There are kitchen tool brands — and then there is OXO Good Grips. Since 1990, when founder Sam Farber designed the original swivel peeler specifically so his wife Betsey could peel apples comfortably despite mild arthritis, OXO has been on a mission to make everyday kitchen tasks easier, safer, and more comfortable for everyone. More than 30 years and 800+ products later, OXO has become the kitchen brand that professional chefs, cookbook authors, food editors, and everyday home cooks consistently recommend above all others.
What makes OXO Good Grips utensils different isn’t marketing — it’s the obsessive design process. OXO literally observes people of all ages, hand sizes, grip strengths, and abilities using their tools during development, iterating until the result works better for more people than anything else in the category. The original swivel peeler’s iconic handle was modeled on a bicycle grip after testing hundreds of alternatives. Their blade suppliers have included makers of Samurai swords. The salad spinner was inspired by a children’s spinning top.
In this complete buyer’s guide, we’ll cover the best OXO Good Grips kitchen utensils in 2026 — from the individual tools that belong in every drawer to the comprehensive sets that outfit an entire kitchen in one purchase — so you can identify exactly which OXO tools belong in your kitchen.
Why OXO Good Grips Has Earned Its Reputation
Before diving into specific products, it’s worth understanding the principles that make OXO tools consistently better than their competitors:
- Universal Design philosophy — OXO tools are designed to work for the widest possible range of hands, from children to seniors, from people with full grip strength to those with arthritis or limited dexterity. If it’s comfortable for someone with arthritis, it’s comfortable for everyone.
- Non-slip, oversized handles — the signature soft rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) handles are large enough to grip confidently, textured enough to hold even when wet, and cushioned enough to absorb the pressure of repetitive tasks without fatiguing your hand
- Thoughtful material selection — stainless steel, die-cast zinc, food-grade nylon, silicone, and BPA-free plastics chosen for their specific properties in each application, not just cost
- Safety-forward design — smooth-edge can openers, locking tong mechanisms, integrated blade guards on peelers, spring-loaded food holders on slicers
- The OXO Better Guarantee — if you experience an issue with any OXO product, they will repair or replace it. Full stop.
The Kitchn put it well: OXO makes products that are “built to last — we can’t remember when we had to replace our salad spinner.” That kind of longevity at modest price points is genuinely rare in the kitchen utensil category.
Now, here are the best OXO Good Grips kitchen utensils in 2026 — organized by category.
Prep Tools
1. OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler — ~$10
The product that started it all. The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is the most recognized utensil OXO has ever made — and it belongs in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. That’s not hyperbole; it’s literally on display there as an exemplary piece of industrial design.
What makes it exceptional: twin stainless steel blades that flex to conform to the curves of any fruit or vegetable, an oversized cushioned handle designed around the ergonomics of how people actually grip and apply pressure during repetitive peeling, and a built-in potato eyer that removes blemishes without gouging out edible flesh. The blade was developed with suppliers who also make Samurai swords — meaning the edge geometry and sharpness are engineered with far more intention than a typical kitchen peeler.
For $10, the OXO Swivel Peeler is an immediate, permanent upgrade over every basic metal peeler on the market. OXO also offers a Pro Swivel Peeler (~$12) with a die-cast zinc construction and precision-ground extra-hardened blade for cooks who want the highest possible durability, and a Y-Peeler for those who prefer the perpendicular blade orientation that many professional chefs favor for thick-skinned vegetables.
Best for: Every kitchen — this is one of the most universally useful, best-designed kitchen tools ever made at any price.
2. OXO Good Grips Garlic Press — ~$18–$20
The OXO Good Grips Garlic Press is built around two smart design decisions that most garlic presses get wrong. First, a large-capacity hopper that holds 2–3 cloves at once — not the tiny chamber that requires individual clove processing on cheaper models. Second, a built-in self-cleaning mechanism: flip the handles over and the hopper inverts to push residual garlic bits out through the perforations for easy rinsing.
