Quick answer: Viral kitchen gadgets are most often worth it when they replace several steps you do often, like an air fryer for quick reheating and roasting or a vegetable chopper for daily meal prep. Single-task gadgets for one food, or anything hard to clean, are the most likely to end up as clutter.

Kitchen gadgets are some of the most viral products online, because they look amazing on video. Here is an honest look at the most common types, so you can decide before you buy.

Usually worth it (if you will use it often)

Air fryers

Great for crispy leftovers, frozen foods and small batches of roasted veggies. Worth it if you cook for one to four people and want quicker results than heating a full oven. Check the basket size and how easy it is to clean.

Vegetable choppers

Helpful if you chop onions and peppers often and do not love knife work. Look for one that comes apart for easy cleaning.

Reusable silicone bags and lids

Useful for leftovers and cutting down on plastic wrap, as long as you will actually wash and reuse them.

Milk frothers

Inexpensive and great if you love lattes. A simple handheld one is often enough.

Sometimes worth it

Multi-cookers and pressure cookers

Fantastic for soups, beans, rice and tough cuts of meat, but they take up space and have a learning curve. Worth it if you will use them weekly.

Portable blenders

Handy for single smoothies on the go, but less powerful than a full blender. Good for light use.

Usually hype

• Single-food tools like special slicers for one fruit. A good knife does the job.
• Gadgets with lots of small parts that are hard to clean.
• “As seen in videos” tools with no clear brand or return policy.

Before you buy

Run any gadget through our 7-question viral product test. And if you want a recipe to try in your new favorite tool, start with our one-pan honey garlic chicken.

We may earn a small commission from some links on Ashnique at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Is an air fryer worth it?

For many households, yes. It is quick for reheating, frozen foods and small batches of roasted vegetables. It is less useful if you mainly cook large family meals.

What kitchen gadgets are a waste of money?

Single-purpose gadgets for one type of food, tools that are hard to clean, and gadgets you would only use a few times a year are the most likely to go unused.

How do I choose a kitchen gadget?

Pick tools that replace steps you do often, are easy to clean, fit your space and have strong long-term reviews.