Japanese people may have their own unique approach to cooking, but that hasn’t stopped their kitchen tools from becoming favorites around the world. Some of the most useful items aren’t flashy at all—they’re the kinds of things Japanese housewives rely on every day. Simple in appearance, but packed with thoughtful details that make cooking faster, cleaner, and just more enjoyable.
So today, I want to share a few of my favorite Japanese kitchen tools—practical picks that are definitely worth a spot in your kitchen!
1. Stainless Steel BBQ Tongs
These long, slim tongs are a go-to in many Japanese homes. Whether you're frying, grilling, or handling marinated meat, they get the job done smoothly.
The handle has a wide, textured grip that feels solid and comfortable in your hand. The tips have small ridges that help grip food tightly—so no more dropping slippery ingredients while flipping or frying.
They’re especially handy when deep-frying. Compared to using long chopsticks, these are way easier and safer to use. Bonus: they stand upright on their own, so the tong tips don’t touch the table or cutting board when not in use—keeps things nice and clean.
2. Magnetic Heat-Resistant Mat
Ever felt like you need a third hand just to grab a hot pot and hold a heat mat at the same time? Same here. That’s why I love this mat—it sticks to the bottom of your pot with a magnet.
You can move your cookware straight from stove to table without fumbling for a trivet. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re cooking every day.
It’s also super slim (about 1 cm thick), so it’s easy to store. You can even stick it on your fridge when not in use. It has a little loop too, so you can hang it to dry after washing. Simple, clever, and surprisingly helpful.
3. Expandable Stainless Steel Draining Basket
If your sink doesn’t have a built-in strainer, this oversized basket is a lifesaver. It’s extendable on both sides and has anti-slip grips, so it fits most sinks with no problem.
You can use it to rinse large batches of veggies, scrub down potatoes or sweet potatoes, or even drain pasta. It’s spacious, sturdy, and easy to use. And since it’s made of stainless steel, it’ll last you forever without getting gross or moldy.
4. Flat Stainless Steel Prep Tray with Lid
These trays show up all the time in Japanese kitchens. They’re super handy for prepping ingredients, storing chopped veggies, or marinating meat.
When marinating pork or chicken, the flat shape helps everything soak up flavor evenly. The tray comes with a lid, so you can stack them up in the fridge without taking up much space. Plus, stainless steel keeps meat nice and cool.
Cleanup’s easy too—just give it a rinse with a sponge and soap, and it’s good as new. Once you start using it, you'll wonder how you managed without it.
5. Stainless Steel Measuring Cup
There’s just something about stainless steel tools—they last, they’re easy to clean, and they feel solid in your hand. This measuring cup is a great example.
It’s got a little handle, but it still stands perfectly on its own, even when full. The edge has a sloped lip, so pouring is smooth and drip-free—no sticky mess on the sides.
Honestly, it’s just easy to use. Way better than those handle-less or spout-only cups. It also has a loop so you can hang it up after washing. Simple, practical, and kind of a joy to use every time.
None of these tools are flashy or high-tech. They just make sense. With a few smart tweaks in design, they solve everyday kitchen problems in quiet but effective ways. No gimmicks—just things that work.
If you're curious to try them yourself, check out Chefcoca. We have got a great selection of Japanese kitchen tools that are both practical and built to last.
