I Use This $1 Kitchen Gadget Every Day

It's earned a permanent place in my kitchen.

Over the past year, I've made it my mission to find the best, most affordable kitchen, home, and lifestyle products to make life easier and better, and really provide value. Shopping sites like Temu, I've surprisingly unearthed some real gems—and some total duds, but that's a story for another day.

For example, this rice-washing bowl is one of the standout products that has earned a permanent place in my kitchen.

Why This $1 Tool Is My Desert Island Pick

Ok, I couldn't just take this bowl to a desert island with me. After all, I'm known for traveling with my chef's knife, some essential spices, and my truly beloved Microplane mandoline, but this would definitely make the list! This simple plastic bowl with its built-in strainer has revolutionized how I wash and prep foods like rice, beans, grains, lentils, berries, and small vegetables.

I admit that when I first got it, I thought it seemed cheap and slightly smaller than it appeared online. But in all fairness, I think the pictures make it look more elegant than in real life. For these reasons, I wasn't sure, at first, if I'd use it. However, it quickly quelled my hesitation and became one of my most used kitchen tools. I've had it for just over a year now, and I use it every day. It's still in great shape, aside from a bit of scuffing on the bottom from regular use.

The bowl is oval-shaped and measures about 6.5 inches wide, 7.75 inches long, and about 3.5 inches deep on the lowest edge. Its functional design has the perforated basket sitting on the side of the bowl, just above the peak curve, so the water doesn't spill out everywhere when it’s resting.

The photos online show the measurements from the widest point, which doesn't take into account how you'd use it. For practical reference, I can easily and comfortably wash about two cups of rice in it at a time.

Prior to having this, I used to wash my rice in a bowl, colander, or sieve. But when straining and transferring it to a pot, I'd lose a lot of rice and make a mess of water and stray grains. This bowl is vastly more efficient and makes things easier all around.

I place the bowl in the sink to wash my rice, then lift it out and tilt it back into the sink to strain. The water drains freely, and the perforations trap even the smallest ingredients. Then, I use my hand to scoop the rice out along the same edge–no lost rice!

There are plenty of high-end versions of this product out there, but for the price, convenience, and value, this unassuming Temu find is unbeatable. If you want to add one ultra-handy tool to your kitchen, this humble plastic bowl won't disappoint.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.