12 Kitchen Gadgets That Are Just Cluttering Your Counter
Many kitchen gadgets seem like a good idea when you first buy them, but over time, they end up collecting dust on your counter or taking up valuable cabinet space. Here are 13 kitchen gadgets that might be cluttering your counter and could probably be replaced with more versatile tools.
Garlic Press
A sharp knife or even a microplane grater can do the job just as well. Garlic presses are hard to clean and they can often result in a mushy texture. We’ve stopped using ours completely.
Egg Slicer
You can slice eggs just as easily with a knife, which takes up far less space. Plus, it’s only useful for a very specific task. At least you can use knife for other things.
Popcorn Maker
A stovetop pot or microwave works just as well, and you don’t need a bulky machine taking up space. And, there’s always bagged popcorn that you can just throw in the microwave or bags of already cooked popcorn!
Fondue Set
Unless you’re hosting a fondue party every week, a fondue set is rarely used. A small pot or slow cooker can do the same job.
Manual Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer can take up space, and a reamer or even squeezing by hand is quicker and easier. An electric citrus juicer may be more useful if you juice often.
Electric Can Opener
A manual can opener is small, reliable, and doesn’t require batteries or electricity. The electric model is often bulkier and less efficient for occasional use. I’ve made it this far in life without the need for an electric can opener, the manual ones work just fine.
Speciality Frying Pans
Many of these specialized pans are only used for one type of cooking. A good nonstick skillet can do the job for eggs, pancakes, and other breakfast foods, making these one-trick ponies redundant.
Banana Slicer
A knife does the same job in a fraction of the time. The banana slicer gadget is another one-hit wonder that can be easily replaced.
Food Processor
While food processors are great for certain tasks, many people find that a smaller, versatile chopper or blender can handle most of the same tasks. A stand mixer with attachments can also replace several food processor functions as well as other gadget functions.
Meat Shredding Claws
While these claws look super fun to shred meat with, they’re definitely not necessary to get the job done. Save some money and space by using forks.
Quesadilla Maker
I will admit, I was guilty of having a quesadilla maker. But to be fair, I begged for it because I was in middle school and I didn’t know how to use the stove yet. These are a waste of space because quesadillas can be made so easily in a pan.
Omelet Maker
Okay, so this omelet maker is another one I was guilty of having. I thought this would make my life easier, but honestly you can’t beat an omelet that’s made in a pan. Plus, it’s quicker to just make omelets in a pan.