Jennifer Let’s be honest—I used to spend what felt like hours in the kitchen every single day. Between the endless chopping, waiting for water to boil, and cleaning up the inevitable tornado of dishes, cooking felt more like a chore than the joy it should be.
Then I discovered the magic of kitchen tools to save time cooking.
Now, instead of dreading dinner prep, I actually look forward to it. My secret? Strategic investments in time-saving kitchen gadgets that work as hard as I do. Today, I’m sharing the 20 tools that have revolutionized my cooking routine—and they’ll do the same for yours.
Whether you’re a busy parent juggling soccer practice and board meetings, or simply someone who wants to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious meals, these tools will be your new best friends.
Why Time-Saving Kitchen Tools Are a Game-Changer
Before we dive into the good stuff, let me paint you a picture. Remember the last time you spent 30 minutes just chopping vegetables for a stir-fry? Or when you waited an hour for your pot roast to cook in the oven?
Time-saving kitchen gadgets aren’t just convenient—they’re life-changing. Here’s why:
- Reduce prep time by up to 70% (hello, food processors!)
- Cook meals faster without sacrificing flavor or nutrition
- Minimize cleanup with smart, multi-functional tools
- Create space for what matters more than standing over a stove
The Ultimate List: 20 Kitchen Tools to Save Time Cooking
Electric Powerhouses: Your New Cooking Assistants
1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
This isn’t just a pressure cooker—it’s a time machine for your kitchen. The Instant Pot cooks meals up to 70% faster than traditional methods, and it’s perfect for busy households who want set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
Why it saves time:
- Pressure cooking reduces cooking time dramatically
- One-pot meals mean less cleanup
- Programmable settings let you multitask
Best for: Soups, stews, rice, pasta, and even cheesecake!
2. Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Say goodbye to preheating your oven for 20 minutes. This popular air fryer makes crispy, healthy meals with little oil in a fraction of the time.
Time-saving benefits:
- No preheating required
- Cooks 75% faster than conventional ovens
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts
3. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Think of this as your countertop kitchen assistant. It’s a multi-function oven that air fries, roasts, bakes, and more—all while taking up minimal counter space.
Perfect for: Small kitchens where every appliance needs to earn its keep.
Chopping Champions: Speed Up Your Prep Work
4. Cuisinart DLC-10SYP1 Food Processor
This is where the magic happens. Fast chopping, mixing, and slicing that saves literal hours in meal prep. I use mine for everything from making pesto to shredding cheese.
Time-saving superpowers:
- Chops vegetables in seconds instead of minutes
- Makes pie crusts, hummus, and salsas effortlessly
- Large capacity handles big batches
5. OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer Pro
Perfectly uniform slices every single time, and quick, safe slicing that makes your knife skills look amateur (in the best way).
Safety note: The hand guard is your friend—use it every time!
6. Fullhttps://a.co/d/5pyBzOwstar Vegetable Chopper & Slicer
This multi-functional tool is like having a sous chef who never takes breaks. Quick dicing and slicing of fruits and vegetables with interchangeable blades.
7. KitchenAid Cordless Food Chopper
No cords, quick chopping anywhere in your kitchen. The rechargeable battery means you can prep vegetables right next to your stove or wherever it’s most convenient.
8. Zyliss Easy Pull Garlic Press
Effortless garlic mincing that saves considerable prep time. No more sticky fingers or lingering garlic smell—just perfectly minced garlic in seconds.
Smart Solutions: Technology Meets Cooking
9. MEATER Plus Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer
This wireless thermometer monitors your cooking progress from your phone, making it perfect for multitasking chefs. No more hovering over your roast!
Smart features:
- Bluetooth connectivity up to 165 feet
- Guided recipes through the app
- Alerts when your food is perfectly cooked
10. Cuisinart Electric Can Opener
Sometimes it’s the simple things that save the most time. This electric can opener speeds up opening cans effortlessly, perfect for quick meal assembly.
Space-Saving Superstars: Big Results, Small Footprint
11. Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Small and quick, this waffle maker is ideal for snacking and diet plans. Don’t let its size fool you—it packs serious time-saving power.
12. Joseph Joseph Nesting Bowls & Measuring Cups Set
Space-saving multi-use bowls that nest inside each other, keeping your cabinets organized while making meal prep faster and more efficient.
13. Measuring Set
Adjustable, nesting measuring spoons and cups for fast measuring in a clutter-free kitchen. No more digging through drawers for the right size!
Cleanup Heroes: Less Mess, More Time
14. Chef’n FreshForce Salad Spinner
This quick salad drying tool makes leafy greens meal-ready in seconds. Wet lettuce is nobody’s friend—this spinner fixes that problem instantly.
15. Silicone Baking Mats by Amazon Basics
Reusable non-stick mats that reduce cleanup and cooking time. No more scrubbing baked-on messes from your pans.
