Lisa
I admit that I’m a huge sucker for the latest and supposedly greatest kitchen tools. Oh, the marketing is good and the packaging lures me in. At the moment I’m positive the gadget du jour is going to change my cooking life. But after much trial and way too much error, I’ve often ended up with a pile of kitchen gadgets that weren’t worth the expense. They clutter my valuable drawer space – mocking me.
I’m here to save you from repeating my mistakes. Let’s talk about what kitchen gadgets aren’t worth the expense and what to use instead.
When in doubt, imagine your cooking routine without the gadget. If you wouldn’t miss it, you probably don’t need it!
“It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a KNIFE.” Not really “Ironic”, Alanis. But definitely true.
- Avocado Slicers: A knife works just as well.
- Banana Slicers: A knife is quicker and easier to clean. And if you need a good laugh check out an old article about the hilarious reviews (https://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/just-do-yourself-a-favor-and-read-these-banana-slicer-review/). You’re welcome!
- Butter Spreaders: A knife or spoon spreads butter perfectly fine.
- Garlic Peelers: A quick smash with a knife does the trick. I’m becoming a broken record here.
- Corn Strippers: Again, a knife works and doesn’t clutter your drawers.
- Mini Choppers: A knife or a larger food processor handles the same tasks.
This 11-piece knife set includes essential kitchen tools like a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated utility knife, six steak knives, kitchen shears, …
One Trick Ponies. In the Meantime, They’re SpaceHogs!
- Any Specialty Egg Cookers: A pot of water does the same job for boiled eggs. You can also easily cook eggs in a frying pan or even the microwave.
- Quesadilla Maker: A frying pan does the same job.
- Hot Dog Toasters: The oven, stovetop, or grill provides better results.
- Pizza Shears: A pair of kitchen scissors or a pizza wheel or a knife will do the trick.
- Juicers: Expensive, bulky, and hard to clean. Blenders with strainers are more versatile.
- Bread Machines: Unless you’re a dedicated baker, your oven is sufficient.
- Iced-Tea Maker: A big glass container does the trick.
- Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Bulky, messy. I’ve tried them all. Instead, do it this way.
- Brie Maker: A ceramic, oven-safe dish works.
- Electric Can Openers: A manual one is more reliable and takes up a lot less space.
Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12" Jumbo Frying Pan with Lid
Original price was: $64.99.$53.99Current price is: $53.99. -17%
This 12-inch hard-anodized aluminum frying pan delivers fast, even heating and long-lasting nonstick performance, with a stay-cool stainless steel …
The HexClad 10-inch frying pan features patented hybrid tri-ply construction with aluminum between stainless steel layers and a laser-etched nonstick …
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Any Kitchen Gadget
- Functionality & Versatility
Ask: Does it serve multiple purposes? Prioritize gadgets or kitchen appliances that can handle a variety of tasks rather than single-use tools. For example, a quality chef’s knife is more versatile than an avocado slicer. - Durability & Build Quality
Ask: Will this last? Look for high-quality materials like stainless steel, heavy-duty silicone, or BPA-free plastics. Avoid flimsy or poorly constructed items that break or wear out quickly. - Ease of Cleaning
Ask: Is it dishwasher-safe or easy to clean by hand? Avoid gadgets with too many nooks and crannies that trap food or require excessive disassembly. - Space Efficiency
Ask: Will it fit in my kitchen without cluttering it? Choose compact, collapsible, or multi-functional gadgets that save storage space. - Frequency of Use
Ask: Will I use this regularly, or is it just a novelty? Pass on trendy gadgets you might only use once or twice. Stick with items you’ll consistently rely on. - Energy & Time Efficiency
Ask: Does this save me time or effort? A gadget that simplifies cooking or reduces prep time is worth more than one that complicates the process. - Safety
Ask: Could I hurt myself using this? Ensure sharp tools have ergonomic grips and protective features. Electric gadgets should meet safety standards and have user-friendly designs. - Cost vs. Value
Ask: Does the price reflect the quality and utility? Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on a durable gadget saves money in the long run. - Customer Reviews & Recommendations
Ask: Do others give it high marks or what are the negative reviews saying? Check reviews to see how the gadget performs in real-world kitchens. Seek recommendations from trusted cooks or chefs. - Return Policy & Warranty
Ask: What if I’m not satisfied with the purchase? Ensure you can return the product if it doesn’t meet expectations. A warranty signals the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
Bonus points if you got both of the 1995 musical references!!
