# Essential Kitchen Gadgets For Guys Who Love To Cook *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated August 2018* Over the years I've gotten a HUGE number of kitchen gadgets to try and test out for review or simply just provide my thoughts on. Some are good ... some are bad. Others seem really cool but ultimately ended up sitting on my countertop collecting dust ... or put back in a box despite being generally good at what they were designed to do. That's why I've put together this gear guide of essential kitchen gadgets that every guy needs in his collection. If you are the kind of guy who doesn't like to cook then stop reading now ... the rest of you, let's take a look! [Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor](https://amzn.to/2LZ8YgV) ## Slicing and Dicing - Food Processor and/or Mandoline Slicing, dicing and pureeing food can be monotonous at best when doing it by hand with a good knife. It can also be dangerous and messy. That's why I absolutely love having a mandoline available to slice things easily. It's perfect for making a quick salad, but for soups and stews where I'm processing many carrots, celery and other vegetables all at once, you need a good Food Processor. While this is often referred to simply by brand as a ["Cuisinart](https://amzn.to/2nbgqHP)" there are several other manufacturers that make excellent products too, including [Hamilton Beach](https://amzn.to/2naIxaf), [Oster Pro](https://amzn.to/2LWquTh), [Black+Decker](https://amzn.to/2M0XgCK), and of course [Breville](https://amzn.to/2LZ8YgV).  [Mueller Austria vpro 5 Blade Adjustable Mandoline Slicer](https://amzn.to/2OEAXB4) While they can both slice and shred vegetables really well, a mandoline and a food processor really do have different uses. I find that with my [mandoline](https://amzn.to/2OEAXB4) I can do things like slice potatoes really easy into chips or shred carrots and tomatoes for a salad without a lot of cleanup compared to having to wash the food processor. That's why I've included both of these kitchen gadgets in our roundup here.  [AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat](https://amzn.to/2AIkmJM) ## Silicone Baking and Grilling Mats When cooking anything from chicken tenders to cookies, I had previously used parchment paper to avoid having to clean the pans as well as keeping the food away from the aluminum. Not only did it make cleanup a breeze but food didn't stick the same way it did the metal and you can reduce the amount of fat that you use too. With [Silicone Baking Mats](https://amzn.to/2AIkmJM) it works the same way ... except that it's reusable. If you are looking to do the same but for grilling - so your hamburgers, chicken, or fish won't fall through the cracks into the fire here's an option for [Grilling Mats](https://amzn.to/2Krvhar). It's also a great option if you want to be able to grill your steak while baking some bread as well. [Commercial Manual Lever Press Citrus Juicer](https://amzn.to/2M27wKV) ## Citrus Press and/or Lemon Squeezer If you love to cool with citrus fruits like I do (and also great for cocktails!), then you should really invest in a [Manual Lever Press Citrus Juicer](https://amzn.to/2M27wKV). While a handheld lemon squeezer will work for one or two lemons, limes, or oranges, try squeezing enough for lemonade or fresh squeezed orange juice. Trust me, your hands and arms will thank you!    [Kitchen Gizmo Snap-n-Strain Strainer / Clip-On Silicone Colander](https://amzn.to/2OJYdhi) ## Clip-On-Strainer / Colander While some cleanup is inevitable, I like having the least cleanup possible and that means using fewer dishes. I love this [Clip-On Strainer from Kitchen Gizmo](https://amzn.to/2OJYdhi) because it simply attaches to your pan and you can pour the water out while keeping the pasta in the pan read to add sauce. Of course, this also works well with other items too like potatoes or even bone broth where you want to keep the bones out when you pour the liquid into a new container to store. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 04 August 2018 Last Updated: 04 August 2018 #### Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist Mar 31, 2026 [Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/jowissa-lewy-9-swiss-chronograph-review.html) #### This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season Mar 28, 2026 [This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/step2-raised-planter-box-review.html) #### Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop Mar 26, 2026 [Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/kenmore-aqualite-wet-dry-vac-review-ive-been-using-it-weekly-and-its-replaced-my-mop.html) ### Related Articles #### 11 Smart Home Upgrades That Actually Earn Their Keep [11 Smart Home Upgrades That Actually Earn Their Keep](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/smart-home-small-yes-plappliances-and-gadgets-top-picks.html) #### Holiday Gift Guide For Foodie Guys: 18 Gifts for Men Who Love to Cook and Eat Well [Holiday Gift Guide For Foodie Guys: 18 Gifts for Men Who Love to Cook and Eat Well](https://www.mantripping.com/gifts/holiday-gift-guide-for-men-who-love-to-cook-and-eat.html) #### 10 Hunting Gifts That Will Actually Get Used: A Holiday Guide for Serious Outdoorsmen [10 Hunting Gifts That Will Actually Get Used: A Holiday Guide for Serious Outdoorsmen](https://www.mantripping.com/gift-ideas/buying-the-perfect-gift-for-men-that-hunt.html) #### Smart Garage Systems Compared: These Are The Features That Make a Real Difference [Smart Garage Systems Compared: These Are The Features That Make a Real Difference](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/smart-garage-door-systems-buying-guide.html) #### The Nelson Cottage: Park City's Chill Vibes Meet Fine Dining At This Whiskey Pairing Dinner [The Nelson Cottage: Park City's Chill Vibes Meet Fine Dining At This Whiskey Pairing Dinner](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/the-nelson-cottage-where-whiskey-meets-culinary-excellence-in-park-city.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [Essential Kitchen Gadgets For Guys Who Love To Cook](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/essential-kitchen-gadgets-for-guys-who-love-to-cook.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)