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Eye strain and weariness are now typical concerns since so much of our work, education, and leisure is done in front of digital screens. Since they provide a means of blocking off the high-energy blue light that screens emit, blue light glasses have grown in popularity as a possible treatment. However, are they effective? Are they also worth the money? In order to assist you determine whether blue light glasses are a practical addition or merely a fad, we’ll dissect the science underlying blue light, how they operate, and who might benefit from wearing them.

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The food processor: Your new sous-chef

The food processor is one kitchen appliance that really deserves a spot on the counter. Quick, adaptable, and extremely effective, it eliminates the time-consuming chores so you can concentrate on cooking. This device is like having a second pair of hands in the kitchen, whether you’re chopping, shredding, or combining.

What it can do

The air fryer isn’t just for fries, it’s surprisingly versatile.

• Crisps and browns: fries, chicken wings, spring rolls
• Bakes: cookies, muffins, mini cakes
• Roasts: veggies, chickpeas, or even small cuts of meat
• Reheats leftovers: without making them soggy like a microwave
  

Ideal uses

Great for snacks, quick meals, or reheating with texture in mind.

• Frozen foods: Cook straight from the freezer with no thawing
• Veggie sides: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted in 10–12 minutes
• Chicken or tofu: Crispy texture without breading or oil
• Leftover pizza: Comes out fresh, not rubbery
  

Bonus Features (on Some Models)

Higher-end air fryers can do even more than fry.

• Built-in rotisserie: For small chickens or kebabs
• Dual baskets: Cook two items at once, ideal for meals
• Smart presets: Auto-adjusts time and temp for common dishes
  

Time-Saving Potential

One of the fastest cooking methods available.

• Preheats in under 3 minutes
• Cooks meals 30–50% faster than conventional ovens
• Cuts down both cook time and post-meal cleanup

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Mandoline slicer: Precision cutting in half the time

Are you sick of cutting for ages and getting uneven slices? You don’t need to know how to use a knife to get chef-level accuracy with the mandoline slicer. It lets you cut fruits and veggies more quickly and evenly than any knife ever could, whether you’re menu planning, preparing salads, or plating like a pro.

What it can do

Delivers razor-sharp, consistent slicing in seconds.

• Uniformly slices cucumbers, potatoes, zucchini, apples, and more
• Creates matchsticks or julienne cuts for stir-fries or slaws
• Adjusts thickness for ultra-thin chips or hearty veggie rounds
• Saves time on prep while improving presentation
  

Ideal uses

A favorite among home cooks and professionals alike.

• Salads: Paper-thin cucumber or radish slices
• Chips and crisps: Sweet potatoes, beets, or apples
• Garnishes: Lemon wheels, veggie ribbons, or shaved fennel
• Gratins and casseroles: Even cuts = even cooking
  

Bonus features (on some models)

Advanced models offer even more control.

• Julienne blades: For perfect matchsticks
• Crinkle-cut or waffle blades: Add texture to your presentation
• Non-slip bases and foldable stands: For safer, more stable slicing
• Built-in containers: Catch slices directly for less mess
  

Safety tips

Mandolines are fast, but sharp.

• Always use the hand guard or safety holder
• Consider using cut-resistant gloves for extra protection

Store blades properly to avoid accidental cuts

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Instant Pot or multicooker: Set it and forget it

Do you need to prepare a whole supper with little work? You can rely on the Instant Pot or other high-quality multicooker. It helps you cook more efficiently rather than more laboriously by combining several kitchen appliances into a single, small device. This device can significantly reduce your prep and cooking time, whether you’re in a hurry or simply like to cook with less involvement.

What it can do

This all-in-one appliance replaces several others.

• Pressure cooks to speed up meals by up to 70%
• Slow cooks your favorite chili or stew all day
• Sautés right in the pot, no extra pans needed
• Steams vegetables, dumplings, or even seafood
• Cooks rice and grains to fluffy perfection
• Some models even make yogurt from scratch
  

Ideal uses

Perfect for one-pot meals and batch cooking.

