6 Kitchen Tools You Need to Retire Right Now, and What to Buy Instead

Even in the most careful of kitchens, everyday cooking and cleaning can leave kitchen tools dull and dinged up from use. But even more importantly, many kitchen essentials have a limited lifespan and are prone to rusting, warping, and cracking. From failing to properly clean and store your tools to exposing them to harmful elements like excess heat and acid, it might be time to retire some of your most used tools and replace them with new and improved versions. 

If you're uncertain about what to hold onto and what to let go of, we found six essential kitchen tools you can buy right now. These items are perfect replacements for the worn-out ones currently occupying your cabinets and drawers.

6 of the Best Kitchen Products to Replace: 

• John Boos Chop-N-Slice Maple Cutting Board, $87
• Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet 2 Count, $30
• Microplane Premium Zester, $18
• Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler Set of 3, $26
• Di Oro Silicone Spatula Set, $22 (originally $33)
• OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting and Pastry Brush, $11

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Maple Cutting Board

It doesn’t take much to ruin a wooden cutting board. Wood can warp, crack, or rot if left to soak in water, while dish detergent can dry it out. These boards need more TLC than just washing — we recommend seasoning them with mineral oil occasionally. 

But even with the best care, cutting boards need to be replaced every so often. One of our favorites is the thick, beautiful John Boos Block Chop-N-Slice Maple Wood Cutting Board, which stood out in our tests for its durability and design. Both sides are flat, which makes it reversible, and the grips on either side make it easy to handle. Give yourself the gift of one of these long-lasting, solid wood boards. 

Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet, 2 Count

Baking sheets work hard but don't get the thanks (or care) they deserve, which can lead to rusting and warping. If your baking sheets have seen better days, it’s time to replace them with a more durable pan, like the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet, which came out ahead of 18 baking sheets in our tests. (Not to mention, one editor has used them for years without them warping.) 

To keep your baking sheets clean and pristine, clean off oil buildup before it becomes a hard-to-scrub mess. Store your baking sheets after they are completely dry, and avoid placing heavy pans on top of them, which can dent and ding the metal.

Microplane Premium Zester

Box graters and zesters add zest (and cheese, garlic, and nutmeg) to our dishes. Common problems with these tools include dulling and even rusting, and when that happens, you’ll want to get a solid replacement. Gift yourself a zester that can hold up to frequent use, like the Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester. One editor’s Microplane has lasted over a decade.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, Set of 3

Vegetable peelers and similar utensils like mandolines have nooks and crannies where bits of food can build up, causing dullness and bacterial growth. Peelers are also often stored in a drawer, where their blades can bang against other utensils and dull. To avoid this, clean and dry your peeler before storage, and try to store it in a way that keeps the blade from touching other kitchen tools. 

But if your peeler is already past its prime, we recommend a Y peeler (which is the type we often reach for), like the Kuhn Rikon peeler, which is lightweight, has sharp stainless steel blades, and is more efficient than straight swivel peelers. This peeler is also friendly for left-handed users. We recommend storing peelers in a silverware organizer alongside other small kitchen tools like wine openers. Or, opt for a peeler with a protective blade cover, like the KitchenAid Gourmet Euro Peeler, our favorite serrated vegetable peeler.

Di Oro Silicone Spatula Set

Rubber spatulas scrape the last bit of batter from bowls with ease, but these workhorses are also a top contender for wearing out. The main reason is that not all rubber spatulas can handle high temperatures, which means they can melt if you use them to stir food in a hot pan. 

For a versatile, long-lasting spatula, invest in one that is both sturdy and heat-resistant. The Di Oro Seamless Series 3 Piece Silicone Spatula Set, for example, can withstand up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s a great replacement for that old, flimsy spatula. 

OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting and Pastry Brush

Even if you don't use pastry brushes every day, they won't last indefinitely. Bristles fray and loosen over time, and it's a good idea to check them now and then to make sure they're in good working order before you need to bust them out. 

That said, if you go through pastry brushes quickly, consider buying a silicone brush, like the Oxo Good Grips Silicone Basting and Pastry Brush. It’s durable, dishwasher-safe, versatile, and, as one editor vouches, it can last for years. To make your pastry brush last, keeping it away from other kitchen tools will help (that is, from knocking around at the bottom of a drawer), as does cleaning and drying your brush right after use.