Editors' Picks for Essential Kitchen Items and Gadgets
Our Editors Share the One Kitchen Essential They Can't Live Without
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One of the perks of being a POPSUGAR editor is that no matter what type of item you might be looking for, one of your coworkers knows *exactly* the right answer. Better yet, you can trust their advice! Our editors are a friendly yet discerning bunch — so while they love sharing product recommendations, they only talk about the items they really and truly love. As you can imagine, our Slack channels are flooded with "you've got to try this" threads.
So, knowing how many home chefs we have in our crew, we challenged them to name the one kitchen essential that's changed their cooking for the better. Not three items, not two — just that single incredible, can't-live-without, must-have kitchen product they swear by. Did some people try to sneak in more than one? Yes. (Did we make them follow the rules? Also yes.)
Ahead, our editors' picks for the kitchen essentials they think — wait, make that *know* — you'll love, too.
Simply Essential Mixed Swedish Dish Cloths​
"My family used to go through a giant roll of paper towels every week. Since switching to these reusable towels ($8), we've stopped using paper entirely. They hold so much liquid, are easy to clean in the dishwasher or microwave, and never seem to get that icky sponge smell. Bonus: the patterns are cute." — Dawn Davis, executive director
Nespresso by Breville VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker
"I recently moved, and before I unpacked anything — the bed, linens, towels to wash up — I unpacked and set up my coffee station with my Nespresso by Breville VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker ($210). I always tell people that I don't drink coffee, I drink Nespresso. Because I do not stray. This particular machine is a dream because it lets you make different types of drinks and all you have to do is put in the right pod. I'm a simple woman, so I need a simple process (especially in the morning). This machine is unfussy, yet the coffee always comes out smooth, strong, and balanced. It's also really sleek and doesn't take up a ton of space. As coffee machines go, it's pretty sexy." — Shalwah Evans, associate content director
OXO Good Grips Complete 7-Piece Grate and Slice Set
"On a free evening, I love nothing more than diving into an involved, multistep dinner recipe. I even find the prep work relaxing — provided I have the right kitchen tools on hand. This seven-piece grater, slicer, and mandolin ($32) makes quick work of everything from grating Parmesan cheese to thinly slicing cucumbers to shredding carrots. And since it comes with a hand guard, you won't wind up grating your knuckles in the process." — Annalise Mantz, editor
Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer
"I truly don't remember what I did before I owned this Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer ($25). From weeknight pasta limone to margaritas and guac to the key lime pie I make all summer long, I love my citrus! This tool effortlessly squeezes out every last drop, and I find myself reaching for it nearly every day." — Joanna Douglas, executive director
Cuisinart Cordless Wine Opener
"I am a huge natural wine enthusiast, as are most of my friends, so you can bet any time we get together there are likely going to be multiple bottles open. There is nothing worse than screwing your wine key into a finicky cork and having it break — such a party foul. The Cuisinart Cordless Wine Opener ($30) has saved me from embarrassment multiple times and is a staple in my kitchen arsenal. Ever since I got it I feel like I can finally call myself an adult." — Aviel Kanter, editorial director
OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
"What's the most-used kitchen item from my wedding registry? It's not the fancy Kitchen Aid stand mixer I pined after, but this conical burr coffee grinder ($105) that instantly elevated my morning coffee routine. It's dead simple to operate (exactly what I need, pre-caffeine), and its slim design means it's not an eyesore on my countertop." — Andrea Morabito, editorial director
Haden Dorset 1.7-Liter Electric Kettle
"I spent years without an electric tea kettle, and after spending only a month with my Haden Dorset 1.7-Liter Electric Kettle ($75), I'm not entirely sure how I lived without it. Boiling water is tedious — and microwaving feels slightly criminal, albeit understandable in a pinch — but the electric tea kettle takes about half the time and comes with an auto shutoff; perfect for an anxious soul like me. Bonus: it makes for great countertop decor." — Samantha Sasso, beauty editor
OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs With Nylon Head
"I've invested in chef knives, a fancy sous vide, and a good Dutch oven, but the one thing I really can't make a meal without? These $13 tongs ($13). The 9-inch length is easy to maneuver, unlike larger grill tongs, and the nylon head is safe for non-stick cookware. So whether I'm roasting veggies, coating pasta with sauce, or tossing a salad, I need these ready to go. In fact, I got so frustrated when they were in the dishwasher a few weeks ago that I ordered a second one." — Christie Rotondo, senior editor
Breville The Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine in Stainless Steel
"As a non-coffee drinker, I was skeptical when the first thing my (very coffee snobby) partner wanted to get for our kitchen when we first moved in together was an espresso machine ($700). Cut to a handful of years (and a pandemic) later, and I've completely changed my tune. I can easily say it's the only appliance that gets used by both of us on a daily basis — him to make his flat white, and me to steam the milk for my matcha latte. Pre-COVID me wouldn't believe it, but these days I actually prefer making my morning drink at home rather than buying it from a coffee shop — plus, it saves me money!" — Stephanie Nguyen, senior editor
