The Art of Presentation

The Art of Presentation

The Art of Presentation

Many restaurants serve food in hot display cases to maintain consistency, keep foods warm and prevent bacterial contamination. It’s also one way to encourage quick customer service and increase sales.

Understanding your audience is critical to making a good presentation. Adult audiences are often more stimulated when the presenter explains why the subject matters.

Versatility

While everyone has experienced the jaw-clenching cringe of a lousy presentation, most have also appreciated the vitality and insight of a well-constructed, effective one. However, creating presentations is not an intuitive process. Consider the audience, the complication, and the implications of your work to make it meaningful.

Purchasing hot food display equipment is a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider the size and humidity of your establishment before making a decision. You may need to invest in a case with different racks, inserts, and trays to accommodate various items.

Another benefit of hot food displays is that they enclose the food and prevent contamination. This can reduce the amount of food waste your business produces, which is costly and detrimental to the environment. Food waste is responsible for biodiversity loss and wastes 1/3 of our planet’s farmland. Solving this problem will help to feed 25 million people worldwide. Moreover, reducing food waste will save your company money.

Convenience

A hot food display is a great way to keep your products warm until you’re ready to serve them. This option is ideal for delis, supermarkets, and convenience stores. These displays come in full-service and self-serve options to choose the best one for your establishment.

With a hot food display, your cooking staff can prepare meals in large batches and keep them warm until serving. This reduces the food to be prepared on-site and allows your team to focus on other tasks. Food waste is costly for your business, harming environmental biodiversity and destroying 1/3 of our planet’s farmland. Hot food displays minimize this waste by keeping foods warm until they’re served.

When choosing a hot food display, consider its size and the versatility of your products. Some units are one-trick ponies that only hold a single type of food, so be sure to choose a versatile model that can handle all your needs.

Cost

Food displayed in hot food displays must be kept at a specific temperature to keep it tasting fresh and prevent harmful bacteria from forming on served foods. Most restaurants must adhere to This food safety guideline to stay compliant and avoid liability. These displays also enclose food, protecting it from contaminants like insects, dust, and dirt. This protects the food from contamination and helps reduce cleaning costs in the kitchen.

Displaying your food on hot food displays allows you to showcase your products and makes it easier for customers to pick their preferred items. It also saves staff time from having to check back and forth between the kitchen and serving area. This can be significant cost savings for your business, especially since food waste is responsible for biodiversity loss and wasting 1/3 of the world’s farmland. Solving America’s food waste problem could feed 25 million people.

Design

Presentation is essential whether you’re plating up a salad, roast chicken, or pasta bowl. After all, people eat with their eyes first. That’s why it’s crucial to use food display equipment that can help with your presentation.

For displaying hot foods like fried chicken, French fries, sandwiches, and hamburgers, you can choose from full-service, self-serve, or buffet-style hot food displays. These commercial food displays are designed to keep your products at safe serving temperatures and have a customer-facing menu board for you to customize each day.

Another critical aspect of presentations is to set ground rules for the audience. This will help prevent interruptions during the presentation and give your listeners a chance to prepare for your message mentally. To do this, ask your audience their expectations and how much technical detail they expect to hear. This will also help you tailor your presentation to the audience’s needs.

11 top-rated Amazon kitchen tools under $25

11 top-rated Amazon kitchen tools under

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The right kitchen tools can make meal prep easy and enjoyable — whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal for the family or cooking an elegant dinner for close friends. Many of the top-rated tools that chop, grate, peel and froth to perfection cost less than $25 and are available to purchase on Amazon right now.

We’ve sifted through dozens of bestselling items and found ones that are not only kind on your wallet but actually do what they say — and do it well.

SKIP AHEAD Best Amazon kitchen products under $25

Related: Cleaning likely isn’t at the top of your “fun” list, but these clever gadgets are guaranteed to make it a lot easier.

Best Amazon kitchen tools under $25 in 2023

Below, we rounded up 11 tools on Amazon that will streamline the cooking process and save you time in the kitchen. Every item is highly rated with at least 4.2 stars based on thousands of reviews.

Kitchen Gizmo Snap ‘n’ Strain

4.5-star average rating from over 32,000 Amazon reviews

This silicone fine-mesh strainer lets you drain water from any round pot, pan or bowl with one hand. It is designed to maximize drainage and is half the size of a standard colander, so it it shouldn’t take up as much drawer space, according to the brand. The strainer snaps on to round pots, pans and bowls of all sizes including glass, wood and lipped bowls. It’s BPA-free, heat resistant up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher-safe too.

Kitchen Gizmo Snap ‘n’ Strain

Kitchen Gizmo Snap 'n' Strain (Amazon / Amazon)

Kitchen Gizmo Snap ‘n’ Strain (Amazon / Amazon)

Kitchen Gizmo Snap ‘n’ Strain $ at Amazon

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press

4.6-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

Smash burgers are well loved for their crispy, cracked edges and juicy center. To get these results, you’ll need a weighted press to smash the meat and lock in the flavor as it cooks. This cast-iron press from Cuisinart is durable enough to smash your burger into a 6-inch patty; plus, its 1-centimeter raised edge will lock in the fat and juices, according to the brand.

