Shop stainless steel whisks and silicone spoons.
I’m in my kitchen at least four nights a week, usually more. As much as I love trying new restaurants, I crave the comfort and ease of cooking at home during busy weeknights. Living in Southern California, it’s too much of a burden on my gas tank and my wallet to eat out every night, anyway.
Since I cook so often, I’ve made it a priority to fill my cabinets, drawers and shelves with quality, non-toxic gear. In fact, I’ve tossed all of my plastic kitchen tools and replaced them with wooden, stainless steel and silicone models instead. To help you do the same, I rounded up 10 options under $20 at Amazon that have made a huge difference in my kitchen. I even included the Pyrex measuring cups I’ve used for years and a mini whisk that’s shockingly helpful.
Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools Under $20
- Gir Silicone Spoonula$16
- Cuisinart GreenGourmet Bamboo Solid Spoon$6
- Pyrex Essentials Glass Measuring Cups, Set of 2$16
- KitchenAid Stainless Steel Tongs$15
- Winco Stainless Steel Ladle$10 (was $11)
Gir Silicone Spoonula
$16 at Amazon
Both a spoon and a spatula, this silicone “spoonula” has been one of my favorite tools for years. I love that I can use it to scoop ingredients and stir sauces, and that I can pop it in the dishwasher when I’m done cooking. It’s even heat-resistant up to 425°F.
Cuisinart GreenGourmet Bamboo Solid Spoon
$6 at Amazon
Every cook needs a wooden (or bamboo) mixing spoon. Like plastic, it won’t scratch your nonstick pans, but unlike plastic, it won’t melt if left too near a flame. Just make sure you wash this and any other wooden kitchen tools, including cutting boards, by hand instead of running them though the dishwasher.
OXO Good Grips Small Silicone Spatula
$12 at Amazon
Similar to Gir’s silicone spoonula, OXO’s mini silicone spatula is a sneaky hit in my kitchen. I find myself reaching for it multiple times a week, loving how easily it fits inside jars of peanut butter and mustard. Like the 2,600 Amazon shoppers who gave this tool a five-star rating, I use it to spread, scoop and stir.
Huakai Stainless Steel Mini Whisk
$9 at Amazon
If you only buy one tool on this list, let it be this mini whisk. While there’s a time and place for its larger counterpart, this compact version combines dry ingredients, scrambles eggs, stirs together marinades and whips up vinaigrettes without taking up a lot of space. For less than $10, it’s shocking how much of a difference this tool makes in my kitchen.
Pyrex Essentials Glass Measuring Cups, Set of 2
$16 at Amazon
Over 10,000 Amazon shoppers have bought this 2-pack of liquid measuring cups in the last 30 days. I’ve owned my set (plus the 4-cup and 8-cup sizes) for close to a decade, and I’m so excited for all of the cooks who are about to realize the game-changing nature of these cups. When I’m measuring broth, melting butter, whisking eggs, reserving pasta water and so much more, you’ll find these on my kitchen counter.
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Tongs
$15 at Amazon
I believe that every kitchen needs at least three stainless steel kitchen tongs. I use one to toss raw meat with a marinade, a second to handle the vegetables or remove the pasta from the boiling water and a third to serve. KitchenAid’s $15 pair is reliable, dishwasher-safe and available in a few lengths. I also like that they lock for less mess while you’re cooking and easy storage after.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Cut and Serve Turner
$12 at Amazon
When I have to cut and serve something in a casserole dish, like brownies or lasagna, I reach for this stainless steel spatula. It’s conveniently shaped for digging into sharp corners and compact enough to take up very little space in my drawer. It also comes in handy when transferring cookies from a baking sheet to a plate or flipping turkey burgers on a pan.
Winco Stainless Steel Ladle
$11 $10 at Amazon
Much to my husband’s chagrin, I eat soup year-round. (Yes, even when it’s 90°F outside.) Naturally, I have a few trustworthy ladles to keep up with my insatiable soup cravings. Winco’s affordable ladle is a great option, as it’s available in a few sizes and styles. With soup season nearly upon us, now is a great time to stock up.
Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater
$18 at Amazon
Make your dinners pop with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The best way to achieve this? A Microplane. I also use mine to grate garlic, chocolate bars and ginger.
OXO Good Grips Tea Strainer Basket
$17 at Amazon
I ditched disposable tea bags after reading one study that found that microplastics from tea bags might be released into your drink when submerged in water. Now, I use OXO’s stainless steel tea strainer basket instead. I love that its lid doubles as a drip tray after steeping, and appreciate how easy it is to clean in the dishwasher.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.