25 Items Under $25 To Make Your Life Easier in 2025
The other day on Threads I mentioned how I purchased 3 items in 2024 that made my life so much easier in the kitchen – a rice cooker, an oil sprayer, and an electric kettle. I was amused at how such inexpensive items had made such an impact on making my life easier.
The post went semi-viral, with nearly 200 people chiming in on the inexpensive items they had purchased that had helped make their lives easier too. It was such a fun discussion and throughout the comments, I realized I already owned many of these “little conveniences” already!
Now, I am a firm believer in underconsumption, but I also feel like a lot of these items actually support more of the Slowsteading lifestyle – like the oil sprayer has eliminated my need to purchase cooking spray entirely and the electric kettle makes concocting some of my favorite coffee shop drinks at home that much easier – and faster.
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Rice Cooker
I’m not sure why I waited so long to get a rice cooker, but this little thing is a powerhouse. It’s great for rice and oatmeal and also perfectly steams veggies in just a matter of minutes. The bowl, steamer, and lid are all dishwasher friendly, so clean up is super easy. I use this little thing far more than I ever thought I would.
Perfectly prepares 2 to 6 cups of any variety of cooked rice. Steams meat and vegetables while rice cooks below. Simple, one-touch operation with automatic keep-warm. Great for soups, jambalaya, chili and so much more.
Oil Sprayer
I saw this little thing on TikTok and knew I had to have one. Not only is cooking spray expensive, but have you ever read about the ingredients in some of those? Ick. This lets you spray our pour your favorite oils into your food without any mess.
Oil spray bottle for cooking offers the convenience of both spraying and pouring oil, suitable for a wide range of food preparation processes such as salad dressing, griddle, roasting, and grilling.
Electric Kettle
These are apparently super popular in the UK, and I am not sure why they are not more popular here in the US. This electric kettle takes water from tap to boiling in a matter of minutes. I have used it for everything from hot tea to hot chocolate to ramen noodles.
Experience rapid boiling with this 1500W electric kettle. Get hot water in just 3 minutes, perfect for making tea, coffee, and other hot beverages efficiently.
Blates (Pasta Bowls)
So admittedly, I fell in love with these during the Rae Dunn craze and have been obsessed ever since. I so seldom even use normal plates anymore. These pasta bowls – or “blates” as we call them – are perfect for every single meal.
Add a rustic touch to your dinner table. Crafted from durable and chip-resistant ceramic with a glossy finish. Comes in four earthy colors. Designed for maximum convenience and functionality, these dishes are stackable, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe.
Parchment Paper Sheets
If you bake often, you absolutely need these pre-cut Parchment Paper Sheets. They are super easy to line your baking sheets and just throw away when you are finished. I use them for everything from cookies to salmon – really anything that goes in the oven goes on one of these.
Includes 200 pcs and each sheet is 12" x 16", perfectly fits the standard half sheet pan and the sheets are neatly placed in a handy box. Using pre-cut sheets allows you to simply take out a piece of parchment sheet and spread it on the baking tray, making your baking process convenient and effectively avoiding measuring and cutting from a curled parchment roll.
Electric Salt & Pepper Grinders
I will be honest, I do not know what kind of magic happens inside these Electric Salt & Pepper Grinders, but there is just something about freshly ground salt and pepper that makes everything taste better. Plus they are cute! And I love that they light up so I can see how much I am putting on my food even in my cozy lighting.
The gravity salt and pepper grinder set electric uses advanced technology for easy one-handed operation. Simply flip the grinder to enjoy freshly ground spices without the need for manual grinding or pressing buttons.
Chain Mail Scrubber for Cast Iron Pans
If you have cast iron cookware, this little Chain Mail Scrubber is a must. It has an easy-to-grasp silicone handle so you can quickly scrub your cast iron clean. Comes with a scraper tool as well.
The cast iron scrubber is made of Premium 316 stainless steel and silicone, which meets food safety standards. The pan scraper is made of high-quality ABS plastic, non-stick and non-cracking. The Towel is made of made of high-quality microfiber.
Mini Food Processor
Now I think every kitchen needs a full-sized food processor, but having a mini one that is super easy to use and then toss into the dishwasher is really nice. From homemade guacamole to homemade mayo to crushing up nuts for cookies, I use this little guy far more than I ever thought I would.
This 1.5-cup chopper is perfect for small tasks like chopping herbs, fruits, veggies, and more. With stay-sharp stainless steel blades, a powerful 150W motor, and one-touch pulse control, it delivers efficient performance. Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easy, and oil holes let you mix dressings mess-free.
Plastic Bowl Covers
I originally ordered these to cover my sourdough loaves when I cold-proof them overnight… but then I found myself grabbing them to cover everything in the fridge. They are super easy to store and are so much easier than fighting with plastic wrap. Plus they are super easy to re-use.