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press (Amazon / Amazon)

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press (Amazon / Amazon)

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press $ at Amazon

Amazon Basics Food Safe Baking Mats

4.7-star average rating from over 97,000 Amazon reviews

These nonstick silicone baking sheets eliminate the need for cooking sprays, grease and parchment paper. They come in a pack of two and measure 11.6 inches x 16.5 inches, so they fit perfectly on half-size baking pans, according to the brand. Oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, you can easily clean these silicone sheets with soap and water.

Amazon Basics Food Safe Baking Mats

Amazon Basics Food Safe Baking Mats (Amazon / Amazon)

Amazon Basics Food Safe Baking Mats (Amazon / Amazon)

Amazon Basics Food Safe Baking Mats $ at Amazon

Sharpal Knife Sharpener

4.3-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

This compact knife sharpener has a rubber base that firmly suctions to your table when the sharpener switch is turned on, so it shouldn’t slip or damage your countertop, according to the brand. It comes with two blades — a carbide blade for sharpening edges and a ceramic blade to hone. The Sharpal also sharpens scissors.

Sharpal Knife Sharpener

Sharpal Knife Sharpener (Amazon / Amazon)

Sharpal Knife Sharpener (Amazon / Amazon)

Sharpal Knife Sharpener $ at Amazon

Elitapro Ultra-High-Speed Milk Frother

4.2-star average rating from over 24,000 Amazon reviews

With this battery-powered, double-whisk frother, serious coffee drinkers can get barista-grade cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos at home. It can mix your desired foam in 15 seconds and has a silicone ergonomic handle to keep your hands comfortable while you use it, according to the brand. Plus, it comes with a slim stainless steel stand and is available in 18 colors.

Elitapro Ultra-High-Speed Milk Frother

Elitapro Ultra-High-Speed Milk Frother (Amazon / Amazon)

Elitapro Ultra-High-Speed Milk Frother (Amazon / Amazon)

Elitapro Ultra-High-Speed Milk Frother $ at Amazon

KitchenAid 4-Sided Grater

4.8-star average rating from over 10,000 Amazon reviews

This stainless steel, rust-resistant box grater can mince, slice, grate and shred cheeses, veggies and more. It comes with a 3-cup container that fits under the grater’s base to catch excess food so there’s less mess in your kitchen. The container also has measurement markings and a top so you can store the leftover shavings for later.

KitchenAid 4-Sided Grater

KitchenAid 4-Sided Grater (Amazon / Amazon)

KitchenAid 4-Sided Grater (Amazon / Amazon)

KitchenAid 4-Sided Grater $ at Amazon

Poromi Herb Scissors

4.4-star average rating from over 2,000 Amazon reviews

Fresh herbs make any dish more flavorful. You can use these high-quality scissors, which come with a safety cover and a comb for cleanup, to cut herbs directly over pizza, salad, casseroles, soup and more. Because these scissors have five blades, it uniformly snips herbs faster than regular scissors can, according to the brand. The handle is made of nonslip soft rubber material, and the stainless-steel blades are rust resistant. It’s perfect for beginners who don’t have the best knife skills and are looking for alternative options in the kitchen.

Poromi Herb Scissors

Poromi Herb Scissors (Amazon / Amazon)

Poromi Herb Scissors (Amazon / Amazon)

Poromi Herb Scissors $ at Amazon

Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher

4.5-star average rating from over 5,500 Amazon reviews

This vampire-inspired kitchen tool can crush, mince and press garlic in seconds. To use, pop off Gracula’s head, place the garlic (or ginger, nuts or herbs) inside, place his head back on and twist. It’s only 120 grams and is BPA-free and dishwasher safe too.

Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher

https://www.amazon.com/Gracula-Garlic-Twist-Crusher-OTOTO/dp/B076CTTZKX/ref=sr_1_9?keywords= (Amazon / Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Gracula-Garlic-Twist-Crusher-OTOTO/dp/B076CTTZKX/ref=sr_1_9?keywords= (Amazon / Amazon)

Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher $ at Amazon

Zulay Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

4.7-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

This utensil rest not only has four slots to park your spatulas, ladles and tongs while cooking, but it also has a drip pad to help keep your countertop splatter-free. It’s made with heat-resistant silicone and has a nonslip bottom to keep it in place as you use it. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and available in two sizes and 31 colors.

Zulay Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

Zulay Utensil Rest with Drip Pad (Amazon / Amazon)

Zulay Utensil Rest with Drip Pad (Amazon / Amazon)

Zulay Utensil Rest with Drip Pad $ at Amazon

Talisman Bacon Grease Bin

4.7-star average rating from over 5,600 Amazon reviews

I love making bacon but cringe at the thought of figuring out what to do with the grease. The Talisman bacon bin is made of heat-resistant, BPA-free silicone and has a removable strainer on top that filters out tiny bits of bacon fat so you are left with pure grease to cook with or toss (once it’s chilled), according to the brand. It’s also refrigerator-, freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe so you can store any remnants as you please.

Talisman Bacon Grease Bin

Talisman Bacon Grease Bin (Amazon / Amazon)

Talisman Bacon Grease Bin (Amazon / Amazon)

Talisman Bacon Grease Bin $ at Amazon

Cuisinart Ceramic-Coated Stainless-Steel Knives

4.8-star average rating from over 46,000 Amazon reviews

Knives are an essential tool in every kitchen, and this Cuisinart set comes with 12 high-quality stainless steel blades that have a nonstick ceramic coating, which makes them easy to use, according to the brand. With this set you’ll get two: 8-inch chef knives, 8-inch slicing knives, 8-inch serrated bread knives, 7-inch santorum knives, 6.5-inch utility knives and a 3.5-inch paring knives along with a blade guard for each. Each type is a different color to help you avoid cross-use during food prep.

