Just when you thought you couldn’t possibly fit another gadget on your kitchen bench, 2016 brought a raft of clever utensils to make cooking easier. Here are some of the handiest.
Making mincemeat of other kitchen tools, this Norwegian creation is ideal for stirring and chopping minced meat while cooking. It can also be used to mash up berries, crush biscuits and mash potatoes. Heat resistant to 210degC, it has a comfortable grip and won't scratch non-stick cookware.
$24.99 from Acquisitions.
This reusable non-stick mesh basket is designed to sit directly on an oven shelf, rather than on a tray. It allows air to circulate for perfectly cooked chips, garlic bread and pastries without turning and it's quick, too.
$14.99, H&J Smith.
The Charles Viancin daisy lid seals tightly on any smooth-rim bowl or pot (including stainless steel, glass, ceramic and plastic) and is suitable for use in the freezer, microwave and oven (up to 220degC). As well as preventing spills, it keeps food fresher for longer and seals in heat during cooking. The silicone lids come in several different diameters and, being reusable, are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
From $12.70, Total Food Equipment.
Does chopping onions bring you to tears? These anti-fog lenses offer maximum clarity and protection for tear-free chopping and slicing.
$19.99, H&J Smith.
Spiralizers have been around for a while but with Christmas gone, many of us are trying to eat healthier meals and including more vegetables is a good start. Spiralizers create thin ribbons out of fresh vegetables and are suitable for stir-fries and salads. This hand-held version has a non-slip grip and is good for smaller portions of long and round vegetables, from zucchini, cucumber and carrots to beetroot and potatoes. The food holder protects hands during use and acts as a cap for safe storage.
$49.90, Total Food Equipment.
Many dishes, including soups, sauces and risottos, need to be stirred regularly. Doug keeps your spoon out of the pot and off the counter and, being silicone, accommodates spoons of different diameters.
$28 to $30, H&J Smith and
Total Food Equipment.
Sometimes you just need to let off some steam in the kitchen. Sid will keep pot lids open when they need some air and will raise a smile whenever you use him.
$28 to $30, H&J Smith and
Total Food Equipment.
This mandolin combines a slicer and a julienne blade, with no parts to take off and lose. The thickness selector tailors slicing to your need and the serrated blade is ideal for soft-skinned fruits such as tomatoes. Non-slip feet add stability.
$46.40, Total Food Equipment.
As summer heats up, this double-walled melamine dish keeps butter or margarine cool for longer.
$39.99, H&J Smith.
One of the best things about summer is eating strawberries and this cute little tool makes it easy to remove the stems. Simply push the button at the top to open the jaws, insert the stainless steel teeth into the strawberry, release the button and twist. It's faster than using a paring knife and you won't end up with mess under your fingernails.
$18, Total Food Equipment.
This clever set of Chef'n cups expands for use and flattens for space-saving storage. You can also pinch the frames to create a pouring spout. Includes 1,½, ⅓ and ¼ cups.
$40, Total Food Equipment.
Forget about using a mallet. Just rock this tenderizer back and forth across your meat to improve the taste and texture. Spiking the meat also makes marinading more effective. The plastic casing covers the extremely sharp blades during storage and fits into the handle during use.
$44.90, Total Food Equipment.
This manual food processor is a versatile tool that chops, blends and purees ingredients and has a 3.1-cup bowl capacity. Just what you need in the crib, caravan or tent.
$79.99, H&J Smith.
The children will love this one. With a simple twist, the Chef'n cob corn stripper safely strips kernels off corn cobs, making your next summer salad or salsa fast and easy.
$18, Total Food Equipment.
Using downward pressure and a rocking motion, the Rocker crushes garlic cloves by forcing the pieces up through its mesh holes, leaving your hands free of garlic odour. The crushed garlic is collected in the bowl-shaped press and can be easily spooned or scraped into a pan.
$20, Total Food Equipment.
Ideal for outdoor entertaining, this BPA-free pitcher has a removable infuser cylinder. Fill with your favourite fruit to enhance the flavour of your water, soda or tonic water or iced tea. Made from tough polycarbonate, it looks and feels like glass.
$54.99, H&J Smith.
Chef'n's quickstick makes healthy snacks like celery and carrot sticks so is excellent for lunch-boxes and raw vegetable platters. The device has a quartering blade and the centre piece stabilizes food for uniform slices. Just place your fruit or vegetable in the tube, then press the pusher to cut it.
$29.90, Total Food Equipment.
