26 OXO Tools Our Editors Love for Meal Prepping and Decluttering
Equipping a kitchen is no small feat. There are the cookware essentials you use every day, like a cast iron skillet and a versatile saucepan. Then there are the miscellaneous (but still necessary) tools and gadgets — the ones you might not even realize you need until you go and roast veggies and realize that ugh, you don’t have a peeler.
When you need to stock up on those everyday tools, OXO is where you should go. The brand has been making thoughtfully designed kitchen essentials for more than 30 years, many of which are holding court in our own editors’ culinary workstations.
What does OXO make?
In a word, everything. OXO makes kitchen tools, gadgets, and even cookware. It all started with the humble vegetable peeler, which founder Sam Farber designed so his wife Betsy, who had mild arthritis, could peel more comfortably. The result was an ergonomic handle that made prep better. Ever since, OXO has been solving those little pain points and annoyances with their smart products.
Is OXO worth it?
If the amount of OXO products in our drawers and cabinets are any indication, yes, OXO products are absolutely worth it.
OXO products are reasonably priced too, with many small tools and gadgets costing $15 or less. For the price, OXO products are seriously great quality. And the brand stands by that promise: If you’re not satisfied with an OXO product, they’ll replace it or refund your purchase.
What are the best things to buy at OXO?
Whether you’re looking to stock your kitchen from the ground up, replace some tired prep-ware, or you just want to add some essentials to an already abundant cookware collection, OXO has you covered. Below, we’re giving a rundown of some of the brand’s most loved-items, many of which happen to be our favorites, too.
OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler
Obviously, the product that put OXO on the map deserves a top spot on this list. You’re probably wondering — what’s so great about a peeler? We’ll start with the ergonomic handle that makes for a comfortable grip you can hold for hours of peeling potatoes, carrots, apples, and more. The sharp stainless steel blade glides through any fruit and vegetable skins, even the really tough ones, and it swivels to easily peel large swaths at once.
As with everything OXO, it’s all in the details with this one. It looks like your average peeler but has smart additions, like a built-in potato eyer, so you can carve out those blemished spots without having to chop off a whole portion of perfectly good produce. There’s a hole on the handle for hanging storage and, best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe and rustproof.
Bent Icing Knife Bent Icing Knife
Swipe icing onto baked goods without getting it everywhere when you use OXO's ingenious bent icing knife. "The sturdy, flexible, stainless-steel blade of the OXO bent icing knife elevates your hand to give you a better angle when icing or spreading, which means more control and fewer smears," wrote senior commerce editor Ian in his review. "The soft, non-slip handle also provides a comfortable, steady grip, and the knife is dishwasher-safe." What's more, the knife's bent blade avoids countertop messes, even if you don't use a spoon rest!
OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner
If you don’t wash and dry your fresh herbs and lettuce correctly, you can end up with a pile of soggy leaves. That's why every kitchen needs a great salad spinner. The OXO version has all of the smart details that make it easy to use and clean. It’s a great buy for kitchens of all shapes and sizes — especially those with limited counter space. The bowl has a non-slip base that helps it stay put, and there’s a removable, dishwasher-safe basket inside that drains water from salad greens seamlessly. While many salad spinners require you to push and pull, this one just features a knob that you press. It also comes with a brake button so you can stop the movement when it’s time to unload your greens and veggies.
OXO Stainless Steel Salad Spinner OXO Stainless Steel Salad Spinner
For a sleeker take on OXO's salad spinner, Nina, The Kitchn's former Executive Food Director, reaches for the steel salad spinner. The interior basket is a durable BPA-free plastic that doubles as a colander, and the lid has the same knob and built-in brake that makes drying greens a breeze. The steel exterior is clean and modern, and looks great on the table as serveware, too. "We break down and wash a lot of greens in our household, so I decided to splurge on this souped-up model," Nina said. "It was totally worth it! The nonstick base really works and the brake stops the spinning on a dime. I also love that you can use the metal bowl for other things."
OXO Good Grips 1.6-Quart GreenSaver Produce Keeper OXO Good Grips 1.6-Quart GreenSaver Produce Keeper
Another produce-saving must-have, this handy little container boasts a hard-mesh middle where the produce sits. It resembles a mini colander that produce can be washed and dried in before being placed inside the protective outer shell. Inside the outer shell, the mesh middle remains elevated, allowing for air circulation and draining. "I’ve noticed that my berries stay fresher longer when they’re inside these containers, and I like that I have the option to throw them in the dishwasher between grocery runs," wrote former deputy editor Kelly. "They barely take up space in my refrigerator, and they make it look more organized, too." No more spoiled berries and veggies after a few days!