The sturdy die-cast zinc construction means this press handles both peeled and unpeeled garlic cloves effectively — the pressure is sufficient to push garlic cleanly through the efficient hole pattern without the crushing-then-dragging motion that soft-material presses require. The non-slip grip absorbs hand pressure comfortably even for the vigorous squeezes large cloves require.
Cookbook authors and food writers consistently list the OXO garlic press among their most-reached-for kitchen tools. For home cooks who use garlic regularly — which is nearly everyone — it’s a $20 investment that pays dividends in saved time and mess every single cooking session.
Best for: Everyday garlic prep; anyone who finds mincing garlic by hand tedious or produces inconsistent results.
3. OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener — ~$17–$20
The OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener represents one of the most meaningful can opener design upgrades available: it cuts along the side of the can lid rather than the top, leaving absolutely no sharp edges on either the can rim or the removed lid. The lid becomes a safe, finger-friendly disc that can be picked up and handled without any risk of cuts.
This design also means the cutting wheel never contacts the food inside the can — it cuts the exterior side seam, staying entirely clean and hygienic. The magnetic lid pliers grip and hold the lid as it’s cut completely, then release it gently into a bowl or trash without touching it with your fingers. A coin-slot drive knob turns smoothly, and the soft-handled ergonomic grip makes the repetitive turning motion comfortable even for large batches.
OXO also offers a Soft-Handled Can Opener for cooks who prefer the traditional top-cutting mechanism at a lower price point, and a Lock & Go Can Opener with folding arms for compact storage.
Best for: Anyone who’s ever reached into a freshly opened can and nicked a finger on the lid — which is most people at some point.
4. OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk — ~$10
The OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk is the workhorse whisk for everyday kitchen tasks. Polished stainless steel wires in a traditional balloon configuration beat eggs, emulsify dressings, dissolve dry ingredients into wet, and whip cream and egg whites effectively. The teardrop-shaped handle fits comfortably in the palm, and the non-slip grip prevents it from rotating or slipping during vigorous whisking.
OXO offers the balloon whisk in multiple sizes — the 11-inch is the everyday standard, while a Mini Whisk (~$10) is ideal for small quantities, single servings of vinaigrette, and stirring ingredients in narrow containers like mason jars and small saucepans. A 9-Inch Whisk version suits smaller bowls and pans.
The dishwasher-safe construction means cleanup is genuinely effortless — wire whisks are notoriously difficult to clean by hand when beaten egg dries in the crevices, so the ability to run this through the dishwasher after every use is a practical advantage that adds up over thousands of uses.
Best for: All-purpose whisking — eggs, batters, sauces, dressings, cream; dishwasher-safe construction earns it a permanent place in daily rotation.
Cooking Tools
5. OXO Good Grips Tongs with Nylon Heads — ~$12–$14
OXO’s locking tongs with nylon heads are one of the most consistently praised utensils in their entire catalog — and one of the most-used by home cooks who own them. The nylon scalloped heads grip food securely without piercing or tearing it, making them safe for both non-stick cookware surfaces and delicate proteins like fish fillets and chicken breasts. The silicone-tipped version handles higher heat more safely for oven and grill use.
The built-in locking mechanism at the hinge keeps the tongs closed for drawer storage — no more tongs springing open and jamming every time you open a drawer. The lock engages and releases with a simple squeeze at the base, which becomes completely intuitive after a single use. Available in 9-inch and 12-inch lengths; the 9-inch is the everyday kitchen standard and the 12-inch provides extra reach for deep pots and grilling.
Cookbook author and food blogger TwoSleevers describes these as tools she uses “all the time, especially when air frying” — the nylon tips place and remove hot items without tearing food, and the lock mechanism works flawlessly. For anyone who has struggled with poor-quality tongs that slip, squeeze unevenly, or spring open in storage, the OXO version is a permanent solution.
Best for: All-around cooking — sautéing, grilling, air frying, serving; the locking mechanism alone justifies the upgrade from cheaper tongs.
6. OXO Good Grips Flexible Turner — ~$10–$12
The OXO Good Grips Flexible Turner is the spatula for cooks who actually flip things — pancakes, eggs, burgers, fish fillets, and cookies — rather than just push them around a pan. The angled, flexible nylon head gets cleanly under food with minimal lifting, the wide surface area provides secure support for large items, and the beveled edge slides effortlessly beneath even delicate crêpes without tearing.
