Buzz
While a skilled chef can perform miracles with almost any kitchen tools, having the proper equipment can make a noticeable difference. Essentials like cookware sets, cutting boards, and knives are staples you’ll find in nearly every kitchen.
But what about those quirky kitchen gadgets you bought on a whim and only used once? Perhaps the tool serves just one niche function, or it’s only pulled out during special occasions. Regardless, these items often end up being labeled as unnecessary.
Before you rush out to buy another gadget like onion goggles, let’s dive into the top ten kitchen tools that probably shouldn’t exist. This list might just save you both money and precious kitchen storage space.
10. Pickle Fork
Nobody enjoys dealing with smelly pickle juice, right? Or perhaps you dislike sharing a communal pickle jar at events, not wanting to dip your fingers into a jar others are using. While most would simply use a regular fork to grab a pickle, some opt to spend $5-$10 on a specialized pickle fork.
While some might see a pickle fork as a fun novelty, others consider it a practical tool. However, we recommend skipping the purchase and using a standard fork to fish out your pickle. Save yourself from adding another gadget to your junk drawer, where it’ll likely gather dust.
9. PB&J Spreader
PB&J sandwiches, a beloved lunchtime staple, have inspired the creation of a specialized PB&J Spreader. This tool boasts features like sturdy handles, long blades, and the ability to scrape every last bit of peanut butter from the jar.
Instead of buying a PB&J Spreader, use your reliable kitchen knife for the same job and save your money. For scraping out peanut butter, a kitchen spatula works just as well. While you might need two tools instead of one, you’ll save both money and drawer space by avoiding this unnecessary gadget.
8. Banana Slicer
The banana slicer is yet another kitchen tool that seems unnecessary. Why spend money on this gadget when a simple butter knife can do the job just as well? Economically, it’s smarter to use what you already have. The only advantage of a banana slicer is its ability to create evenly uniform slices, which might be useful for specific desserts or dishes.
Despite its one advantage, most banana slicers only allow you to cut small portions of the banana at a time. By the time you peel the banana and slice it piece by piece, you could have already cut the entire banana using a knife and cutting board.
7. Egg Slicer
Here’s another cutting tool to add to the list. While an egg slicer might seem handy for preparing sliced eggs for a cobb salad, a regular knife works just as well. Most people either bite into a hard-boiled egg or cut it in half—there’s rarely a need for a specialized gadget to slice something as soft as an egg.
The egg slicer is another tool designed to create evenly shaped cuts, particularly with soft foods. While some home cooks claim it can handle more than just eggs, we believe a standard knife is sufficient. With a bit of practice, you can achieve equally precise cuts without the need for a specialized gadget.
6. Hands-Free Bag Holder
This kitchen tool costs over $20 and is designed to keep plastic bags open and stable while you fill them. It’s popular among those who meal prep or prepare freezer meals in large quantities. However, we recommend saving your money and investing in more plastic bags instead.
The hands-free bag holder earns its place on this list of unnecessary kitchen gadgets. Most sandwich bags have flat bottoms, allowing them to stand upright on their own. If you’re concerned about spills, simply roll the top of the bag over itself for a cleaner fill. Holding the bag with one hand while filling it is simple—and completely free!
5. Bear Paw Meat Shredder
Skip spending a fortune on Bear Paw Meat Shredders when you already have forks in your drawer. Just grab two forks to pull apart your cooked meat. If the meat is tender, the forks will effortlessly shred it.
While BBQ enthusiasts often praise meat shredders for their durability and efficiency with large quantities, these tools ultimately take up valuable kitchen space. Despite their convenience, their purpose can easily be achieved with items you already own.
4. Butter Dispenser
Butter dispensers are far from practical, no matter how you look at it.
Functioning like a large syringe, the dispenser pushes butter onto your food. However, you’ll need to remove the butter from its original packaging to use it. A simple knife or spatula works just as well for spreading butter, whether you’re cooking or baking.
Many chefs agree that cleaning the butter dispenser is its biggest drawback. This impractical gadget often ends up discarded or forgotten in the back of a cabinet. Avoid the hassle by simply using a knife or a butter dish to spread your butter.
3. Jenaluca Herb Scissors
The Jenaluca Herb Scissors operate like regular scissors but with added features. They use five or more blades to quickly and precisely chop herbs, depending on the brand. This design allows for fine, efficient cuts.
Standard kitchen scissors can also chop herbs effectively, using just two blades. Herb scissors are often a waste of money and space, costing around $15 for minimal time savings. Their multiple blades make them bulkier than regular scissors, and they serve only one purpose, taking up more room in your kitchen.
2. Tuna Squish
The Tuna Squish gadget is designed to drain water from canned tuna, but at $20, it feels overpriced. Anyone who’s opened a can of tuna knows how simple it is to remove excess water—just press the lid down, discard the liquid, and you’re done. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require a special tool.
While some users praise the device for avoiding the tuna smell from touching the water, we can’t justify buying a product with such a limited purpose. It might only come in handy for opening a can of cat food.
1. Egg and Bread Toaster
If you’re trying to save counter space, this gadget won’t help. The Egg and Bread Toaster is bulkier than a standard toaster and costs around $50. It features wide slots for toasting bread and a separate section to cook an egg simultaneously.
While it can cook two items at once, users often report inconsistent cooking temperatures. Additionally, for larger families, this toaster is impractical—it only cooks one egg at a time, making it a poor choice for busy mornings.
Opt for a standard toaster and stovetop to prepare your breakfast. This approach gives you better control over cooking temperatures and helps you save valuable counter space by avoiding another large kitchen appliance.
