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20 Damn-Near Brilliant Kitchen Hacks For Problems We All Deal With

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.

These damn-near brilliant kitchen hacks will make you love your kitchen just a little bit more. (Photo: HuffPost Finds)
These damn-near brilliant kitchen hacks will make you love your kitchen just a little bit more. (Photo: HuffPost Finds)

Missing food storage lids, chopped produce that drips juice all over the counter and a junk drawer full of loose batteries: Your cluttered kitchen may give you a lot of grief these days, especially if you’re spending more time at home than anywhere else right now.

The endless monotony of quarantine cooking and cleanup has left many of us desperate for ways to make daily household chores just a little bit more manageable.

Some turn to healthy prepared meal delivery services to make mealtime easier. Maybe you use subscription services to put all of your household goods on auto-ship so you can set it and forget it. Still others are just looking for a few clever home hacks to make life easier.

This <a href="https://fave.co/35kDSrZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Food52 cutting board</a> packs a lot of design into a small package, with a phone slot on one side and a juice collection groove on the other. (Photo: Food52)
This Food52 cutting board packs a lot of design into a small package, with a phone slot on one side and a juice collection groove on the other. (Photo: Food52)

We all have to store half-used produce, find space for too many pots and pans and declutter countertops filled with stuff. The Type A bakers among us may try to figure out annoying kitchen problems, such as how to roll out perfectly even dough every time, where to find baking conversions and getting mixing bowls that won’t make a mess when it comes time to pour.

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Rather than suffer through these problems, there are affordable ways to make your kitchen work harder and smarter for you.

To help, we’ve pulled together a list of 20 damn-near brilliant kitchen products to help with the annoyances we all deal with in the kitchen. Best of all, most of these products are under $50.

Take a look below.

To declutter your Tupperware drawer, these silicone stretch lids

Consider adding <a href="https://amzn.to/35FBoEw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">these silicone stretch lids</a> to your food storage rotation if your Tupperware drawer gives you anxiety. We reviewed these bestselling stretch lids t<a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/silicone-stretch-lids-review-amazon_l_5f90860ec5b686eaaa0db016" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">o see if they're worth the hype</a>. They replace aluminum foil and plastic wrap, and one lid can replace a handful of missing Tupperware lids. <a href="https://amzn.to/35FBoEw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">This set of 14 stretch lids</a> comes in seven different sizes: some big enough to fit over your largest stockpot, some small enough to fit on a soda can. They're also dishwasher and freezer safe. <a href="https://amzn.to/35FBoEw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Get them on Amazon</a>.

A cutting board that does the hard stuff for you

<a href="https://fave.co/35kDSrZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Food52 cutting board</a> packs a lot of design into a small package. On one side, you have a slot to hold your phone so you can follow your favorite recipes without getting your screen grimy. On the other side, you have <a href="https://fave.co/35kDSrZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a drainer that collects all those delicious juices</a> so they don't run all over the counter. Finally, a cutting board that does everything you want it to! <a href="https://fave.co/35kDSrZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $59 at Food52</a>.

Silicone food savers for half-used produce

Make your half-used produce last longer with <a href="https://amzn.to/3kAywPI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">these silicone food huggers</a>. This set of five comes in various sizes, and some are big enough to fit jars, cans and bottles. <a href="https://amzn.to/3kAywPI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get them for $13 on Amazon</a>.

One pan to rule them all

You probably heard of <a href="https://fave.co/3dZAqXF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this do-everything pan</a> or spotted it on your Instagram. Aptly dubbed the "Always Pan," it replaces your frying pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, sauce pan, nonstick pan, skillet and spoon rest. This mighty pan <a href="https://fave.co/3dZAqXF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">does the work of eight pieces of cookware</a>. <a href="https://fave.co/2RctCLt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $145 from Our Place</a>

For all of the loose batteries in your kitchen drawers

You know that junk drawer in your kitchen that's littered with loose batteries? No more. <a href="https://amzn.to/32LUUh9" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">This (genius!) battery organizer</a> stores all of those loose batteries &mdash; up to 93 of them, to be exact. It also comes with a battery tester, so you can make sure the ones you're storing still have juice left. <a href="https://amzn.to/32LUUh9" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Get it on Amazon</a>.

A space-saving paper towel holder and spice organizer

No counter space? No problem. <a href="https://amzn.to/2HJke0n" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This magnetic paper towel holder and rack</a> will organize spices, oils, jars, bottles, cleaners and pretty much anything else you want within reach. Use one of the paper towels holders as a towel rack, and you're set. It even includes a tiny hook on the side that's perfect for hanging potholders and oven mitts.  <a href="https://amzn.to/2HJke0n" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $30 on Amazon</a>.

An adjustable rolling pin for perfectly even dough

This problem might be specific to people who love to bake, but it's a problem that deserves an innovative solution. The home and kitchen experts at Food52 recently unveiled <a href="https://fave.co/3dKmEYA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this adjustable rolling pin that comes with removable silicone rings</a> in five circumferences so you can get perfectly even cookies, crusts and pasta every time. <a href="https://fave.co/3dKmEYA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $39 at Food52</a>. Keep in mind that's it's only <a href="https://fave.co/3dKmEYA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available for preorder until Nov. 19</a>.