• Soups and stews: Toss in ingredients and walk away
• Rice bowls and grain dishes: No babysitting the pot
• Frozen meats: Cook straight from the freezer.
• Pulled meats: Juicy, tender chicken or pork in under an hour
• Curries and chili: Full flavor, less simmer time
  

Bonus features (on some models)

Smart extras for added convenience.

• Keep warm function: Holds temperature until you’re ready
• Delay timer: Set meals to start cooking while you’re out
• Smart app control: Start or monitor cooking from your phone
• Multiple presets: Automatically sets time and pressure for common dishes
  

Time-saving potential

One of the most efficient cooking tools out there.

• Cuts cooking time by up to 70%
• Reduces dishwashing by consolidating cooking steps
• Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and large families

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Dishwasher-safe cutting boards with drawers

Are you sick of going to the garbage and clearing your cutting board all the time? Cutting boards with built-in drawers that are dishwasher safe are made to make prep work easier and keep your kitchen countertops sanitary. These boards make it simple to divide food items, gather leftovers, or arrange ingredients on the spot by allowing you to chop components and slip them straight into pull-out compartments.

What it can do

A cutting board that works harder for you.

• Slice ingredients and slide them into built-in drawers.
• Separate prepped items from waste or compost scraps.
• Keep your countertop tidy—no more food bits scattered around.
• Dishwasher-safe for easy, thorough cleaning after use.
• Compact, stackable design that saves space in your kitchen.
  

Ideal uses

Perfect for busy home cooks and efficient meal preppers.

• Meal prepping multiple ingredients at once.
• Collecting scraps for composting or easy disposal.
• Organizing chopped veggies, fruits, or meats for quick cooking.
• Outdoor grilling and picnics—a portable slicing station.
• Cooking with kids—fun and organized way to get them involved.
  

Bonus features (on some models)

Convenience that goes beyond basic chopping.

• Non-slip rubber grips to keep the board steady.
• Removable drawers that double as serving trays.
• Drain holes in containers for rinsing cut veggies.
• Color-coded drawers to avoid cross-contamination.
• Eco-friendly bamboo or lightweight plastic options.

Time-saving potential

A simple tool with a big impact on kitchen efficiency.

• Slice and sort without leaving your prep area.
• Cuts down cleanup time by collecting scraps in drawers.
• Dishwasher-safe materials for hassle-free cleaning.
• Great for batch cooking, quick dinners, and keeping the kitchen organized.

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Toaster ovens with air fryers

One of the most useful and compact kitchen equipment you can possess is a toaster oven with built-in air fryer functionality. You can toast, bake, reheat, and air-fry without heating up your entire kitchen thanks to this small device that combines the greatest features of several different appliances.

Toast, bake, reheat, and air-fry with one device

• Replace multiple bulky appliances like air fryers, toaster ovens, and even traditional ovens for small meals.
• Ideal for everything from crisping up toast to baking small batches of cookies or roasting veggies.
  
• Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to achieve crispy, golden textures with little to no oil.
  

Preheat in seconds vs. waiting on an oven

• Traditional ovens can take 10-15 minutes to preheat—these combo devices heat up in a fraction of that time.
• Perfect for busy mornings when you want to toast a bagel or reheat last night’s pizza without a long wait.
• Great for energy savings since you’re only heating a small space.
  

Perfect for quick dinners, snacks, or roasted veggies

• Toss in frozen foods like fries, chicken tenders, or spring rolls and air fry them in minutes.
• Roast vegetables for a healthy side dish with minimal oil and prep.
• Reheat leftovers to crispy perfection—no more soggy microwave results.
• Handy for solo meals or small households where firing up a full oven feels excessive.
  

Ideal uses

• Busy weeknights: Make dinner quickly without using the stove or oven.
• Small kitchens: Save counter space by replacing multiple gadgets with one.
• Health-conscious cooking: Air fry for a crunchy texture with less fat.
• Baking small batches: Cookies, muffins, or a quick cake without waiting on a full oven.
  

