We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A microwave rice cooker that takes the guesswork out of making rice so you'll get it perfect every time without having to babysit a pot. It's way easier, faster, and less messy than using a pot or rice cooker. And, it's dishwasher safe!
BTW: This includes a scoop!
Promising review: "This rice cooker is really a good microwave cooker. Makes delicious rice. Easy cleanup!" —Martha Kay
Get it from Amazon for $21.38.
2. An air fryer so you can get crispy, delicious food without ducking from oil splatters. You can get that fried food taste without deep frying a thing. And you'll be able to heat up leftovers that'll taste fresh. The best part? You can just set and forget and it'll beep when your food is done!
Here's what BuzzFeed food writer Hannah Loewentheil has to say about it:
"I'd been contemplating buying an air fryer for quite some time, but it wasn't until I found myself cooking every night with my family due to COVID-19 that I finally decided it was the right time to get one. Friends of mine were raving about their new Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer, so after reading similar feedback on Amazon, I decided it looked like a winner. And it happens to be made by the same company that makes the crowd-favorite Instant Pot. I figured I would be using this appliance primarily as air air fryer, but as an added bonus, it can also roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate food.
I've had this air fryer for about three weeks now, and I can honestly say it's become the hero of my kitchen. It preheats quickly, it's large enough for a good amount of food at once, it's easy to clean, and it makes food taste crispy on the outside and moist on the inside without any oil. I've been using my air fryer to make vegetables just about every night and it makes them taste so good. If you're cooking for kids, picky eaters, or you just don't get so excited about eating vegetables, the air fryer could be perfect for you. If you like chicken, the air fryer might change your life, and I don't mean that to be dramatic. The air fryer produces restaurant-quality chicken that tastes absurdly decadent, except there's no oil involved in the cooking — just air. We also tried making sesame chicken in the air fryer using boneless skinless chicken thighs. The sesame chicken tasted almost identical to my favorite Chinese takeout, and it had nothing to do with my cooking skills. Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken gets so crispy. I couldn't believe I made this at home!!"
Get it from Amazon for $79.95+ (available in five sizes).
Check out the full review, plus some air fryer recipe suggestions for more!
3. A microwave omelet maker, because you can whip up breakfast without a pan in just minutes. This useful device can go from the microwave to the dishwasher, so you can just get on with your day.
Promising review: "This brings omelets to my weekday breakfast. I've been trying to eat a low-carb diet, and the idea of eggs for breakfast appeals to me. But, I am *so* NOT a morning person; and getting up early to stir a low-n-slow scramble just does not work for me. I've tried microwaving eggs in custard cups but they always turned out either soupy and underdone or firm but dry and rubbery. But this makes them Just Right, every time, in two minutes flat. That's less time than it takes me to brew my coffee. Two or three eggs, some herbs, a few chopped veggies, and perhaps a sprinkle of cheese makes for a quick, easy, and tasty breakfast." —Vanilla Chameleon
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
4. Or, an easy breakfast sandwich maker so you can whip up a quick and delicious breakfast — no long lines necessary! Skip the drive-thru and the morning rush and you'll even save some dough.
It'll cook eggs, veggies, meats, and toast up English muffins, biscuits, and even small bagels. It comes with a recipe book and it's dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "The best small appliance I have ever bought! My husband buys the microwaveable egg sandwiches that are frozen and they are pretty expensive, especially when you buy enough for the month. He just grabs one and goes to work. So not only did this little gadget work as well as it said, it will save us money in the long run. The food is better since it's fresher, and I just couldn't believe it took five minutes. The sandwich was done and without all that messy frying and smelling up the house. Now, this is so easy. I want to buy one for my kids, the one at college and the newlywed. Also, the one here on Amazon was cheaper than the one I saw at the store and I had it in two days." —Mistie Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in six colors).
5. Plus, a rapid egg cooker that you'll be ~egg-cited~ to use because it takes all the guesswork out of making eggs. You can choose a setting to make hard-, medium-, or soft-boiled eggs. It can also make poached or scrambled eggs and omelets!
All you have to do is fill it with water based on your level of *egg doneness* and it will automatically shut off when your eggs are ready! And the removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Promising review: "If hard-boiled eggs are at all a part of your life, this device will change everything. Reclaim lost hours, catch up on missed TV, reconnect with old friends and family — anything is possible with the free time you'll find at your disposal as you drop six eggs into this beast, press a button, and then walk away. What will you do? High-intensity exercise? Model building? Learn a second language? I hear your concern. 'What if I become so engrossed in my newfound love of taxonomy that I forget about my eggs?' Fear not, efficient chef. Like the trumpet of Gabriel himself, the unmistakable tone of this technological marvel could rouse the dead and will bring you running to your fresh-and-ready ova's side. The Dash Go Rapid Egg Cooker is what mankind has been working towards since the first roundish stone was shaped into a wheel. Witness the apex of human innovation!" —J. Mercer Crenshaw
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight colors).
6. A split-decision pie pan, because if your fam has different preferences, you can make two different desserts, quiches, or meat pies at once! This pan has two divided sections so you can make two totally different things at the same time.
The pan is made of heavyweight aluminized steel, which allows for strong heat conduction and even baking. It also features nonstick coating for easy release. It's safe in temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "I love cherry and he loves apple, but to make two pies would be such a waste since it's just the two of us at home, and buying store-bought pie just isn't the same. This was the perfect solution. I LOVE IT!" —Sherry S.
Get it from Amazon for $19.88.
7. Or a trio pan if you have family members who are vegetarian and some who are not. You'll be able to make up to three types of lasagna at once so everyone can get what they love for dinner. You could even make three completely different things at the same time. Plus, this can also be used to make bread, cakes, frittatas and more.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this pan! Made lasagna in it for the first time last night, and it came out beautifully. The rows are the exact length and width of a standard lasagna noodle and it was so much easier than building a large lasagna pan. Because it is nonstick, the lasagna came out of the pan beautifully, and because the pan is deeper than a standard lasagna pan I was able to do more layers which helped hold the lasagna together better when served. I would highly recommend this pan to anyone, and I just ordered another one!" —Jeanne M. Barnhart
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
8. Nonstick toaster bags that'll allow you to make the easiest grilled cheese sandwiches ever. No need to whip out a pan, grab a spatula, or light the stove. Just pop your cheese sammy in one of these reusable bags and put it in the toaster. Lazy? Maybe. Genius? Definitely.
Promising review: "I may never make a grilled cheese sandwich again on stove. These work so well and don’t require any butter or oil, super fast and no clean up. We have used one bag at least a dozen times and still works great. We have also used it to heat up a folded quesadilla." —Tami A. Miller
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $8.99.
9. Or a microwave-friendly panini press, because sandwiches are your best bet when you need a fast and delicious dinner — but make it fancy! You can use this device to make your sandwiches crispy with a grilled effect. Plus, it can also be used to make toasted burgers, sausages, and paninis.
The panini press is hot coming out of the microwave, so make sure to wear mitts or gloves! It's also dishwasher safe!
Promising reviews: “I am very impressed with this sandwich maker. The directions are easy to understand and cleaning it is effortless. I made grilled cheese and it looked like it came from a restaurant!” —Jeff and Derrick
Get it from Amazon for $32.99.
10. A microwave bacon cooker if you wake up with bacon on your mind (because same) but the thought of whipping out a pan, remembering to flip the bacon, and then draining all that grease just kills your joy, you need this.
Microwave time is just 1 minute per slice! The tray catches all the grease, and it's dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "Best thing since sliced bread! I love everything about it. You can do 12 pieces of bacon at a time. So it's fast. It is super easy to clean, and stores flat. Best thing I've bought in a long time." —booklover
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
11. A Whiskware pancake batter mixer so you can make pancakes using wayyy less dishes and without a big mess — you can just mix and pour with this bottle. This is so easy to use, your kids could even help you whip up breakfast without pancake mix getting all over the counters.
Promising review: "This is the best breakfast invention after the waffle maker. LOVE IT! As someone who makes pancakes or waffles three to four times a week (my kids are pretty spoiled, but breakfast is key to getting through the first part of the school day), this is the easiest and fastest way to get that done. I just add everything to the bottle, shake, and pour into the waffle maker or griddle. When I am done, just add some water, shake again, empty, and then place everything in the dishwasher." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two colors and two pancake art kits).
12. A nonstick sectioned skillet to make multiple things at once with way less cleaning up to do later. You can make an omelet in one section while you perfectly brown home fries and sausages in other sections. I mean... where has this pan been all my life?!
This features five compartments, only requires one burner, and is stain-resistant, PFOA-free, and oven and dishwasher safe.
Promising review: "I am so in love with this pan. I can cook several things at once for breakfast even if I use it to cook my fajitas and the other compartments for what I like with the fajitas. I put mine in the dishwasher and was a little scared but it cleaned it without any scratches or rust." —Shawnie Fennell
Get it from Amazon for $54.99.
13. Or, a dual-sided pot because it'll allow you to cook veggies on one side and meat in the other, or the same dish with different spice levels on each side at the same time — perfect if your family members all have different preferences.
Promising review: "This is such a great pot for either hot-pots OR for when you want to cook two foods and don't want to mess with multiple pots. It is HUGE...each side holds a large quantity of food! Very pleased with the purchase! The only thing you cannot do is drain off one side, like noodle water, if you have food in the other side." —Midwest Chookiemomma
Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in two colors).
14. A handheld garlic press so you can mince and crush garlic in a flash. It also comes with a garlic peeler and scraper so you'll be totally ready if a vampire arrives for dinner.