Safe for non-stick surfaces up to 400°F, the flexible turner is part of OXO’s broader spatula family. For cooks who work across multiple pan types, OXO also offers a Silicone Flexible Turner for higher heat resistance, a Square Turner for uniform-contact flipping of burgers and hash browns, and a Fish Turner with an extra-flexible, slotted head designed specifically for fragile fish fillets. All share the signature non-slip Good Grips handle.
Best for: Flipping pancakes, eggs, burgers, and fish cleanly and without tearing; the angled flexible head is the key design advantage over stiffer alternatives.
7. OXO Good Grips Silicone Ladle — ~$12
The OXO Good Grips Silicone Ladle handles the full range of liquid-serving tasks — soups, stews, sauces, chili, curry — with a design that thinks through the details competitors miss. The angled head drip-free dispenses liquid without the slow, messy drip that plagues straight-spouted ladles. The flexible silicone bowl portion can be pressed flat against the bottom of a pot to scoop up the last of a thick sauce or stew. And the deep bowl holds a generous portion per scoop for efficient serving.
The silicone construction means it’s non-stick cookware safe, heat-resistant to temperatures well beyond stovetop cooking, and dishwasher safe. The Good Grips handle provides the same comfortable, non-slip experience as every other OXO cooking tool.
OXO also makes a Nylon Ladle for cooks who prefer a firmer bowl material, and a Deep Clean Brush & Sponge specifically designed for cleaning the interior curves of ladles and other deep-bowled utensils.
Best for: Soups, stews, sauces, and any liquid-portioning task; the angled drip-free design is a significant quality-of-life improvement over straight ladles.
8. OXO Good Grips Potato Masher — ~$12
The OXO Good Grips Potato Masher consistently earns mentions as one of the standout individual tools in the 15-piece utensil set, specifically called out by reviewers as among the best they’ve ever owned. The tight waffle-weave wire grid is the key design feature: it distributes mashing force evenly across a large surface area and produces smooth, lump-free results without requiring extensive repetitive pressing.
The ergonomic handle is particularly relevant here — mashing potatoes is one of the most physically demanding repetitive kitchen tasks, applying significant downward force over a sustained period. The OXO handle absorbs that pressure comfortably without the hard-edge fatigue that straight-handled mashers cause on the palm. The wide, stable base keeps the masher from rocking sideways during the downward press, ensuring efficient force transfer to the food.
Best for: Mashed potatoes, avocado, cooked squash, banana for banana bread — any task requiring smooth, even mashing of soft cooked or ripe foods.
9. OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors — ~$12–$15
The OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors cover the full range of kitchen cutting tasks that scissors handle better than knives — snipping fresh herbs directly into a dish, cutting pizza, trimming the fat from raw chicken, cutting dried pasta to shorter lengths, opening food packaging, and cutting twine for trussing. The cushioned handle pads absorb pressure during extended use, and the micro-serrated blades separate completely for thorough dishwasher cleaning (a significant advantage over scissors with fixed-rivet construction that trap food in the pivot).
The integrated herb stripper above the blade pivot removes fresh herb leaves from tough stems in a single pull-through motion — run the stem through the sized hole and strip basil, thyme, rosemary, or tarragon leaves cleanly without individual leaf-picking. This feature alone saves meaningful time for cooks who use fresh herbs regularly.
Best for: Herb prep, poultry trimming, pizza cutting, general kitchen cutting tasks; separating blades for dishwasher cleaning is a design feature that competitors with fixed-pivot scissors can’t match.
Serving and Finishing Tools
10. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner (Large) — ~$28–$32
In head-to-head testing by Food Network against a field of over a dozen competing salad spinners, the OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner won the Best Overall position — and it’s been holding that spot for years. With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and consistent recommendations from food editors, home cooks, and professional chefs, this is one of OXO’s most beloved products across their entire catalog.
