The $1.50 Dollar Tree Find I Use Every Day

It’s such a helpful tool.

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I use fresh citrus juice daily—for vinaigrettes, adding flavor to veggies, enhancing tea or sparkling water, and mixing into cocktails or other refreshing drinks.

A few years ago, I purchased a high-quality metal citrus squeezer that features a larger section for lemons and a smaller section for limes. I use it multiple times a day, so I made a rule in the house that it couldn't go into the dishwasher. Anybody who used it had to wash it immediately, so that it was clean and ready when I needed it. You can probably guess how that went.

After the umpteenth time I found my beloved squeezer in the dishwasher, citrus guts gummy clinging to it, I decided to buy a backup. I didn't want (or need) a second high-end squeezer for $15 to $20, but a $1.50 squeezer? That was in my price range.

Dollar Tree's Cooking Concepts Citrus Squeezer came into my house as a backup, but I reach for it just as much as my primary. Having two of them on hand is ideal for someone who juices as much as I do.  

Dollar Tree Cooking Concepts Citrus Squeezer

Price: $1.50 for one juicer

Why I Love It: This sturdy plastic squeezer is perfect for juicing small citrus fruits like lemons and limes. I especially love how easy it is to clean.

Simply Recipes / Dollar Tree

Why I Love Dollar Tree's Cooking Concepts Citrus Squeezer

I'll still be loyal to my OG squeezer, but I was genuinely surprised at how well this plastic one works. For lemons and limes, which probably make up 90% of my citrus juicing needs, it extracts juice just as efficiently and with way less mess than trying to squeeze by hand.

The leverage from the handles means I don't have to strain my hands, and the built-in cup catches most seeds, controlling splatter. It's also incredibly easy to clean, requiring only a quick rinse under hot water. 

As much as I appreciate it, it has its limitations, especially when compared to my heavier-duty metal squeezer. It's ultimately designed for lemons, limes, and other small citrus fruits. However, while the description states that it can fit small oranges, I haven't found that to be the case. 

When I need to juice larger citrus fruits or a large quantity of them for a recipe like a key lime pie or pitcher of margaritas, I reach for the electric juicer I bought at Target last year.

Because the Dollar Tree squeezer is made out of plastic, I also find myself being instinctively gentler than I would be with a sturdier tool. But for the price and for what I use it for most—quick lime squeezes for tacos, lemon juice for salad dressings, or making fresh citrus water—it's excellent!

Is it perfect? No. But it pulls its weight in my kitchen, and for $1.50, that's more than enough.

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