Michael Symon’s Must-Have $1 Kitchen Secret You Can’t Overlook!

As enthusiastic chefs, we’re constantly seeking methods to enhance our kitchens with equipment endorsed by professionals. You might think that expert cooks fill their kitchens exclusively with the most extravagant gadgets, yet there are several chef-approved essentials that are surprisingly budget-friendly. In an interview with Tasting Table, Michael Symon revealed the one kitchen implement he “literally can’t cook without,” and we discovered some available for as low as $1 at Amazon.

Rather than acquiring single-use tools, Symon suggests focusing on fundamental items and equipping your kitchen with versatile implements, such as a chef’s knife, a rasp-style grater, a quality spoon, and several bench scrapers: Concerning the bench scrapers, he remarked, “There’s nothing you can’t create with those tools.” It serves as his covert tool for moving, scooping, chopping, and tidying up while he prepares meals. Continue reading to explore some popular bench scrapers loved by both shoppers and editors, starting at merely $1 each.

Best Amazon Bench Scrapers to Buy

• Cewifo Dough Cutter Bench Scraper, Set of 5, $5
• KitchenAid Gourmet Bowl Scraper, Set of 2, $8
• OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper & Chopper, $10, originally $12
• Cewifo Hard Bench Scraper Dough Scraper, Set of 4, $4
• Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Bench Dough Scraper, Natural Bamboo, $10, originally $11
• Fox Run 3-in-1 Bowl and Dough Scraper, $10
• Lodge Pan Scrapers, 2-Pack, $7
• Chef’n Pastrio Bench Scraper Set, $13

Cewifo Dough Cutter Bench Scraper, Set of 5

These adaptable plastic scrapers are straightforward yet practical. They feature a rounded edge on one side for scraping the bottoms of mixing bowls and a straight edge on the other for slicing and scraping flat surfaces. The pack includes five bench scrapers for a total of $5, meaning each is just $1. Stock your own kitchen or take inspiration from Symon’s suggestion and share some with friends. “It’s like my farewell gift,” he mentioned.

KitchenAid Gourmet Bowl Scraper, Set of 2

Symon favors plastic bench scrapers over metal ones, and this 2-pack from KitchenAid has gained favor among shoppers. The silicone scrapers are available in two different shapes and sizes — one tall and narrow, the other short and wide — making them versatile for various tasks. The items are flexible enough to conform to the shape of any bowl, pot, or countertop, and they can withstand temperatures up to 450°F. 

OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper & Chopper

Whether you are dividing dough or transferring freshly chopped veggies from the cutting board to the skillet, this stainless steel bench scraper is essential. It can “raise the thinnest dough,” as stated by one reviewer, and can also be used to scoop freshly baked cookies, crush garlic, separate dough, and more. Our evaluators regarded it as the best value bench scraper available, so seize yours for only $10 to understand why we (and more than 15,200 Amazon customers) endorse it.

Cewifo Hard Bench Scraper Dough Scraper, Set of 4

These rigid yet slightly flexible plastic scrapers are perfect for spreading frosting on pastries, cleaning countertops, and slicing soft items like bread dough and butter. The set contains four scrapers in yellow, blue, white, and green, currently priced at less than $1.

Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Bench Dough Scraper, Natural Bamboo

In search of a scraper that won’t damage your ceramic cookware or nonstick pots and pans? Consider this bamboo alternative that’s a clever substitute for plastic types. It features a spacious handle for ease of movement and is robust enough to lift hefty dough.

Fox Run 3-in-1 Bowl and Dough Scraper

If you can buy just one bench scraper, make it this dual-sided workhorse from Fox Run. It features a flat surface on one side and a curved edge on the other, making it perfect for scooping and scraping food from containers, off your cutting surface, and much more. Additionally, the scraper is slightly concave, facilitating the lifting and transport of prepared ingredients.

Lodge Pan Scrapers, 2-Pack

For those particularly tough surfaces, such as grill grates and cast iron skillets, a flimsy scraper won’t suffice. A metal bench scraper can scrape your cherished cookware, so nearly 20,000 Amazon consumers swear by this exceptionally durable polycarbonate pair from Lodge. The uniquely designed pan scrapers are robust enough to remove the most stubborn residues from your workspace, bowls, cookware, and more.

Chef’n Pastrio Bench Scraper Set

This trio of bench scrapers is another editor-recommended choice. The set includes one stainless steel scraper, one straight-edge plastic scraper, and a highly flexible rounded scraper. The dimensions are 6.4 x 4.5 inches, and they’re all safe for dishwasher use. Additionally, they nest perfectly together for convenient storage, which is a lifesaver for compact kitchens.