The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find I Use Almost Every Day

It’s made my cooking so much more efficient.

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A few months ago, I opened my utensil drawer and laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. I had two garlic presses, a spiralizer that I haven't used in over five years, and several different types of tongs.

Still, when I tried to rescue overcooked ravioli from a pot of boiling water, the slotted spoon I grabbed wasn't cutting it. It was too small and had a sharp, oddly shaped end that damaged the delicate noodles.

After that, I bought this cheap stainless steel skimmer from Dollar Tree. I thought it might help—I didn't expect to love it. Now, I use it for everything! For just $1.25, it made my cooking routine easier and more efficient. Plus, it gave me the kickstart I needed to donate the other utensils that weren't getting as much use.

Dollar Tree Stainless Cooking Concepts Steel Skimmer

• Price: $1.25 for one skimmer
• Why I Love It: This inexpensive stainless steel skimmer is surprisingly versatile. I use it for everything from blanching veggies to scooping up dumplings and pasta.

Simply Recipes / Dollar Tree

Why I Love Dollar Tree's Cooking Concepts Stainless Steel Skimmer

What struck me first was how much more versatile it was than I expected. Unlike a slotted spoon that can only drain liquid as quickly as it filters through the holes, the coil shape of this skimmer allows liquids and oils to drain away much more rapidly.

I use it constantly for blanching vegetables since I can safely scoop green beans or fresh broccoli from boiling water and drop them directly into an ice bath without needing a separate colander.

When I'm making more delicate noodles, such as pork-filled dumplings, the shallow "basket" holds them gently, helping to ensure they don't break apart. And when I'm shallow-frying (which, I'll admit, doesn't happen that often), it's helpful that the 15-inch length keeps my hands far enough away from the hot oil.

It has streamlined so much of my cooking. I can test the doneness of things like pasta and pierogies more easily by pulling out a single item without committing to draining the entire pot. My slotted spoon can also do this, but it's less efficient due to its size and shape.

When I'm making homemade stock, I use it to fish out bones, bay leaves, and herb bundles without any mess. It's also a huge help when I'm batch cooking a dozen eggs for the week or serving popcorn into smaller kid-sized bowls from my main batch. (I made it, so I get the big bowl!)

After a few months of use, this wire skimmer has earned a spot next to my stove in my main countertop utensil caddy, and I find myself recommending it to anyone who'll listen. It's dishwasher safe, so cleanup is effortless, and the stainless-steel head has held up beautifully through regular use.

For five quarters, this tool makes daily cooking easier and more efficient, and that alone feels like a superior return on investment.

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