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!

A hand-held coffee frother that turns home-made coffee, shakes, and lattes into barista-quality indulgences? Yes please! This Bean Envy Milk Frother delivers a rich, creamy foam via its battery-operated motor in as little as 15 seconds. An ergonomic silicone rubber handle and attached stainless-steel wand give this nifty swirling device lasting power, and when the job is done, the accompanying stand is ready to hold the wand in place until cleaning time.

Meet your latest orange crush! Transfer oils, liquids, and powders without leaving a mess in your wake. This KarZone Kitchen Funnel Set includes 4 funnels of graduated sizes that precisely fit small openings, whether spray bottle, oil dispenser or narrow-necked flask. Slender spouts facilitate effortless pouring, and the bright orange color means they’ll be easy to spot without a moment’s rummaging in drawer or cupboard.

Say goodbye to utilitarian napkin holders and floppy napkins. The Farmhouse Napkin Holder adds rustic charm to countertop, kitchen island, or dining table, with its 7″ x 7″ profile, fashioned from steel, and given a glossy powder-coated finish. Deep enough to hold a thick stack of napkins, this rust-proof metal vessel has sturdy handles on the sides, and won’t warp like wood or break like glass; easily wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Looks aren’t everything, but the gleaming Muvo Stainless Steel Milk Jug has head-turning looks to accompany its accessible price. This beauty’s high quality stainless steel and elegant copper finish yield a picture-perfect vessel for hot milk or warm cream, its BPA free interior ensuring a taste-neutral pour. While it makes a stylish accompaniment to coffee and tea settings, this jug boasts an interior measuring scale that easily turns it into the prettiest measuring cup around.

Need a fresh squeeze of lemon for that afternoon tea break? No problem. This patented Ark Reamer lemon squeezer measures only 5 inches across, and easily fits in a drawer. Its ultra efficient design extracts every last drop of juice, and deposits it in the BPA-free plastic receptacle (which doubles as measuring cup), while slender straining slits are ever-ready to catch seeds and pulp. A non-slip base ensures stability through each squeeze, and with a quick rinse or dishwasher run, this little squeezer is squeaky clean again.

Recommended Videos

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 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

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.

>

Read more
Spice up the office breakroom with these items

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

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!

>

Read more