Cuisinart Ceramic-Coated Stainless-Steel Knives

Cuisinart Ceramic-Coated Stainless-Steel Knives (Amazon / Amazon)

Cuisinart Ceramic-Coated Stainless-Steel Knives (Amazon / Amazon)

Cuisinart Ceramic-Coated Stainless-Steel Knives $ at Amazon

Why trust Select?

Barbara Booth has written a number of guides on bestselling and highly rated products you can buy on Amazon that simplify your life,including best organizational products, best car accessories, best travel accessories and more. For this piece, Barbara researched dozens of top-rated items on Amazon that simplify and streamline meal prep.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Originally published

11 best Amazon kitchen tools under $25

11 best Amazon kitchen tools under

The right kitchen tools can make meal prep easy and enjoyable — whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal for the family or cooking an elegant dinner for close friends. Many of the top-rated tools that chop, grate, peel and froth to perfection cost less than $25 and are available to purchase on Amazon right now.

We’ve sifted through dozens of bestselling items and found ones that are not only kind on your wallet but actually do what they say — and do it well.

SKIP AHEAD Best Amazon kitchen products under $25

Best Amazon kitchen tools under $25 in 2023

Below, we rounded up 11 tools on Amazon that will streamline the cooking process and save you time in the kitchen. Every item is highly rated with at least 4.2 stars based on thousands of reviews.

Kitchen Gizmo Snap ‘n’ Strain

4.5-star average rating from over 32,000 Amazon reviews

This silicone fine-mesh strainer lets you drain water from any round pot, pan or bowl with one hand. It is designed to maximize drainage and is half the size of a standard colander, so it it shouldn’t take up as much drawer space, according to the brand. The strainer snaps on to round pots, pans and bowls of all sizes including glass, wood and lipped bowls. It’s BPA-free, heat resistant up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher-safe too.

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press

4.6-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

Smash burgers are well loved for their crispy, cracked edges and juicy center. To get these results, you’ll need a weighted press to smash the meat and lock in the flavor as it cooks. This cast-iron press from Cuisinart is durable enough to smash your burger into a 6-inch patty; plus, its 1-centimeter raised edge will lock in the fat and juices, according to the brand.

Amazon Basics Food Safe Baking Mats

4.7-star average rating from over 97,000 Amazon reviews

These nonstick silicone baking sheets eliminate the need for cooking sprays, grease and parchment paper. They come in a pack of two and measure 11.6 inches x 16.5 inches, so they fit perfectly on half-size baking pans, according to the brand. Oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, you can easily clean these silicone sheets with soap and water.

Sharpal Knife Sharpener

4.3-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

This compact knife sharpener has a rubber base that firmly suctions to your table when the sharpener switch is turned on, so it shouldn’t slip or damage your countertop, according to the brand. It comes with two blades — a carbide blade for sharpening edges and a ceramic blade to hone. The Sharpal also sharpens scissors.

Elitapro Ultra-High-Speed Milk Frother

4.2-star average rating from over 24,000 Amazon reviews

With this battery-powered, double-whisk frother, serious coffee drinkers can get barista-grade cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos at home. It can mix your desired foam in 15 seconds and has a silicone ergonomic handle to keep your hands comfortable while you use it, according to the brand. Plus, it comes with a slim stainless steel stand and is available in 18 colors.

KitchenAid 4-Sided Grater

4.8-star average rating from over 10,000 Amazon reviews

This stainless steel, rust-resistant box grater can mince, slice, grate and shred cheeses, veggies and more. It comes with a 3-cup container that fits under the grater’s base to catch excess food so there’s less mess in your kitchen. The container also has measurement markings and a top so you can store the leftover shavings for later.

Poromi Herb Scissors

4.4-star average rating from over 2,000 Amazon reviews

Fresh herbs make any dish more flavorful. You can use these high-quality scissors, which come with a safety cover and a comb for cleanup, to cut herbs directly over pizza, salad, casseroles, soup and more. Because these scissors have five blades, it uniformly snips herbs faster than regular scissors can, according to the brand. The handle is made of nonslip soft rubber material, and the stainless-steel blades are rust resistant. It’s perfect for beginners who don’t have the best knife skills and are looking for alternative options in the kitchen.

Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher

4.5-star average rating from over 5,500 Amazon reviews

This vampire-inspired kitchen tool can crush, mince and press garlic in seconds. To use, pop off Gracula’s head, place the garlic (or ginger, nuts or herbs) inside, place his head back on and twist. It’s only 120 grams and is BPA-free and dishwasher safe too.

Zulay Utensil Rest with Drip Pad

4.7-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

This utensil rest not only has four slots to park your spatulas, ladles and tongs while cooking, but it also has a drip pad to help keep your countertop splatter-free. It’s made with heat-resistant silicone and has a nonslip bottom to keep it in place as you use it. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and available in two sizes and 31 colors.

Talisman Bacon Grease Bin

4.7-star average rating from over 5,600 Amazon reviews

I love making bacon but cringe at the thought of figuring out what to do with the grease. The Talisman bacon bin is made of heat-resistant, BPA-free silicone and has a removable strainer on top that filters out tiny bits of bacon fat so you are left with pure grease to cook with or toss (once it’s chilled), according to the brand. It’s also refrigerator-, freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe so you can store any remnants as you please.