Bonus features to look for

• Digital controls with presets: Simplifies cooking common foods.
• Multiple racks or trays: Cook different foods at once.
• Non-stick interiors: For easier cleanup.
• Interior light: Keep an eye on food without opening the door.

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Rapid egg cooker: Perfect eggs, no guesswork

Although eggs are a basic ingredient in meal preparation, boiling them can be a rather time-consuming and messy process. Now for the quick egg cooker. Without the use of a burner, timer, or boiling water, this small device consistently produces eggs that are cooked to perfection. Simply set it and let it work.

What it can do

More than just boiling eggs.

• Boils soft, medium, or hard eggs with perfect consistency
• Poaches eggs in special trays, great for breakfasts or salads
• Scrambles or steams eggs in under 5 minutes
• Can also steam veggies in some models
  

Ideal uses

Fast, protein-packed prep with zero hassle.

• Meal prepping: Cook a week’s worth of eggs in minutes
• Breakfast bowls: Poached or scrambled eggs ready fast
• Healthy snacks: Hard-boiled eggs on the go
• Bento lunches: Use for compact, mess-free protein options
  

Bonus features (on some models)

Small but smart.

• Auto shut-off: No overcooking or dry eggs
• Measuring cup with built-in piercer: Prevents cracked shells
• Stackable trays: Cook multiple eggs at once
• Compact size: Perfect for dorms, offices, or tiny kitchens
  

Time-saving potential

No stove, no supervision, just quick results.

• Eggs ready in 3–7 minutes, depending on style
• Frees up stove space for other cooking
• No cleanup from pots, pans, or boiling water
  

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High-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Ninja)

A high-speed blender is one of the most useful kitchen appliances, whether you’re mixing breakfast or making sauces in bulk. These blenders are capable of handling almost anything quickly, thanks to engines powerful enough to crush ice and seeds. Imagine soups, nut milks, smoothies, and more in less than a minute.

What it can do

Blends, purees, and crushes with professional-level power.

• Smoothies: Creamy texture in under 30 seconds
• Hot soups: Blends and heats through friction (no stove required)
• Nut milks: Almond, cashew, or oat milk from scratch
• Sauces and dressings: Silky-smooth in seconds
• Grinds grains: Make flour from oats, rice, or quinoa
• Crushes ice: Ideal for frozen drinks or desserts
  

Ideal uses

• Breakfast on the go: Blend and pour in under a minute
• Meal prep: Batch-make sauces, soups, or smoothies
• Healthy eating: Customize ingredients to avoid preservatives
• Special diets: Great for keto, vegan, paleo, or gluten-free recipes
  

Bonus features (on some models)

• Self-cleaning mode: Just add water and soap, then blend
• Pre-set programs: Auto-adjusts for smoothies, soup, ice crush, etc.
• Tamper tools: Helps with thick blends like nut butter
• Variable speed controls: Customize texture and blending power

Time-saving potential

Blends fast, cleans faster.

• Smoothies and soups in 30 seconds or less
• No need for extra pots or pans, blender does it all
• Easy cleanup cuts down post-meal effort

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Salad spinner: 5x faster than patting leaves dry

Soggy salad? No more. The salad spinner is a straightforward yet incredibly useful tool that enables cleaning and drying greens quick, simple, and mess-free. In a matter of seconds, there will be crisp, dry greens instead of dripping lettuce or paper towels.

What it can do

Dries greens efficiently and evenly.

• Washes and spins dry lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs, and more
• Removes excess water for better salad texture and dressing adhesion
• Reduces bruising compared to towel drying
• Works great for washing berries or herbs gently
  

Ideal uses

Essential for salad prep and more.

