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I have a busy schedule, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over time, it’s that every minute counts. When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, creating efficient meals that don’t require a lot of prep time is always clutch. Even the most complicated dishes can be easier to navigate with the proper tools, and that’s why I’ve spent a lot of time in the past few years focusing on products that help expedite my meal plan with lots of time to spare. From poultry-ready kitchen shears to adjustable measuring cups, here are the best kitchen tools to tap into during a time crunch.
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Grill Press
Grill Press
Caraway
$65
Crafted from premium stainless steel with an ergonomic design, this 6-inch grill press from Caraway makes searing your favorite cuts of meats easier than ever. The weighted design ensures even browning, and its grease-resistant surface makes it easy to wipe down, which is particularly helpful when you’re in a time crunch while meal prepping.
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Essential Steel Kitchen Shears
Essential Steel Kitchen Shears
Quince
$25
Far more than just a regular pair of kitchen sheers, this all-in-one tool includes a built-in jar opener, nutcracker, and bottle opener. It’s saved me so much time when cutting poultry or smaller kitchen ingredients, like herbs. The handles feature anti-slip grooves, and detachable blades make it easy to clean.
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Williams Sonoma Adjustable Measuring Cups and Spoons
Williams Sonoma Adjustable Measuring Cups and Spoons
Williams Sonoma
$35
Scrap your traditional measuring tools for this adjustable cup and spoon set, featuring built-in sliders that measure different volumes. What I love most about this tool is that I no longer have to sort through my drawers to find various measuring cups for a recipe. This duo is a one-stop shop for efficiency.
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Dreamfarm Garject Garlic Press
Dreamfarm Garject Garlic Press
Amazon
$50
There’s nothing more frustrating than being in a rush in the kitchen and then glancing at a whole head of garlic that needs to be minced. That’s why this garlic press from Dreamfarm is so helpful when you’re ready to add some flavor to your favorite dish.
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The Spout
The Spout
Brightland
$10
It might seem insignificant, but being able to pour your favorite oil out of a good spout not only ensures a cleaner pour, but can also cut down on time. This brushed gold stainless steel spout from Brightland is one of my favorites. Best of all, it can be paired with all of its incredible olive oil.
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Crate & Barrel Stainless Steel Mini Whisk
Crate & Barrel Stainless Steel Mini Whisk
Crate & Barrel
$10
This handy mini whisk comes with nonstick silicone wires and is perfect for whipping up your favorite creams, emulsifying salad dressings, or scrambling one or two eggs. It’s easy to clean and slip back in the drawer once you’re done, too.
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Matscover Food Scraper, Set of 3
Matscover Food Scraper, Set of 3
Amazon
$9 (was $10)
I never knew I needed a silicone scraper until I actually tried one. It’s useful for a number of cooking needs, including scraping, stirring, and folding your food without scratching any of your favorite nonstick cookware. And as you know, having less cleanup time makes any battle in the kitchen much shorter.
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Williams Sonoma Prep Tools Rotary Grater
Williams Sonoma Prep Tools Rotary Grater
Williams Sonoma
$50
Long gone are the days when I let my hand get tired from grating cheese. This option from Williams Sonoma is custom-designed with a nonslip handle that provides a comfortable grip while quality stainless steel blades guarantee perfectly grated cheese on any of your favorite dishes.
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Stainless Steel Mandoline
Stainless Steel Mandoline
Sur La Table
$60
When you’re ready to slice with better precision, reach for this mandoline from Sur La Table. Made with stainless steel, it features multiple slicer options for efficiency. I especially love to use it when I’m prepping salads with julienne toppings like carrots, cucumbers, or apples.
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