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Let’s be honest: The last thing anyone wants to do after a long day at work is spend an hour chopping vegetables or scrubbing a microwave. We all want the healthy, home-cooked meal, but we hate the process.
I used to rely on takeout way too often until I found a few “cheat codes.” These aren’t just random tools; they are legitimate time-savers that have cut my dinner prep (and clean-up) time in half.
Here are the 10 Amazon kitchen gadgets that save me at least 20 minutes every single night.
1. The Fullstar Vegetable Chopper
If you hate chopping onions because of the tears or the time it takes, you need this. It is the number one time-saver in my kitchen. You literally place the veggie on the blade, shut the lid, and boom—perfectly diced vegetables in one second.
- Why I love it: I can prep a full mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) in under 60 seconds.
- Best for: Salads, soups, and taco nights.
2. The Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner
Cleaning the microwave is usually a nightmare of scrubbing dried sauce. The Angry Mama changes that. You fill her with vinegar and water, microwave her for 7 minutes, and steam comes out of her head to soften all the grime.
- The Hack: The steam melts the crud so you can just wipe it away with a paper towel. No scrubbing required.
3. Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain
Stop dragging out the massive, bulky colander that takes up half the dishwasher. This silicone strainer snaps directly onto the pot or pan you are cooking in.
- The Benefit: You drain the water right from the pot. It saves cabinet space and saves you from washing an extra dish.
4. Dash Rapid Egg Cooker
Boiling eggs on the stove is deceptively annoying (watching the water, timing it, the shells sticking). This gadget cooks perfect hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or poached eggs with the push of a button.
- The Result: The shells peel off effortlessly every single time. It’s a game-changer for meal-prepping breakfasts or salads.
5. Farberware Meat Chopper Tool
If you cook ground beef, turkey, or sausage, you know the struggle of trying to break it up with a wooden spoon. This tool has a pinwheel design that breaks up meat instantly in the pan.
- Why it works: It ensures even cooking and gets you that perfect restaurant-style texture for bolognese or tacos.
6. Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener
If you are still struggling with manual can openers that get stuck or leave sharp edges, you need this. You literally just set it on the can, press a button, and walk away.
- The Lazy Factor: It does the work hands-free while you prep other ingredients.
- Safety Bonus: It leaves a smooth edge so you won’t cut your finger fishing the lid out.
7. Silicone Baking Mats
Scrubbing burnt-on cheese or roasted veggies off a metal sheet pan is the worst part of dinner. These reusable mats make any pan non-stick.
- The Hack: Nothing sticks to them. When you’re done, you just rinse them with soapy water. No soaking required.
8. Jenaluca Herb Scissors
Chopping fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or basil usually requires a knife and cutting board. These scissors have 5 blades that chop herbs directly into your pot or garnish your plate in seconds.
- Why I love it: You get the flavor of fresh herbs without the “prep work” mess.
9. Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Stop guessing if the chicken is done and cutting it open (which lets the juice out). An instant thermometer gives you a reading in 3 seconds.
- Time Saver: You won’t overcook your meat, and you won’t have to put it back in the oven “for just 5 more minutes” three times in a row.
10. Oil Sprayer/Mister
Instead of brushing oil onto food (messy) or pouring too much out of the bottle, use a refillable sprayer. It covers your air fryer veggies or pans perfectly evenly.
- The Benefit: It’s healthier (less oil used) and keeps your hands clean.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore if you have the right tools. Even grabbing just one of these will give you a few minutes of your evening back. Which one are you grabbing first?