• Crisp salads: Dry greens hold dressing better and stay fresher longer
• Meal prep: Clean and dry a full batch of greens for the week
• Herbs: Wash and dry parsley, cilantro, and basil without damage
• Berries: Gently spin strawberries, blueberries, or grapes without squishing
  

Bonus features (on some models)

Simple tools with smart design.

• Non-slip base: Keeps spinner stable during use
• Brake button: Stops spinning instantly
• Clear bowl: Doubles as a serving, mixing, or storage bowl
• Compact designs: Easy to store, even in smaller kitchens
  

Time-saving potential

No more blotting or laying out leaves.

• Wash and dry greens in under a minute
• Avoids the mess and time of towel drying
• Keeps greens fresh longer = less waste and fewer grocery trips
  

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Ice maker or ice ball molds for drinks & cocktails

Are you sick of waiting for ice trays to freeze for hours on end? Having a chic and easy way to chill beverages makes a difference, whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself. A minor luxury that adds a lot of convenience to your kitchen or bar setting is an ice maker or ice ball mold.

Skip the 6-hour freezer wait

• Traditional ice trays take 6+ hours to freeze solid.
• Countertop ice makers can produce a batch of ice in as little as 6–10 minutes.
• Ice ball molds offer a stylish, slow-melting option—ideal for cocktails—but with silicone or fast-freezing models, you can cut down the usual waiting time dramatically.
  

Makes hosting or prepping drinks smoother

• Be ready for impromptu gatherings without scrambling for ice.
• Keep up with guest refills easily—no running to the freezer.
• Perfect for prepping drinks ahead of time for events, BBQs, or parties.
  

A small luxury that saves time and elevates your day

• Crystal-clear ice cubes or elegant ice spheres add a premium touch to everyday drinks.
• Enjoy chilled water, iced coffee, or whiskey on the rocks in style.
• Quick-access ice also means fewer trips to the store for bagged ice, saving money and hassle.
  

Ideal uses

• Cocktails & spirits: Large ice balls melt slower, preserving flavor.
• Cold brew & iced coffee: Instant chill without watering down your drink.
• Everyday hydration: Always have ice on hand for water or juice.
• Entertaining: Keeps drinks flowing smoothly during social events.

Bonus features to look for

• Self-cleaning function (for ice makers): Simplifies maintenance.
• Compact design: Perfect for small kitchens or bar carts.
• Ice size options: Choose nugget ice, bullet ice, or large cubes.
• Silicone ice ball molds: Easier to release without cracking the ice.

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Magnetic measuring spoons & stackable cups

Are you sick of searching cluttered drawers for the appropriate measuring spoon? Stackable measuring cups and magnetic measuring spoons make baking and cooking easier while maintaining a neat and functional workstation.

No digging through drawers

• Magnetic spoons snap together in a neat, space-saving line.
• Stackable cups nest tightly, taking up minimal drawer or cabinet space.
• No more rummaging to find the ½ teaspoon or the elusive ¼ cup.
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One set = all sizes = instant access

• All standard measurements (teaspoon to tablespoon, cup to ⅛ cup) are in one tidy set.
• Double-ended spoons offer a narrow side for spice jars and a rounded side for liquids.
• The magnets ensure they stay attached but are easy to pull apart when needed.
  

Speeds up baking and cleanup

• Grabbing the right tool becomes second nature—less time wasted measuring.
• Easy to wash in one batch—no scattered pieces lost in the sink.
• Organized tools lead to a smoother cooking flow, especially when following recipes.
  

Ideal uses

• Baking: Quickly measure small ingredients like baking powder, cocoa, or spices.
• Meal prep: Pre-measure seasonings or sauces for streamlined cooking.
• Kids in the kitchen: Simplifies learning measurements for young chefs.
• Limited kitchen space: Great for small apartments, RVs, or minimalistic setups.

Bonus features to look for

• Engraved measurements: Ensures numbers don’t rub off over time.
• Dual-sided spoons: Perfect for wet and dry ingredients without washing in between.

Flat bottoms (for spoons): Allows spoons to rest on the counter without tipping.