New kid on the block

This mini chopper from Zyliss is very handy; small enough to stick in a kitchen drawer and easy to wash up. It operates using a pull cord and has two blades that move independently, which means they whizz round at different speeds and levels and chop more efficiently. It will chop onions and nuts, make a salsa or small batch of pastry in no time. Minimal effort required. £19.99, widely available.