Snap-on strainers and automatic stirrers simplify weeknight cooking

Snap-on strainers prevent pasta disasters

Snap-on strainers are flexible silicone lids that fit onto most pots. They let you strain pasta or vegetables directly into the sink without risking a total dump-out or a steam burn.

This gadget solves a classic weeknight cooking mishap. It’s a simple, low-tech fix for a high-stress moment.

Automatic pot stirrers handle the boring work

A battery-operated automatic stirrer can be placed in a pot or pan to continuously mix sauces, soups, or risotto. This frees you up to chop vegetables or complete other tasks.

One model, the Uutensil Stirr, features an LED speed indicator and is available for $38.95. It’s a single-purpose tool for outsourcing a repetitive chore.

Souper Cubes enable perfect freezer portions

Souper Cubes are silicone trays designed for freezing precise portions of liquids like soup, stock, or sauce. They prevent you from having to defrost a giant, solid block of food later.

This system makes batch cooking and meal prep more practical. You can pop out a single, perfectly sized portion for a weeknight dinner.

Oven guards protect against rack burns

Silicone oven rack guards slide onto your oven racks to create a heat-resistant barrier. They protect your hands and forearms when reaching into a hot oven.

This is especially useful for crowded ovens or when retrieving dishes from the back. It’s a simple safety upgrade for a common kitchen hazard.

Self-stirring cookers automate entire meals

Programmable self-stirring cookers can sauté, simmer, and stir ingredients automatically. You add the components, set the program, and it handles the cooking.

This appliance is for those who want to fully outsource the active cooking process. It can make everything from stews to pasta sauces with minimal supervision.

Automatic can openers save a small hassle

Electric can openers attach to a can and remove the lid with the press of a button. They eliminate the manual effort and occasional struggle of a traditional opener.

While a small convenience, it speeds up prep when using multiple canned ingredients. It’s one less physical task during a busy cooking session.

Warming mats keep finished dishes hot

Electric warming mats provide a low, consistent heat to keep plated food or pots warm. This solves the timing issue of one dish finishing before the others.

You can plate components as they’re done without everything going cold. It reduces the pressure to have every element ready at the exact same moment.

Divided skillets cook multiple items simultaneously

A divided skillet features raised partitions within a single pan, creating separate cooking zones. This allows you to cook different foods—like proteins and vegetables—at the same time without flavors mixing.

The Master Pan Non-Stick Divided Skillet (15-inch) is one example, priced at $64.97. It’s a space-saving tool for one-pan meals that require separated components.

The Thaw Claw speeds up defrosting

The Thaw Claw is a weighted, clamping device that holds frozen food submerged in cold water. This accelerates safe defrosting by ensuring full water contact, as opposed to food floating to the surface.

It’s aimed at cooks who frequently forget to thaw ingredients in advance. The method is recommended by the USDA for faster thawing.

Digital measuring spoons combine two tools

Digital measuring spoons have a built-in scale in the handle, displaying weight measurements as you scoop. This eliminates the step of transferring ingredients to a separate scale.

Key features of these gadgets include:

• Tare function to zero out the weight of the spoon.
• Multiple unit measurements (grams, ounces, milliliters).
• One-step scoop-and-measure process.

It streamlines the prep work for baking or precise recipes.

Fry Away solidifies grease for easy disposal

Fry Away is a powder made from plant-based oils that solidifies cooking grease and oil upon cooling. You sprinkle it into hot used oil, let it cool, and then remove a solid puck for the trash.

This product addresses the messy problem of disposing of frying oil. It prevents clogged drains and avoids storing jars of liquid grease.