13 must-haves for less than $30, no foolin'

Sure the Zojirushi Induction Pressure Rice Cooker and Warmer had some cool features - functions for different types of rice and vacuum-insulated cooking chamber - but with a price tag of $200-plus, I can't see many people adding it to their kitchen counters these days.

So I approached the recent International Home and Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago with an eye on value (the prices noted are suggested retails). I checked out hundreds of new products and picked 13 that I feel can save you time or money, or both, in the kitchen.

$10 and under

Clean Genuity Sudster Drinkware Scrubber, $8.99. The kitchen gadget gurus at Chef'n (see below), break into the cleaning arena with a line of soap-squirting items. My fave: this drinkware cleaner with soft scrubbing pedals that reach the bottom and walls of tall travel mugs and water bottles. Available this month.

Magnetic Trivet, $7. Hot pots can go from kitchen to table and around the table without danger of scorching the counter or tablecloth with this handy trivet. Use on one side and it attaches to the bottom of a metal pan; flip it over and it's a traditional trivet. Comes in black or red. Available now.

Switchit Spreader, $10. Chef'n gave its popular line of double-ended spoons and spreaders sleeker design and brighter colors. This single tool saves washing two knives when assembling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Available later this month.

Scrap Trap, $10. I can't count the times I've wished for just this product. The plastic device from KitchenArt attaches to a drawer just beneath your prep counter and makes it easy to sweep onion skins, bell pepper stems and tomato seeds out of the way. Clean it in the dishwasher. Available now at kitchenart.com.

$11 to $20

Scoop & Sift, $14. Forget about flour clumping in your clunky metal sifter. This Cuisipro product lets bakers scoop up flour easily, and the ergonomic handle is easy to squeeze. Also works for powdered sugar and cocoa for dusting desserts. Available now at cuisiprousa.com.

Three-Blade Peeler, $14.99. With interchangeable blades - traditional for potatoes and carrots, a fine serrated edge for soft fruits and veggies, and a special blade for julienne - this Prepara product is the only peeler you'll ever need. Available now.

Pizza Slicer with Crust Cutter, $14.99. The rear-mounted blade cuts through crunchy crusts on pizza, brownies and lasagna while the wheel performs its traditional task. Blade removes for easy cleanup; dishwasher safe. Available in May.

3-in-1 Garlic Press, $19.99. Slide the correct grate into place and this handy KitchenAid device will press, slice or mince multiple cloves of garlic at once. If you want the cleaning brush, look for it under the Pedrini brand.

One-handed Mandoline Slicer, $19.99. Kids will have fun helping make dinner with Faberware's ergonimically designed contraption that slices through carrots, cheese, zucchini and the like a simple squeezing motion. The three stainless steel blades are dishwasher safe. Comes with storage case. Available this spring.

$21 to $30

Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker, $29.99. The Naked Chef himself came up with this alternative to a mortar and pestle. Add fresh herbs, garlic and other ingredients to a plastic jar, drop in a heavy ceramic ball, twist it closed and shake to create intensely flavored marinades and rubs. Available now.

Herb Savor, $29.95. You'll never toss dried out rosemary or mushy parsley again. Prepara's gadget stands in the fridge and holds a fair-sized bunch of cilantro or a collection of fresh herbs. Fill the bottom reservoir with water, and herbs will stay fresh up to three weeks. Available now.

Collapsible Salad Spinner, $29.95. I have a salad spinner, but it's in my garage because it's too bulky for my kitchen cabinets. Progressive solves the problem by incorporating flexible silicone into the design so it folds into itself for easy storage. Available later this year.

Lasagna Trio, $29.99. You want a meaty lasagna, your sister wants vegetarian. This is a dilemma no more with Chicago Metallic's ingenious pan with three cavities, each the length and width of a lasagna noodle. You can create three different lasagnas, or all the same: one for now, one to share with neighbors and one to freeze for later. Available in May.