6 Allrecipes Allstar-Loved Kitchen Tools

At Allrecipes, we collaborate with a unique collection of expert home cooks—the Allstars. These dedicated chefs have valuable kitchen insights and cooking knowledge that they’re eager to share. I recently had the opportunity to meet with several Allstars, and their passion is palpable. 

When I asked them for one tool every home cook should have, their answers were unanimous: a reliable chef’s knife. However, when I asked them to name a tool they didn’t think they needed but now can’t live without, their answers varied wildly. Here are the Allstars’ favorite unexpected kitchen tools.

Allrecipes Allstar-Loved Kitchen Gadgets

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester

Allstar Lindsey Close didn’t hesitate when it came to her answer. “Microplane. A true Microplane, not a generic brand.” Lindsey is a professionally trained chef who uses her platform to share home-style cooking tips and increase confidence in the kitchen. 

She said the Microplane “makes a big difference for zesting” lemons and limes to enhance a dish or cocktail. Microplane’s premium zester has fine stainless steel teeth that can grate cheese, mince garlic, and grind spices like nutmeg. It’s narrow and compact design also make it easy to store. The versatile tool comes in a wide array of colors and designs. 

Zulay Kitchen Metal 2-in-1 Citrus Juicer

Speaking of citrus: Self-taught baker and life coach Jessica Lawson recommends getting a citrus juicer. Her original method of juicing lemons was less than effective. “I would use a fork in the lemon, but I spent so much time picking out the seeds,” she confessed. Receiving a citrus press as a gift revolutionized her approach to cooking. 

Zulay Kitchen’s metal squeezer has nearly 39,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. It’s one of the most popular manual juicers available, thanks to its sturdy construction, high juice yield, and ability to catch seeds. 

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

An air fryer may not seem like an “unexpectedly” helpful kitchen tool to some home cooks, but it was for Allstar Justin Rowland. In addition to being a middle school guidance counselor, Justin runs a grilling club for kids, teaching them how to cook using a practical approach. “I was against them, but then I tried my friend’s,” Justin said about air fryers. “Boy, was I wrong.” Though he still prefers using a grill for cooking mains like barbecue chicken, he utilizes his air fryer to make crispy sides when he has a time crunch. 

Justin didn’t recommend any brands in particular, so I’ll suggest the air fryer I use: the Ninja AF101. It’s a fairly basic basket air fryer, with a compact design and a 4-quart capacity. There are four presets, and it’s easy to adjust the temperature or time on the fly. The AF101 is also a favorite of Allstar Nicole Russell, who has four different air fryers in her kitchen and uses at least one daily. 

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor

Alexander Roberts has single-handedly convinced me to buy a mini food processor. The Los Angeles-based baker and food stylist recommended the Cuisinart Mini-Prep in particular, thanks to its compact design and simple controls. He mentioned that the mini processor is more convenient when you’re making small batches of salsa rather than hauling out a heavy, full-size machine. Lightweight yet durable, the machine chops through vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and herbs quickly, saving you time in the kitchen.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker

Cookbook author, food blogger, and Allstar extraordinaire Ramona Cruz-Peters initially had doubts about an Instant Pot multicooker, but at the encouragement of her fellow Allstars, she tried the appliance—and the rest is history. Now she’s an expert and even has an Instant Pot cookbook. “You don’t realize how useful it can be,” she said. Until you try it for yourself, that is. 

Ramona praises the appliance’s convenience in the intro to her cookbook: “The Instant Pot changed the game for me. Rice and vegetables cook quickly and effortlessly, meats become unbelievably tender, and flavors blend together for the most savory sauces.” Ramona leaves her Instant Pot out on the kitchen counter since it gets so much use.

Spring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set

Allstar Ramona has another recommendation: magnetic measuring spoons. It’s a “newer favorite” of hers. She particularly loves that her set comes with uncommon measurements all the way down to a teeny-tiny ⅛ teaspoon. 

Spring Chef’s stainless steel measuring spoons are magnetized, which not only helps keep all the spoons neatly together but also tidies up your kitchen drawers. The double-sided spoon set ranges in size from ⅛ teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, each color-coded for your convenience. A leveler is also included to help with accurate measurements.