The pump mechanism (originally inspired by a children’s spinning top, as OXO’s product history notes) is the core advantage over pull-cord competitors: a single soft pump press on the top sets the basket spinning at high speed, and a built-in brake button stops it instantly for clean unloading. No cord to pull, no progressive-tension mechanism to wear out. The non-slip base keeps the bowl firmly planted on the countertop throughout spinning. The basket doubles as a colander for rinsing. The lid comes completely apart for thorough cleaning, and all components are dishwasher safe.
A Little Salad & Herb Spinner (smaller version, ~$22) suits households of one or two, single-serving prep, and herb drying — the pump-and-brake mechanism is identical to the large version in a more compact footprint. An OXO Stainless Steel Salad Spinner replaces the plastic outer bowl with stainless steel for a premium kitchen aesthetic at a higher price point.
Best for: Anyone who eats salads regularly or uses fresh herbs; the pump-and-brake mechanism is the best salad spinner design on the market at any price.
11. OXO Good Grips Pizza Wheel — ~$12
The OXO Good Grips Pizza Wheel is a surprisingly often-mentioned standout in OXO utensil reviews — pizza cutters are a category where most people settle for whatever cheap tool came with a kitchen set, and then wonder why cutting pizza is messier and more frustrating than it should be. The OXO version features a sharp stainless steel wheel that rolls cleanly through cheese and crust without dragging, a wheel guard that protects both the blade and fingers during storage, and a comfortable non-slip handle that provides the leverage needed for clean single-stroke cuts.
Reviewers who rate the 15-piece OXO kitchen set consistently single out the pizza wheel as one of the best individual tools in the set — it “slices through pizza and other things with ease” and is “very easy to clean.” The wheel guard is a practical addition that few budget pizza cutters include.
Best for: Clean, single-pass pizza slicing; also handles flatbreads, quesadillas, pie crusts, puff pastry, and crepe cutting.
12. OXO Good Grips Ice Cream Scoop — ~$12–$15
The OXO Good Grips Ice Cream Scoop is built for the full range of ice cream textures — from soft, freshly churned gelato to rock-hard straight-from-freezer ice cream — with a sturdy, non-flex stainless steel scoop bowl that maintains its shape through repeated hard scooping without bending. The wide, cushioned handle distributes hand pressure comfortably for the wrist-rotation motion required for hard ice cream, making it significantly more comfortable than narrow-handled metal scoops.
Beyond ice cream, the OXO scoop serves as a portion-control tool for cookie dough, meatballs, and muffin batter — the curved stainless steel bowl releases portioned dough cleanly on smooth surfaces. The handle design is particularly appreciated by cooks who scoop large quantities of cookie dough at once and develop hand fatigue with conventional scoops.
Best for: Ice cream, cookie dough portioning, meatball sizing, and muffin batter; the ergonomic handle makes high-volume scooping comfortable for the first time.
OXO Good Grips Kitchen Utensil Sets
For cooks setting up a new kitchen or doing a comprehensive utensil refresh, OXO offers several complete set options that provide better value than buying individual pieces separately.
OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set — ~$95–$110
The 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set is OXO’s most popular complete set and was named one of the best kitchen utensil sets of 2026 by Food Network’s testing team. It includes 14 tools plus a stainless steel holder with removable drip tray:
- Grater, Swivel Peeler, Ice Cream Scoop, Potato Masher
- Soft-Handled Can Opener, 11-inch Balloon Whisk
- Silicone Spatula, Meat Tenderizer, 4-inch Pizza Wheel
- Flexible Turner, Square Turner, Spoon, Slotted Spoon
- 12-inch Tongs with Nylon Heads
- Stainless steel utensil holder with removable drip tray
All nylon and silicone tools are heat-resistant up to 400°F and safe for non-stick cookware. Dishwasher-safe components clean up efficiently without hand-washing. Food Network’s tester specifically noted the turner made easy work of flipping omelets, the whisk combined eggs evenly, and the ladle was generously large for soups and stews. Bundled at around $100, this set saves over $50 versus purchasing the individual tools separately.
