Skip to main content

ToughJobs may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 compact tools that can give office kitchens a boost

Let’s face it; no one asks much of the standard office kitchen. No state-of-the-art gadgets and appliances typically find their way into most workplace kitchen setups. Just the basics—coffee maker, paper cups, a paltry selection of spoons—are the tools of the trade there, and while that’s hardly a tragedy, any standard office kitchen can get a quick boost with the addition of a few nifty kitchen gadgets.

We’ve rounded up 5 portable products that are both modest in size and modest in price, ideal for toting to work—and taking things up a notch in the kitchen. Whether making that vital morning coffee or recharging with an afternoon cup of tea, these little tools bring a dash of homey indulgence to the workplace kitchen—and do it all for under $20 a pop!

Small indulgences in the workplace are not to be dismissed. An optimal cup of coffee or an injection of unexpected beauty have the power to be a spot of relief in a busy day of meetings and deadlines. If your work kitchen set-up is woefully lacking in conveniences, give it a boost with a portable tool or two that, for a few dollars,  may very well turn your office kitchen from rudimentary to rad!

Editors' Recommendations

Promila Shastri
Promila is a New York-based writer, editor, and content creator, whose focus is on visual culture—product design…
Unique gift exchange ideas for the office party
serving platters office party man woman

Office gift exchanges can be intimidating at times - particularly if you're in a new position, or at a new company. While we all enjoy giving gifts, there's no denying that a certain amount of stress can accompany the gift shopping process. It can be hard to know what to get a coworker - harder still if the gift exchange is one where the recipient isn't set and the gift must be suitable for any coworker who happens to pick it during your party game of choice. We've put together this helpful guide of unexpected items that can fill a need, spark creativity, or simply make their day-to-day easier.

No matter who ends up taking home the gift you brought to the office gift exchange, you want to make sure it's something that they'll be happy to receive. Haven't we all come away from a work party or function with a prize or gift we weren't sure what to do with, only to donate or sell it later? We're confident that any of these gifts would be a great choice, from gadgets to entertain and spark creativity to more practical items that will help to make their lives outside of the office run more smoothly, you can be sure your contribution will be unique and appreciated.

Read more
Spice up the office breakroom with these items
morning habits leaders coffee break at workplace  woman typing on laptop and holding

An office breakroom is more than a place for employees to grab a cup of coffee. The best breakrooms offer a little bit of an oasis from the office stress, so that employees can take some time for themselves, enjoy food or drink, and then go back to work in a more productive and energized way. If a business sets up the breakroom right, it can lead to better employee satisfaction and productivity.

To truly give employees a break, consider making your breakroom more cozy and like home. These products can easily up the decor a touch to bring that homey feel, and at the same time they have the functionality to protect the floors and tables from spills. A couple of storage containers can help too, so we added some of those to the list as well. With these items, the breakroom can be a better place to eat a snack and then feel invigorated to get back to work.

Read more
5 gifts your coworker may appreciate
best gifts for a construction worker girl builder with presents in hand  the concept of cashback

If you work in an office, or have a group of friends that you work with, you may exchange gifts around the holidays or for birthdays. It may be difficult to know what exactly to get your coworkers, so you should consider several factors when choosing gits. Do they have any special interests? How do they spend their free time? What is the budget? Have they mentioned needing anything? Did they recently move or purchase a new home? Consider all of these things when choosing a gift so you can be sure to pick something that is perfect for them!

Whether you are giving your coworker a birthday gift, participating in an office secret santa exchange or just celebrating around the holidays, giving gifts between coworkers can be a great way to create bonds. Everyone love receiving something that will assist them in everyday life. When deciding on what to give your coworker, it is important to consider their personality and their hobbies. Do they travel often? Is gardening their go-to relaxation after work? Everyone loves a personalized gift that they can use again and again! Consider these five items the next time you are planning to purchase a gift for somebody that you work with.

Read more