I would not call myself a minimalist, but I am also definitely not the person who needs the latest gizmo. I suppose this makes me much like most of the world where there are a few things I’ve acquired that make my life better, but I certainly could live without.

One of these items I bought in the last six months and the other I’ve had for several years. Both are used in the kitchen.

A tofu press makes a world of difference for getting all of the water out. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

The newest item is a tofu press. It does just what its name implies—it presses tofu.

Tofu is packed full of water. To get the best results when cooking tofu one must remove as much water as possible. It browns better with less water, and in turn then absorbs other flavors more easily—which is what you want.

I finally got tired of going through so much paper towel or needing to put a kitchen towel in the wash after squeezing the tofu. Plus, it never felt like I got all the water out.

The contraption is simple in design. The hard plastic fits a normal size grocery store block of tofu. The tofu sits between two thin pieces of hard plastic with holes in them from which the water oozes out. Then a spring is attached to press the tofu. The liquid can then be poured out.

It’s best to start the process at the get-go of whatever you are making in order to release as much water as possible.

One use and I was convinced this was a smart purchase.

An immersion blender is a must for anyone who makes soups that need to be blended. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

The other contraption I use is my immersion blender that I got as a gift several years ago. I use it for soups, but I’m sure it could have other applications.

Instead of pouring batches of soup into a regular blender, which can be a laborious process, the handheld immersion blender is used in the pot you are cooking in.

It is so, so easy to use.

If you blend any soups, you must get an immersion blender.

What gadgets make your life easier in the kitchen?