12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function
This splurgy coffee maker can make either a single cup or an entire pot of coffee at a time, meaning no more wasting coffee. Plus, as Ian mentioned in his review, the stainless steel design looks so sleek. Of course, that's not the only reason why he loves this newer OXO release. "The taste was phenomenal — sort of like a cup of pour-over, thanks to the Rainmaker shower and the BetterBrew Precision technology, which controls water temperature and brew cycles for a smooth end product," he wrote. "The full pots are equally delicious." And, with the included insulated carafe, your pot of coffee will stay hot for hours on end.
OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop is an unassuming tool, yes, but one that comes in clutch when baking. OXO's version (which we review here) has a soft ergonomic grip and a spring-loaded handle to easily release dough with just one squeeze. In fact, The Kitchn's former lifestyle editor Michelle calls it her favorite OXO tool because it's so handy and easy to use for baking. "I rely on it for making perfectly portioned cookies, muffins, and cupcakes!" she noted. "And I have them in both the medium and large sizes."
OXO Good Grips Stronghold Suction Sponge Holder OXO Good Grips Stronghold Suction Sponge Holder
If you don't yet have a dedicated sponge holder for your kitchen sink, look no further than OXO's suction caddy, which is a favorite of food editor Christine's. "What caught my eye about this sponge holder was watching how someone installed it in their kitchen sink," she wrote in her review. "They pressed the suction cup against the sink, then really locked the suction cup into place by pulling a lever down. After the suction cup was installed, the holder snapped easily into place. It looked sturdy and strong, and I just had to have one." Unlike a lot of other suction caddies, you'll never have to worry whether this one will stay in place thanks to its brilliant lever feature!
OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer
If avocado toast is a mainstay in your breakfast rotation, then you'll know slicing an avocado can be a dangerous game. This 3-in-1 tool makes it a whole lot safer. One side features a serrated plastic blade that cuts through the skin and fruit of the avocado with ease. Luckily, it’s not sharp to the touch, so you never have to worry about accidentally slicing yourself. The other side features a fan blade that cuts the fleshy fruit into even slices and scoops them out. In the middle, there’s a pitting tool — all you have to do is pop it on the pit and twist to remove it from the fruit. On top of all of these wonderful features, it’s dishwasher-safe so you can clean up with ease too.
OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
Contributor Julie has owned this Y-peeler for more than a decade, so you can trust that it'll serve as a durable workhorse in your kitchen, too. "I reach for the peeler to create wide strips of citrus like oranges, lemons, and limes to garnish Old Fashioned or Bee’s Knees cocktails; to infuse brine for jars of refrigerator pickles; and to drop into mugs of tea," she listed. "It’s my tool of choice for mangos, winter squash, and even the dark green skin of a watermelon so that I can pickle the rest of the rind. Oh, and did I mention it’s great for shaving some Parmesan?" The peeler's cushy handle also makes it ergonomic, so you won't experience hand cramps no matter how long you use it.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner
Despite its name, this versatile fish turner can be used for a variety of things, like flipping burgers, checking to see if your pizza is done cooking, and divvying up portions. Its beveled edge slides under whatever you’re preparing, and the negative space in the head allows grease to drain like a slotted spoon. "It’s also great for breaking up ground meat and sausage because the angled head gives you a flat edge to chop with," Ian emphasized after using it. It's no wonder why both loyal OXO customers and Amazon shoppers also love the turner.
OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle
Tea-drinkers, pay close attention. If you don’t already have an electric kettle, this one is a game-changer. First of all, you can heat up water without an open flame. This is great for multitaskers rushing to get ready — it's so much safer! The kettle is also cordless, so you can pick it up from the heating base and pour water as you please. It's equipped with a silicone base, so it won’t leave any water rings on your surfaces. But the true selling point of this electric kettle is that you can select the exact temperature you’d like your water to be heated to, anywhere from 170 to 212°F. Once heated, the appliance will hold the heat for 30 minutes. This allows for a super-precise tea-brewing experience.
OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket
You might think you're not a fan of loose-leaf tea, but chances are, you just haven't found the right tool with which to brew it. Enter OXO's tea infuser basket, which optimize your loose-leaf tea’s flavor and prevents the fine particles from ruining your sipping experience. "It fits perfectly in every mug I’ve used it with, thanks to its extra-wide wings, which also serve as handles that never get too hot, thanks to their length," Ian mentioned in his review. "My favorite part, though, is that the heat-retaining lid also serves as a drip tray, meaning you don’t end up with drips all over your coffee table when you remove the basket." The basket's silicone-ringed bottom also prevents it from burning the surface you set it on.
3 Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set 3 Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set
Many of our editors were very passionate about OXO's angled measuring cups, and former senior recipe editor Amelia even called them "THE BEST" — her choice of styling, not ours! This set includes a 1-, 2-, and 4-ounce measuring cup, which come in handy for cooking projects of any size. They feature clear sides and an angled surface so you can easily read measurements, as well as thick handles for a good grip even when hands are oily. They also nestle for easy storage.
If you're looking for something smaller, contributor Patty reaches for a mini 2-ounce version all the time. "I love so many OXO products, but I use this mini measuring cup every single day," she said. "It feels less fussy than digging through my pile of measuring spoons to find the right one. I can use this to mix and measure up to 4 tablespoons of liquid."
Contoured Mess-Free Pepper Grinder Contoured Mess-Free Pepper Grinder
Pre-ground pepper will quickly oxidize and lose flavor, which is why you'll want to add a pepper grinder to your spice cabinet ASAP. Ian swears by OXO's grinder, as it dispenses pepper from the top so you won’t have to constantly wipe pepper crumbs off your counters. "You can also move the adjustable tab to change your grind size from coarse to fine, depending on your preference," he wrote. "Oh, and it’s made from non-corrosive ceramic, so the actual grinding mechanism won’t absorb flavors or odors from whichever spices you decide to pop in there, and the clear acrylic body makes it easy to see when it’s time to add more whole spices."
OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
For dry ingredients, former tools editor Riddley prefers these magnetic measuring cups, a repeat winner on our Kitchn Essentials list. "These measuring cups are amazing!" she said. "They nest and stick together magnetically for easy storage. And they have comfortable handles and etched measuring markings that are still super visible even after many, many times in the dishwasher."
4.4-Quart POP Container 4.4-Quart POP Container
We’d be remiss if we didn’t add the iconic POP containers to this list. These editor-loved containers have everything you want out of a food storage container. They’re sleek, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, stackable, and create an airtight seal with a push of a button. These can be used to store everything from flour and sugar to cereals, pastas, and candies. Not only do they make your pantry look tidy, but the clear containers also mean you can easily see what’s inside and find exactly what you need.
OXO Good Grips Nonstick 12" Frying Pan OXO Good Grips Nonstick 12" Frying Pan
After testing more than a dozen nonstick skillets, Riddley deemed this one from OXO the very best (also a repeat Kitchn Essentials winner). The 12-inch surface provides more than enough space for omelets, crêpes, meats, and veg while still being lightweight to handle. "This was the winner of our extensive nonstick skillet testing, and it's truly everything you want from a nonstick skillet and nothing you don't: A slick, durable nonstick surface, a comfortable handle, and sizable walls to contain food," she said. "If you're in the market for a nonstick skillet, this is a top-notch choice."
Ceramic Professional Non-Stick 10" Fry Pan Ceramic Professional Non-Stick 10" Fry Pan
OXO also makes a ceramic fry pan, which is still delightfully nonstick. It boasts all the coveted features a fry pan should have, including a lightweight construction and oven- and dishwasher-safe materials. "I’ve used it to sauté veggies, sear protein, simmer sauce, and, most importantly, cook eggs — lots and lots of fried eggs," wrote recipe director Lauren of her beloved pan. "I’m surprised at how much I like the pan and how often I use it, but I guess I should’ve expected that this pan would be a home run — OXO’s cookware (and honestly, everything from the brand) comes highly recommended by other editors at The Kitchn."
OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan With Lid OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan With Lid
In addition to stellar dry good containers, OXO also makes durable glass containers for baked goods. Commerce editorial assistant Morgan swears by this baking dish, which is perfect for making and storing breads, cakes, meatloafs, casseroles, and more. It's built to withstand extreme temperature changes, meaning that it can go from the freezer to the fridge to the oven to microwave. And, when it's time to save your leftovers, you can pop the airtight lid on top, and the contents will stay fresh longer. "My banana bread came out just right — moist, soft, and light — and after cutting it into slices and cleanly removing a piece, I snapped the lid on and placed it right on my fridge shelf," Morgan wrote after testing the pan. "I don’t need to waste plastic wrap anymore, and I can stack other fridge items on top of it to save space. It’s a win-win."
OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs with Silicone Head OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs with Silicone Head
We never use metal utentils with our nonstick cookware, and our go-to silicone-tipped tongs are — no surprise here — from OXO. These also come in a 9-inch length, but if we had to choose just one, we'd go for the longer length for more versatility. The silicone tips protect the nonstick surface and won't bruise greens or cut into roasted vegetables. Groceries editor Mara uses these whenever she's roasting vegetables. "Flipping, say, an entire pan of broccoli or asparagus, midway through their cook times, always gives me anxiety," she said. "These tongs are my go-to for those quick flips. I’m also guilty of resting utensils on the side of hot pans ... and these pass that stress test as well."
OXO Good Grips 3.5-Quart Silicone Collapsible Colander OXO Good Grips 3.5-Quart Silicone Collapsible Colander
You probably have a kitchen drawer stuffed with mixing bowls and colanders, which naturally take up a lot of space. That's why we recommend this collapsible colander, which can be pressed flat when not in use for easy storage. Its heat-resistant silicone also allows for quick and efficient draining no matter what you're cooking. "Collapsible colanders always sound like a good idea on paper, but you run the risk of it collapsing when you’re pouring something into it," Morgan wrote in her review. "But I’ll be the first to assure you that, after years of daily use, that hasn’t happened to me once with OXO’s version. And it has handled a ton of pasta at once, on multiple occasions."
OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater
Nothing elevates a dish quite like some herb or lemon zest, or even some finely grated cheese. For that, Kelly recommends picking up this two-in-one zester and grater. "I like to zest lemon directly onto pastas, in vinaigrettes for salads, or on top of seafoods," she detailed. "As soon as this acid is mixed in, a hearty dish has a light component with a slight edge, making it taste much more complex. It’s an easy way to give your recipes an additional layer of flavor, with just a few seconds of effort." OXO also makes a smaller ginger and garlic grater, which we love, as well.
2-in-1 Silicone Sink Strainer with Stopper 2-in-1 Silicone Sink Strainer with Stopper
If you don’t have a garbage disposal, you don't want chunks of food making their way down the kitchen sink drain. To avoid expensive plumbing bills, snag this convenient sink strainer, which sports a built-in stopper. The silicone basket traps food and inverts for easy empties, while the center knob turns to engage the stopper and plug the sink. "Having a plug that (actually) works makes it super easy to clean my sink," Ian noted. "Plus, as a strainer, it’s so easy to remove that I usually don’t even have to touch any of the gross, soggy food bits that it traps — I just pick it up by the knob, invert the basket, and dump it in the trash." Oh, and did we mention you can also use the stopper in the bathroom?
OXO Good Grips 11” Nonstick Square Grill Pan OXO Good Grips 11” Nonstick Square Grill Pan
If you don't have access to a grill, OXO's square grill pan is the next best thing, especially during summer. Its nonstick coating holds up even after years of use, while the hard anodized body heats up in no time and distributes said heat like a dream. As a result, even vegetables relegated to the corners of the pan can still pick up a nice sear. "It’s also fabulous for meal-prepping pounded-thin chicken breasts, as they won’t curl up and lose all their juices (or, worse, remain white and colorless) when flash-grilled in the pan," wrote contributor Caroline in her review. "Other things I’m looking forward to trying out in this pan: a thick tuna steak that would be incomplete without grill marks, farmers market zucchini in the summer, delicate cod or flounder for grilled fish tacos, charred corn on the cob, and caprese sandwiches."
OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Drying Mat OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Drying Mat
If you're dealing with a tiny kitchen, you don't exactly want a big, bulky dish drying rack eating up tons of real estate on your counter. But when there's nowhere to set wet pots, pans, and dishes, what are you to do? Instead of investing in a whole other dish rack, try OXO's silicone drying mat. It's so easy to whip out when needed and then stow away once your cookware is dry. The best part? It doubles as a heat-resistant trivet to hold hot dishes and pans fresh off the burner. "Though I have a little cork trivet on my dining table for serving, because this two-in-one beast is heat-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, I find myself constantly reaching for it to pop fresh-out-of-the-oven sheet pans on (it’s the perfect size) when my stovetop is crowded with skillets," Ian noted in his review.
Do you have a favorite OXO tool? Share it in the comments below!
