
35 Genius Products Designed To Get Things Done Faster For The Chronically Impatient
A silicone baking mat for your sheet pan, so on days when you've run out of time to do anything orderly for dinner you can just slap a bunch of veggies and frozen goods down, drizzle them in olive oil, and shove them in the oven. Bonus: these are super easy to clean, so you won't have to deal with a mess!
A quick-drying top nail coat, because sometimes you just have to get the show on the road, nail polish situation be damned — this helps dry your wet nails within two minutes so you can get back to business (read: sticking your hand in a chip bag without fear).
A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner you can quite literally "set and forget" to maintain its cleanliness over time — once you apply it after a shower, you just have to wait eight to 12 hours and it'll quietly tackle the soap scum, grime, oils, mold, and mildew stains without any elbow grease from you.
An easy-to-hold detangling brush from TikTok-beloved brand Kitsch — this elevated version is suitable for all hair types to quickly and oh-so-gently detangle hair and prevent breakage, whether you're brushing wet or dry.
A set of fast-acting Keurig cleaner pods you can simply put through a cycle on the machine to get rid of all the crusted-on grinds and residue that are *definitely* affecting the taste of your coffee, even if you haven't noticed over time.
A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll get you uniform, oh-so-satisfyingly cut veggies — this gadget juliennes, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess.
And a genius 2-in-1 knife and cutting board perfect for all your quick chopping needs that don't require a whole production of cutting boards. This scissor-like contraption lets you slice against a flat surface for easier use, then slide your veggies into a bowl or on top of a dish in a flash.
A deep exfoliating shower back scrubber so soothing and effective that it won't be long before all your friends are like, "Wow, remember when they talked about something other than how squeaky clean their back feels?" A lot of reviewers with dry skin and keratosis pilaris swear by this for relief!
A snap-on pasta strainer to free your pasta from its hot juices straight from the pot and spare you storage space to boot. (Is it just me, or are colanders always in the business of being exactly in the way of whatever it is you need?) Psst — these are also a game changer for washing your fruit!
Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container.
And a magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to help minimize effort and maximize deliciousness so you can get dinner on the table as fast as possible.
Plus a set of disposable air fryer liners if your thoughts on cleaning the air fryer can be summed up in two words: "No thanks!!" With these handy liners you can heat up your greasiest leftovers, cook your messiest meat and veggie dishes, and get absolutely lawless with TikTok dessert recipes with *zero* scrubbing and cleanup at the end.
A foaming garbage disposal cleaner you can plop into your sink, run a little water on, and let its blue magic fizz its way up to the top while clearing out all the gunk from your culinary adventures in one go.
A facial hair trimmer for anyone whose thoughts on razors, waxing, or tweezers are simply, "Thank you, next!" This pain-free, ridiculously fast solution has over 99,000 5-star reviews singing its praises.
A set of Bottle Bright tablets so you can tackle all the sludge caked on your automatic kettle, coffee maker, or favorite ceramic mugs instead of replacing them for a pretty penny.
iRobot's Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo that will make anyone with hardwood floors want to SING from relief. This adorable gizmo maps your floors and uses sensors to vacuum carpets and hardwood, plus mop hard surfaces in clean, neat lines without running into any obstacles. Then it goes back to its little charging dock home so it can juice back up and do the whole thing all over again.
A "Magic Tap" automatic drink dispenser as the ultimate parent hack — this battery-operated, spillproof system easily slides into jugs of water, milk, and juice in your fridge to make it easy for kids to serve themselves. Essentially it means a whole lot more independence for the kiddos, and a WHOLE lot more convenience for you.
A microwave pasta maker so you can enjoy the glory of your favorite carbohydrate by literally just pressing a button on the microwave and walking away, so you don't have to hover over a boiling pot listening to a podcast just to get your noodles on.
A microwave cooling caddy that doesn't get hot so you can pop your grub out of the microwave without waiting for it to cool down or grabbing oven mitts. Especially important when several humans need the microwave and you can't be lingering there waiting for your soup bowl to be grab-able.
A self-cleaning electric toilet brush to go full YEE! HAWWWW! on the grime in your toilet bowl. If you're dealing with hard water stains, this is an excellent way to get the toilet bowl sparkling again without having to scrub hard. When you put it away, the base will light up blue to let you know it's sanitizing the brush!
A jar of all-in-one decor paint, a chalk-style paint with a built-in primer designed to easily glide on furniture, upholstery, and any wood, metal, and glass surfaces. It's eco-friendly and dries with a chalky matte finish within 30 minutes of application, making it a boon for parents doing DIY projects. Reviewers use it on everything from old couches to front doors to dressers to fences.
A power scrubber brush you can attach to a DRILL (!!) that basically does all of the hard grime busting for you, so you don't have to have sore arms for a week just because you dared to wipe down the shower.
A purse organizer insert for anyone who is committed to the ~tote bag~ lifestyle, but doesn't love digging through them like a feral raccoon. Another perk? If you're switching out your purse, all you have to do is slide the organizer out and pop it in with all your stuff raring to go.
A drain snake you can funnel into your shower or sink drain that honestly works a little *too* well at unclogging hair in older sinks and bath tubs, pulling it up in one (semi-horrifying) go before you have to resort to potentially pipe-damaging traditional drain cleaners.
A set of Wad-Free pads to ensure that your sheets stay separate from each other in the dryer and come out fresh, dry, and unwrinkled instead of looking like they got into a wet cotton brawl.
A magnetic necklace detangling clasp so you can layer your favorite pieces over an outfit the exact way you want them without having to pull them apart like bickering siblings at the end of each day.
A set of glass meal prep containers that are safe in the oven and the microwave, meaning you can cook, reheat, and eat out of 'em at the office instead of having an existential crisis about where you're going to eat during the lunch rush. Plus, these lids are tighter than the Pentagon.
A delightfully efficient wooden bread bow knife to get you easy, perfectly sliced cuts of thick breads like sourdough loaves and baguettes every time. Your fancy sandwich game is about to get out of control.
An under-cabinet lid opener for anyone who doesn't feel like playing another rousing game of "knock on the neighbor's door to see if someone can open this damn Nutella jar" (don't look at me!!). This is also an excellent space saver compared to other manual lid openers, and causes way less wrist strain!
An "Angry Mama" microwave cleaner that uses vinegar and water to blow hot steam into your microwave oven and loosen up all the old food and stains in a mere seven minutes (approximately two Lizzo songs, if anyone's keeping track).
A set of Stretchlace shoelaces, aka the Elastigirl of shoelaces — these might look like ordinary kicks, but they're made of stretchy elastic that lets you pull your shoes on and off without retying them, easy as pie.
A deeply innovative "Laundry Turtle" to make pulling things out of the dryer a breeze. Simply put it on top of your clothes, turn the dryer barrel, and use the flexible "turtle" to scoop everything up. Reviewers love the ease of this versus a laundry basket, especially since it's collapsible and *much* easier to store.
A wireless remote control outlet plug with a small remote that lets you turn devices on and off from across the room, whether it's a light fixture, a fan, a garbage disposal, or any other household electronic you don't feel like getting up or crouching down to turn on and off. You can even install the remote on the wall for easy access!
A set of nonstick, reusable toaster oven bags to let you make grilled cheese, paninis, and toasted sammies right in the toaster.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Unexpected Passenger Boards Subway 'Like She Was Headed To Work'—Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A surprise commuter on a New York City subway has captured the internet's heart after hopping aboard like she had somewhere to be. New Yorker @pocahontae8 shared a now-viral TikTok video showing a tiny gray tabby kitten casually jumping onto the train. The video has since garnered 1.2 million likes and 8 million views. "Y'all a kitten just hopped on the train like she was headed to work. Only in NYC," reads the text overlay on the clip. The footage shows the kitten joining morning commuters, clearly unfazed by the hustle of the city. One passenger scoops up the confused feline, seemingly unsure what to do next. Another eventually takes her off the train, likely to help find her a home or reunite her with an owner. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, it's important to approach carefully. You should check if the cat is truly stray or simply lost, according to PetMD. Look for signs of ownership like a collar or friendliness. Bringing the cat to a vet to scan for a microchip is the best next step. If there's no ID, consider contacting a local shelter or rescue group—or, if you're able, providing temporary foster care. TikTok users were quick to share their reactions to the unexpected moment. "You don't understand how bad I just panicked cuz I thought the kitten will fall through the crack," said Moneka. "Great they kidnapped the kitten while it was on its way to a job interview," joked Mahir. A stock image showing a subway train. A stock image showing a subway train. tifonimages/iStock / Getty Images Plus "Kitten was like 'excuse me I'm part of the distribution system and I was told my person would be here,'" another user commented. "I'm so glad that woman took her!!" said Amber. "THANK YOU TO THE GIRL WHO TOOK THE KITTEN! May she bring you joy for the rest of her life! I hope you keep her!" wrote Lula. "I'd of taken that baby immediately no hesitation," said Abigail. "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put this to the song 9-5," added Mia, referencing the classic Dolly Parton hit. "I have never seen the cat distribution system deliver on the train," another user added. A stock image showing a kitten walking. A stock image showing a kitten walking. Valentin Zlydennyy/iStock / Getty Images Plus "Kitten is just trying to apply for bodega jobs," quipped another user. "God bless that girl who took that precious kitten," added Anne. Newsweek reached out to @pocahontae8 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.


Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
15 Things That Are Not A Sign Of Intelligence
Sometimes people do certain things that instantly make people believe they are incredibly smart. However, just because society accepts a habit or behavior as a sign of intelligence, that doesn't mean it's actually the case. SO when I saw Reddit user MetalPotential7093 ask: "What is definitely NOT a sign of intelligence but people think it is?" a good number of people provided their brutally honest answers. Here's what they said: "Money or success. Intelligence helps, but it's not always necessary." —chrishiestand"The family you're born in matters way, way, way more than intelligence when it comes to wealth."—leonheart208 "People always confuse trivial knowledge with high intelligence; it's a very common misconception." "When someone says I did my own research, but all they did was to watch a TikTok and read one sketchy blog." —No_Strawberry_6796"This one infuriates me. Too many people don't understand how to do proper research. Googling something that agrees with your opinion or using social media as a source isn't research, Aunt Linda..."—SkankyGhost "Never changing your mind." "Refusing to be wrong ever." —ZealotOfMeme"I saw someone say this the other day, and I loved it:'It's hard to win an argument with a smart person, but it's impossible to win one with a stupid person.'"—starksdawson "Acting like you know everything. I would respect you 100 times more for admitting you don't know or aren't completely sure about something." "Being popular. Just because a lot of people like and listen to you and may believe what you say doesn't necessarily make you right or clever." —hake2506 "Using big words to say simple things." "Telling people that you have a high IQ or that your IQ is such and such number." —Lumpy_Salamander_979 "Seniority on the corporate ladder." "Your job: 'He's a doctor, he must be smart.' 'She's a very successful lawyer; she must be smart.' Etc." —cerebralpaulc "Confidence." "Being good at chess." —ptrxyz ''Winning' an argument by being louder and speaking over your opponent." "Having a degree. Any C student can get one. Any cheater at any grade level (or school) can get one. Anyone who paid enough money to a degree mill can get one. They mean very little. A lack of one doesn't indicate a lack of intelligence, either." —Lady_Irish Is there a clear sign that does not indicate someone is intelligent, even when people believe it does? Share your thoughts in the comments or anonymously in the Google Form below:


CNN
3 days ago
- CNN
These Oxo products are the unsung heroes of our editors' kitchens
CNN Underscored Oxo favorites For slicing veggies: Oxo Handheld Mandoline Slicer For homemade dressing: Oxo Little Salad Dressing Shaker For liquid measuring: Oxo Good Grips Angled Measuring Cups, Set of 3 For food storage: Oxo Good Grips 5-Piece Pop Container Set For our morning cup of Joe: Oxo Rapid Brewer Whether you're fully immersed in the world of product testing or not, Oxo can feel sort of inescapable. The brand is seemingly everywhere. Next time you need a tool in the kitchen or a storage solution, Oxo will almost certainly have an option worth buying. And it'll only take a few clicks on Amazon or a short drive to the nearest Target to add it to your cart. If (and when) you do choose to buy it, it's a reasonable bet that Oxo's product won't let you down. I've probably owned about a dozen Oxo products over the years, and reliable, accessible and affordable are repeatedly appropriate descriptors. If that feels like an ambitious blanket statement, I have the data to back it up. Banter around the CNN Underscored office led my colleagues and me to realize that we all had a favorite item made by Oxo. The variety, though, was so intriguing that I decided to poll the group. Participants could name up to five of their favorite Oxo products, then I tallied the votes. The following five champs — cookware stars that streamline kitchen prep and form the foundation of our morning coffee rituals — had the most support. Oxo Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer This mandoline can thinly slice any veggie you throw its way for a surprisingly low price point. Its design features a comfortable, secure grip and nonslip feet, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidentally cutting our review Oxo Good Grips Little Salad Dressing Shaker Everything you need to make, shake and serve salad dressings at home is in this little bottle. We love that it has measurement markings so you don't have to use a separate cup to be precise. Oxo Good Grips Angled Measuring Cups, Set of 3 This trio of measuring cups is the upgrade you didn't know you needed until you have it. The angled markings inside mean you don't have to crouch or bend to see just how far you've filled them up. Oxo Good Grips 5-Piece Pop Container Set Chip clips are shaking, knowing how much better these food storage containers are at maintaining an air-tight seal. Oxo Rapid Brewer Hot or iced coffee concentrate doesn't have to take hours to brew. This device — which requires no more than five minutes to do its job — is portable, repeatable and the most affordable way to make a dang good Americano. It's fair that many restaurants and chefs name-drop the Benriner Super Slicer as their go-to mandoline slicer. After all, it offers the almost industrial-grade build quality necessary for restaurant-level demands alongside its very sharp Japanese blade. The thing is, I still don't see it as a necessary tool for every household, especially not at that price point — and I say this as someone who meal preps three different dishes every week. The main reason I feel this way, however, is because of Oxo's sub-$20 option that has proven itself capable of tackling my home-cooking demands just as well as the Benriner slicer. Its stainless steel blade, while not Japanese-made, cuts and slices through potatoes, onions, cabbages, carrots and other veggies effortlessly, making those usually tedious thin-slicing jobs faster, easier and, surprisingly, really fun and a little addictive. I rely on it for many of my meal prep needs. When I'm making my favorite potato gratin recipe, it's the first thing I pull out. If a recipe calls for caramelized onions, I whip it out. Whenever I want coins of zucchini to barbecue, it's there. I love its angled rubber-covered handle as well. It offers a good, secure grip and allows me to position the mandoline in different ways, depending on what plate or bowl is most accessible to me in the moment. Plus, its included food holder can effectively cling to the last thinnest slice of the veggie to ensure that you're not making finger julienne. The Oxo Good Grips mandoline slicer is versatile as well, allowing you to easily adjust the thickness of your slices with settings for 1 millimeter, 2.5 millimeters or 4 millimeters. You can also lock the blade away so you don't accidentally cut yourself when you're rummaging around in your kitchen tool drawer. I've only had mine for a few months — right around the time the cucumber salad recipe started trending on TikTok — but it hasn't failed me yet. Nor has it shown any signs of wear or breakage. That's saying something considering I am not precious about how I clean or store it. I just wash it with my regular dish soap, leave it on my dish rack to dry and toss it in my drawer for storage. So, why buy a $50 mandoline when you can get this one for more than half the price? — Michelle Rae Uy, testing writer As a frequent at-home salad chef, I've come to realize over the years that no bottled dressing can truly compare to the homemade stuff. This shaker is my all-in-one go-to for whipping up a bespoke dressing. It has measurements listed right on the side of the container, so you can put away those measuring cups and spoons. And once your ingredients have been added, you can simply push the lever backwards to create a seal and shake up your creation. Then, it's ready to pour via the handy spout, and the whole shaker can be stashed in the fridge to dress future salads to come. When it's time to clean up, unscrew the top and toss both pieces into the dishwasher. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director I never really thought much about the measuring cups in my kitchen. I just figured they were all kind of the same (that is to say, not great). Then I tried these Oxo measuring cups. They have an angled design and inner measurement markings, which make it easy to see exactly how much is in there from above — no bending down required. They're made of Tritan Renew (aka recycled plastic), which makes them super lightweight too. But my favorite part is that they make pouring liquids mess-free. I use the 2-cup option most often, whether I'm mixing up eggs, liquid egg whites and cottage cheese for a high-protein breakfast or making brown sugar cinnamon coffee syrup in the microwave. The biggest one (4 cups) is perfect for refilling my cat's water fountain and meal prepping for the week. The set also comes with a 1-cup option, but I reach for that one the least often. One slightly frustrating thing is that it can be hard to use a mini whisk to mix things in the cups. There's an indentation where the measurements are listed on the inside, and it often gets in the way. There's a downside to them being so lightweight too. I've once or twice accidentally knocked over a cup full of pasta water that I couldn't get back. Cleanup is super easy because they're top-rack dishwasher-safe. I throw mine in the dishwasher after every single use, and they're still looking brand-new. And when not in use, all three measuring cups stack well to take up less storage space. — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor I've had my Oxo Pop containers for over six years now, and I still love them just as much as I did when I first got them. The BPA-free plastic is decently thick and durable, and as long as a toddler doesn't repeatedly throw the same container against the floor 20 times, you should get just as many years of use — or more — out of them. (We recently had one succumb to such a fate.) The plastic also doesn't seem to retain odors after washing, which is an issue I've noticed with other plastic food storage. The lids make a nice airtight seal with just the press of a button, not only keeping food fresher longer but keeping critters and crawlies out. They are far easier to open and close than Mason jars (and not as breakable), and they can even be used one-handed. Though we've highlighted the five-piece set above, there are a variety of dimensions and shapes available, making them a convenient way to store many different items in many different-sized spaces. Whether it's a small container of trail mix to keep in your desk drawer, a tall container to hold angel hair pasta or a big round container to store bulk rolled oats, there's a size for nearly every need. They also stack so neatly with their modular design, so you can really maximize the space in your pantry. There are a couple of downsides to these containers, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Mainly, while they are dishwasher-safe (top rack only), the two-piece lids can be a hassle to dry. One of the pieces can easily be towel-dried if your dishwasher doesn't do a good enough job, but the other has several small nooks and crevices that are difficult to get to, and water is likely to accumulate, so air-drying is the way to go. Just know that washing the lids properly (which I don't always do, let's be honest) doesn't allow for immediate use post-wash, even in the dishwasher. My only other gripe is that if the lid isn't on completely straight, it won't seal properly when you pop the lid. It will still let you do it, though, so you might not realize until it just plain falls off when you go to pick it up by the top (I may have done this a few times). It's an easy problem to address, though: Just pay attention and don't rush around like a madperson the way I do. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor I'm no coffee snob, but I can't survive without a daily cold brew. To tighten my budget and reduce plastic waste, I've started making coffee at home, and I can't rave enough about the Oxo Rapid Brewer. I'm fortunate to test some of the newest and shiniest coffee appliances on the market thanks to my job, but I always come back to my trusty Oxo Rapid Brewer. I love that I can make Starbucks-level coffee concentrate in just minutes, without any charging, plugs or disposable filters. It's extremely intuitive too. Simply fill the container with coffee grounds, tamp it, pour in water (hot or cold) and wait for the magic to brew. It's that easy and costs just $40 at that. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer While the products covered in depth above got the most love in our staff-wide survey, several others received first-place votes and play a major role in our editors' kitchens. Oxo Good Grips Etched Zester It doesn't matter whether you need to grate Grana Padano, lemon or garlic with this zester. It'll transform them all into fine shavings for your next pasta al limone — and quickly. The best part is you can throw it in the dishwasher when you're finished. — Maxwell Shukuya, associate writer Oxo Outdoor Kitchen 3-in-1 Squeegee and Scraper I've had this simple scraper for probably five years and use it all the time. It has three different materials for various cleaning applications, including a soft silicone side to wipe down counters, a harder plastic side to scrape stubborn or burned-on messes and a stainless steel side to clean grills or cast-iron pans. It's a small but mighty kitchen cleaning tool that I find myself reaching for over and over. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder No appliance gets more use in my kitchen than this coffee grinder, which has been going strong for about seven years. With 15 grind settings from fine for espresso and coarse for French press, it rivals other burr grinders that are far pricier. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writerRead our review Oxo Good Grips Squeeze and Pour Silicone Measuring Cups, Set of 3 I'm a big fan of the Food Network, and I noticed a lot of pros using these silicone measuring cups. I figured they must be onto something, so I swapped out my old plastic ones and haven't looked back. I love that they work for both hot and cold ingredients (think melted chocolate or butter) and can go straight into the microwave or dishwasher without a problem. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editorRead our review Oxo Good Grips Grilling Tongs and Turner Set This dishwasher-safe set of grilling tools does all the work on my grill and handles the heat. It's a steal for its price considering both the tongs — which received multiple votes in my poll of our editors — and the spatula are nearly the same price on their own. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer Where can I buy Oxo products? Where can I buy Oxo products? Oxo products are sold just about anywhere you'd expect to find kitchen tools — in-store or online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy's and The Container Store, among others — as well as on the brand's own website. Is Oxo an acronym for a longer name? Is Oxo an acronym for a longer name? No. The name, pronounced 'ox-oh,' is an ambigram and a palindrome, meaning it can be read in any direction. Is there a difference between Oxo and Oxo Good Grips? Is there a difference between Oxo and Oxo Good Grips? Not really. Anything under the 'Good Grips' umbrella is simply a matter of branding. The line is designed to promote a comfortable, secure hold, otherwise known as a good grip. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, these are not just products the team has tested, but they're mainstays in their lives. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss assembled this guide with submissions from several other CNN Underscored writers and editors who swear by these Oxo products. Bloss has penned numerous kitchen guides, including the best toasters and the best coffee makers.