We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

BHG Editors' Favorite Finds: Kitchen Essentials Under $20

These are the inexpensive kitchen gadgets our editors use on a daily basis.

bhg editors favorite finds frothed drink

You don't need to splurge on expensive kitchen tools to make your favorite recipes. In fact, many of the must-have kitchen tools that the BHG Test Kitchen recommends are fairly inexpensive. We asked our editors to share their favorite kitchen tools and gadgets, and they're all under $20.

Whether used for prepping a morning coffee or making dinner for the family, these are the kitchen essentials our editorial team uses almost every day. Stock up on our favorite colanders, food scales, and veggie slicers to make your next baking day or meal prep session a breeze.

01 of 09

Electric Wine Opener Set

wine opener, glass of wine, and wine bottle

Courtesy of Walmart

"This electric wine opener is a game-changer for at-home entertaining. It works better than high-end wine openers I’ve tried in the past, and guests are always shocked when I tell them it’s under $20. The wood display stand—which also holds wine stoppers and a foil cutter—also makes storage super easy!"

— Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor

02 of 09

Over-The-Sink Colander

collander with lettuce over kitchen sink

Courtesy of Amazon

"I'm not sure how I ever made dinner before having this colander in my kitchen. I'm no longer trying hold my large (and heavy) cast iron pot upside down with one hand and hold a colander with the other with straining potatoes or pasta. With this genius design, the colander never has to touch the bottom of your sink, either—perfect for a sink full of dishes from cooking."

— Halee Miller, Editorial Assistant

03 of 09

Digital Food Scale

black digital food scale

Courtesy of Walmart

"I find measuring out ingredients like flour by weight on a digital food scale so much easier and often less messy than using measuring cups. And if I need something like a pound of potatoes for a recipe, I can just plunk them on the scale rather than try to eyeball it and have the dish come out not quite right."

— Viveka Neveln, Senior Garden Editor

04 of 09

Milk Frother

milk frother in coffee drink

Courtesy of Amazon

"I use this battery-powered milk frother every morning with my coffee. I've had it for a few years now and it's still working as well as the first day. With just one button, it's straightforward to create drinks you love in seconds."

— Caitlin Sole, Senior Home Editor

05 of 09

Handheld Mandoline Slicer

hands slicing potato

Courtesy of Amazon

"I bought this to make potatoes gratin and could not believe I lived 37 years with this thing. I'm slicing everything I can now! It's simple and there's not much to it, just 3 thicknesses that are very easy to adjust."

— Margot Cavin, Photo Production Manager

06 of 09

Squeeze Bottles

squeeze bottles on kitchen counter

Courtesy of Amazon

"I didn't know I needed a squeeze bottle like this in my life, but now I can't live without it—and look for any excuse to use one! We keep oil in here for drizzling, cooking, etc. to help get a precise pour, and it has helped reduce the amount of oil we use (I'm horrible with the traditional oil spout and always accidentally over pour). It is also great for vinegar, salad dressing (shake it/make it in the bottle), aioli, and just about any other liquid in your kitchen. The bottles are also super ergonomic and easy to squeeze, very little pressure required, and a breeze to clean: just pop it in the dishwasher."

— Ella Field, Contributing Editor

07 of 09

OXO Citrus Squeezer

yellow citrus juicer

Courtesy of Amazon

"I've tested quite a few citrus juicers but I find myself always coming back to this tried-and-true citrus squeezer. It gets so much juice out of each lemon and it's easy to clean up. I've also used it for limes and small oranges with great results. I make a lot of tea at home and it's perfect for adding a bit of lemon to each cup."

— Sarah Martens, Senior Food Editor

08 of 09

Lodge Pan Scrapers

red pan scraper

Courtesy of Amazon

"These little scrapers make any stubborn stuck-on food a breeze to clean without doing any damage. The different sides allow you to get every inch and every angle with ease. It works great with my cast-iron pan, but I keep it by the since for all my pans."

— Katlyn Moncada, Food Editor

09 of 09

Clean Cult Dish Soap

kitchen dish soap

Courtesy of Amazon

"I recently switched to Clean Cult products in my kitchen and I'm obsessed. The scents are so good (Wild Lavender is my favorite), and I love that all of their aluminum packaging is meant to be reused with their eco refills. The liquid dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and liquid hand soap are now staples in my kitchen."

— Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles