Walk into any kitchenware aisle and you we will find lots of modern day stuff that is….useless. I have boxes full of gadgets and gizmos but as a home cook (or self taught cook) there are some things that I cannot live without.

1) Garlic crusher
Life is too short to peel and crush garlic. I have a trusted crusher I got from ikea many years ago and it’s still going strong.

2) Knife sharpener
Ask any cookery buff and they will tell you that blunt knives are a pain in the neck. To be efficient in the kitchen you need the right tools in perfect condition. And for me sharp knives are essential. No one likes chopping up an onion with something that couldn’t even chop up butter. End of story.

3) Digital scales
If you love baking you need these bad boys. Baking is a science guys; a science! No more estimating weight on the old fashioned scales.
If you don’t like baking but have children I still would recommend you invest in digital scales. If anything you maybe surprised at what a child’s portion of sweets and treats is.

4) Lemon elbow (press)
If you make cocktails, mocktails or bakes with lemon you need a press in your life. You don’t need biceps to get the maximum amount of juice out of a lemon these are awesome. You can also get a lime elbow too do if you like a good mojito you may have a set of these bad boys in your kitchen drawer.

5) Stick blender (With bowl attachment)
I have a range of Food Processors but they are huge and take up a lot of space on the counter. So for quick jobs e.g. making a marinade, soup or sauce I use a stick blender. Quick and easy to clean too. I have one with the bowl attachment which gives me more versatility.

6) Electrical Whisk
If you like frothy coffee drinks this is an essential for your kitchen. I got mine from good old Argos and paid under £10.00 for it. It’s battery operated and makes the best frothy drinks ever.

7) Mallet
Sometimes you just want to cook things quickly…especially meat/chicken. For that reason I have a mallet to flatten out meat. Plus it ‘stretches out’ the fillets which is always good!

8) Box/Triangular grater
Watch those fingers whilst using these. We love cheese so a grater is essential. Grating cheese yourself will save you money compared to pre-grated packs.

9) A range of knives and knife sharpener.
I’m not the only self taught cook that will tell you that sharp knives are a must have item in the kitchen!

10) A good quality Tin Cutter
Goes without saying but seriously you need a Tin opener/Cutter that does what its suppose to do!

What are your TOP kitchen gadgets? Let us know below or share with us on Social Media.