We’ve all been there, seeing ads that promise to revolutionize your kitchen. However, they end up as a marketing stunt as soon as they arrive on your kitchen counter. We’ve scoured reviews from professional chefs and consumer experts about the most tedious kitchen tools. With that, here are 9 kitchen gadgets you should avoid. Save your money for something more worthwhile.
9. Meat-Shredding Claws
Honestly, these meat-shredding claws look cool if you want to unleash your inner Wolverine. However, for the average home cook, a couple of knives and forks will suffice just fine. These claws are just some extra clutter that will likely get lost in your kitchen drawer until you throw them out in a year or two.
8. Onion Holders
This gadget is designed to hold your onion steady while you chop. However, they’re completely unnecessary as there’s a much simpler solution. Just cut the onion in half to create a flat and stable surface. If you want to cut them into rings, then a fork will work just fine to hold the root in place. Save your money and ditch that extra clutter.
7. Hot Dog Toaster
Unless you’re running a concession stand in your kitchen, that hot dog toaster is a single-use gadget. While it promises to give you perfectly toasted buns and evenly cooked hot dogs, ask yourself first how often you make hot dogs at home. It just takes up space and ends up collecting dust. You can always use your pan and get the same results.
6. Avocado Slicer
Yup, we’re getting that avocado toast craze, so it’s no surprise that people purchasing avocado slicers are piling up. But if you think about it, a simple spoon and a sharp knife can do the job better. These slicers struggle with avocados that aren’t perfectly ripe and can even break. Just invest in a high-quality chef’s knife that will last for many years to come.
5. Banana Slicer
Have you ever struggled with slicing bananas? First of all, why? Well, there’s a gadget that promises a uniform banana slice, but let’s be real, who needs that? A simple butter knife can do the job well in just seconds. That’s why it’s been famous as one of the most useless kitchen gadgets of all time. Well, a mere $6 isn’t a huge investment, but hey, it’s enough to buy you a hot meal.
4. Popcorn Machine
A popcorn machine at home seems to be a good idea for movie nights. But honestly, how often do you eat popcorn? Before you splurge, consider the cost of it and the space it will occupy in your kitchen. Whatever happened to putting your kernels in a brown paper bag and popping them in the microwave? It gives the same results as a bulky, single-purpose appliance that’s solely for aesthetic purposes.
3. Electric Quesadilla Maker
A good quesadilla does wonders, but it’s really just a pan with the ridges attached. It will take up a ton of counter space and is something that you’ll likely keep in your cupboard for months. Instead, just use your regular skillet and make the perfect quesadilla.
2. Mandoline
Yes, mandolines can no doubt produce thin and uniform slices, but if you’re not careful enough, it can be very dangerous. They’re also bulky and a real pain to clean. Learn to properly handle a sharp chef’s knife, which will give you control and precision. It’s a much wiser investment for a home cook, so skip the mandoline.
1. Bread Maker
A bread maker is a bulky and expensive appliance that you’ll likely store in the garage for a year. Why not use your oven and get better results? With the rise of no-knead bread recipes, it’s easier to make bread at home without a specialized appliance. Save your money and use your oven, or you can just buy a loaf at your local store.
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