAid stand mixer or espresso machine, it prevents countertops from scratching. Whether your appliance lives on the counter or in the cupboard, pop one of these mats under it and watch how easy it glides.
Fry Waste Solidifier
Even if you have a foolproof method for getting rid of bacon grease, it’s still a pain to deal with. This magical FryAway powder solves that problem by transforming grease into an easy-to-remove solid. It solidifies up to eight cups of leftover oil or bacon grease. Just sprinkle it on, wait for it to solidify and dump it in the trash. Plus, the powder is made from 100% plant-derived fats, so you’ll feel good about using it.
Dishwasher Magnet
Never wonder if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty again thanks to this dishwasher magnet. Cute and functional, this product sticks on the dishwasher and makes it easy to tell when dishes are ready to be loaded or put away. Just slide it and carry on with your day!
Egg Yolk Separator
It doesn’t get any cuter than this little piggy egg yolk separator. This fun kitchen tool effortlessly picks up egg yolks with the squeeze of its cheeks.
Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner
Speaking of odd but useful Amazon products, the angry mama microwave cleaner is a favorite for clearing up crusty messes. This fiery little gadget releases steam when heated up in the microwave, making it easier to wipe away months-old residue. Just fill her with a dash of water, vinegar (or lemon juice) and heat her up in the microwave for a pristine clean.
Automatic Pan Stirrer
When you’ve got a few pots and pans on simmer, the last thing you want to do is stand around stirring them when you could be relaxing. That’s where this automatic pan stirrer comes in handy. It continuously stirs low-heat liquids, saving you time and energy. Just set a timer and forget about it. BRB we’re adding it to our list of clever gifts for cooks.
Cord Organizer
Nothing ruins a kitchen aesthetic more than a bunch of cords dangling behind countertop appliances. This adhesive cord organizer comes to the rescue by sticking on the back of kitchen gear for cords to wrap around easy. Corded appliances have never looked neater.
Gracula Garlic Crusher
Mincing garlic is a breeze thanks to this immortal tool. The Gracula garlic crusher minces multiple cloves at a time and is too adorable to pass up. Plus, no garlic gets left behind.
Bowl Cozies
Save hands from falling victim to steaming hot bowls with these microwave bowl cozies. They offer the perfect layer of protection and are easier to use (and less messy) than wrapping bowls in a dish towel.
Splatter Guard
If you’re not familiar with splatter guards, allow us to introduce you. They conceal pans when cooking on the stovetop, resulting in zero food splatters hitting the counter. We love this frying pan splatter guard for everyday cooking. It wraps around the interior of the pan, providing an extra layer of protection between oily messes and pristine kitchen surfaces.
Foaming Garbage Disposal Cleaner
Here’s one of those “TikTok made me buy it” purchases that’s about to be a new staple in your cleaning routine. Satisfying and oh-so-effective, this foaming garbage disposal cleaner rids sinks of funky smells. The biodegradable packets pop into the garbage disposal, clearing up hidden bacteria and everyday grime.
Butter Crock
What’s a butter crock, you ask? It’s a gadget for butter lovers or anyone who’s tired of ripping bread to shreds when spreading hard butter on toast (it just doesn’t work!). We love this minimalist butter crock for the job. It comes in six colorways and doubles as a pretty Amazon kitchen find you won’t want to hide away in a cupboard.
Adhesive Paper Towel Holder
Affordable and easy kitchen storage ideas? Check! Clear up precious counter space and opt for an adhesive paper towel holder. It comes in five finishes to match any aesthetic and feels like a custom kitchen feature—minus the price tag.
Brown Sugar Saver
Yes, it’s possible to keep baking goods moist and soft long after buying them, and it’s all thanks to this brown sugar bear. This adorable brown sugar saver sits pretty with your sweetest ingredient, keeping it moist for up to six months. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, add it to the brown sugar container and enjoy soft, sugary goodness for months.
Microwave Popcorn Popper
Popcorn lovers, this one’s for you. Never get a pot dirty again when popcorn cravings set in. This personal popcorn popper whips up movie theater-worthy kernels without all the added oils and butters (though you can certainly add those, too). It comes in seven fun colors (aqua is our fave) and two sizes perfect for individual snacking or sharing.
Fruit Fly Trap
Fruit flies, be gone! This best-selling fruit fly trap looks like an apple but is actually filled with fly-attracting liquid that kills them for good. The fly trap has won over shoppers for its discreet design and long lasting powers.
Magnetic Shelf
Short on cabinet space? Here’s a genius spice storage idea for any magnetic surface. This magnetic shelf clips onto the fridge, adding precious storage space to your area. And if your spice bases are covered, it’s ideal for organizing loose ends like coffee grounds, oils or vitamins.
Kabob Grilling Baskets
Finally, a way to grill kabobs without ingredients falling a part! Kabob grilling baskets (aka the dream gift for grillers) are perfect for achieving the perfect sear on kabobs—minus the skewers. Flip these baskets with ease and enjoy year round kabobs the whole family will gobble up.
Originally Published: November 15, 2022