An undershelf basket for easy-to-find storage

Use t<a href="https://fave.co/3owU2Hr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">his undershelf basket</a> to store everyday spices, coffee and tea or anything else you need handy at a moment's notice. It also includes a practical towel rack. Measure to be sure it'll fit your cabinets. <a href="https://fave.co/3owU2Hr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $25 at Wayfair</a>.

A stylish way to organize your fridge

Chances are you're buying more groceries these days since you're probably home more. Your <a href="https://amzn.to/2ER8FTA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">fridge might be more cluttered</a> than ever. These fridge storage drawers hook underneath your fridge's shelves to create mini-drawers you can use to store produce, eggs, deli items and anything else that needs organizing. Each order includes a set of three organizers. <a href="https://amzn.to/2ER8FTA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Get them on Amazon</a>.

An apron that includes potholders and a handy baking conversion chart

If you thought aprons were just good for keeping clothes free of flour and oil, think again. <a href="https://fave.co/34h28f6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Food52 apron</a> does that and much more with its unique (and good-looking!) design. The <a href="https://fave.co/34h28f6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bottom hem turns into potholders</a>, and the apron includes <a href="https://fave.co/34h28f6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a baking conversion chart at the ready</a> in one of its many (useful!) pockets. There's much more to love about this apron, and it can be worn several different ways and adjusted to your height. <a href="https://fave.co/34h28f6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $45 at Food52</a>.

A slim utility cart for tight spaces between appliances

These <a href="https://fave.co/3e2zkdN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">slim rolling carts</a> are best used in the kitchen or laundry room, but they're also a smart hack for creating more storage space in a tiny kitchen. Tuck one between the refrigerator and wall or slide it under an overhanging countertop bar to store essentials. <a href="https://fave.co/3e2zkdN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $88 at Wayfair</a>.

Countertop storage that isn't an eyesore

These free-standing shelving racks make practical storage look like decor. <a href="https://fave.co/31NEk0I" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $20 from Wayfair</a>.
These free-standing shelving racks make practical storage look like decor. Get it for $20 from Wayfair.

Mixing bowls that make pouring easy

These <a href="https://fave.co/3obniDj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">three stoneware mixing bowls</a> include pour spouts and a wider, shallow design so you have more room for mixing. They're also <a href="https://fave.co/3obniDj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">microwave and dishwasher saf</a>e. Easy, right? <a href="https://fave.co/3obniDj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get them at Food52 for $99</a>.

A gadget to organize all your cleaning tools

Get those <a href="https://amzn.to/3lGsSfS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">brooms, mops, rakes and other cleaning tools</a> off your floors, out of the closets and neatly organized once and for all with this organizer. It includes six hooks and five slots for storing handles. You won't believe how you've gone this long without it. <a href="https://amzn.to/3lGsSfS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it on Amazon</a>.

A self-heating ceramic mug, for coffee that never gets cold

Coffee that doesn't stay warm enough for long enough is a thing of the past with <a href="https://fave.co/3htOvgF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this self-heating ceramic mug</a>. The secret is in its charging base disguised as a coaster &mdash; and <a href="https://fave.co/3htOvgF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the base also works as a phone charger</a> for wirelessly charging phones. It automatically turns off if you haven't picked up your coffee in an hour, so there are no worries about it overheating. It also comes with a lid to top it off so you don't have to worry about extra-hot spills. <a href="https://fave.co/3htOvgF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $75 at Food52</a>.

For detailed cleaning, this weird gel

<a href="https://amzn.to/2YUIgeN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This cleaning gel</a> is marketed for car detail cleaning (air vents, console, etc.), but it can also be used around the house in hard-to-clean spaces. Use it on keyboards, in fans, on speakers and other tight corners where dust builds up. It's a top seller for a reason. <a href="https://amzn.to/2YUIgeN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it on Amazon</a>.

A corner countertop organizer

This <a href="https://amzn.to/3ox9tzn" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">three-tier organizer</a> is perfect for awkward corner countertops where it's easy to underutilize the space. Use this to store mugs and plates, coffee and tea accessories or to display cookbooks. <a href="https://amzn.to/3ox9tzn" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $30 on Amazon</a>.

An over-the-sink drying rack

Unroll <a href="https://fave.co/2EKrgkm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this mat over your sink</a> to let your dishes drip-dry without taking up valuable counter space. You can also <a href="https://fave.co/2EKrgkm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">use it as a trivet or cookie-cooling rack</a>. The bonus pouch for holding cutlery and silverware is a nice touch, too. <a href="https://fave.co/2EKrgkm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $45 at Food52</a>.

A magnetic three-pocket organizer for catch-all things

We all have a junk drawer in the kitchen that's out of hand. With this magnet catch-all organizer, you can collect things such as tape rolls, rubber bands, loose batteries and more. Use it in the laundry room to collect lint and organize dryer sheets. The possibilities are endless. <a href="https://fave.co/3dZAqXF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $42 from Wayfair</a>.

A countertop pot rack for storing cookware

If you have the right kitchen setup, use <a href="https://fave.co/3jxPywo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this countertop pot rack</a> to create tons of space around your stovetop. This rack includes storage for pots and pans on the bottom (the gray pads double as trivets!), and the top two shelves can be used for lids, spices or whatever else you might need handy. Keep kitchen scissors and utensils within reach with the attached basket on the side. Buy <a href="https://amzn.to/35Im4XI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a few small S-hooks</a>, and you can hang measuring cups, wooden spoons and other gadgets from the sides. <a href="https://fave.co/3jxPywo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get it for $69 at Wayfair</a>.

Related...

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.