Essential Kitchen Helpers for Everyday Use
, by Hicham Rakib, 6 min reading time
Your kitchen works best when it’s stocked with smart, reliable tools that make cooking, cleaning, and organizing simpler. Below is a deeper look at must-have kitchen items that combine convenience, functionality, and versatility.
1. Silicone Colander with Plastic Handle
What it is: A heat-resistant, flexible colander made of food-grade silicone, with a sturdy plastic handle for easy grip.
Best For:
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Straining pasta, noodles, or rice
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Rinsing fruits and vegetables
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Draining canned beans or corn
Why it’s essential: Unlike metal colanders, silicone is lightweight, won’t scratch cookware, and is collapsible for easy storage. The plastic handle stays cool and gives you control when pouring hot water.
2. Garlic Masher (9cm)
What it is: A compact press that crushes peeled or unpeeled garlic cloves into fine pieces.
Best For:
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Minced garlic for stir-fries, marinades, and sauces
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Reducing prep time in recipes
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Making garlic paste quickly and cleanly
Why it’s essential: Using a masher prevents the strong smell from sticking to your hands and ensures even, fine mashing—ideal for flavor-packed dishes. Easy to clean and small enough to store in any drawer.
3. 3-in-1 Vegetables Peeler
What it is: A versatile peeler with three blades—standard, serrated, and julienne—for handling all types of produce.
Best For:
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Peeling carrots, potatoes, apples
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Julienne slicing cucumbers or zucchini
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Prepping salad toppings or stir-fry vegetables
Why it’s essential: This multi-blade tool saves space and time. You won’t need separate peelers for soft and hard produce. Great for creative dishes and reducing food waste.
4. Glass Ashtray (10x10cm)
What it is: A durable square ashtray made of thick, clear glass with multiple grooves for resting cigarettes or cigars.
Best For:
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Use in smoking areas—indoor or outdoor
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Stylish ash collection during social gatherings
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Fire-safe disposal of ash and small embers
Why it’s essential: Unlike plastic alternatives, glass won’t melt or retain odor. It’s easy to clean and complements modern or classic decor.
5. 500ml Reusable Microwave Food Containers (6pk)
What it is: A set of six BPA-free plastic containers with snap-on lids, microwave- and freezer-safe.
Best For:
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Meal prepping and portion control
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Storing leftovers
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Packing lunches or snacks
Why it’s essential: These containers are sturdy, leak-resistant, and reusable, helping reduce single-use plastic. Their uniform size makes them easy to stack and store in the fridge or lunch bag.
6. Colour Run Remover (15pk)
What it is: Laundry sheets that absorb and neutralize loose dyes in the wash, preventing color bleeding.
Best For:
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Mixed-color laundry loads
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Preserving whites and brights
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Fixing accidental color runs
Why it’s essential: Great for busy households or anyone who’s ever accidentally turned their whites pink. Saves clothes, money, and frustration.
7. Aluminium Foil (30cm x 8m)
What it is: A roll of multi-purpose aluminum foil, ideal for cooking, storing, and protecting food.
Best For:
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Baking fish, vegetables, and meats
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Wrapping sandwiches or leftovers
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Lining trays to reduce cleanup
Why it’s essential: Heat-resistant and flexible, foil is perfect for both the oven and freezer. It helps lock in moisture, retain heat, and minimize mess.
8. Airtight Plastic Box (10x14cm)
What it is: A compact storage container with a secure snap-lock lid, made of food-safe plastic.
Best For:
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Storing dry ingredients like sugar, tea, or spices
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Keeping snacks fresh
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Organizing drawers or pantry shelves
Why it’s essential: Airtight sealing keeps food from spoiling or absorbing odors. Its small size is perfect for portioning out ingredients or packing lunch add-ons.
9. Wood Pizza Plate (29.50x43.50cm)
What it is: A sturdy, large wooden board ideal for serving pizzas, breads, and appetizers.
Best For:
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Serving homemade or store-bought pizza
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Chopping or slicing bread and cheese
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Displaying charcuterie boards
Why it’s essential: Stylish enough for entertaining and durable enough for daily use. Wood is gentle on knives and looks great on the table.
10. Jar Opener
What it is: A handheld grip tool or silicone pad that helps twist open stubborn jar lids with minimal effort.
Best For:
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Opening tightly sealed jam jars, sauces, or beverage bottles
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Seniors or those with limited grip strength
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Avoiding hand strain or injury
Why it’s essential: Simple yet effective, a jar opener removes frustration from the kitchen and makes food prep easier for all ages.