13 kitchen tools you shouldn't pay more than $10 for, according to chefs

Cool and useful kitchen tools under $10 recommended by chefs


Between high-quality cookware sets, sharp and shiny knives, and a cabinet full of small appliances like stand mixers and pressure cookers, stocking a kitchen can be expensive, whether you're starting fresh in a new home or adding to your collection of cooking tools. 

But price doesn't always indicate quality, and no one knows that better than professional chefs. That's why we reached out to chefs around the country to share their favorite useful, versatile kitchen gadgets that you should never pay more than $10 for. 

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Here are 13 budget cooking tools, all under $10:

1. A mini iron skillet for all your personal-sized foods

Lodge 3.5 Inch Mini Cast Iron Skillet on REI, $9.95

Perfect for individual frittatas or skillet cakes and cookies. Having a cast iron skillet is a must in our kitchen. Mini cast iron skillets are perfect for individual sized portions and make cute serving trays to boot. —Anna Frumes, manager and chef at The Borland House Bed and Breakfast

2. A handheld spiralizer for your veggie pastas

ELIRIVAWET Handheld Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer on Amazon, $9.99

This is a simple and handy way of making veggie pasta so you can enjoy a healthier, lower carb version that's fresh and packed with nutrients. —Mareya Ibrahim, lifestyle and nutrition expert, celebrity chef and author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish of Eating to Thrive

3. A mini measuring cup

OXO Mini Angled Measuring Cup on OXO, $6.99

Not only is this the cutest little measuring cup ever, but I use it for everything! Forget about digging through your drawer and picking up every measuring spoon before you find the right one. This angled measuring cup makes it easy to measure everything from vanilla in your cookies to tequila in your marg. —Kristen Tomlan, founder & CEO of DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections

4. A tea infuser that can be used for much more than tea leaves

Mesh Ball Tea Infuser on Sur La Table, $6

I love to use tea balls, and they're definitely not just for tea. I like to use them for my spices for all my stocks; it's a must-own in our household, especially for Phố. —Jimmy Ly, chef and owner of Madame Vo NYC and Madame Vo BBQ

5. A silicone pastry brush to apply your favorite sauce onto your food

OrtarcoSilicone Basting Pastry Brush on Amazon, $4.99

A silicone pastry brush makes it easy to brush oil onto foods without using too much.  —Mareya Ibrahim, lifestyle and nutrition expert, celebrity chef and author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish of Eating to Thrive

6. A set of squeeze bottles to store your sauces

Bottlify Squeeze Bottles (2-pack) on Amazon, $8.49

Squeeze bottles are great for holding your homemade sauces and a fun way to easily decorate your plate. —Mareya Ibrahim, lifestyle and nutrition expert, celebrity chef and author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish of Eating to Thrive

7. A small spatula that lets you grab every last ingredient

Wilton Mini Jar Spatula (Set of 2) on Joann, $5.99

The mini spatula is rarely spoken of, but to me, this is the greatest tool for mixing, making fluffy scrambled eggs, and helping get out all the good bits in a blender or food processor. Don't overlook the power of a mini spatula! —Vikki Krinsky, celebrity chef and founder of VK Energy

8. A spray tool that you attach directly to your lime or lemon

Utopia Kitchen Store Citrus Sprayer on Amazon, $6.99

This is a unique tool that will impress your friends as well. It's a great way to get fresh citrus juice without the mess of juicing, and it works great with salt or sugar for rimming glasses for your cocktails or spraying onto a salad for a fresh dressing. —Zach Van Gaasbeek, regional chef at Bottleneck Management

9. A pair of silicon tongs

Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs on Amazon, $9.99

These are my go-to for every cooking need – and the silicon helps to prevent the handles from getting too hot. —Mareya Ibrahim, lifestyle and nutrition expert, celebrity chef and author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish of Eating to Thrive

10. A spatula with an angled handle

OXO Good Grips Silicone Cookie Spatula on Amazon, $9.95

The absolute go-to spatula for the kitchen. Although this spatula is technically a "cookie" spatula, it's good for everything. From making the perfect omelet to getting under a perfectly crisp scallop. I use this tool for everything in our kitchen. —Anna Frumes, manager and chef at The Borland House Bed and Breakfast

11. A tool that squeezes lemon juice

Aluminum Lemon Squeezer on Webstaurant Store, $4.99

Bench scrapers are great, so you don't dull your knives. You can also use them to take food off your cutting board. —Mareya Ibrahim, lifestyle and nutrition expert, celebrity chef and author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish of Eating to Thrive

12. A pair of long wooden chopsticks

Donxote Extra Long Wooden Chopsticks on Amazon, $6.99

Coming in many sizes and materials, chopsticks are extremely versatile, and I find myself using them in different ways every day. I use this 16.5-inch wooden pair for placing garnishes, cooking, stirring, plating, and more. —Sharone Hakman, chef and founder of Hak's

13. A milk frother for at-home lattes

Romaunt Electric Milk Frother on Amazon, $6.99

Because I drink collagen in my coffee and it's the easiest way to blend it up.  Plus it's perfect for giving your latte a little love. —Mareya Ibrahim, lifestyle and nutrition expert, celebrity chef and author of Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish of Eating to Thrive

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