Have you ever opened your kitchen drawer and found a strange tool you don’t even remember using? You’re not alone. Many kitchen gadgets are often unnecessary, with only a few truly aiding in efficient cooking. Most kitchens have limited space. So, consider a tool’s function before buying it. In this article, let’s explore the 16 most useless kitchen tools you should avoid buying the next time you shop.
Corn Kerneler
A corn kerneler removes kernels from a corn cob. It has a cylindrical container with a blade in the middle. You push the cob through the blade, and the kernels fall into the container. However, corn kernelers are often inefficient and messy. They are hard to clean and fail to remove all the kernels. Using a knife to cut the kernels off the cob is quicker, cleaner, and doesn’t need a bulky gadget.
Strawberry Huller
A strawberry huller removes stalks and leaves from strawberries. While it seems convenient, it’s often unnecessary. Using a knife or fingers, you can do the same job more effectively and faster. By doing so, you will also have more control over the amount of fruit removed. Plus, strawberry hullers are hard to clean and less versatile than other kitchen tools.
Strawberry Slicer
A strawberry slicer, as the name suggests, is designed to slice strawberries quickly and evenly. However, slicing strawberries with a knife is just as easy. Also, it is a single-use tool that takes up space in the kitchen, making it to the list of useless kitchen tools.
Bear Paws
Bear Paws might look solid and sturdy. They can handle any shredding task. But, their mess-making and limited use can leave you with more frustration than perfectly pulled pork. Consider a knife, fork, or even your bare hands instead. They are multi-purpose, won’t take up much drawer space and can help you develop knife skills.
Garlic Press
A garlic press crushes garlic cloves quickly and efficiently. However, many chefs and home cooks find garlic presses unnecessary. Crushing garlic with a knife is much better, as it gives greater control over the texture and size of the garlic pieces. They are also notorious for being difficult to clean. The small holes in the press can be hard to scrub, and residual garlic can lead to a lingering odor in the kitchen.
Electric Wine Opener
An electric wine opener with a button removes corks from wine bottles. Although they seem posh, consider the downsides: crumbly corks and the need for charging or frequent battery changes. Also, it is environmentally harmful due to its reliance on batteries. For casual wine drinkers, a manual corkscrew works well. It requires no learning curve or power and can also handle old, tricky corks very well. Hence, a manual corkscrew is more sustainable and offers better control over cork removal.
Banana Slicer
A banana slicer is a tool designed to slice bananas quickly and evenly. However, many people find them unnecessary. Slicing bananas with a knife is just as easy and allows for more flexibility in the thickness of the slices. Banana slicers are also single-use tools that take up space in the kitchen. Most home cooks prefer multi-purpose tools that they can use for various tasks.
Lemon Squeezer
Skip the squeezer. A fork or your hands can easily juice lemons and other citrus fruits, getting you more juice with less waste. This saves you money and keeps your kitchen clutter-free.
Mango Slicer
Mangoes are delicious but an uncommon fruit in American households. A good knife is all you need to tackle this tropical treat. Using a mango slicer is often inconvenient due to its limited use and potential for injury. It can squish ripe mangoes, is hard to clean, and may produce uneven slices. Thus, relying on a knife for slicing a mango is more practical.
Avocado Slicer
Avocado slicers often fail to make slicing easier or faster than a regular knife. They can create a mess by not separating the flesh from the skin cleanly, leading to wasted avocado and extra cleanup. This glorified butter knife seems unnecessary since ripe avocados are soft and easy to cut with an essential knife.
Egg Slicer
An egg slicer is a single-use tool that takes up unnecessary drawer space. A knife is just as effective at slicing a boiled egg, so this gadget is simply useless. The tiny crevices and wires can be tricky to clean thoroughly, especially if egg residue dries on them.
Pancake Batter Dispenser
This one creates more mess to clean than simply pouring batter from a bowl. Plus, it’s hard to get precise control over the amount of batter you dispense.
Egg Cooker
An egg cooker is an electric gadget designed to cook eggs quickly and easily. However, you can boil, poach, or scramble eggs traditionally. You don’t need a special tool for it. Egg cookers also take up valuable counter or storage space.
Herb Scissors
Herb scissors seem handy for chopping fresh herbs. But they have limited use and crush delicate greens, leading to flavor loss and a cluttered drawer. Consider a good knife instead. It allows for more control and cleaner cuts, preserving the herb’s texture and taste. Plus, it also helps you develop essential knife skills.
Butter Spreader
A butter spreader evenly spreads butter onto bread or toast. However, many people find butter spreaders unnecessary. Spreading butter with a knife is much easier and gives more control over the amount of butter applied. Butter spreaders are difficult to clean thoroughly. Furthermore, their single-use nature limits their versatility.
Single-Use Coffee Pod Machines
These machines are terrible for the environment and your wallet. Coffee pods are expensive and limit your coffee options. Invest in a reusable filter and good-quality coffee beans for a more sustainable and delicious cup of coffee.