This 200-piece reusable bowl cover set fits various containers, keeping food fresh and protected from bugs, dust, and moisture. Made of BPA-free, tear-resistant PE plastic, they're microwave and fridge-safe. Featuring a tight elastic seal, these washable, transparent covers are perfect for picnics, kitchens, or as thoughtful gifts.
Rocking Garlic Press
If you cook with fresh garlic, this rocking garlic press is a must-have. I have used the squeeze kind, and maybe it is the carpal tunnel, but I have had to fight with that squeezy thing more times than I want to count. Since I have started growing my own garlic, this rocking garlic press is getting a workout in my kitchen.
Effortlessly crush and mince garlic with this high-quality 304 stainless steel garlic press rocker. Its ergonomic arc design and nonslip rubber handle ensure comfort during use, while its large size allows for continuous pressing. Easy to clean under running water or in the dishwasher, it’s a must-have kitchen tool!
Magic Egg Cooker
Quite possibly the most used kitchen gadget I have ever owned. In fact I have two of them – one that holds six eggs and another that holds twelve. Perfectly boils eggs every single time, and even fresh eggs peel easily when cooked in this magic little cooker. Love love love love it.
The Dash Rapid Egg Cooker lets you cook up to 6 eggs in soft, medium, or hard-boiled firmness quickly and easily, delivering perfect, easy-to-peel results every time. Compact and lightweight at just 1lb, it’s ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs. Includes poaching and omelet trays, egg holder, measuring cup, and recipe book.
Absorbent Kitchen Towels
This is another thing that I ordered for one thing… and then loved them so much I got more to use for everything else. I have tried to cut back on using so many paper towels, but the only way to do that is to have super absorbent kitchen towels – and these fit that bill. I have one set that I use for my sourdough microbakery and then another set that I use for everyday use in our kitchen.
This pack of 28x28-inch flour sack towels is perfect for all your kitchen needs, including drying, wiping, and cleaning. Made of 100% pure ring-spun cotton, they’re lightweight, highly absorbent, and durable with professionally hemmed edges. Machine washable and reusable, they’re a reliable choice for any kitchen task.
Salad Spinner
Whether you are using lettuce from the garden or the grocery store, a salad spinner makes cleaning and drying your salads so much easier. I had a crank one, but “upgraded” (in my opinion) to a push button style – and I absolutely love it. This one is nice and big so I can do lettuce and veggies together.
The QuickPush Salad Spinner makes washing, drying, and serving produce effortless with a one-handed pump handle, quick brake button, and high-speed centrifugal drying. Its 6.3-quart capacity suits family meals, while the collapsible, non-slip design ensures easy use, cleaning, and storage
Cookie Scoops
From cookies to meatballs to muffins to cupcakes – I use these all the time in my kitchen. I love that I have different sizes to choose from and they are super easy to clean.
This set of 3 cookie scoops includes small (#60, 1 Tbsp), medium (#40, 2 Tbsp), and large (#20, 3 Tbsp) sizes, perfect for various baking needs. Made of durable, food-grade stainless steel with non-slip rubber handles, they feature an ergonomic spring trigger for easy use. Versatile, dishwasher-safe, and rust-resistant, they're ideal for cookies, ice cream, muffins, and more.
Vegetable Chopper
These went viral on Tiktok and for good reason – they making chopping vegetables an absolute breeze. Whether you are prepping ingredients or throwing together a quick salad, this is another super quick kitchen gadget that can bt tossed right into the dishwasher for ready clean up.
The 14-in-1 Veggie Dicer is your ultimate kitchen tool, featuring a cheese grater, mandoline slicer, vegetable chopper, French fry cutter, and more. With durable stainless steel blades, an ergonomic design, and built-in safety features, it simplifies meal prep while saving space with compact storage. Perfect for slicing, dicing, and grating effortlessly!
Scrub Daddy / Scrub Mommy
I remember seeing these on SharkTank years ago, but it was not until one of my favorite influencers shared how much she loved them that I decided to take the plunge… and now I never want to use another sponge again. The Scrub Daddy is a true scrub pad that can clean virtually anything and the Scrub Mommy has a soft sponge on one side for more gentle cleaning.
Scrub Mommy and Scrub Daddy sponges are versatile, non-scratch cleaning tools designed for everything from dishes to furniture and sensitive surfaces like glass and stainless steel. Featuring temperature-controlled FlexTexture for tough or gentle scrubbing and lather-friendly ResoFoam, they resist odors, are dishwasher-safe, and last up to 8 weeks!
Baggie Stand Holders
My friend Angie gave me one of these several years ago and I have been hooked ever since. I use it for everything – I scoop my sourdough discard into baggies to throw away, meal prep for easy freezer meals, put grease into baggies to throw away, and more. They hold every size baggie securely and nice and wide so there is no mess.
