10 Kitchen Gadgets You Really Do Need

This nifty guy opens pop-tabs, plastic and metal twist-off caps, metal bottle caps, pop-tops and jar lids. So basically, everything in your kitchen that elicits that funny face and groaning noise from you or your kid. Plus, it's dishwasher safe—no need to clean those little nooks and crannies yourself!

To buy: Zyliss 5-Way Can Opener, $7

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Make ice, store ice and keep wine, ice cream or dip cold with this cool ice cube tray. It makes up to 21 cubes at a time, and holds up to 51. It's unique because it's vertical—the inner bucket pushes water into the alcoves on the sides of the outer bucket, then it freezes into the distinct orb shapes.

To buy: Fusionbrands Silicone Ice Orb Vertical Ice Cube Tray, $20

Perfect for the smallest chefs, this bright, miniature fruit and veggie peeler will let your kids help out with dinner—and let you relax about their safety. It has soft touch button grips, and the small size means your kid won't be fumbling around with an awkward, too-big blade. If you like this product, check out the whole Curious Chef line—it has tons of great gear for young cooks.

To buy: Curious Chef Fruit & Vegetable Peeler, $7

Smoothies and protein shakes are great, but getting a whole big blender messy when you just want one drink for yourself is a pain. The Hamilton Beach personal blender solves this. First, it's sized for one person, which means less to clean. Also, genius! The blending vessel doubles as a travel cup. Just pop it off the base, throw it in your car's cup holder and you're ready to go.

To buy: Hamilton Beach 51101B Personal Blender with Travel Lid, $22

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Do your little ones love to cut things in the kitchen? Hand them Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen's dog knife and rest a little easier. The serrated "teeth" will cut sandwiches and fruit peels … but not itty-bitty fingers. The hand guard—or, the dog's ears—prevents the knife from slipping. And really, the whole thing is downright adorable. Check out the rest of Kuhn Rikon line for more kid-friendly cookware.

To buy: Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen Dog Knife with Teeth, $10

Whether your kid has braces or you simply like your corn in kernels for salads, pastas, cornbread or other dishes, the OXO Good Grips corn stripper can make your life a whole lot easier. Just run the device down an ear of corn, and the kernels will collect inside the little guy—meaning, no big messes. It holds about an ear's worth of corn.

To buy: OXO Good Grips Corn Stripper, $14

Perfect for the poor, deprived teen or tween who doesn't have a firepit in their backyard, this miniature marshmallow roaster makes cooking s'mores a breeze. The cooking fuel lasts around 45 minutes, is nontoxic and doesn't give off any carbon monoxide. And for parents who are wary of bringing something so hot inside their house: The top is covered by wire that protects from the fire's heat.

To buy: Sterno 40006 S'mores-n-More Marshmallow Roaster, $15

Right off the bat, we love this set of peelers, because the three pieces nest together with magnets—meaning, super easy storage! (Who wants to add more clutter to that drawer of kitchen odds and ends?) These are definitely not for the kids. The julienne blade works for salads and garnishing, the serrated blade peels soft skins and the straight blade is perfect for firm produce.

To buy: Progressive International Magnetic Peeler Set, $11

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This donut maker is great for a kid who wants to cook yummy treats. It requires no hot oil, and is also healthier than frying. It takes four minutes to bake six donuts, and you can add whatever toppings you'd like. The pan is nonstick, so cleanup is easy.

To buy: Babycakes Nonstick Coated Donut Maker, $59

Settle fights for the corner brownie with this neat pan that makes every piece the best piece. (Sorry, crust haters.) The cool design gives at least two edges to every piece, and also helps your treats cook more evenly. Don't be turned off by the size—most box mixes and regular recipes will fit the pan.

To buy: Baker's Edge Nonstick Brownie Pan, $35