Cuisinart Ceramic-Coated Stainless-Steel Knives

4.8-star average rating from over 46,000 Amazon reviews

Knives are an essential tool in every kitchen, and this Cuisinart set comes with 12 high-quality stainless steel blades that have a nonstick ceramic coating, which makes them easy to use, according to the brand. With this set you’ll get two: 8-inch chef knives, 8-inch slicing knives, 8-inch serrated bread knives, 7-inch santorum knives, 6.5-inch utility knives and a 3.5-inch paring knives along with a blade guard for each. Each type is a different color to help you avoid cross-use during food prep.

Why trust Select?

Barbara Booth has written a number of guides on bestselling and highly rated products you can buy on Amazon that simplify your life,including best organizational products, best car accessories, best travel accessories and more. For this piece, Barbara researched dozens of top-rated items on Amazon that simplify and streamline meal prep.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

28 best Amazon organization products for your home

28 best Amazon organization products for your home

If your desk is overflowing with papers and you’re often scrambling to find your keys and glasses, it may be time to rethink how you organize your space. “Clutter is overwhelming and stressful to live with,” says professional organizer Stacey Agin Murray, owner of Organized Artistry in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. “Most people look at their clutter and run in the other direction because they don’t know where or how to start.”

Fortunately, there are hundreds of products on the market across a variety of categories that can help simplify your space and provide organization. To help optimize your kitchen, home office, bath and bedroom, we sought out expert guidance on what types of products are worth investing in to make your home more welcoming and clutter-free. We also rounded up top-rated products based on expert guidance that will transform your messy piles into a neatly organized space.

SKIP AHEAD Best Amazon organization products to shop | Top organization products for the kitchen | Top organization products for the bedroom | Top organization products for the home office

Our top picks

Best Amazon organization products to shop in 2023

Below, we rounded up creative solutions that will help you clean off your surfaces and organize your space. Every item is either recommended from an expert or highly rated with over 950 reviews and a 4.3-star average rating or above on Amazon.

Best organization products for the kitchen

Youcopia Storalid Organizer

4.6-star average rating from over 34,000 Amazon reviews

Trying to find the correct lid to fit your storage container can be frustrating — especially when you have to dig through cabinets and drawers to do so. Murray recommended this lid organizer, which has five adjustable dividers to store small, medium or large container lids upright so you can easily see which one you need. The base holds lids up to 9 inches wide and fits standard cabinets, pantry shelves and deep drawers, according to the brand.

Simple Housewares Under Shelf Basket

4.4-star average rating from over 8,500 Amazon reviews

Great for city apartments and small kitchens, these under-the-shelf baskets provide extra storage for food wrap, napkins, dish towels, dinnerware, canned vegetables and more. No hardware is needed to install — it slides right in once you attach it to an already-existing shelf, according to Simple Housewares. The wire basket is 2.7 pounds and can hold up to 36 cans.

Hoojo Refrigerator Organizer Bins

4.7-star average rating from over 26,000 Amazon reviews

If you’re like me, you’ve found a few “science projects” growing in the back of your fridge from time to time. With these BPA-free storage bins, you can organize fruit, veggies, cans, salad dressing, condiments and more while containing any spills. Each bin has a side-grip handle for easy transport so you can refill them with ease. They are not dishwasher-friendly however, and you’ll need to hand wash them with mild soapy water.

Simple Houseware Can Dispenser

4.6-star average rating from over 30,000 Amazon reviews

This dispenser can hold up to 12 standard-sized cans of soda or small food cans, which will save you space on your countertop or fridge. The racks, which come in a set of two in bronze, white, chrome and silver, are stackable so you can pile them up.

Vetacsion Fridge Magnetic Spice Racks

4.8-star average rating from over 1,700 Amazon reviews

These free-floating racks free up counter and cabinet space and are perfect for holding up to 12 standard spice jars, small cans, dog treats and utensils. You can buy them in a two-, three-, four- or six-pack and hang them up via a magnet that’s built-into back of the matte black racks. Each shelf can hold 11 pounds, according to the brand, and you can also attach it to the sides of coffee machines, grills and your washer or dryer.

mDesign Stackable Water Bottle Organizer

4.8-star average rating from over 12,000 Amazon reviews

Reusable water bottles are all the rage, but they can take up a lot of cabinet space. This clear rack solves that issue. It comes in a pack of two and holds six bottles horizontally, though there are options for ones that can hold up to 24 bottles if you want to continue building your stack.

Avasport Under Sink Organizer

4.5-star average rating from over 10,000 Amazon reviews

These double-sliding drawers maximize the space under your sink to hold all your cleaning supplies and dish soaps. It has four hooks on the side to hang things like scrub brushes and extra sponges; you can use it under bathroom sinks or on your kitchen counter to hold spices, oils and spatulas too.

Stackable Kitchen Counter Basket with Bamboo Top

4.8-star average rating from nearly 1,900 Amazon reviews

These wire baskets come in a set of two and have a bamboo top that doubles as a cutting board. You can stack them vertically or place them side by side to store dishes. Plus, there’s a small DIY label you can fill out to remind you what’s inside.

Best organization products for the bedroom

Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack

4.7-star average rating from over 29,000 Amazon reviews

This shoe rack can hold up to 20 pairs of shoes, with each adjustable shelf holding up to 30 pounds, according to the brand. If you have tall boots and want to eliminate the third tier for extra space, you can do so. It’s the perfect solution for a closet, entryway, mudroom or garage.

