Cluttered countertops and crammed cabinets might be the reality of your kitchen, but if you’re on a quest for simplicity, it’s time to rethink what really is essential and give the boot to any unnecessary kitchen gadgets you don’t need.
As much fun as it is browsing through glossy catalogues or Amazon wish lists promising the next ‘must-have’ kitchen tool, let’s get real for a minute. Our drawers are overflowing with one-trick ponies that do everything from slicing avocados to zesting lemons – tools we thought we couldn’t live without after watching a late-night infomercial.
Sound familiar?
No word of a lie, I once bought a crab shaped wooden spoon rest because I thought it was cute!
But that was pre-minimalist me. Today, I’m going to lead a little kitchen intervention! We’re going to talk about those gadgets and gimmicks that seemed like a good idea at the time, but in reality, they’re just taking up space on countertops or kitchen cupboards.
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The Single-Use Kitchen Gadget
1. Banana Slicer
This handy tool promises to create perfect, evenly sliced bananas for your cereal or snack. But let’s be honest, does anyone really need this? Do you sit there with a bowl of yoghurt with chopped up banana thinking ‘I can’t eat this, my banana slices aren’t even’?
I can’t imagine you do. Your standard run of the mill knife will do the job just fine.
So if you happen to have one of these in your kitchen drawer, now is the time to pop it in the donations box.
2. Garlic Press
I know, I know – we all love garlic and the smell that lingers on our fingers after chopping it is less than desirable. But a garlic press doesn’t have to be the answer. Not only does it take up storage space in your drawer, but it also creates more dishes to wash. And have you noticed how impossible it is to actually wash a garlic press?
If you have a good quality chef’s knife, and the knowledge of how to properly chop garlic, then you don’t need a press. Save yourself the time, effort and space by just using your knife.
3. Avocado Slicer
Avocados – the trendy superfood that has taken over our Instagram feeds. But do we really need a ‘one and done’ tool just for slicing avocados? The answer is no.
Not only does it take up space in the kitchen drawers, but it doesn’t actually work as well as a simple knife. Trust me, I use a knife to cut avocados at least three times a week – any excuse to eat more avocado toast is welcome in my book!
4. Egg Separator
Can you believe, I only recently learned that some people actually use a tool to separate egg yolks from whites? I’ve always just used the egg shell – and it works perfectly fine.
But if you’re not comfortable with separating the eggs using just the shell, simply crack an egg into your hand and let the whites slip through your fingers. No need for a fancy tool that will just gather dust in the back of your drawer.
5. Herb Stripper
If you tend to use herbs often in your cooking, you may have come across a tool specifically designed to strip the leaves from the stems.
However, if you’d prefer to reduce your kitchen gadgets, here’s another way of doing the same job without a fancy utensil.
Simply hold the stem of the herb and gently run your fingers down the stem to remove the leaves. Not only does this method work just as well, but it also allows for more control over how much or little of the herb you want to use.
6. Utensil Rest
Remember the cute red crab utensil rest I bought some years ago? Luckily, it’s no longer with me, and is someone else’s storage problem these days.
Not only did it take up space, but it was also a pain to clean when food inevitably dripped onto it. Instead, I now use a regular spoon rest or simply set the utensil on the edge of the pot or pan I am using.
If neither of these options work, just place it on the counter top and give the counter a quick wipe once you’re done!
7. Corn Peeler
Have you ever seen a corn peeler? It’s essentially a small tool with sharp teeth that allows you to easily remove kernels from the cob. While it may be a handy little gadget, I find it much more effective to just use a regular knife.
Holding the cob upright on your cutting board, simply run your knife down each side of the cob to remove all of the kernels and you’re done!
8. Melon Baller
Ok, I have to know – do you have one of these? Please let me know! I’ve never understood the need for a tool specifically designed to scoop out balls of melon. A spoon will do the job just as well.
The Space Hoggers
9. Bread Machine
I love fresh homemade bread as much as the next person. But it’s really not necessary to have another bulky machine taking up space on the kitchen counter.
Instead of investing in a bread machine, try making bread by hand and using your own oven. It’s a pretty fun and therapeutic experience kneading dough by hand!
10. Rice Cooker
I’ll admit, rice cookers are great for perfectly cooked rice every time. But if you don’t eat rice often enough to justify having a separate appliance for it, just make your rice on the stovetop instead.
11. Popcorn Maker
Popcorn makers may be fun to use and nostalgic, but they also take up a lot of space in the kitchen. And how often are they used?
Instead, try popping your own popcorn on the stove using a pot with a lid or even in the microwave using a paper bag. You’ll get the same delicious result!
12. Ice Cream Maker
Ok, so homemade ice cream is amazing. But let’s be real, how often are you really making it at home? If you’re not using your ice cream maker on a regular basis, consider skipping it and just buying your favorite store-bought flavors instead. If you do make homemade ice cream quite often, then go for it and enjoy that creamy goodness!
13. Waffle Maker
If you love your daily dose of waffles, then this is probably the only gadget to do the trick. But for those of us who only have waffles every once in a while, it’s probably not worth having a separate appliance taking up space.
Instead, try using your trusty pan or griddle and get creative making pancakes that can satisfy your waffle cravings just as well.
14. Panini Press
A panini press is great for making those perfectly crispy sandwiches, but it’s also one of those bulky kitchen appliances that can be replaced with a simple frying pan on the stove.
Just place your sandwich in the pan and use another heavy pan or object (such as a pot) to press down on the top. Flip halfway through and voila! A perfectly pressed sandwich without the extra appliance cluttering up your kitchen.
