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It's worth investing in quality cookware and knives, but not all things need to be from luxury brands. Plenty of kitchen tools are under $10 and will serve you well, from making cocktails to preparing avocados. 

We rounded up 20 small kitchen gadgets and multi-purpose tools that make it easier to work in the kitchen.

Hiware Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler, available at Amazon, $7.99

You need the right tools to make delicious cocktails. A stainless steel muddler with a nylon head brings out the flavors of citrus, herbs, and spices. This set also includes a swizzle spoon, so you can stir drinks like a professional. 

Tovolo Farm Animal-Themed Pot Lid Lifts, available at Amazon and Sur La Table, from $7.95

These ridiculously cute silicone farm animals raise lids off of pots and pans just enough to allow steam to escape, therefore reducing the chances that whatever I'm cooking boils over. You can also use them for tea; they can hold the string on tea bags to prevent them from sliding into your hot water. – Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Scraper, available at Amazon, $8.42

It may seem simple, but a bench scraper is a great multi-purpose kitchen tool to have around. I use mine to manage sticky bread dough, smooth icing, and cut logs of cookie dough into even pieces.

Rachel Ray Nylon Fish Turners, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, from $7.99

A fish spatula is not just for fish – it's literally the best kitchen tool you can own. I use mine for everything: eggs, stir fries, burgers, you name it. The triangular shape means it can get fully under food without being too awkward to maneuver. I have several different fish spats, but I really like nylon ones because they can be used in nonstick pans. – Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

AmazonBasics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups, available Amazon, $7.68

We've all been halfway through baking cupcakes before realizing we forgot to buy liners. With reusable baking cups, you'll never have that problem again. Plus, this set is dishwasher safe and is stable enough to be used on a cookie sheet, even without a muffin tin.

OXO Good Grips Prep Y-Peeler, available at Amazon and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, from $9.95

A sharp peeler will save you time and effort during food prep. OXO has a peeler for every style cut or slice you could dream of. We're fascinated by the corn peeler – the serrated blade easily strips corn kernels right from the cob.

Norpro Pastry and Ravioli Wheel, available at Amazon, $8.74

I love making my own pasta from scratch, and this ravioli wheel lets me cut shapes quickly and easily. You can also use it for pie crusts and plenty of other pastries. I think the scalloped edge makes for a decorative finishing touch. – Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

TrueTap Corkscrew, available at Amazon, $7.09

Insider's favorite budget wine opener is a must have for any kitchen. The TrueTap corkscrew has a bottle opener, foil cutter, and an easy-to-use double hinged corkscrew. You can even choose from different color combinations to make it your own.

Oven Thermometer, available at Amazon, $6.99

Your oven's temperature has a huge impact on how fast/slow your food cooks, affecting the overall taste. If you have an old oven, you may be surprised how far off the internal thermostat is. An oven thermometer is a cheap way to make sure you're cooking at the temps you want to be cooking at. I use this thermometer in my oven and in my smoker. It's held up well and is accurate. – James Brains, reporter

Zulay Milk Frother, available at Amazon, $9.97

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your morning brew is with a handheld milk foamer. You can use the Zulay frother to whisk a matcha latte or blend a protein shake, and it takes up less space than a standing foamer.

OXO Good Grips Flat Whisk, available at Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond, from $9.95

If you make gravies or rouxs, a balloon whisk just isn't going to cut it. I love a flat whisk for these tasks because it's ideally suited to using inside a pan while you're cooking. The flat shape means optimal mixing and limited mess. It is the secret to lump-free gravy. – Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Chef'N Looseleaf Plus Herb Stripper, available at Amazon and Crate and Barrel, from $9.99

Fresh herbs can brighten a heavy dish or add depth to a sauce, but they can be a pain to prepare. An herb stripper speeds up the process – just pull the herb through one of the holes to take the leaves off the stem. This also works for kale and other greens with a tough stem.

Cooking Chopsticks, available at Amazon, $4.99

I own at least four pairs of cooking chopsticks in varying lengths. I love using them for noodle dishes and deep frying because they offer more dexterity than typical tools. – Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Cuisinart Avocado Prep Tool, available at Amazon and Target, $7.99

We love the OXO avocado prep tool, but for under $10, this Cuisinart version should do the trick. Easily remove the pit with the stainless steel blade, and then cut perfect slices with the fanned blade end. 

Lodge Hot Handle Holders, available at Amazon and Lodge, from $8

I cannot tell you the number of times I've almost burned my hands on hot pan handles. These clever pot holders from Lodge make handling your cast iron skillets a lot less perilous — and the bandana design is super cute too! – Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

Mini Citrus Juicer, available at Crate and Barrel, $6.95

Whether you're making lemonade or mojitos, fresh citrus juice is the best for flavoring drinks. This mini-juicer has a lid that you can use to press down and twist the citrus, reducing spills and keeping your hands clean. A strainer sits above the juice collector to catch the seeds and pulp.

Pyrex 2-cup Measuring Cup, available at Pyrex, $4

I often find that my 1-cup measuring cup just isn't cutting it when I'm cooking, so this 2-cup one is the perfect size for pretty much any recipe, whether it's a weeknight dinner or an elaborate pastry. Plus, I love this "Star Wars" themed design — having the measurements laid out in the shape of the Death Star is such a fun touch! – Angela Tricarico, Streaming Editorial Fellow

Brown Sugar Saver Bear, available at Bed Bath and Beyond, $5.99

Keep your brown sugar moist and packable with the cutest kitchen gadget on this list: a brown sugar bear. Soak the bear for 20 minutes and then bury it in your brown sugar for up to six months.

Mesh Tea Ball Infuser, available at Sur La Table, $6

Turns out, a tea ball infuser can be used for more than just brewing your favorite loof leaf. Editor-in-chief Ellen Hoffman uses hers to dust pancakes and baked goods with powdered sugar. You can also use it to hold spices when mulling wine or infusing a rich sauce.

Swarm Glass Honey Pot, available at CB2, $8.95

If you eat honey straight from the jar, it may be time to get a honey pot. This sweet glass jar comes with a beechwood honey dipper, so you can drizzle over toast and into tea without dirtying a spoon.

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