I’m Always Looking for Smart Kitchen Tools to Make Life Easier, and These Are My 5 Favorites from This Year

Thanks to my job as a shopping writer, I’ve spent hundreds of hours sifting through Amazon kitchen deals over the past year and had the opportunity to test out countless gadgets and gear — not such a bad 9 to 5, right? Now that 2023 is coming to a close, I’m putting my tireless research to good use by reflecting on the handiest tools and gadgets I tried over the past 365 days.

To ring in the new year in style, I picked out five of the most genius Amazon kitchen items I found in 2023. Choose from a tested and approved bread sling, smart coffee mug, and more, starting at $14.

The Handiest Tools and Gadgets I Bought This Year at Amazon

• Tofuture Tofu Press, $22
• Kitchendao Salad Dressing Shaker with Juicer, $14
• Angadona SIlicone Bread Sling, $18 with coupon (originally $20)
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug, $127 (originally $150)
• Dreamfarm Levoons Self-Leveling Measuring Spoons, $15

Tofuture Tofu Press

I’ve been a vegetarian most of my life, and one thing I’ve learned along the way is that tofu is easier to cook after it’s pressed. Squeezing the liquid out of your tofu firms it up and allows it to soak up sauces, so I spent years balancing cookbooks and cans on top of blocks. But then, I found this tofu press, which lets me make flavorful, crispy tofu with minimal effort. The three-piece gadget strains out juices with ease, and since it comes apart, it slots easily into any dishwasher. 

Kitchendao Salad Dressing Shaker with Juicer

Since moving in together earlier this year, I’ve turned my burger-obsessed partner into a salad lover. Part of my weekly meal prep is making the simple, homemade dressing my mom has been making all my life, and as it turns out, he can’t get enough — he even bought me this two-in-one shaker to make the task easier. The clever tool comes with a manual juicer head, easy-pour spout, and tight-sealing top for mess-free shaking, and it’s just $14 at Amazon.

Angadona SIlicone Bread Sling

Bread is a staple in my house, and once I realized how easy it is to make no-knead loaves in my Dutch oven, I started making a loaf every Sunday. But despite using parchment paper to line the pot, the bottom of my bread often burned in the oven. Then, I discovered this nonstick silicone bread sling. It’s the perfect shape and size to fit into any standard Dutch oven and features two long handles to help avoid accidental burns. It keeps my beloved boules from charring and is easily washable by hand or in the dishwasher. 

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

I sip hot drinks slowly, and especially during the winter, my coffee and tea often get cold after I’ve only taken a few sips. I decided to buy myself this smart mug a few months ago, and I can’t stop talking about how much I love it. It heats my mug to the temperature of my choosing (which I can adjust easily in the Ember app) and keeps drinks hot for up to 80 minutes on a single charge. You can even set it on the compatible charging coaster to keep your beverage at temperature all day long.

Dreamfarm Levoons Self-Leveling Measuring Spoons, Set of 4

I always make a mess when I cook — especially when measuring dry ingredients for recipes like sourdough bread, handmade pasta, and macarons. To help prevent kitchen disasters and bake more efficiently, I snagged this self-leveling measuring spoon set, which comes with a 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, teaspoon, and tablespoon that are detachable for easy cleanup. Its built-in scraper moves like a windshield wiper to achieve more precise measurements. And since they let you level ingredients with one hand, the set is also a great buy for kitchen multitaskers.

More Clever Gadgets from Amazon:

Linda's Essentials Oven Rack Bumpers, Set of 3

Fivtek Clip On Pasta Strainer

Anerong 2-in-1 Garlic Mincer and Chopper

OXO Good Grips 2 Cup Adjustable Measuring Cup

The G Grip Jar Opener