StorageWorks Underbed Storage Box

4.7-star average rating from over 1,000 Amazon reviews

The space under your bed is a great place to store extra clothes, sweaters, holiday decorations, pillows and blankets. These storage boxes, which come in a two-pack, have a clear zippered top (so you can see what’s inside) along with a handle that makes it easy to pull out from under the bed.

Perfect Curve Baseball Cap Rack

4.5-star average rating from over 70,000 Amazon reviews

Baseball caps are sometimes difficult to store — especially if you own more than one or two. This over-the-door rack can hold up to 18 hats or visors and comes with two straps so you can place them on the backs of different doors.

JonyJ Expandable Drawer Dividers

4.6-star average rating from over 6,300 Amazon reviews

Murray uses these easy-to-install drawer dividers to organize her socks, kitchen tools, toiletries and other items she needs to separate for easy access. To set them up: you’ll place the dividers in your desired drawer, adjust to fit and lock it in place. The ends are covered in a soft foam sponge that should protect your drawer from any damage, according to the brand.

Budding Joy Storage Bags

4.3-star average rating from over 32,000 Amazon reviews

These large fabric storage bags, which come in sets of two, three, four, six or eight, are ideal for packing away off-season clothes, bedsheets, comforters, blankets, pillows, toys and more. Each bag comes with two reinforced handles, so they’re easy to carry, as well as a window so you can quickly find what you need.

Wonder Hangers

4.4-star average rating from over 16,000 Amazon reviews

These will maximize your closet space by giving you the option to hang clothes vertically or horizontally. Included in the box are 10 hangers, each of which hold up to five garments or 30 pounds.

Songmics Mirrored Jewelry Cabinet

4.8-star average rating from over 15,000 Amazon reviews

I purchased this jewelry cabinet for my 18-year-old and love how aesthetically pleasing and durable it is. It has six LED lights that provide lighting when she opens the door, and at 47.2 inches tall and 14.5 inches wide, it’s spacious enough to hold all her items in one place. It has a large ring cushion, bracelet rod, two drawers, five shelves, 32 necklace hooks, 48 stud earring holes, 90 earring slots and a mirrored front door too.

Holdn’ Storage Hanging Closet Shelves

4.5-star average rating from over 3,000 Amazon reviews

This hanging basket is ideal for anyone who needs extra closet space. These reinforced canvas hanging shelves attach to your closet rod and provide an extra row of shelving to hold additional clothes. Plus, they fold flat when not in use.

Awenia Makeup Organizer

4.7-star average rating from over 1,300 Amazon reviews

This extra-large makeup organizer has 360-degree rotation and seven adjustable layers to fit items of different heights. It can hold up to 63 items and even comes with a waterproof makeup bag.

Umbra Buddy Wall-Mounted Hooks

4.6-star average rating from over 14,000 Amazon reviews

This set of three wall hooks put the fun in functional and double as unique wall decor. A space-saving alternative to the traditional coat rack, these hooks can hold purses, hats, jackets and more. The mounting hardware is included.

Best organization products for the bathroom

Yasonic Corner Shower Caddies

4.6-star average rating from nearly 1,900 Amazon reviews

This organizer kit contains two L-shaped shower caddies and a soap holder to make full use of your shower’s corner to hold shampoo, soap, razors and other essentials. It’s made of stainless steel and coated with rustproof paint so it should keep its shine without staining over time, according to the brand. Each caddy has six hooks to hold washcloths, loofahs and bath brushes, and mounts with adhesive rather than a suction cup. They’ll stick securely to smooth tile, marble, tempered glass, wood and solid metal, according to Yasonic.

Aozita Apothecary Jars

4.5-star average rating from over 34,000 reviews

Keep cotton balls, floss picks, hair ties, makeup brushes and other essentials at your fingertips in these plastic apothecary jars. They are BPA-free, available in sets of two, three and four and come with pre-printed and customizable labels.

Spirich Over-Toilet Cabinet

4.6-star average rating from over 1,400 reviews

This over-the-toilet cabinet takes up virtually no floor space. It’s made with engineered wood and tempered glass and has an adjustable inner shelf to accommodate your items. It fits over most standard toilets, and comes with an anchor bracket that attaches to your wall to ensure stability and prevent it from toppling over, according to the brand.

Best organization products for the home office

Pendaflex PileSmart Project Sorter

4.6-star average rating from over 950 reviews

Murray recommended this letter-sized organizer because it functions as a home for all your important papers. “I advise people to especially use it for ‘action papers’ — those that need to be acted on in the near future that otherwise become clutter on your kitchen counter or dining-room table,” she says. This model has 10 tabbed dividers and an elastic cord closure.

Chefstory Drawer Organizer

4.7-star average rating from over 4,400 Amazon reviews

Murray loves clear bins of any size because you can repurpose them over and over, she says. These tiny organizers have a nonslip bottom and can hold small items that often get lost in your drawers such as cosmetics, hair accessories, jewelry and office supplies. This stackable set comes with 23 boxes in four different sizes.

Marbrasse Desktop Organizer

4.5-star average rating from over 1,400 Amazon reviews

With this all-in-one desktop organizer, you can quickly grab what you need — when you need it. Made of metal mesh that’s reinforced with a steel frame, this organizer has five sliding trays, two vertical file holders, two hanging pencil slots and a sliding drawer to hold all your accessories.

