Time-saving, budget-friendly kitchen tools that turn you into a home-cooking pro — no chef hat needed.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your cooking game. Whether you’re a busy parent, a solo cook, or someone who loves a good weekend bake, smart kitchen gadgets can help you prep faster, cook better, and clean up easier.

Here’s your guide to the best kitchen tech under $100 (with some even under $50!) that’ll make your time in the kitchen more efficient — and more fun.

🍳 1. Digital Meat Thermometer

Never serve dry chicken or overcooked steak again.

• Instant-read models give quick temperature readings
• Helps with BBQs, roasts, baking, and even candy making
• Look for foldable probes and backlit displays

Price range: $15–$40
Available at: Kmart, eBay, Amazon AU, Bunnings

🥗 2. Electric Chopper / Mini Food Processor

Chop onions, garlic, herbs, or nuts in seconds.

• Great for small-batch pesto, dressings, or baby food
• Compact size = easy storage
• USB-rechargeable models available (great for camping too)

Top brands: Russell Hobbs, Sunbeam, Anko
From: $20–$45

☕ 3. Milk Frother (Handheld or Electric)

Upgrade your coffee game without a café bill.

• Froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, or hot chocolate
• Handheld wands or standalone frothers with heat settings
• Some double as egg beaters or matcha whisks

Aussie favourites: ALDI specials, Kmart, Nespresso Aeroccino
From: $10–$80

🥤 4. Personal Blender or Smoothie Maker

Perfect for breakfasts on the go.

• Blend straight into a drink bottle
• Ideal for smoothies, shakes, dressings, and even pancake batter
• Look for BPA-free cups and dishwasher-safe parts

Top picks: NutriBullet Go, Kogan mini blender, BlendJet
Price: $30–$60

🍽️ 5. Smart Kitchen Scale with Tare Function

Measure accurately and reduce waste.

• Great for portion control, baking, and meal prep
• Use tare to reset to zero after each ingredient
• Digital versions often include metric + imperial

Best budget brands: Target, Soehnle, Anko
From: $15–$35

🧊 6. Ice Maker Tray with Lid & Easy Release

No more broken cubes or water spills.

• Great for summer, parties, or daily hydration
• Silicone trays make popping cubes effortless
• Some sets include stackable storage boxes

Buy from: Woolworths, IKEA, Amazon AU
From: $8–$25

🥪 7. Sandwich Press / Toastie Maker

Aussie lunch staple, sorted.

• Compact, fast, and easy to clean
• Ideal for toasted sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and hash browns
• Non-stick versions wipe down in seconds

Popular options: Breville, Sunbeam, Kmart
Under $50

🍞 8. Silicone Baking Mats

Replace single-use baking paper — and save money.

• Non-stick, reusable, easy to clean
• Great for baking cookies, roasting veg, or making granola
• Heat-resistant and eco-friendly

Aussie options: Biome, Target, Ever Eco
From: $10–$25 per mat