BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Menu
 
Expert Shopper Electronics

11 genius time-saving products for busy households

Geeni/iRobot/The Home Edit/BestReviews illustration

11 things really busy people need in their lives

For most people, no matter what they do for a living or where they are from, time is an invaluable resource. There are only so many hours in a day, but juggling work, friends, hobbies and family can be challenging. 

But it doesn’t need to be so stressful. There are a few things that you can do to reclaim a few minutes each day, and a great starting point is time-saving gadgets, such as smart home devices, robotic cleaners and advanced kitchen appliances.

In this article: Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker, Cosori 6.8Qt Air Fryer and Home Edit Bento Box Set

Saving time can save you money

It might not be immediately apparent, but gadgets that save you time can also save you money in the long term. For example, robotic vacuum cleaners like the iRobot Roomba Combo i3+ handle both vacuuming and mopping and often do a much better job than humans. This means you’ll spend less time redoing sections, which in turn reduces your utilities bill.

Even things like proper meal planning and storage will save you money. Once you have decided what’s for dinner for the next couple of days, airtight containers keep your ingredients fresh. This prevents food waste from incorrect storing and saves money by not having to rebuy what you lost.

But meal prep containers are only one part of the time-saving equation when it comes to busy people. Having the fresh ingredients readily available is great, but without a gadget to cook it quickly, it won’t be of much use. This is where items like microwave pasta cookers or air fryers come in. 

Designed for convenience, there are plenty of gadgets that will get the job done quickly. And even something as simple as a smart plug can have your morning coffee brewed and ready before you’ve even snoozed your first alarm.

Best products for busy households

Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker

After a busy day at the office, you probably want to prepare dinner as quickly as possible. This Microwave Pasta Cooker from Fasta Pasta is the perfect solution, as you’ll have mac and cheese, spaghetti or any other pasta ready in minutes. It is free of bisphenol A (BPA) and it prepares up to eight servings of pasta without the need to boil water separately. It features a lid that doubles as a strainer, ensuring no pasta spills.

Magnetic Dry-Erase Menu Board

Save time when planning dinner and make meal prepping easier with this 17-inch by 12-inch  magnetic dry-erase daily Menu Board. It easily sticks to your fridge and includes four fine-tip liquid chalk markers in vibrant colors, perfect for jotting down notes, reminders or grocery lists. The board’s surface is easy to write on and clean, making it ideal for keeping your family organized and on track. 

Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mat

Baking can be fun, but if you leave a mess behind, it can take more time than necessary to clean it up. This Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mat is an excellent item to ensure your baking trays (and the inside of the oven) remain clean. This pack includes two nonstick mats that fit perfectly on standard baking sheets, eliminating the need for cooking sprays, parchment paper or aluminum foil. It is made from durable, food-grade silicone and can withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees.

Cosori 6.8Qt Air Fryer

Few kitchen gadgets have been as revolutionary and time-saving as an air fryer, and this Max XL from Cosori is a must-have for busy people. It has a large 6.8-quart capacity, making it perfect for preparing meals for the whole family easily. Using ThermoIQ technology for precise temperature control, it features 11 preset cooking functions, comes with a nonstick basket that is dishwasher-safe and a booklet with 100 air fryer recipes.

Vavsea Steamer for Clothes

If you are in a hurry but want to wear something that is creased, this portable garment steamer from Vavsea will come to the rescue. Using 700 watts of power, it heats up quickly and provides a strong, steady flow of steam that softens, cleans and sterilizes fabrics. The steamer has an auto shut-off function when the water level is low, or it gets too hot, and can even be used on curtains or upholstery. 

Home Edit Bento Box Set

There is nothing worse than having no idea what to make for dinner. However, if you take some time to prep the meals and store the ingredients in this Home Edit bento box food storage container set, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. This set of three containers is made from BPA-free plastic, has gasket-sealed compartments, comes with snap-on lids to prevent leaks and is stackable to save space in your fridge. 

Fullstar Vegetable Chopper

Nobody has time to meticulously cut onions while trying not to get the fumes in your eyes. This vegetable chopper is an excellent addition to any kitchen. This seven-piece set includes interchangeable blades for chopping, slicing and spiralizing vegetables, with everything falling into the sturdy container below.

iRobot Roomba Combo i3+

The iRobot Roomba Combo i3+ robot is one of the ultimate gadgets to save time. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, it uses smart navigation to thoroughly vacuum and mop your home. It automatically adapts to different floor types, has a self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and recharges itself when the battery is low.  

Geeni DOT Smart Wi-Fi Outlet Plug

If you haven’t realized it, a Wi-Fi plug can also save you a lot of time, especially in the morning. The plug connects to your Wi-Fi network, and through compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can program when it switches on and off. If you connect your coffee maker to it, you can set the plug to automatically turn on in the mornings, and your maker will have your first brew ready when you enter the kitchen.  

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat that ensures your home is always at the optimal temperature. There is no need to go through a lengthy programming cycle, as the gadget learns your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting temperatures. If you prefer to be more hands-on, it features a large display for fine-tuning, is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, and can be controlled remotely through the Nest app. 

Ming Chen Remote Control Smart Zebra Window Blinds

Have you ever wished that you could remotely control your blinds from practically anywhere in the world? That’s exactly what you get with these Smart Zebra Window Blinds. Measuring 58 inches wide and 72 inches long, they provide 95% blackout and are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, or operated with a remote control.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

Share this post: