You know that obsessive kind of love that completely takes over your life and shows up in all of your dreams? Well, that’s how I feel about eating food. Luckily for me, I was able to convert my impressive appetite into a career as a recipe tester and developer in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios where I got paid to feast every single day. As an actual job. For real money. 

When I moved to a new state last summer, I suddenly had to do all of the same work, but in my home kitchen: a tiny space severely lacking in state-of-the-art ovens and walk-in fridges. While it’s certainly not as impressive to look at, I can confidently say that it is just as effective because I’ve stocked it with the products I need to cook like a pro. From stackable mixing bowls to long-lasting tongs, these 10 kitchen tools have made all the difference. And, every single one of them is under $100. 

Best Recipe Developer-Loved Kitchen Tools Under $100 

• Microplane Zester and Grater, $18
• Material The Air Whisk, $25 
• Hotec Stainless Steel Tongs, $10
• Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer, $13 (originally $18) 
• OXO Kitchen Scale, $55
• OXO Measuring Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons, $33
• Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3-Piece Set, $22 (originally $26)
• Misen 8-inch Chef’s Knife, $94
• Luminarc Glass 10-Piece Stackable Bowl Set, $49
• OXO Cutting Board, $20 

Microplane Zester and Grater

I’ve sampled many a rasp-style grater in my day, but nothing can compete with Microplane. It easily breaks down garlic, turmeric, nutmeg, lemons, and Parmesan cheese, and has never lost its edge in the near-decade I’ve owned it. It’s so nice, I bought it thrice. Our testers also love this zester for its sharp teeth and comfortable grip.         

Material The Air Whisk

I got this whisk only 8 months ago, but it has already become one of my all-time favorite kitchen tools. Its narrow loops make for easier storage, and its flat bottom, which allows it to stand upright in between whisking sessions, eliminates any drippy messes. While it’s more expensive than the average whisk you’ll find at Amazon, its versatility and efficiency are worth the slightly higher price point.   

Hotec Stainless Steel Tongs 

I’ve recommended these tongs before, but I’ll do it again here because their simplicity belies their importance in a kitchen. I bought this two-pack back in 2020, and then again less than a year later when I finally wised up to how useful they are. The 12-inch tongs are ideal for grilling season, while I use the 9-inch tongs most often to toss cold salads and flip sizzling chicken thighs.    

Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer

You can spend a lot on a meat thermometer, or you can spend a little. I prefer the latter, and so do the over 40,000 Amazon shoppers who gave this model a 5-star rating. It reports the temperature quickly and accurately, is backlit for clarity, and folds into itself so I never accidentally get poked in the eye. 

OXO Kitchen Scale

I became a more consistent and efficient cook when I began using a food scale. I think we can all agree these are important attributes for someone who writes recipes for a living, but for those people whose job doesn’t necessarily rely on your ability to weigh flour correctly, it’s still a useful tool to own. I’ve used many different scales since I started cooking professionally, but this one is my favorite because of its large pull-out display, quick unit conversion capabilities, and 11-pound weight limit. 

OXO Measuring Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons

Good measuring cups and spoons are a must-have for any cook. These, with their magnetic handles for easy separation and storage, are my go-to pick. Shoppers likewise recommend this set for its durable stainless steel construction, non-slip grip, and user-friendly design.   

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3-Piece Set 

Liquid measuring cups are just as important as their dry counterparts, and this pack of three different sizes offers the best value for your money. They’re made of Pyrex glass, so they can go from the dishwasher to the microwave without cracking, and they’re designed to nest inside one another for easy storage. 

Misen 8-inch Chef’s Knife

Like the whisk, this newer addition to my kitchen has quickly become invaluable to me. The thick handle fits comfortably in my hand, and the sharp blade easily cuts through a whole spaghetti squash. The sturdy design sits somewhere in between Japanese- and Western-style knives. Shoppers love this 8-inch Misen masterpiece, calling it “functional” and “unbeatable.” 

Luminarc Glass 10-Piece Stackable Bowl Set

If you’ve ever begun cooking your way through a recipe without first preparing your mise en place, you know the horror of grating cheese while simultaneously boiling pasta and sautéeing onions. Gathering and measuring all ingredients before any cooking begins is absolutely crucial to success in the kitchen, and access to enough containers is the first step. I rely heavily on this 10-piece set in my house, which comes with everything from pinch bowls to large mixing bowls. They’re sturdy, stackable, and dishwasher-safe.  

OXO Cutting Board

This cutting board has lived with me in three different apartments, withstood hundreds of dishwasher cycles, and has never once dulled any of my knives. It’s large enough to accommodate carving an entire chicken, and has a useful groove around the outer edge to catch juice while chopping. I use one side for veggies and the other side for meat.