16. Clip-On Colander
Clips safely onto pots for draining without bulky accessories. Perfect for small kitchens where every inch of storage matters.
Versatile Workhorses: Multi-Purpose Magic
17. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Durable, cooks food evenly and fast—this kitchen essential for time-conscious cooks goes from stovetop to oven to table.
18. Kitchen Hand Electric Hand Mixer
Faster mixing of batters and doughs with less mess and effort. Your arm muscles will thank you.
19. GoodCook Adjustable Rolling Pin
Perfect for fast dough rolling with measurement guides that save prep time. No more guessing if your pie crust is the right thickness.
20. 5 in 1 Rotary Cheese Grater
Easy-to-use, fast air frying with digital controls and presets. Set it, forget it, and enjoy crispy results every time.
Quick Comparison: Which Tools Save the Most Time?
| Tool Category | Time Saved | Best For | Investment Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Cookers | 70% reduction | Busy families | High |
| Air Fryers | 75% faster than ovens | Quick healthy meals | Medium |
| Food Processors | Hours per week | Meal prep enthusiasts | Medium-High |
| Mandoline Slicers | 80% faster slicing | Uniform cuts | Low-Medium |
| Smart Thermometers | Multitasking freedom | Meat dishes | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions About Time-Saving Kitchen Tools
What are the best kitchen tools to save time cooking at home?
The Instant Pot, air fryers, and food processors top my list. These three alone can transform your cooking routine by handling the most time-consuming tasks: long cooking times, preheating delays, and tedious prep work.
How can kitchen gadgets help speed up meal prep and cooking?
Kitchen gadgets work like having extra hands in your kitchen. They automate repetitive tasks, reduce cooking times through advanced technology, and often combine multiple functions into one appliance. For example, a food processor can chop, slice, shred, and puree—tasks that would normally require multiple tools and much more time.
Which electric cooking appliances save the most time?
Electric pressure cookers (like the Instant Pot) lead the pack, followed closely by air fryers and convection ovens. These appliances use technology to cook faster while often requiring less monitoring than traditional methods.
Are air fryers or pressure cookers better for quick, healthy meals?
Both are excellent, but they serve different purposes:
- Air fryers excel at crispy textures and reheating
- Pressure cookers are unbeatable for one-pot meals and tenderizing tough cuts
I recommend having both if your budget and counter space allow!
What basic cooking tools make chopping and slicing faster?
A sharp chef’s knife is your foundation, but adding a food processor, mandoline slicer, or vegetable chopper will multiply your efficiency. The key is choosing tools that match your cooking style and storage constraints.
How do food processors improve cooking efficiency?
Food processors are like having a professional prep cook. They chop vegetables in seconds, make sauces and dressings from scratch, and handle tasks like shredding cheese or making breadcrumbs that would otherwise eat up precious time.
Can smart kitchen gadgets really save time and effort?
Absolutely! Smart thermometers let you monitor cooking from another room, while programmable pressure cookers mean you can start dinner before you leave for work. The key is choosing gadgets that solve real problems in your routine.
Which kitchen tools are best for small spaces but save time?
Look for multi-functional tools and nesting designs. The Dash Compact Air Fryer, Joseph Joseph measuring sets, and cordless food choppers pack big time-saving power into small footprints.
What are the best time-saving tools for meal prepping for families?
Large-capacity food processors, sheet pans, meal prep containers with compartments, and batch-cooking appliances like the Instant Pot are game-changers for families. They let you prepare multiple meals at once.
How to choose durable and easy-to-clean kitchen tools that save time?
Look for dishwasher-safe components, stainless steel or BPA-free plastic construction, and simple designs without too many crevices. Read reviews focusing on long-term durability rather than just features.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Time-Saving Tools
Start small. You don’t need every gadget on this list. Choose 2-3 tools that address your biggest time wasters, then build from there.
Think about your cooking style. Love stir-fries? A mandoline slicer might be your MVP. Make lots of soups? The Instant Pot will change your life.
Consider storage. The best tool is the one you’ll actually use. Make sure you have convenient storage for whatever you buy.
Read the manual. I know, I know—but 15 minutes learning your tool’s features can save hours of cooking time later.
Insert image of someone happily cooking with multiple time-saving tools, showing the joy of efficient cooking
Transform Your Kitchen (And Your Life) Today
Here’s the truth: time is your most precious ingredient. Every minute you save in the kitchen is a minute you can spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply relax.
These 20 kitchen tools to save time cooking aren’t just gadgets—they’re investments in a better lifestyle. Whether you start with a simple garlic press or go all-in with a smart pressure cooker, each tool brings you one step closer to stress-free cooking.
Ready to reclaim your time? Start with one tool that addresses your biggest kitchen frustration. I guarantee you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
What’s your biggest time-waster in the kitchen? Share in the comments below—I’d love to help you find the perfect solution!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and believe will add value to your cooking routine. Your support helps me continue creating helpful content like this. Thank you!
