Knowing how to cook doesn’t always mean you’re efficient or organized. I, for one, rarely fail in the kitchen (I’m really not that cocky — I have references to back me up), but I also dirty everything in the process (just ask my mom). Don’t get me started on baking — the mess in the kitchen never seems to end, but at least there’s a cake, some cookies, and a batch of muffins!
No one likes to admit they make consistent messes, but we all have that one friend who spills food and drinks on her clothes whenever you eat out. And that other friend who puts the heat too high on the stove, making a new splattered pattern on the wall for every meal. Sometimes, they’re the ones we’d least expect. My friends and family would think that because I’m organized with notes, lists, and plans, that I’d be the same way everywhere else. They could not be more wrong.
If you know someone who really needs new things to keep their kitchen tidy, help them out with a thoughtful gift — but don’t be condescending. They’re probably the ones making you amazing treats and delicious meals, just because. Instead of calling out those messy-kitchen masterminds, show your appreciation during any occasion by giving them just what their space needs: hope of a pristine kitchen.
1. Microwave Pasta Cooker by Lékué ($24.99)
Pasta is supposed to be an easy dish. And it is, but the overflowing water stains stovetops and that big pot stays there much longer than it should. Making the pasta in the microwave means less cleaning for you.
2. Lid and Spoon Rest by YOMYM ($10.99)
Unless you’re my mom, you probably don’t have a convenient fish-shaped spoon holder for your stovetop, meaning utensil drippings are all over the place. This goes one step further, with an additional lid holder.
3. Dough Rolling System by Dough EZ ($39.99)
Pizzas, pies, and anything else that requires rolling dough can be even more fun and less chaotic. Flour gets on EVERYTHING. But this foolproof way to avoid that mess? Sign me up!
4. Microwave Bacon Cooker by Lékué ($19.99)
The mess after making bacon is the worst to clean up. Grease stains, oil splatters, burnt crumbs stuck to the pan. This eliminates all of those things, and you don’t have to do as many dishes.
5. Linen Kitchen Apron by Caldo ($32.99)
If you’re MESSY messy, you seriously need this. We all spill things on ourselves in kitchen and there’s no telling when something cooking is going to splatter. An apron like this one looks good, doesn’t stain easily, and really protects your clothes from a mess. And there’s two pockets!
6. Stainless Steel Non-Stick Mixing Bowls by Rorence ($30.99)
This is a 3-in-1 deal in more ways than one. Each mixing bowl has a convenient handle, non-slip bottom, and a spout. Whisking and mixing batters has never been cleaner.
7. Microwave Rice & Grain Cooker by Lékué ($24.99)
Same idea as the pasta cooker (#1), but with rice, because we all need rice at some point.
8. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths by VibraWipe ($16.99)
Messes have to be cleaned up, but paper towels are just not eco-friendly or economical. Towels that don’t leave behind lint are the best, since you aren’t doubling up on the amount of mess to clean. And these can make literally anything spotless.
9. Microwave Grill Pan by Microhearth ($69.99)
Apartment dwellers, this one’s for you. No need to miss out on cool recipes because of the ensuing mess or lack of equipment. It’s also great for multitasking with minimal clean-up.
10. Grease Splatter Screen for Frying Pans ($14.99)
If you have the motivation to cook on the stove multiple times a day, props to you. And if you make a mess every time you do so, this is perfect for you. No more stains on that newly-cleaned stove!
11. Over The Cabinet Metal Wire Small Garbage Container by mDesign ($8.99)
Those trash cans with the foot pedals are amazing, but sometimes you’re carrying five egg shells from the other side of the kitchen, leaving a trail of yolk behind you. Instead, just fasten a trash bag anywhere on your counter.
12. Portable Steel Book Stand by E-lishine ($11.99)
Everytime I cook something that needs a recipe, my phone looks like it was repeatedly dropped in my food. Keep your phones, cookbooks, and papers safe from your hands while you cook.
13. Venfon Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board ($19.94)
Don’t we all wish for compartmentalized and natural cutting boards? Just because we’re messy doesn’t mean we don’t crave order.
14. Non-Stick Gas Range Protectors by Lingstar ($7.99)
Unfortunately, not everyone can have an electric stove. For those of us who still need to start the fire to get cooking, food always gets stuck under the grates. And no one ever wants to clean it. Now no one has to!
15. Microwave Egg Cooker by Lékué ($14.99)
Making eggs, though simple in theory, can actually be very stressful. Get away from the egg film and messy pans, and embrace the power of a no-mess, microwave-made breakfast.
16. Sinkstation Flat Colander ($13.00)
A flat colander to sit at the bottom of your sink, protecting it from all the scraps carelessly thrown or shoved in there, is our true hero.