Other unique organization products

Ontel Battery Daddy

4.5-star average rating from over 66,000 Amazon reviews

Murray recommended this battery holder from Ontel because it holds up to 180 batteries and includes a tester. “It takes the guesswork out of wondering if a battery works or not,” she says. The Ontel can store 78 AA, 64 AAA, eight 9-volt, 10 C, 12 Coin Cell and eight D batteries and is compact enough to fit in a drawer, according to the brand.

HomePop Large Tufted Storage Ottoman

4.5-star average rating from over 3,400 Amazon reviews

Murray recommended investing in a coffee table or ottoman with storage because they are multifunctional. This 20.2 pound round option has tapered wood legs that can support up to 250 pounds, and it’s available in 11 colors including faux leather and fabric options.

Zober Premium Wrapping Paper Storage Container

4.7-star average rating from over 21,000 Amazon reviews

This wrapping paper container is tear-, puncture-, fade- and moisture-resistant, according to the brand, and will help keep your entire gift wrap collection organized. It has two vinyl pockets to store accessories like bows, labels, tape and scissors and can hold up to 18 2.5-inch-thick rolls. It also collapses when not in use.

Lexsion Totebag Insert

4.5-star average rating from over 17,000 Amazon reviews

Tote bags and handbags with no interior pockets can become a jumbled mess, making it tough to grab your glasses, phone, keys or wallet in a hurry. This insert has 13 pockets, one of which is detachable, so you can organize all your belongings. The inserts come in 24 colors and several sizes from S-XL. And for new moms, they also make an insert specifically for diaper bags that fit two bottles.

What is the first step to decluttering your home?

The first step to decluttering your home is committing to the decision-making process, according to Murray. “Getting organized isn’t all about bins and color coding,” she says. “Items become clutter when decisions aren’t made. Keep or don’t keep? Donate or toss?” She advises her clients to consistently declutter their belongings over time — “one shelf at a time, one drawer at a time, one decision at a time.”

What are the best items to organize your home with?

Murray says these four items are among her most favorite creative solutions:

Coffee tables and ottomans with storage. These are ideal solutions for hiding pillows, blankets and household essentials you need access to but don’t necessarily want out in the open.

Magazine holders. “These have the flexibility to do much more than store magazines,” she says. “They can store papers and file folders vertically, gift-wrapping and cutting boards. They can also be placed in a pantry to hold foils and plastic wrap.”

Over-the-door shoe organizers. You can hang these in a playroom to hold dolls, action figures and toy cars or in a linen closet to stash medicine and toiletries, according to Murray. “In the winter you can store hats, gloves and scarves in each pouch, then switch them out with flip-flops and suntan lotion in summer,” she says.

Clear plastic containers. You can easily see what’s inside them, they blend in with most decor and you can reuse and repurpose them in other areas of the home, according to Murray.

Meet the expert

  • Stacey Agin Murray is the owner of Organized Artistry in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. In 2020, Murray was awarded the Organizer of the Year Award by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals of Northern New Jersey.

Why trust Select?

Barbara Booth has written a number of guides on bestselling and highly rated products you can buy on Amazon that simplify your life, including best kitchen gadgets, best car accessories, best travel accessories and more. For this piece, Barbara interviewed a professional organizer and sourced top-rated items on Amazon that simplify, streamline and declutter your space.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

The best cheap kitchen gadgets in 2023

The best cheap kitchen gadgets in 2023

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing.

The best kitchen gadgets make certain cooking tasks easier without taking over your drawers. What’s more, some of the most useful ones won’t break the bank. All the recommendations on this list are either products I use currently, or more affordable versions of something I decided to splurge on after years of cooking. Not every item is essential, but they’re all things I’ve come to appreciate when I need to get dinner on the table quickly.

Victorinox Honing Steel

Victorinox Swiss Classic Honing Steel

Victorinox

There are few things worse than cooking with a dull chef’s knife. It’s unsafe and a waste of time. You need a way to maintain your blades, and a good place to start is with a honing steel. Contrary to popular belief, a honing steel won’t sharpen your knives; what it will do is realign the blade. With consistent use of one, you can get away with actually sharpening your blades once every six months to a year. Almost any model will do the job, but for an affordable option, consider the 10-inch Swiss Classic Honing Steel from Victorinox. It comes with a comfortable handle that makes mastering the motion of honing a knife easy. Best of all, it costs less than $30.

Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Thermometer

Lavatools

If you cook meat, you need to get yourself an instant-read thermometer. It will take all the guesswork out of braising, searing and roasting animal protein, making those dishes safer to eat and more delicious.

There are plenty of affordable instant-read thermometers out there, but I like the $27 Lavatools Javelin. It’s not the fastest thermometer on the market – taking about four to five seconds to deliver a temperature reading – but it’s accurate to within a single degree Fahrenheit. The Javelin is also magnetic, so you can stick it on your fridge or knife holder for easy storage. Best of all, the casing is IP65-certified against water and features an antimicrobial coating Lavatools claims will inhibit 99.9 percent of pathogen growth. Oh, and you can buy the Javelin in nine different colors, including a cheerful “Wasabi” green hue.

OXO Good Grips Food Scale

OXO Good Grips Food Scale

OXO

OXO Good Grips Food Scale

OXO’s scale has a handy pull-out display that makes it easy to read the scale even when you have a large bowl on top. Plus, it also comes with an imperial/metric toggle.