This height-adjustable bag holder stand makes food storage easy and mess-free, featuring non-slip rubber bases to secure bags and hands-free clips for effortless filling. It folds flat for compact storage, saves money by allowing reuse of storage bags, and acts as your personal kitchen assistant, preventing spills and simplifying meal prep.
Milk Frother
These little handheld frothers are perfect for everything from topping your coffee with a nice milky foam to quickly mixing protein shakes and dressings. It comes with a cute little stand and takes 2 AA batteries that last a really long time. I have had my frother since 2019 and I think I have changed the batteries twice. Taylor and I both use it ALL the time.
Transform your coffee moments with our handheld milk frother, creating rich foam in just 15-20 seconds. Enjoy café-quality drinks at home, from lattes to matcha, with its ergonomic soft-touch grip and versatile design. Easy to clean and store with the included stand, it’s your perfect drink-making companion.
Silicon Baking Mats
Along the same lines as the Parchment Paper Sheets I shared earlier, these silicon baking mats make baking even messy recipes super easy. They are the perfect nonstick surface and work even on high-temperature baking. They are easy to wipe down and clean and use again and again.
This colorful 3-pack of durable, nonstick silicone macaron baking mats includes two 16.5x11.6-inch mats and one 11.8x8.3-inch mat for toaster ovens, all made from food-grade liquid silicone and fiberglass. Safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, they’re versatile, easy to clean, and perfect for baking cookies, macarons, and more.
Ground Meat Chopper
I can not explain why this little thing makes browning meat so much easier and faster than a normal spatula – but it does. But this is not only for browning meat. Remember the old-school potato masher that would get caught in the utensil drawer every time? This replaces that too… and is much easier to use!
The meat masher features 5 wide beveled blades for easy chopping and crumbling, with an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip. Made of durable, heat-resistant, BPA-free nylon (up to 428°F), it’s safe for non-stick pans and versatile for ground meat, veggies, and more. Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, it’s the perfect all-in-one kitchen tool.
Rotary Cheese Grater
Another TikTok find, this rotary cheese grater will have you throwing every other manual cheese grater directly into the trash. It suctions down to your countertop to stay secure and then effortlessly lets you grate cheese, thin slice veggies like potatoes for homemade potato chips, and more.
The multifunctional rotary cheese grater efficiently grates cheese, shreds vegetables, slices fruits, and grinds nuts, making it an essential kitchen tool. With a sturdy ergonomic handle for comfort and a sharp stainless steel drum for precise, efficient grating, it’s perfect for a variety of dishes. Made from durable, food-grade materials, it features detachable parts for easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring long-lasting performance for home cooks and professionals alike.
Chicken Shredder Tool
Another one of those didn’t-know-how-much-I-would-use-this-until-I-ordered-it item here. With the tiniest little twist, this tool will perfectly shred your cooked chicken, pork, and tender beef. Also super easy to use when your meat is super hot – like coming straight out of the slow cooker – without burning your hands.
The upgraded chicken shredder features improved inner teeth and a strong anti-slip base for quick, stable use. Its BPA-free, heat-resistant design with a transparent lid ensures even shredding of cooked meat for tacos, salads, and more. Dishwasher safe with a cleaning brush, it’s perfect for meal and pet food prep.
Avocado Tool
When my mother saw me use this at my house, she immediately asked me to order her one. If you love avocados, you need one of these. It easily cuts, seeds, and slices avocados effortlessly. And when you are finished – just toss it into the dishwasher. Easy peasy.
This all-in-one avocado tool splits, pits, and slices with ease. The stainless steel pitter removes the pit with a quick twist, while the slicer lifts fruit from the skin in seven perfect pieces. Designed with a soft, non-slip grip, it’s comfortable to use and top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Digital Food Thermometer
Get an immediate temperature read on literally everything with this digital thermometer. As soon as you open it, it powers on and immediately reads the temperature. Perfect for meats, breads, candy, and more.
This kitchen thermometer features a 2-inch auto-rotating backlit display, motion-sensing sleep/wake, and a durable IP65 waterproof design. With a 3-4 second response time, ±0.9 accuracy, and a 4.3-inch stainless steel probe, it’s perfect for any food. Lock and calibration functions ensure precise, easy use.
Soap-In Scrub Brush
Last but not least – this little scrub brush has a reservoir for soap right in the handle to make clean-up easy. It even has its own little cup to sit in to keep your counter clean.
This durable palm brush features non-scratch, odorless bristles safe for non-stick cookware and an easy-to-fill soap dispenser activated by a top button. Its contoured, non-slip grip ensures comfortable use, even when wet. With a replaceable brush head and a non-skid holder to catch water drips, it keeps your countertop dry and tidy.
Did I miss anything?