OXO Good Grips 18-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set — ~$110–$130
The 18-Piece Set expands the 15-piece by adding three additional tools: a Nylon Solid Spoon, a Small Silicone Spatula, and a Silicone Cookie Spatula — rounding out the full everyday baking and cooking complement. This is the preferred option for cooks who bake regularly alongside everyday cooking.
OXO Good Grips 20-Piece Everyday Kitchen Set — ~$130–$150
The 20-Piece Set is OXO’s most comprehensive utensil collection, adding wooden tools (wooden spoon, slotted spoon, wooden turner) and a 4-piece measuring cup set plus 4-piece measuring spoon set to the core cooking utensils. The wooden additions are a thoughtful inclusion for cooks who prefer wood for delicate tasks — wood doesn’t scratch non-stick, transfers minimal heat to the hand, and many cooks prefer the tactile feel of wood for stirring sauces and pasta. The measuring cup and spoon set covers baking accuracy from the same purchase. A large utensil holder is included for organized countertop storage.
Comparison: OXO Utensil Sets at a Glance
| Set | Pieces | Price Range | Includes Holder | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-Piece Everyday Set | 14 tools + holder | $95–$110 | ✅ Stainless steel | Complete kitchen starter; gifting |
| 18-Piece Utensil Set | 17 tools + holder | $110–$130 | ✅ Stainless steel | Cooks who also bake regularly |
| 20-Piece Everyday Set | 19 tools + holder | $130–$150 | ✅ Large holder | Full kitchen outfit incl. measuring |
| 6-Piece Set with Holder | 5 tools + crock | $45–$55 | ✅ Stainless crock | Minimalists; stove-side essentials |
Best Individual OXO Good Grips Utensils: Quick Reference
| Utensil | Price | Key Feature | Dishwasher Safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swivel Peeler | ~$10 | MoMA-collection design; twin flex blades | ✅ |
| Garlic Press | ~$18 | Large hopper; built-in self-cleaner | ✅ |
| Smooth Edge Can Opener | ~$18 | Side-cut leaves no sharp edges; magnetic lid catch | ✅ |
| 11-in Balloon Whisk | ~$10 | Polished SS wires; non-slip teardrop handle | ✅ |
| Tongs w/ Nylon Heads (9-in) | ~$12 | Locking mechanism; scalloped nylon heads | ✅ |
| Flexible Turner | ~$10 | Angled head; safe to 400°F; non-stick safe | ✅ |
| Silicone Ladle | ~$12 | Angled drip-free spout; flexible bowl | ✅ |
| Wire Potato Masher | ~$12 | Tight waffle-weave grid; cushioned handle | ✅ |
| Kitchen & Herb Scissors | ~$13 | Separating blades; herb stripper; micro-serrated | ✅ |
| Salad Spinner (Large) | ~$30 | Pump-and-brake; non-slip base; bowl doubles as colander | ✅ |
| Pizza Wheel | ~$12 | Sharp SS wheel; blade guard for storage | ✅ |
| Ice Cream Scoop | ~$13 | Non-flex SS bowl; ergonomic for hard ice cream | ✅ |
How to Build Your OXO Utensil Collection Strategically
Start With the Foundation Five
Five OXO tools cover the largest number of daily cooking scenarios and deliver the most immediate impact for most home cooks: the Swivel Peeler, Tongs, Flexible Turner, Garlic Press, and Balloon Whisk. Together they cost under $60 and address peeling, gripping, flipping, seasoning, and mixing — the fundamental motions of virtually every cooking session. Add the Smooth Edge Can Opener and Salad Spinner to complete the everyday essentials for under $120 total.
For New Kitchen Setup
The 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Set is the most efficient way to outfit a new kitchen from scratch. It covers all the fundamental cooking tools, includes the stainless steel holder for organized storage, and costs less than buying the tools individually. If measuring cups and wooden tools are also needed, step up to the 20-Piece Set.
For Gifting
OXO utensils are consistently recommended as kitchen gifts because the quality is immediately apparent and the tools remain useful for years. The best individual gifting picks are the Salad Spinner (a beloved, frequently-used tool that people often don’t buy themselves), the Garlic Press, and the Kitchen & Herb Scissors. For a comprehensive gift, the 15-Piece Set is ideal for new homeowners, newlyweds, or anyone setting up or refreshing a kitchen.
