The Best Kitchen Tools Under $25, According To Chefs

Justin Ottervanger, executive chef at The Parlour Room in New York City, said his favorite tool is a Microplane. "It's a simple but very effective for a variety of uses. Aside from grating zest or cheese, I'll use it to straighten the edge of a tart shell that didn't bake perfectly or grate a piece of garlic on the fly," he said.

This one is rasp-style (long and narrow) and comes in black, white, bloodstone and lilac. It has razor-sharp stainless steel teeth that prove useful for grating in both directions and on a variety of foods like citrus, hard cheeses, ginger and garlic.

The unique shape of this handheld tool keeps garlic cloves inside while peeling so your hands stay free of that strong garlicky smell and your counter tops stay free of mess. Cloves come out out peeled while peels stay inside. It's dishwasher-safe and easily stored in the included vented case.

Sicily Sierra, professional chef and founder of The Sandwich Ministry, uses it regularly. "Anything that saves you time and cleaning will always be a must-have in my kitchen and this OXO Garlic Peeler is my jam," she said. "Everyone in the house uses it to give us the perfect cloves without the mess of the peel everywhere."

With a fish spatula, recommended by celebrity chef Lamar Moore, you can lift, turn and transfer various fish and filets with ease. "I can press without breaking the skin and or meat of the fish," Moore said.

OXO's fish spatula is oversized to accommodate all types of fish and has a stainless steel head. Its beveled edges help it slide under food without breaking it.

Sure, you have a couple spatulas in your kitchen, but do you have mini spatulas? Liz Solomon Dwyer, founder of New York City-based King David Tacos, said Cuisinart's mini spatulas are must-have in any kitchen for hard-to-reach pastes and sauces in small containers.

"A mini spatula (or spoonula, yes, it's a thing) is every kitchen's best friend, but especially at home. There are all sorts of small containers and cans that you just can't get inside with a full size spatula," she said. "Food waste is the worst, and think of all the peanut butter, mayo and tomato paste (always tomato paste!) you could have saved from waste if you just had the right size spatula for the job! A small investment with huge returns, right here."

This set comes with three roughly 8-inch long spatulas in pink, green and blue. There's one that's ideal for frosting cupcakes, one scooping out of jars and one that's perfect for icing cookies.

Making your own gnocchi at home is easier than you think, and especially so if you have a gnocchi board, according to Silvia Barban, chef and co-owner of LaRina Pastificio & Vino in Brooklyn, New York.

"It's easy to travel with. By using this tool you create these lines that will make your pasta sauce stick to your pasta more," Barban said.

This gnocchi board from Fante's easily turns pasta dough into gnocchi thanks to its ridged texture. It's made in Italy from natural beechwood and is easy to clean; all you have to do is wipe it with a dry cloth or brush.

A mandoline slicer is an essential multifunctional tool to have in your kitchen and Rasheeda Purdie, a New York-based chef and founder of Ramen by Ra, uses hers often. She suggested this mini mandoline slicer as it's easy to travel with.

"It gives you consistent slices and cuts. It works well with so many vegetables and fruit. There’s also the option to julienne items, too. I cook ramen a lot and a mandoline slicer always gives me the best size for my toppings and garnish. As great as this kitchen tool is, it’s also dangerous so please cause carefully. Once you’re attached to this item, it will become your go-to tool in your chef kit," she said.