Seven products under £20 every home cook needs

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference. Finding those game-changing gadgets can sometimes be a head-scratching challenge, however, so we're here to help you discover some staples that will take your cooking game to the next level.

Here at Mumsnet, we're on a mission to make life easier for parents, so we've worked with Amazon to bring you a list of affordable yet high-quality products that won't break the bank. Whether you're in need of a versatile grater, a trusty set of chopping boards, or even a knife sharpener to keep your blades in tip-top shape, we've got you covered. These staples are designed to simplify your cooking process, allowing you to spend more quality time with your family and less time fretting over kitchen tasks.

Plus, for more smart kitchen buys, don't miss our guides to the best frying pan and wok, as recommended by Mumsnetters.

1. SHARPAL 191H 3-Stage Sharpener for Straight and Serrated Knives

Price on writing: £12 | Buy now from Amazon

What Mumsnetters say

"Get a knife sharpener and use it regularly." - Advice from borntobequiet

With its three-stage sharpening process, this multipurpose tool can quickly restore dull blades back to their former glory. Plus, it's not just limited to knives – it's perfect for sharpening scissors, too, thanks to its specially designed tungsten carbide blade.

When it comes to durability and performance, this sharpener has been thoroughly tested – it's passed a rigorous 10,000 times field use test, ensuring that it can withstand even the toughest sharpening tasks. It also features a No. 1 V-Notch slot with coarse carbide, allowing you to quickly set a new edge, and a No. 2 V-Notch slot with fine ceramic, honing the blade to a smooth finished edge.

Safety and convenience are key considerations, too. You can confidently use it with one hand, knowing that it won't slip or move unexpectedly. Its compact size also makes it incredibly convenient to store anywhere. To top it all off, this knife and scissors sharpener comes with an impressive three-year warranty. So, whether you're a cooking novice, or a budding chef who appreciates the value of a sharp, efficient blade, this gadget will quickly become a much-loved tool in your kitchen.

2. Fotouzy Coloured BPA-Free Chopping Board Set

Price on writing: £17 | Buy now from Amazon

Made from BPA-free material, these chopping boards are vibrant and eye-catching. The colour-coded system helps you keep different food categories separate, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and preserving the original flavours of your ingredients. The red board is designated for meat, green for vegetables, blue for fish, and yellow for fruit. It's a family-friendly feature that promotes a safe and hygienic cooking environment.

These cutting boards are designed with ease of use in mind. They are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to handle and store, and the anti-skid design ensures a secure grip during food preparation. Each board can be conveniently curled to pour chopped food directly into a saucepan or dish, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Plus, they are dishwasher safe, too (at temperatures below 90°C).

3. Lantana Grater with Container

Price on writing: £12 | Buy now from Amazon

What Mumsnetters say

"I have two. One with a plastic bowl underneath it to catch my cheese and one traditional stand-up one." - Type of grater recommended by Picalilliandcheese

Whether you need to grate cheese, carrots, vegetables, or zest lemons, this versatile tool is a grate <ahem> buy. One of the standout features is the fitted measuring container. You can grate your ingredients directly into the container, which means less mess, plus it has measuring lines, so you can easily and accurately prepare your ingredients. It also comes with a lid, allowing you to keep grated foods safely in the fridge for later use, and it fits upside down into the grater body for easy storage.

To ensure a good grip on kitchen surfaces, this grater features a non-slip and non-scratch silicone rubber base. It stays securely in place while you grate, giving you maximum control and minimising the risk of accidents. The widened base and ergonomic, heavy-duty handle further enhance its stability and ease of use. So, whether you're grating a small amount of cheese or working with larger quantities of ingredients, this grater provides a comfortable and secure grip.

It also boasts a stylish and durable design. Its rust-resistant stainless-steel case ensures long-lasting performance, and the sharp blades guarantee effective grating and slicing. Cleaning is easy, and you can even pop it in the dishwasher for added convenience.

4. Evanda Silver Slotted Stainless Steel Spatula

Price on writing: £8 | Buy now from Amazon

One of the great features of this spatula is its versatility. Whether you're frying, flipping, or sautéing, it's more than up to the task. Its slotted design allows for easy drainage of excess oil, making your dishes less messy and more enjoyable. It's a go-to tool for a variety of recipes, from pancakes and omelettes to stir-fries and sandwiches.

The extra-long handle is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip, even during prolonged cooking sessions. Plus, there's a convenient hole in the handle for easy storage after use. It's the small details like these that make this spatula a pleasure to use in the kitchen.

Cleaning up after cooking can be a hassle, but with this easy-clean spatula, you can spend less time doing the pots and more time enjoying your meal. Either pop it in the dishwasher or clean it by hand in the sink with minimal effort.

Related: The best can openers for tough tins

5. Anmarko Stainless Steel Scraper

Price on writing: £10 | Buy now from Amazon

This versatile kitchen utensil is not just a griddle scraper, but also a great cutter for bread and pizza dough. With a metal thickness of 0.8mm, you can rely on its durability and strength to tackle even the toughest ingredients.

Not only is this scraper and chopper perfect for griddles, but it's also ideal for BBQs, grills, and cast iron cooking, making it a valuable accessory for both indoor and outdoor cooking adventures. Whether you're whipping up a delicious meal in your kitchen or enjoying a back garden barbecue with family and friends, it's sure to be a reliable companion.

It includes an inch-marking scale, too, allowing for precise measuring while cooking or grilling. Also, the firm grip provided by the ergonomic and comfortable non-slip wooden handle makes using this scraper super convenient.

6. Smithcraft Hand Squeezer

Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon

What Mumsnetters say

"Lime squeezing is the b*tch. Get a Mexican lime squeezer!" - Style of squeezer suggested by TheHumansAreDefinitelyDead

Get every last drop of juice from your citrus fruits with the Smithcraft Lemon Squeezer. This citrus press is great for home cooks who love to add that extra zing to their dishes, as it not only extracts juice but it also ensures that there are no pesky seeds. Whatever kind of citrus fruit you're working with, this squeezer is designed to deliver results.

Unlike bulky and hard-to-clean juicers, this manual lemon press is compact and hassle-free. It won't take up much space in your kitchen, leaving more room for other cooking tools. After adding that extra touch of zest to your food or cocktail, you can quickly and easily clean it by hand with no complicated disassembly required.

This lemon squeezer is also easy on the hands, making juicing a comfortable and effortless task. Even with a soft squeeze, you'll be amazed at how efficiently it extracts juice from limes, lemons, and even oranges.

7. Diamond Knife Honing Rod Stick

Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon

One standout feature of this honing rod is its oval-shaped design, which increases its surface area and also ensures higher efficiency. As such, you'll be amazed at how quickly and effectively it hones your knives. The comfortable handle, made of rubber and stainless steel, provides a secure and non-slip grip, allowing you to grind your knives without experiencing fatigue.

Using this honing tool is easy, regardless of whether you're right-handed or left-handed. Its ergonomic handle fits all hand sizes, ensuring a comfortable grip and optimal control. The slip-resistant rubber bottom creates stability during use, so you won't have to worry about the sharpener slipping or moving around. All in all,  it's a quick, safe, and easy-to-use tool that simplifies the honing process.

Related: Best kitchen scales for accurate measuring