What are the best kitchen gadgets that actually save time?

Top pick: an electric pressure cooker / multicooker. If you cook at home regularly, it usually saves the most active time because it can handle beans, stews, rice, shredded meats, soups, and one-pot meals with less watching.

Best time-saving kitchen gadgets:

1. Instant Pot Duo — best all-around time saver for weeknight batch cooking.
2. Ninja Foodi DualZone air fryer — best for fast mains and sides at the same time.
3. Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor — best for chopping, slicing, shredding, and prep work.
4. Thermapen ONE — best small tool for avoiding overcooking and repeated checking.
5. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner — best low-tech time saver for washing greens and herbs.
6. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — best countertop oven if you want faster preheating than a full oven.
7. Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker — best set-and-forget rice and grains.

If you only buy one, get the Instant Pot Duo if you make soups, stews, beans, rice, or meal prep. Get the air fryer instead if your main pain point is quick crispy food with minimal cleanup.