For Replacing Worn-Out Tools
If you’re replacing individual tools rather than a whole set, prioritize the items where design quality matters most in daily use: the peeler (used hundreds of times a year), tongs (used for every stovetop session), and the can opener (where the smooth-edge design is a genuine safety upgrade). These three replacements will be immediately and permanently noticeable improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are OXO Good Grips kitchen utensils dishwasher safe?
The vast majority are. OXO’s nylon and silicone tools are designed for dishwasher cleaning — it’s a core part of their usability philosophy. Some items, like wooden utensils in the 20-piece set and the meat tenderizer in the 15-piece set, require hand washing. Each product’s specifications confirm dishwasher safety, and OXO generally indicates this clearly on packaging and product listings.
What is the OXO Better Guarantee?
OXO’s Better Guarantee means that if you experience an issue with any OXO product, they will repair it or replace it. This applies across their entire product range. It’s not a limited time warranty — it’s a genuine commitment to product quality that OXO uses to stand behind the durability of their tools. Contact OXO directly through their website or customer service line to initiate a claim.
Are OXO kitchen tools safe for non-stick cookware?
Yes — OXO’s nylon and silicone tools are specifically designed to be non-stick cookware safe. Nylon tools are safe up to 400°F; silicone tools handle higher temperatures. OXO’s stainless steel tools (graters, whisks, some turners) should be used with appropriate care on non-stick surfaces, but the majority of their cooking utensils are non-stick compatible by design.
What’s the difference between the standard Swivel Peeler and the Pro Swivel Peeler?
Both use the same ergonomic handle design and swivel blade concept. The standard Swivel Peeler (~$10) has a stainless steel blade and the classic OXO rubber handle. The Pro Swivel Peeler (~$12) upgrades to a die-cast zinc body construction and a precision-ground, extra-hardened stainless steel blade that stays sharp through heavier use. For occasional peeling, the standard version is excellent. For very frequent use or cooking large volumes, the Pro’s extra-hardened blade maintains its edge longer.
Which OXO set is best for a new kitchen?
The 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set is the best starting point for most new kitchens — it covers all essential cooking tasks, includes a stainless steel holder, and saves over $50 versus individual purchases. If you also need measuring cups and wooden utensils, the 20-Piece Everyday Kitchen Set is the more comprehensive choice at a modest premium.
How does OXO compare to other kitchen utensil brands?
OXO consistently outperforms competitors in ergonomics and handle design — the non-slip, cushioned Good Grips handle reduces hand fatigue in a way that silicone-only or stainless steel handles from brands like GIR or Caraway simply don’t. Where GIR and similar brands offer superior aesthetic consistency (uniform material, cleaner visual lines), OXO prioritizes functional performance for the full range of hand types and cooking scenarios. For pure ergonomic comfort and kitchen-task performance, OXO remains the standard most food editors reach for.
Final Verdict: The Best OXO Good Grips Kitchen Utensils in 2026
OXO Good Grips has maintained its position as the kitchen utensil standard for over three decades because the tools genuinely work better — better grip, better blade design, better ergonomics, and better thought given to the specific mechanics of each cooking task than any competitor at comparable prices.
For new kitchens or comprehensive refreshes, the 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set is the single most efficient purchase: Food Network’s tested best-pick for utensil sets, priced to save significantly versus buying individually, and covering every fundamental cooking need in one package.
For targeted individual upgrades, the Swivel Peeler, Salad Spinner, Smooth Edge Can Opener, and Locking Tongs are the four tools where OXO’s design advantage over the competition is most immediately and consistently felt in daily use. Start there and let the quality speak for itself.
The OXO Better Guarantee ensures that whatever you buy, you’re covered. And given that OXO users routinely report owning the same tools for a decade or more without replacement, the long-term value proposition is as strong as the immediate one.
Which OXO Good Grips tools are your favorites? Drop your most-used utensils in the comments — we’d love to know what’s in your kitchen drawer!