All chefs and home cooks alike have at least one tricky or tedious task they try to avoid doing, such as peeling garlic or stripping corn kernels from the cob. And that’s why single-use kitchen tools exist. Sure, many of these highly specific gadgets are objectively ridiculous, doing little more than take up precious space in drawers crowded with various utensils and baking tools. But every once in a while, a genius single-use gadget comes along that’s so helpful, it earns a coveted spot in your arsenal of tools.

Not all single-use kitchen tools are a waste of space of money. Julienne peelers, cherry pitters and ... [+] dry spaghetti measurers are worth the investment.

Of course, kitchen tools and appliances that perform more than one function, such as food processors, are arguably more worthwhile. Not only do they save space on countertops and in cabinets, but generally speaking, but investing in multifunctional tools get you the most bang for your buck. Sometimes, though, having a designated tool to handle tiresome steps is worth the money and space, even if it can only perform one specific function. Here are the single-use gadgets we simply can’t live without.

Not only is cutting kernels off the cob with a standard knife messy, but it’s also dangerous. Ears of corn are slippery and hard to hold, so slicing kernels off with a sharp chef’s knife is a recipe for disaster. That’s why we love this handy tool that does the cutting for you. Shaped like a “Y” peeler, it maneuvers exactly like a vegetable peeler but features a special edge with serrated teeth that’s designed to catch and strip kernels of corn from the cob. The ergonomic handle features a nonslip grip, making it easy and safe to hold. Simply swipe the peeler from one end of the corn cob to the other, and watch as the kernels tumble directly into your bowl or cutting board. This single-use product is a must-buy for any corn fan who loves to grill or boil fresh corn but doesn’t to eat it straight from the cob or the inconvenience of slicing it off.

Any parent knows how stressful eating cherries with young kids can be. Though they’re juicy and delicious (so, perfect for kids), the pits also pose a dangerous choking hazard for little ones. That’s what makes this single-use gadget so worth the splurge—it removes pits from cherries and helps provide peace of mind to parents. And not only will parents find this tool useful—those who are known to bake a mean cherry pie will, too. To use it, start by placing the device over a large bowl. Fill the six holes with cherries then close the lid. Once closed, the prongs will puncture the cherry, removing the pit and leaving you with cleanly-pitted cherries. That way, you can freely enjoy the juicy fruit without the fear of choking on a pit. Plus, this tool is made from BPA-free plastic and is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.

Fans of Cobb salad and egg tartines know that peeling hard-boiled eggs can be a daunting task, and slicing the slippery eggs is almost just as time-consuming. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy tool that can easily slice eggs without them rolling all over the cutting board or getting squished under the weight of a chef’s knife? This stainless steel egg slicer makes it easy to cut hard-boiled eggs cleanly and efficiently. It features two cutting surfaces, one for slicing and one for wedging, both of which produce uniform cuts. Better yet, it’s dishwasher-safe.

Cold butter is notoriously hard to spread which is why we love this butter mill that turns cold, hard butter into delicate, spreadable ribbons. Simply load the container with a stick of butter, then twist and turn the knob. Thanks to the strategically-placed opening, even the coldest butter will stream out in thin ribbons. This handy gadget is perfect for making daily pieces of toast, but it’s also ideal for spreading butter on baked potatoes or grilled corn. Pre-measured markings on the side show you how much butter you’re using, and the clear plastic construction lets you see how much butter is left.

Perhaps one of the most well-known single-use gadgets is the beloved garlic press. This convenient product helps home cooks avoid the sticky and often stinky task of peeling and mincing garlic. Unlike some other garlic presses, this one features an extra-large chamber that holds multiple cloves. The die-cast zinc construction makes it sturdy and durable so you can press even super-firm garlic cloves. Meanwhile, the non slip grips are comfortable to hold, and they help relieve pressure on your hands when squeezing. When finished, just flip the press and the built-in cleaner will push out any excess skins or bits of garlic.

Juicing citrus can be messy. That’s why we love to streamline the process with this simple, efficient tool. Simply cut citrus in half, load it into the press—you can do so with the cut side down or up, either way works—and squeeze the two arms together. Say goodbye to errant seeds in your drink—this handy tool catches them so you can easily dump them in the garbage. Made from aluminum and weighing just half a pound, this is a lightweight is worth a spot in your utensil drawer if you frequently buy lemons, oranges, limes or other citrus.

Julienned vegetables make a wonderful addition to salads, stir fry and pasta. However, without a designated tool, slicing vegetables into uniformly-shaped julienne pieces can be extremely tedious. If you love the look and feel of thinly sliced zucchini, cucumbers or carrots, a julienne peeler can be a huge help. This “Y”-shaped peeler is made from BPA-free stainless steel and features a non-slip, ergonomically-designed handle. The steel blade is sharp and designed with sharp teeth that cut through tough fruits (like apples or pears) easily and consistently. We also love that it’s dishwasher-safe.

Sometimes the most simple tasks are the hardest, even for experienced home chefs. If you’re notorious for making way too much spaghetti, consider this handy little tool that measure quantities for various servings of spaghetti. Made from stainless steel, it has four different measuring holes that are straightforward to use. Simply select the amount of spaghetti you’d like to make, then slide the appropriate amount of spaghetti through that slot. The best part? It’s lightweight and super sleek—much smaller than most other pasta tools—so it barely takes up any space in the cabinet.