After an instant-read thermometer, one of the few items I think everyone should have in their kitchen is a food scale. I know what you’re thinking: aren’t food scales only useful for baking? The answer is no. They will streamline every aspect of your cooking by allowing you to do away with measuring cups, while also giving you more accurate measurements overall. A scale is also essential if you’re calorie counting or tracking your macros.

After trying a few different scales, I like this OXO Good Grips stainless steel model. At under $60, the OXO model is a bit pricier than other food scales but it comes with a few features that set it apart. The first is a handy pull-out display that makes it easy to read the scale even when you have a large bowl on top. Plus, it also comes with an imperial/metric toggle. It’s handsome, too, with a design that’s easy to clean.

Prepworks by Progressive Magnetic Measuring Spoons

Prepworks by Progressive Magnetic Measuring Spoons

Progressive International

I’ll admit, sometimes it’s not practical to use a food scale to sort out ingredients, and you need to turn to a measuring spoon. After owning a few different models over the years, I’ve come to swear by magnetic ones. They’re easier to separate and subsequently easier to clean. Prepworks by Progressive makes a thoughtfully designed set where each spoon features both a round and narrow end. The latter is perfect for measuring spices since it can fit in most jars.

Microplane Professional Series Grater

Microplane Professional Series Grater

Microplane

Microplane Professional Series Grater

Microplanes make it much easier to grate and zest ingredients, and they’re much easier to maneuver over bowls and other dishes than standard box graters.

If you’re like me, you probably bought a box grater at the start of your cooking journey only to find out it’s terrible. I’m here to tell you there’s a better way to grate cheese and zest limes, and it’s called a Microplane. There are a few different variants, but they all offer the same advantages over a box grater. Being smaller, a Microplane is easier to maneuver over bowls and other dishes. As for what model to buy, I like the Professional Series line for its wide blade and clean design. For zesting, you want to go for the “Fine” model. The “Ribbon” variant is also great if you want to shave chocolate and cheese.

Zwilling Handheld Vacuum Sealer Machine

Zwilling Fresh & Save Handheld Vacuum Sealer

ZWILLING

In the last few years, vacuum sealers have become affordable enough that most home cooks can add one to their kitchen. They’re a great way to reduce waste since meat and produce stored in airless bags will last longer. The right one can also help you reduce plastic waste. Zwilling makes an affordable handheld model that supports an ecosystem of reusable bags and containers that are also on the budget-friendly end of the spectrum. The bags are freezer- and dishwasher-safe, so you can easily sanitize them after storing meat in them. The only thing to complain about the Zwilling vacuum sealer is that it charges over micro-USB(!).

Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest

Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest

Zulay Kitchen

Zulay Silicone Utensil Rest

Before moving to Portugal, my neighbor gifted my partner and I a silicone utensil rest. Since then, this simple tool has been an indispensable part of my kitchen arsenal.

Before moving to Portugal, my neighbor gifted my partner and I a silicone utensil rest. Since then, this simple tool has been an indispensable part of my kitchen arsenal. Once you start cooking at the stove, it helps to have all your tools right in front of you. A utensil rest helps with that while reducing the amount of cleanup you have to do afterward. Once you’re done, you can just toss it into the dishwasher. Best of all, you can buy one for about $10.

Cuisinart Electric Kettle

Cuisinart JK-17P1 Cordless Electric Kettle

Cuisinart

Cuisinart JK-17P1 Cordless Electric Kettle

An electric kettle is a must-have kitchen essential, and Cuisinart’s JK-17P1 boils water faster, looks nice on a countertop, and best of all, won’t break the bank.

While an electric kettle is nether essential for cooking or preparing tea and coffee, it can make both those tasks faster, safer and easier. You can spend a lot to buy a kettle with multiple temperature settings, but unless you’re a tea connoisseur, I don’t think that’s a feature most people need. Cuisinart’s JK-17P1 boils water faster, looks nice on a countertop, and best of all, won’t break the bank.

Crate and Barrel Salt Cellar

Acacia Salt Cellar

Crate and Barrel

Acacia Salt Cellar

Crate and Barrel nifty and attractive acacia wood salt cellar comes with an attached lid so that the two parts never get lost or separated.

Shortly after reading Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and learning the importance of salting dishes from within, I bought my first box of kosher salt. I didn’t have a good way to store it at the time, so I used a small bowl whenever I went to cook. The problem with that approach was that the salt would dry out if I left the bowl out. A salt cellar solves that by adding a lid to the bowl. Crate and Barrel makes a nifty (and attractive) acacia wood model that comes with an attached lid so that the two parts never get lost or separated.

Best kitchen utensil sets 2023: Silicone and wooden cooking utensils

Best kitchen utensil sets 2023: Silicone and wooden cooking utensils
N

o matter how accomplished a home cook you may be, there are some essentials for any kitchen.

The right appliances to suit your household, from smart fridges and microwaves to air fryers that can cater for the entire family, and the non-stick pots and pans to whip up all sorts of meals, from stir fry-making woks to cast iron pans that can flash fry a steak before it finishes cooking in the oven.

Wherever you happen to be on the cooking scale, a decent set of cooking utensils is absolutely essential. From spatulas to flip burgers and fish slices that will help turn delicate fillets, to handy spoons for stirring and sauteing, the right utensils can turn a tricky method into a straightforward one.

