As a passionate home cook, I’ve collected more than my fair share of kitchen gadgets over the years, each one promising to make my culinary adventures easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. However, as time has passed, I’ve found that many of these tools end up collecting dust in the back of my cupboards, forgotten and underused.
It’s not that these gadgets aren’t useful in some way, but I’ve come to realize that they aren’t necessary for preparing delicious, home-cooked meals. So, here’s my list of 11 kitchen gadgets that I no longer use, in the hope that it will save you some time, space, and money.
1. Garlic Press
The garlic press is one of those tools that seem to be a staple in every kitchen, but honestly, I’ve stopped using mine. Why? Well, it’s a hassle to clean and it doesn’t save me much time or effort. Crushing garlic can be easily accomplished with the flat side of a chef’s knife and a little elbow grease.
Additionally, I’ve found that the taste and texture of hand-chopped garlic is far superior to the mush produced by a garlic press. So, if you’re considering getting a garlic press, my advice is to invest in a good chef’s knife instead. It’s a more versatile tool that you’ll use for a variety of tasks in the kitchen.
2. Egg Separator
Here’s another gadget that seemed like a good idea at the time, but in practice, it’s not all that practical. An egg separator is designed to make separating the yolk from the white easier, but it’s just as easy to do this using the eggshell itself.
In fact, using the shell gives you more control over the process, reducing the risk of breaking the yolk. Plus, it’s one less tool to wash up afterwards. So, if you’re thinking about buying an egg separator, save your money and use the shell method instead.
3. Bread Maker
I used to love my bread maker. The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house was nothing short of heavenly. However, I’ve since discovered the joy and satisfaction of kneading and baking bread by hand.
Not only does hand-kneading provide a therapeutic activity, it also gives you more control over the dough, which can result in a superior loaf. Plus, it’s a great way to involve the kids in the cooking process. So, while a bread maker might be convenient, it’s not necessary for making delicious homemade bread.
4. Strawberry Huller
A strawberry huller might seem like a nifty tool, but it’s really not necessary. A sharp paring knife can do the job just as well, if not better, and it’s a tool that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Hulling strawberries with a knife also gives you more control over the process, allowing you to remove just the right amount of the core. So, before you invest in a strawberry huller, consider whether a good paring knife might be a more versatile and cost-effective choice.
5. Avocado Slicer
I’ll admit, this is one gadget that I was truly excited about. I love avocados, but slicing them can be a bit tricky. However, after using my avocado slicer a few times, I realized it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
The problem is that avocados vary greatly in size, and the slicer just doesn’t work well with avocados that are too big or too small. Plus, it’s just as easy to slice an avocado with a knife, and a spoon works perfectly for removing the pit and scooping out the flesh. So, while an avocado slicer might seem like a good idea, a knife and spoon work just as well.
6. Electric Can Opener
An electric can opener might seem like a time-saving tool, but in reality, it’s not much faster than a manual opener. Plus, it takes up valuable counter space and needs to be cleaned regularly.
A manual can opener is compact, easy to use, and does the job just as well. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper. So, unless you have a physical condition that makes using a manual can opener difficult, I’d recommend sticking with the manual version.
7. Salad Spinner
A salad spinner can be handy for washing and drying lettuce, but it’s a large and bulky tool that takes up a lot of cupboard space. Plus, it’s just as easy to wash lettuce in a colander and dry it with a clean towel.
Washing lettuce by hand also allows you to be more thorough, ensuring that all dirt and bugs are removed. So, despite the convenience of a salad spinner, I’ve found that it’s not a necessary tool in my kitchen.
8. Stand Mixer
A stand mixer is a great tool for serious bakers, but for the average home cook, it’s not a necessity. Most baking tasks can be accomplished with a good mixing bowl and a sturdy wooden spoon.
Plus, stand mixers are expensive and take up a lot of counter space. So, unless you’re baking bread or pastries on a regular basis, you might not need a stand mixer in your kitchen.
9. Ice Cream Maker
I’ll be honest, making homemade ice cream is a lot of fun. But it’s also a lot of work, and the results, while delicious, are often not as good as the premium ice cream you can buy at the store.
Plus, ice cream makers are large and bulky, and they require a lot of freezer space. So, unless you’re a true ice cream aficionado, an ice cream maker might not be a worthwhile investment.
10. Popcorn Maker
Popcorn makers can be fun for movie nights, but they’re not necessary for making great popcorn. In fact, I’ve found that popcorn made the old-fashioned way, in a pot on the stove, tastes much better.
Plus, stovetop popcorn is cheaper, and you have more control over the amount of salt and butter you add. So, while a popcorn maker might seem like a fun gadget, it’s not necessary for making delicious popcorn.
11. Rice Cooker
A rice cooker can be a handy tool if you eat rice on a regular basis. However, I’ve found that cooking rice on the stove is just as easy, and the results are just as good.
In fact, cooking rice on the stove gives you more control over the texture of the rice, allowing you to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Plus, a pot takes up less storage space than a rice cooker. So, unless you’re eating rice every day, a rice cooker might not be a necessary kitchen gadget.