15. Yoghurt Maker
Rather than having a big and bulky yoghurt maker at home, you could always just buy plain yoghurt and add your own mix-ins – like fruit or honey – for extra flavour.
The Gimmicks We Love To Hate
16. Spiralizer
Spiralizing vegetables can be a fun way to add veggies to your meals, especially if you’re not a fan, but it really isn’t necessary to have a specific appliance for this.
If you’ve got a vegetable peeler or grater you can achieve similar results!
17. Strawberry Huller
While a strawberry huller may seem like the ultimate tool for removing annoying strawberry stems, you know it’s really just an unnecessary gadget.
Simply use a regular knife or even your fingers to remove the stem and save yourself the hassle of a strawberry huller.
18. Egg Cooker
If you’ve never heard of this one, you’re probably cooking your eggs the same way the rest of us are – in a pot of boiling water.
But for those who have fallen for the egg cooker gimmick, it’s time to free up some counter space and stick with the traditional method. Just a small pot and some boiling water is all you need to perfectly cook your eggs every time.
19. Pizza Scissors
Yes, you read that right. Pizza scissors are a thing and they’re marketed as the easier way to cut your pizza slices. But do we really need another kitchen utensil just for pizza? How often does one have pizza anyway?
A good old-fashioned knife will do a great job at cutting your pizza into slices.
20. Butter Spreader
I kid you not, there is a gadget designed specifically for spreading butter. It’s basically a knife without the sharp edge, so it’s not useful for anything other than spreading butter. So, you guessed it… No need to buys a butter spreader, use a run of the mill knife instead.
21. Vegetable Chopper
Let’s be honest, chopping vegetables can be a tedious task, but do we really need a specialised gadget just for this? The answer is no.
A good quality knife and some basic chopping skills will get the job done without taking up extra space in your kitchen.
22. Egg Slicer
Sure, slicing a hard-boiled egg into perfect slices may look pretty, but any ordinary knife will easily get the job done without the added cost and clutter in your kitchen. Plus, it’s much easier to wash a knife after use than it is to wash egg slicers.
23. Hot Dog Slicer
If you’re a hot dog fan, you may have come across this gadget that promises perfectly sliced hot dogs for your barbecue. But, as usual, a knife works just as well and doesn’t take up additional space in your kitchen drawers.
24. Banana Case
Can you believe there is actually a case designed specifically for carrying bananas? I can honestly say I’ve never been worried about a banana getting squashed in my bad during transport. And if you are, you can simply pop it in a Tupperware container (we all have these!).
25. Pineapple Corer
Peeling and coring a pineapple is definitely a tricky job, but, again, we don’t need a specific gadget just for this.
Many of these gadgets also tend to leave behind chunks of fruit, which is a huge waste. They’re also usually difficult to clean.
I suggest using a sharp knife or even buying pre-cut pineapple from your local grocery store. It may cost a little bit more, but it will save you time, space and frustration.
All You Need Are The Classics
The best kitchen gadgets are the ones that have multiple uses and can stand the test of time. Instead of investing in gimmicky gadgets, invest in some of the below essentials. These items will never go out of style and will serve you well for years to come.
Chef’s Knife
One of the only kitchen tools you’ll ever need is a good and proper sharp knife. Even better are knives that are used by professional chefs. A decent knife with sharp blades will give you years of use and will make food prep a breeze. Plus, it can be used for countless tasks in the kitchen – slicing eggs, avocados, pizza – you name it!
Wooden Cutting Board
A sturdy chopping board is also a must-have in any kitchen. Choose one that is easy to clean and will not dull your knives. Wood is the better choice, as plastic can lead to you ingesting tiny plastic particles over time, which is definitely not ideal for your health.
I like to have two chopping boards. One for meat and one for vegetables. Just make sure to sanitize them properly after every use.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
I do count these as essentials in the kitchen, especially if you love to cook and try new recipes. A simple set of measuring cups and spoons will take up minimal space in your kitchen drawers and will save you from making any measurement mistakes.
Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are another essential that have stood the test of time. They can be used for mixing, marinating, serving and more. Choose a mixing bowl set that comes with different sizes to cover all your needs.
Pots and Pans
Of course these are essential kitchen items, but investing in high quality ones will save you from constantly replacing them. A good set of pots and pans will have even heat distribution, making cooking a breeze.
You’ll need a large pot for things like boiling pasta, soups and stews, a medium sized pan for sautéing vegetables or making sauces, and a frying pan for cooking eggs or pancakes.
Colander
Whether you’re rinsing vegetables or draining pasta, a colander is a must-have in any kitchen. Look for one with sturdy handles and small holes to prevent food from slipping through. I love this collapsible colander which flattens to save space.
Box Grater
You might think box graters are only useful for grating cheese, but they also come in handy for grating vegetables, fruits, garlic and even chocolate. You can also use the slicer side to slice veggies like onions and potatoes. This box grater is a great option with different grating sizes and a non-slip base for stability.
Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons are a kitchen staple that you probably already have in your utensil drawer. They’re great for stirring, mixing and scraping the bottom of pans to prevent burning. Plus, they won’t scratch non-stick cookware like metal utensils can. This set of wooden spoons comes in different sizes and is made from durable bamboo.
Read also: 9 Great Reasons to Choose Bamboo Products for your Sustainable Home
Conclusion
Next time you’re tempted to buy a quirky kitchen gadget, ask yourself if it’s really necessary or if you can achieve the same result with something you already have. Save your money and save your kitchen from unnecessary clutter. Stick to the basics and get creative with what you already have in your kitchen.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of your own skills in the kitchen. With some practice and creativity, you can easily substitute fancy gadgets with simple techniques to achieve an incredible home-cooked meal!