I Develop and Test Recipes for a Living — These Under-$20 Tools Help Me Get the Job Done

As a recipe developer, I test a dish multiple times to get it just right. I’ve found that having a roster of reliable kitchen tools is an essential part of the gig — try peeling several pounds of squash with a sub-par vegetable peeler or realizing your oven was always off by 20 degrees (Psst: that might help explain why your roasted sheet pan broccoli never gets beautifully golden brown.)

You don’t need to be an industry professional to use and love these tools. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to achieve accurate, consistent results at home and make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable. From sharp, sleek kitchen shears that effortlessly cut through proteins and veggies to a sturdy, do-it-all bench scraper, I’ve rounded up 13 of my go-to picks worth adding to your regular rotation, all for under $20 on Amazon.

Best Recipe Developer-Approved Tools Under $20

• Microplane Premium Classic Zester, $18
• Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler 3-Pack, $14
• OXO Good Grips Small Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush, $11
• Joyce Chen Original Unlimited Kitchen Shears, $20, originally $25
• Zulay Kitchen Fine Mesh Strainer, $7, originally $13 
• Pecula Oven Thermometer, $7, originally $11
• Mostrust Triple Kitchen Timer, $14, originally $16 
• Amazon Basics Bench Scraper & Chopper, $9 
• HappyTrends Cushioned Floor Mat, $12, originally $20 
• Etekcity Kitchen Scale, $14
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, $12
• Ateco Mini Offset Spatula, $6, originally $9
• Mamison Rubber Gloves, $7

Microplane Premium Classic Zester

When a recipe calls for a “finely grated” ingredient, there really isn’t a substitute for this ultra-versatile tool. Citrus zest is just the starting point — whether it’s a hard cheese, garlic, ginger, whole spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, or a block of chocolate, a Microplane grates them all with precision and ease thanks to the tightly packed rows of stainless steel blades. I’ve found that my Microplane stays sharp for years, and though the underside can trap some leftovers from grating (looking at you, garlic), it’s a cinch to clean using a thin sponge or kitchen brush.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler 3-Pack

Having cut myself (badly) on a sticky vegetable peeler in the past, I’m now very particular about this necessary tool. These lightweight, colorful Y-shaped peelers are easy to maneuver, and their sharp carbon steel blade effortlessly glides over potatoes, carrots, squash, apples, and more — removing the skin without catching on the flesh. Be sure to dry the blades well after washing and rinsing to prevent rusting. 

OXO Good Grips Small Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush

I prefer brushes made with silicone because they don’t shed stray bristles in their wake, and this OXO brush is my go-to for a variety of tasks, whether I’m greasing a casserole dish or basting proteins on the grill. The heat-resistant, clump-free bristles brush egg wash, butter, oil, and sauces over food and pans evenly, and the center-hole bristles trap liquid so there’s less back-and-forth dipping. Importantly, the tool is easy to clean (especially compared to brushes with natural bristles) and proves durable over time.

Joyce Chen Original Unlimited Kitchen Shears

From the moment I heard of (and immediately purchased) these kitchen shears, I was in love. Don’t be fooled by its slender, understated design — these shears are surprisingly heavy-duty, snipping through everything from shrimp shells to chicken bones with impressive dexterity and precision. The comfortable handles accommodate both righties and lefties, the bright, punchy color palette makes everything a little more fun, and they should last a decade.

Zulay Kitchen Fine Mesh Strainer

This small mesh strainer is super versatile. It can be used to separate citrus seeds and strain drinks, create a clump-free egg wash, and dust baked goods with confectioners’ sugar. The sturdy tool has a hanging ear that sits comfortably over glasses and cups, and the wire mesh is easy to rinse after use (and is dishwasher safe, to boot). When I’m straining something particularly chunky, like apricot preserves for a glaze, I use a spoon to press down on the solids to maximize extraction.

Pecula Oven Thermometer

Baking or roasting at the wrong temperature can make or break a dish — an obvious issue when developing recipes in a test kitchen, but just as important for successful home cooking. Equipping your oven with a thermometer (simply hang it on a rung or let it stand so you can see it) is a foolproof investment to ensure real-time, spot-on temps for less than $10. This simple thermometer is easy to read, captures temps from 100 to 600°F, and can also be used in a toaster oven or grill. I always leave mine in the oven to cross-check temperatures for accuracy before sliding anything in.

Mostrust Triple Kitchen Timer

There’s nothing like the cacophony of multiple kitchen timers going off in the test kitchen, followed by a lot of scurrying around. Even at home, though, there are often several steps to keep track of while working through a single recipe, and this three-channel timer helps streamline the process (and saves you from the dreaded greasy and sticky phone screen). The user-friendly timer can count up or down for three tasks concurrently, and the flashing light and adjustable alarm quickly alert you when time is complete. Hang it, prop it up near your workstation with the built-in stand, or stick it on the fridge using the magnets.

Amazon Basics Bench Scraper & Chopper

When I worked in restaurants, this bench scraper came in handy for cutting pounds and pounds of butter into chunks — it gave me way more control and leverage than a knife. The tool is an all-star for so many other tasks as well: scoring and sectioning dough, transferring chopped veggies from the cutting board to the skillet, cleaning off your work surface, removing stubborn baked-on bits, and more. The non-slip handle is comfortable to grip, and the stainless steel blade is printed with quarter-inch markings for quick, on-the-fly measuring.

HappyTrends Cushioned Floor Mat

This cushy kitchen mat is a good reminder that a small addition can make a huge difference in the overall cooking experience. The mat is water- and stain-resistant and simple to clean, with a grid-textured surface and a non-slip bottom that stays securely in place (just be sure the floor underneath is completely dry). It’s an absolute necessity for my feet and ankles, relieving some of the pressure that comes with standing for hours on end. I’m especially grateful for the extra joint support when I’m slogging through my fifth round of dishes for the day.

Etekcity Kitchen Scale

Coming from a pastry background, I’ve been conditioned to keep a kitchen scale within arm’s length at all times. It’s an indispensable tool for precisely weighing everything from cocoa powder and flour (no overpacked measuring cups here!) to veggies and cuts of meat. This NO. 1 bestselling digital kitchen scale on Amazon can hold up to 11 pounds and boasts accurate readings, a minimalist stainless steel surface, and an easy-to-read LCD. Plus, the space-saving scale is slim enough to tuck away in your drawer between uses.

OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup

This mini 2-ounce measuring cup is one of my favorite tools in the test kitchen — not just because it’s adorable. It’s really the perfect medium between a tablespoon measure and a larger liquid measuring cup when portioning out small amounts of liquids for dressings, sauces, cocktails, and more. Ounce and tablespoon measurements are clearly marked on both the sides and inside of the cup, allowing you to gauge the fill amount while pouring instead of the intermittent “stoop-and-check.” You’ll be pleasantly surprised how often you reach for this convenient essential.

Ateco Mini Offset Spatula

When it comes to smoothing the surface of batters or spreading frostings and glazes on baked goods, a mini offset spatula can’t be beaten in terms of precise, controlled handling. The small but mighty spatula also comes in handy for loosening the edges of bread, brownies, and cakes after baking, and the wood handle adds an elevated touch to the tool. I’ve found the small, 4.5-inch blade size to be the most versatile, but you may consider a medium-sized or large offset spatula when working with larger surface areas (a sheet cake, for example).

Mamison Rubber Gloves

These very Korean bubble gum pink rubber gloves were a staple in our household growing up (“mamison” translates to “mom’s hands”), and they’ve accompanied me into my professional life. A good chunk of being a recipe developer involves the unglamorous work of doing a lot of dishes, and these trusty latex gloves keep my hands dry and protected through all the rinsing and repeating. The gloves fit comfortably and remain flexible during use, with a textured surface that provides grip. They’re easy to pull on and take off — I honestly couldn’t do my job without them. They’re surprisingly long-lasting, too; I replace them every few months, which is pretty impressive, given how much wear and tear I get from each pair. The gloves come in small sizes and large sizes.