If you’ve ever opened a kitchen drawer only to find it crammed with gadgets you’ve used once (or never), you’re not alone. Somewhere along the way, we were convinced we needed a separate tool for every task.
Most home cooks can do almost everything with a handful of hardworking tools that pull double – or triple – duty.
Not only do multipurpose kitchen tools save valuable cupboard space, but they also save money and reduce clutter. Better yet, you’ll actually reach for them every day. Here are the ones worth making room for.
1. Kitchen scissors
A good pair of kitchen scissors is one of the most underrated tools in any kitchen.
Use them to:
- Cut herbs straight into a pot
- Trim chicken fat
- Slice pizza
- Open stubborn food packaging
- Snip bacon into pieces
- Cut dried fruit for baking
- Portion tortillas or wraps
Many kitchen scissors also include a bottle opener, nutcracker or built-in herb stripper between the handles.
2. Box grater
It does far more than grate cheese.
Different sides can be used for:
- Shredding vegetables
- Grating chocolate
- Zesting citrus
- Grating garlic and ginger
- Making breadcrumbs from stale bread
- Preparing potatoes for hash browns
- Grating butter into pastry dough for extra flaky baking
3. Silicone spatula
The humble silicone spatula deserves far more credit.
Besides scraping every last bit from bowls and jars, it’s perfect for:
- Folding cake batters
- Stirring sauces
- Scrambling eggs
- Mixing dough
- Spreading icing
- Turning delicate foods without scratching cookware
Heat-resistant silicone versions can move seamlessly from mixing bowl to frying pan.
4. Fine mesh sieve
Think beyond sifting flour.
A fine sieve can also:
- Wash berries
- Drain quinoa or rice
- Dust cakes with icing sugar
- Strain homemade stock
- Remove seeds from sauces
- Rinse canned beans
- Make silky mashed potatoes by pushing cooked vegetables through it
5. Bench scraper
Although bakers swear by them, bench scrapers belong in every kitchen.
They can:
- Divide bread dough
- Scoop chopped vegetables into a pan
- Crush garlic
- Clean flour from countertops
- Portion brownies
- Chop soft dough
- Transfer herbs without making a mess
Some even double as measuring guides.
6. Microplane grater
Tiny but incredibly useful.
Use it for:
- Parmesan
- Citrus zest
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon sticks
- Chocolate
- Frozen butter
- Truffle
It produces much finer results than a standard grater, making flavours go further.
7. Immersion blender
Instead of hauling out a bulky countertop blender, reach for a stick blender.
It quickly tackles:
- Soups
- Smoothies
- Sauces
- Salad dressings
- Whipped cream
- Homemade mayonnaise
- Baby food
- Pancake batter
Many include whisk and mini food processor attachments too.
8. Cast iron skillet
A pan that can last generations if looked after properly.
Use it to:
- Fry
- Roast
- Bake bread
- Make pizza
- Sear steak
- Bake desserts
- Cook over an open fire
- Serve food straight to the table
Few pieces of cookware work this hard.
9. Dutch oven
It isn’t only for slow cooking.
A Dutch oven can:
- Bake artisan bread
- Fry
- Braise meat
- Cook soups
- Steam vegetables
- Make jam
- Prepare pasta
- Deep-fry
- Cook curries
It easily moves from stovetop to oven.
10. Vegetable peeler
Peeling is just the beginning.
A sharp peeler can also create:
- Courgette ribbons
- Carrot salads
- Chocolate curls
- Parmesan shavings
- Thin cucumber ribbons
- Butter curls
- Homemade vegetable chips
11. Mason jars
Technically not a tool, but incredibly handy.
Use them for:
- Salad dressings
- Overnight oats
- Homemade sauces
- Pickles
- Dry ingredient storage
- Meal prep
- Shaking marinades
- Growing herbs from cuttings
One jar can replace several plastic containers.
12. Tongs
They’re basically an extension of your hands.
Perfect for:
- Turning meat
- Tossing pasta
- Serving salad
- Grilling vegetables
- Removing food from boiling water
- Plating meals
- Mixing roasted vegetables
Silicone-tipped versions are safe for non-stick cookware.
13. Measuring jug
Beyond measuring liquids, it can:
- Mix pancake batter
- Whisk eggs
- Make gravy
- Store homemade stock
- Melt chocolate over warm water (if heatproof)
- Pour cake batter neatly into tins
Look for one with clear metric measurements.
14. Muffin tin
Not just for cupcakes.
Try using it for:
- Individual frittatas
- Frozen smoothie portions
- Portioning cookie dough
- Homemade stock cubes
- Mini cheesecakes
- Meal prep snacks
- Taco cups
- Rice portions for freezing
It’s one of the easiest ways to portion food.
15. Waffle maker (yes, really)
This might sound unexpected, but waffle makers have become something of a secret weapon.
Besides waffles, many home cooks use them for:
- Hash browns
- Toasted sandwiches
- Brownies
- Cinnamon rolls
- Falafel
- Leftover mashed potato cakes
- Mac and cheese waffles
- Crispy rice
The high heat creates crispy edges in minutes, making leftovers feel brand new.
ALSO SEE: Classic Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Feature image: Unsplash