15. An herb stripper, because I looooove cilantro but I do not enjoy removing the leaves from the stems. I mean who has the patience? Clearly, not me. This genius tool will remove bitter stems quickly so you can avoid the frustrating task of stripping herbs.
Shop Collin Garrity is a small biz that specializes in wooden crafts, accessories, decor, and kitchen tools.
Promising reviews: "Beautiful, beautiful work! I am so excited to finally have a herb stripper and one that is handmade! Fast shipping and the seller included a nice card with directions on how to use/wash the stripper as well as a beautiful postcard print. Thank you!" —Alex Saul
"This is laser cut so I did a bit of sanding just to round the edges but the construction and quality is excellent! I just used it today on some tarragon and I was so happy for the amount is saved my hands!" —Kat
Get it from Shop Collin Garrity on Etsy for $16 (available in three finishes).
16. A microwave pasta cooker so you can make pasta in minutes without having to babysit a pot of boiling water. You no longer have to worry about your pot overflowing or constantly checking to see if your noodles are ~perfect~.
Promising review: "One of those 'why didn't I think of this?' kind of things. It makes cooking pasta so easy and foolproof! No trying to bend/break pasta to get it to fit into a round pan. The instructions tell you exactly how long to microwave it for the different size proportions." —EQUUS
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
17. An egg separator that'll make it so easy to make an egg white omelette. This egg-cellent little tool uses a suction to help you get through the usually complicated and annoying task of separating yolks from whites.
Promising review: "This is by far the best kitchen gadget I've ever owned. It actually makes me want to be in the kitchen (which is not my favorite place). It works exactly as described, is easy to clean, and is cute to boot. Just don't be tempted to stick this fish to yourself. I've had to explain to all my coworkers how I ended up with fish hickeys." —Siber
Get it from Amazon for $13.90 (available in three colors).
18. A two-tier food steamer for you to cook multiple things at once. You can steam veggies and make fish or meat at the same time. This can also make rice and boiled eggs! The best part? you don't have to monitor a pot to get dinner on the table. All you have to do is use the guide to figure out the right setting for whatever you are making, and it'll automatically turn off when it's done.
Promising review: "Great investment, especially for people with a busy lifestyle — set it and forget it. I love this steamer. It's easy to use, it holds a lot, and the food taste way better. I just introduced it to three of my family members and they are ready to order." —Sheryl
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
19. A set of silicone baking trays, because you can divide different dishes and ingredients on a baking sheet. Instead of having to cook things separately, this will allow you to make various foods at once and keep them from spilling over on each other. And (!!) these can be used in your oven or air fryer.
BTW: These are dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "The quality is great. And it's very practical, especially when a lot of food needs to be prepared, things can be separated well during cooking. Cleaning is also very easy. LOVE it." —Matthew
Get a set of five for $16.99 (also available in a set of nine).
20. A meat thermometer so you won't have to guess or overcook your chicken because you're unsure if it's ready or not. This will give you a quick and accurate temp reading so you can wrap up cooking dinner with ease.
Get it from our Goodful shop for $19.99.
21. The Thaw Claw that will help you when you're in a rush to make dinner, but you forgot to take your meat out of the freezer. This will help thaw it in under a half an hour or so. Just attach it to the bottom of your sink, fill the sink with water, and this will keep meat submerged so it'll be ready faster.
Thaw Claw is a Black-owned small biz that's been featured on Shark Tank, HSN, and Good Morning America! For more deets, check out our as-seen-on TV kitchen products write-up.
Promising review: "At first this looked gimmicky, but I saw a need for something like this. I use vacuum bags to freeze my meat and with our schedules, thawing out our meal for that evening often includes placing the frozen block in water to thaw in a reasonable time. Without this item, I was left to put a heavy pot or iron skillet on top to keep it in submerged to speed the thawing process. This device, with its suction base and spread design, keeps the food item under its fingers to allow the thawing process to complete in less than half the time by just putting it in the water. And before you object, 'that’s not safe, the temperature will rise too much and promote bacteria growth' — I have ServSafe certs. I know my time and temp levels and those are in no way even close to approaching the danger zone unless you leave it for hours before cooking. I recommend this item for anyone, but especially anyone who has time constraints for evening dinner prep or any other time for that matter." —mudhen7
Learn more about safe food-thawing methods here.
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
22. A versatile chopping device if a recipe calls for a bunch of chopped ingredients, so you don't have to abort mission. If you get frustrated by the time-consuming task of dicing onions and other foods, this will ~cut~ prep time in half.
This set comes with eight interchangeable blades for slicing, julienne, grating, and shredding. It also includes two blade holders, a cleaning fork, and a safety holder to protect your fingers.
Promising review: "Such a great product! I used to spend anywhere from 5–15 minutes cutting veggies and now it literally takes seconds! Cuts down on my prep time significantly and doesn’t make cooking a chore anymore!" —Britney
Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three blade options).
Your fam eating dinner in no time flat because of the microwave pasta cooker:
