The 15 Best Collapsible Kitchen Tools to Maximize Storage Space

A Travel Coffee Mug

STOJO Collapsible Coffee Cup

$25 at Amazon View on Stojo.co

People have strong feelings about their travel mugs, and we get it: we do too! When we tested more than 25 travel coffee mugs, we were sticklers about the biggest pain points, nixing any mug that leaked or was awkward to drink from. You may have low expectations about a collapsible travel mug, but this pick from Stojo will defy them all. During testing, we were impressed with its ability to create a strong seal, plus its lightweight design.

Although it’s not insulated, the Stojo did keep a cold drink under 60˚F for four hours. Its tough, grippy exterior is particularly useful in another scenario when durability and storage space matter: camping trips.

Plastic Food Storage Containers

Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Set

$30 $19 at Amazon $25 at Wayfair $30 at Walmart

We’ve got a feeling we’re not the only ones who dread organizing the food storage container drawer. That’s why we tested plastic storage containers with a particular eye toward nesting options. This set completely blew us away for one reason: the lids nest within each other, too. Even the best basic storage sets can’t do that! We also appreciated the color-coded rims which kept everything tidy. This set is a great value: it comes with 5 different containers, ranging in size from 1 cup to 12.5 cups. We can’t say enough about this versatile, space-saving set.

A Folding Spatula

Sea to Summit Folding Spatula

$10 at REI View on Seatosummit.com $4 at Dick's

A full-sized, well-designed kitchen spatula… but make it foldable to half its original size. The folks at Sea to Summit have nailed it with this brilliant design. It’s a whisper-light 2 ounces, and it has a compact 4.7 x 3 x 0.8-inch footprint when packed. The spatula is angled for easy scraping against pots and pans, but it’s sturdy enough to use as a flipper, too. The brand caters to campers, hikers, and van life aficionados, so we’re confident it can stand up to the rigors of a traditional kitchen as well.

A Dish Drying Rack

OXO Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack

$43 at Amazon $43 at Target $43 at Oxo

Dish racks are space hogs when it comes to countertop real estate. That’s why we named this tiny but mighty option the best space-saving dish-drying rack in our tests. When all the dishes are done, it flattens to a useful two inches, allowing you to tuck it away in a drawer or under the sink. But for such a petite dish rack, this holds a lot when assembled. You can fit up to 10 dinner plates on it, and there are ridges on the draining pad that can hold plenty of cups and coffee mugs. It’s not bad-looking, either.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Leepiya Collapsible Measuring Cups and Spoons

$10 at Amazon $49 at Walmart View on Kmart.com

There’s no need to baby this set of hard-working measuring cups and spoons. The handles are made from sturdy plastic, and the cups and bowls are made of durable silicone which can stand up to the dishwasher. The silicone portion folds into itself (even on the measuring spoons!) so these take up very little space in a drawer. This set was a standout in our review of measuring cups, in part owing to the attractive price that includes both cups and spoons, and it's also a great kitchen tool to take on vacation with you when you're not sure what your equipment situation will be. The bright, primary-colored cups may not suit kitchens with neutral color palettes, but who’s looking in your drawers anyway?

A Soft Cooler

IceMule Classic Collapsible Backpack Cooler

$105 at Amazon $35 at REI $85 at Wayfair

Insulated coolers are bulky and awkward, right? Right… unless you’re talking about this soft-sided backpack cooler. We named it the best collapsible option in our rigorous tests of insulated coolers, giving it high marks for its simple, streamlined design and crossbody strap that will keep your hands free when on the move. It’s also waterproof, it floats (the insulated layer can be inflated), and it compresses down to an impressively light 1.6 pounds when empty. 

The roll-top closure allows for easy and quick packing, although it does make reaching the bottom a bit tricky when packed to the brim. The Icemule is no slouch when it comes to keeping food and drinks cold, either: it can keep up to 9 standard-size cans icy for 24 hours. Three other sizes are available.

A Compact Colander

Woll Concept Plus Multi-Function Collapsible Silicone Steamer

$57 at Wayfair View on Perigold.com

If you’re short on space, you may think skipping the colander is a good idea. And then you’re left with a pot of boiling pasta water. In our review of the best colanders, this slim option earned the top spot for collapsible. Roger Sitrin, Lead Recreational Chef Instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, calls this a multifunctional, versatile option because it doubles as a steamer when fully expanded. It can also work as a splatter screen or trivet when collapsed.

The silicone used in its construction is heavy-duty and can handle seriously hot temps. Add to it dishwasher-safe and oven-safe stamps of approval, and you’ve got a perfect colander, period.

Reusable Food Storage Bags

Stasher 4-Pack Storage Starter Bundle

$66 at Amazon $55 at Target

There’s no shortage of reusable food storage bags on the market these days, but some are lacking when it comes to space-saving designs. After testing more than 75 different types of food storage containers, we’re head over heels for these silicone bags from Stasher. They can be used in dry storage, or the fridge and freezer. They have an impenetrably tight seal and are heat-safe, so you could use them with a sous vide cooker if you like, too.

During our testing, we were impressed by the bags’ ability to ward off freezer burn and keep an avocado from going mushy. (Hot tip: we also love using them for toiletries when traveling). The only downside is that they’re slow to air-dry. But for bags that won’t puncture, leak, or tear, we think this purchase is worthwhile, no matter how much storage space you have.

A Collapsible Water Bottle

Stojo Collapsible Water Bottle

$30 at Amazon View on Stojo.co

Here’s another product from Stojo that we want in every single color: a collapsible water bottle. This bottle has an impressive 20-ounce capacity but tucks down into a tidy 3.3 inches when not in use. The screw top has a tight seal, and it’s attached with a silicone tab so you don’t have to worry about it going missing. Even better: the Stojo water bottle is made from BPA-free recycled plastic. It’s smart-looking, too: the cashmere, eucalyptus, and denim colorways are particularly enticing.

A Silicone Funnel

KongNai Kitchen Funnel Set 4 Pack

$8 $6 at Amazon

Creating the perfect funnel isn’t complicated, but we’re pleasantly surprised at how much we love this unique option. It’s made from heat-resistant BPA-free silicone: hugely helpful when transferring hot liquids, like stock or broth. For under $10, you get four funnels in two sizes. The large is 4.3 inches when used, and the small is 2.8 inches — but they both collapse to an inch or less when folded. Honestly, we’re not sure why all funnels aren’t collapsible, because this is truly the ultimate space-saver.

A Collapsible Pot

GSI Escape HS 2L Pot

$60 at Amazon View on Gsioutdoors.com View on Thehikerbox.com

A cast iron skillet may look cool over a campfire, but let’s be real: those things are hefty! This collapsible pot from trusted outdoor retailer GSI Outdoors is a must-have piece of camping cookware, especially for backpacking trips. There’s a small learning curve to using this silicone-walled pot because the sides can’t be exposed to heat. But no worries: that makes it perfect for camping stoves.

It also doubles as a strainer, thanks to a perforated lid and silicone-coated pads for comfortable handling without a pot holder. The aluminum base heats up fast, and the 2-liter capacity is a good size for small families.

Lidded Prep Bowls

Progressive International CB-20 Storage Bowls with Lids

$25 $22 at Amazon $23 at Walmart $18 at Kohls.com

Let’s hear it for bowls that can go from your countertop to your fridge then lunchbox and back again! This set of lidded bowls is ideal for cooking prep, but the leak-resistant top makes it great to take on the go, too. Three convenient-sized bowls are included: 1.5 cups, 3 cups, and 5 cups. They all collapse down to a third of their original height for maximally efficient storage when not in use. We appreciate the microwave-safe silicone construction that can also handle the dishwasher. You may never use a traditional bowl again.

A Travel Tea Kettle

Sea to Summit X-Pot Kettle

View on Amazon $37 at REI View on Seatosummit.com

This short and stout 1.3-liter kettle is the ideal size for two people, and it weighs under 7 ounces — not something most traditional kettles can brag about. Sea to Summit also makes a larger size with a 2-liter capacity. Both models are made from fully collapsible heat-resistant silicone with an aluminum base. Heads up: this kettle is not compatible with induction cooktops, and it’s not dishwasher-safe (hand washing protects the anodized aluminum). But who’s loading up a dishwasher at the summit of a mountain? It comes in a few colors, but the neon lime is good fun.

A Splatter Screen

Frywall Splatter Guard

$22 at Amazon $38 at Walmart $22 at Sur La Table

Splatter screens have come a long way since Grandma’s trusty bacon grease protector. This silicone screen acts as a collar for your frying pan, extending the walls by 5 inches. A handy lip attaches securely to the edge of the pan, and when you’re done, you can easily detach it and toss it in the dishwasher. It’s made for use with 10-inch fry pans, but it rolls up like a scroll and fits inside an included sleeve for discreet storage.

We love using this for large amounts of leafy greens, or anything that produces a lot of hot grease. P.S.: it is heat resistant up to 450˚F, so you can also safely use it in the oven.

A Portable Camping Grill

UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit

View on Backcountrygear.com

We tested a dozen of the best camping grills, and this nicely priced pick came out as one of the favorites. It’s our choice for backpackers, but considering it earned perfect scores across every category (assembly, portability, heating performance, design, and value), you can safely assume it’ll suit your needs even if you’re a more stationary-style camper. The best part was the almost-instant assembly, but we were also big fans of the windbreak sides and sturdy base. Multiple sizes are available, but the basic model weighs just two pounds and can feed up to three people.