When I was sent a set of electric salt and pepper grinders to test out, I was intrigued—but a little skeptical. I’ve cooked for years with the manual kind. They’re sturdy. They’re classic. They do the job. Why complicate something so simple?

Then one night, with one hand cradling a piece of raw salmon and the other trying to awkwardly twist a pepper mill, I got it. I grabbed the electric grinder, pressed the button, and it was like magic. Freshly ground pepper rained down onto the fish without me having to juggle, pause, or wash my hands. It was one of those “Where have you been all my life?” moments.

The salt grinder has earned its place, too, but it’s the pepper grinder, and that one-handed ease, that won me over. It turns out, the tools that feel “extra” at first are often the ones that end up earning a permanent spot on your counter—or at least in your regular rotation.

Here are three gadgets, including the grinders, that save time, improve texture and flavor, and make cooking more enjoyable, along with specific brand recommendations with suggested “wine pairing moments” for each.

1. Electric Salt & Pepper Grinders

You already know where I stand on these. The key? Consistency and control. A good electric grinder offers adjustable coarseness levels, which are essential for both salt and pepper, allowing you to achieve an even, fresh flavor with the touch of a button. That means better crusts on steak, more balanced salad dressings, and beautifully seasoned sauces, all without slowing you down.

The set I’ve been using is the 2-in-1 Electric Salt & Pepper Grinder Set by Cospro ($59). It offers several great features, including a wireless charging dock and an easy top-fill design, making refilling quick and convenient. It also provides five coarseness levels.

Wine pairing moment: Freshly cracked pepper on a creamy cacio e pepe or risotto? Try it with a mineral-driven white like an Italian Verdicchio or a light-bodied red like a Sicilian Frappato.

2. Mandoline Slicer

During my training to become a professional chef, using a mandoline was an essential kitchen tool. It’s unbeatable for creating eye-appealing, whisper-thin fennel for salads, matchstick radishes, or uniform potato slices for a gratin. It's not just for looks either—thin, even cuts cook and absorb flavors more evenly.

The dishwasher-safe OXO Good Grips Adjustable Handheld Mandoline Slicer ($18) is adjustable for slices in three thicknesses and, most importantly, comes with a safety guard—never risk slicing your fingertips!

Wine pairing moment: A shaved fennel, apple, and celery salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with a dry Finger Lakes Riesling or a Spanish Albariño.

3. Garlic Press

Purists will say to mince garlic by hand, and for many preparations, I do just that. But when I want a quick burst of fresh garlic, for things like guacamole, hummus, or marinades, nothing beats the press. It’s fast, mess-free, and delivers bold garlic flavor in seconds. The Zyliss Susi 3 Garlic Press ($29.95) even lets you crush the clove without peeling it.

Wine pairing moment: Garlic-marinated shrimp seared in olive oil? Pour a glass of white with a saline kick, like a Tuscan Vermentino or Greek Assyrtiko.

Over time, I’ve realized that the tools I reach for again and again are the ones that have earned their rightful place in my kitchen. It’s not about having more stuff—it’s about having the right tools that let the food (and wine!) shine.