While you might already have odds and ends stuffed in a kitchen drawer, a matching set not only looks better aesthetically, but can work out cheaper than forking out for them individually too. Not to mention, they make great housewarming and off-to-uni presents, a key kitchen element that’s often overlooked.

They vary in cost from budget-friendly to double figures, so there’s a set for every pocket. We’ve done the legwork and found the best to make shopping for one even simpler.

See our list of the best cooking utensils to invest in now below.

Shop the edit here

Umite Chef Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set

Umite Chef

Available in light grey, dark grey and black to suit different kitchen schemes, this bumper set of utensils has everything to help you cook delicious meals at home. As well as an array of slotted spoons, ladle and spatulas, the 24 piece set includes a whisk, pastry brush, tongs and measuring spoons, all made with BPA-free, food grade-safe silicone that’s hygienic and easy to clean as well as heat-resistant to 230°C.

Need it in a hurry? Prime members can score same-day delivery in selected areas.

ProCook Designpro Nylon Utensil Set with Carousel

ProCook

ProCook is one of the best places to pick up high-performance kitchen gadgets and cookware, from the large – its collection of colourful cast iron pots are a snip of the market leaders – to the small; in this case, cooking utensils sets.

Delivered with a matching rotating holder to keep within reach on the countertop, the five piece set is heat-resistant to temperatures of 210°C and dishwasher safe, so cleaning is as easy as pie.

Consisting of a slotted turner, serving spoon, masher, draining spoon and ladle, they’re comfortable to hold and have a non-stick finish, which means they’ll be kinder to your pots and pans too. Comes with a one year guarantee.

Joseph Joseph 5 Piece Elevate Slim Utensil Set

Joseph Joseph

Prep and serve food with help from Joseph Joseph’s colour-coded five-piece utensil set. Made up of a flexible turner, slotted turner, slotted spoon, solid spoon, it comes with an in-drawer storage tray to help keep them all in one place and your drawers a tidier place. The tools are non-stick and heat-resistant with ergonomically-designed handles so they’re comfortable to hold. The whole lot is dishwasher-safe too, so simply sling it in when it needs a good clean.

All Home 6 Piece Gadget Set

All Home

Already got all the slotted spoons and spatulas your kitchen can handle? Go up a rung on the kitchen utensil tier with this set of gadgets that every household could use. In this set, you’ll get the extras that aren’t normally found in basic sets: a bottle opener, can opener, garlic press, peeler, ice cream scoop, and a pizza cutter. Non-slip rubber handles support the stainless steel heads, finished in chrome for a sleek look. It comes with a matching chrome stand so you can keep you most reached for tools at hand.

Habitat 6 Piece Utensil Set with Holder – Blue

Habitat

Covering all the basics, Habitat’s utensil set is full of clever, double-duty tools for homemade grub. The six piece set comes with a matching holder to keep on your countertop and keep your cutlery drawer free of bulk. As well as slotted spoons and turners, there’s a vegetable masher, all made from long-lasting and hard wearing plastic in a smart shade of blue.

Brabantia Colour Kitchen Utensils with Utensil Holder

Brabantia

Keep your utensils within reach and free from washing up gunk with Brabantia’s set, which includes a holder that supports the tools from the handles first. This means the utensils will dry upright and be perfectly clean for your next kitchen adventure. The space-saving set includes a slotted spoon, a spoon with a spout, a serving spoon and slotted spatula which also incorporates a prong – helpful for knowing when veg is tender. All are coated with a non-stick finish to protect the surfaces of your cookware.

Kitchen Gadgets 5 Pieces Space Saving Kitchen Accessories

Amazon

Short on space, but not on culinary ambition? This space-saving set of utensils has the most popular pieces in one bundle, from a veg peeler and mini grater to a bottle opener. Perfect for small spaces like motorhome kitchens or taking with you on your next camping trip, they’re made from robust ABS plastic and have been designed for lefties as well as righties in mind.

IKEA FULLÄNDAD 5-piece kitchen utensil set, grey

IKEA

One of the few things from IKEA that doesn’t require hours of allen key construction, this is the perfect set of utensils if you’re strapped for cash or need an inexpensive set for the short term. The set of five come with hanging holes on the ends of the handle, so you can store on a rod and keep your drawers clear of bulk. As well as spatulas and serving spoons, there’s a slotted one to help cook things like pasta and a pair of tongs for handling piping hot ingredients. Each one is finished with non-stick coating, making cleaning up afterwards less of an ordeal.

The White Company Wooden Kitchen Utensils – Set of 3

The White Company

While silicone is the optimum choice for cooking utensils, it’s not always the most aesthetically-pleasing look. For something more rustic, head to The White Company where you can pick up this natural oak wood set. The pared-back trio is made up of the most popular tools: a spoon for stirring and serving, spatula for flips and a perforated spoon that helps drain boiled, poached and steamed food. They come wrapped together in twine and make a lovely gift for the master chef in your life.

Lakeland Children’s Baking Gift Set – 5 Mini Baking Tools

Lakeland

Getting little ones involved in cooking isn’t just a wholesome family activity; it will teach them valuable cooking and nutrition lessons too. Lakeland’s mini baking utensils set shrinks some of the best baking tools down so they’re comfortable to hold in small hands. The five-piece set includes a whisk, spatulas, slotted spoon and basting brush, all colour-coded to make reaching for what you need easier. An ideal utensils set to help teach kids the cooking basics.