20 Essential Kitchen Accessories Under $20

By Elisabeth Sherman
Updated November 24, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
When I moved into my first solo apartment, in Astoria, Queens, I was an over-worked graduate student who knew how to cook quesadillas, pasta, and the occasional sautéed vegetable. I owned a plastic coffee maker, a baking sheet, and saucepan and only one other pan. I had no idea where to start when it came to stocking my kitchen with the appropriate tools to make cooking not just simple, but enjoyable. I figured that buying even the most basic kitchen accessories would be expensive, so I, for three years, I stuck to using ice trays that cracked when I tried to take out the cubes and took measurements from a mug instead of a measuring cup. I hadn’t even heard of a cast iron pan until I finished school. Eventually, I gave into adulthood, and bought a real measuring cup, a jug for cold water, a spatula, and a whole laundry list of other inexpensive, straightforward products that vastly improved my home life with their multi-purpose functionality. Don’t let this sad situation befall your loved ones. This holiday season, give them the gift of knowledge—the knowledge that decking out your kitchen in the must-have tools for any burgeoning home cook doesn’t take a fortune. Save them from the embarrassment I suffered for so long, living with a barren, lifeless kitchen. Here are 20 beautiful, practical, kitchen accessories to complete any kitchen—all for under $20.
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OXO Hand Held Mandoline

Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

A classic kitchen tool that gives you thinly sliced vegetables and fruit—the tool you need to help you start eating more vegetables. $15 at crateandbarrel.com or amazon.com

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Silicone Pastry Brushes

Credit: Amazon

A pastry brush changed my life in the kitchen: Now, coating vegetables with olive oil before roasting and brushing egg yolk onto pie crust is effortless and doesn’t make a mess. $7 at amazon.com

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3-Cup French Press

Credit: Amazon

An elevated cup of coffee is as simple as this easy-to-use French Press. This is the perfect serving for a weekday mornings. $17 on amazon.com

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Paderno 2-Blade Spiralizer

Credit: Williams Sonoma

Small enough that it won’t get in the way or take up too much space in your kitchen, this tool gives you vegetable ribbons. $10 at amazon.com or williams-sonoma.com

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Pyrex 2 Cup Measuring Cup

Credit: Courtesy of Macy's

The very first thing you need to buy if you want to learn how to cook. This one in particular is invaluable classic. $10 at macys.com or amazon.com

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Pyrex Baking Dish

Credit: Courtesy of Macy's

Use it for brownies, casserole, potatoes au gratin—any large dishes you’re dreaming up for a big dinner party or a simple weeknight meal with family. $14 at macys.com or amazon.com

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Pro Silicone Spatula

Credit: Courtesy of Rocky Luten / Food52

I am not exaggerating when I say that a silicone spatula is probably one of the most under-appreciated but most useful kitchen tools money can buy. Use a spatula when you’re baking, cooking eggs, sautéing tofu, melting butter—the list goes on and on. $14 at amazon.com

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Multi-Cup Porcelain Coffee Pour Over

Credit: Amazon

For fans of a strong coffee, this minimalist white porcelain pour over that fits right over your cup is a must-have. Just add a filter and your favorite grounds for a quick and reliably tasty cup of coffee. $16 at amazon.com

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Lodge Cast-Iron Round Fry Pan

Credit: Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Another absolute essential for any home cook, the versatile cast iron pan lasts forever and will prove itself to be the superstar among your cookware. $16 at williams-sonoma.com or amazon.com

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Ceramic Storage Canister

Credit: Courtesy of Cost Plus World Market

One of the hallmarks of a well-put together kitchen is that the flour and sugar have homes inside pretty jars, instead of languishing in the messy, torn cardboard boxes and bags in the back corner of a cabinet. $8 on worldmarket.com

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Dapper Animal Salad Plates

Credit: Courtesy of West Elm

Add a little character to your kitchen with a fun plate, even if the rest of your kitchen is still a work in progress. An animal print like this one is always a crowd-pleaser. $10 on westelm.com

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Square Glass Bottle With Clamp Stopper

Credit: Courtesy of Cost Plus World Market

I now have three of these in my refrigerator. I keep one by my bed at night, and fill up the other two to use at the dinner table when I’m alone and when I have friends over. $6 on worldmarket.com or amazon.com

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Dumpling Maker

Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

This is nifty little tool makes it easy to make a “purse” out of your dumpling dough. $13 at amazon.com

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Silicone Ice Cube Trays

Credit: Amazon

Throw out those cheap plastic ice trays once and for all and replace them with this more durable silicone version. $19 at amazon.com

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Glass Teapot With Black Porcelain Infuser

Credit: Courtesy of Cost Plus World Market

Stop pouring hot water straight from the pot into your mug. A teapot is a minimalistic, but classy addition to your kitchen and this one even includes an infuser so you can finally try loose leaf tea, as I’m sure you have meaning to do for, like, years, now. $15 at amazon.com

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Antica Oil Dispenser

Credit: Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Most people keep their olive oil in it’s original bottle, but if you, like me, buy the generic brand from the grocery store, that bottle starts to look a little drab sitting on your counter, with the plastic top and label peeling off. This sleek container will make even the cheapest olive oil look stylish. $13 on williams-sonoma.com

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Vegetable Brush

Credit: Amazon

This scrubber, which gives your vegetables a thorough wash before they end up on your plate, can also be used to clean tile (just buy two). $6 at amazon.com

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Pyrex 10 Piece Storage Set

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Store leftovers, bring your lunch to work, and make more room in your crowded refrigerator with these sturdy Pyrex storage containers. $17 on amazon.com

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Raniaco Stainless Steel Grater

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This slim, light grater gives you tiny shreds of lime, lemon, ginger, and even cheese, without the hassle of using the box shredder to get a small amount of zest. $8 on amazon.com

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Oster 5-Quart Steamer

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Steam vegetables and salmon at the same time in this convenient appliance, which should eliminate any excuse you’ve been using to not eat healthy. $19 on amazon.com

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By Elisabeth Sherman