Best Kitchen Gadgets
The Best Kitchen Gadgets
Have you ever walked into HomeGoods or Target and been overwhelmed with the sheer amount of kitchen gadgets that are out there? It’s kind of ridiculous and if you’re not careful, you’ll convince yourself that you need them all. If you’re going to live simply, having a million gadgets in your kitchen is counterproductive.
Why these Gadgets?
In order to make it into my kitchen, a tool has to be something that can be used on multiple items or something that can replace multiple tools at once.
Whenever I am debating a new kitchen gadget, I ask myself how versatile the item is going to be and how often I’ll really use it. If it’s a neat pineapple corer but only fits pineapples, I’m not going to buy it, especially because we only have pineapple once a year it seems.
In addition to the versatility, the tools that make their way to my kitchen drawers have to be good quality. You can either buy something of good quality once or buy cheap items all the time.
Most of these gadgets I’ve come across because of other people. I usually won’t take a chance on a product right off the shelf without first researching or talking to other homemakers. My mother, actually, was the one to suggest two of the best kitchen gadgets I’ve ever used. Mama knows best, right?
The Winners
3-in-1 Avocado Slicer
This is one of those tools that replaces at least two other tools to get the job done. We aren’t huge avocado toast people but when I want an avocado sliced, I don’t want three tools for it and I certainly don’t want to get avocado goop all over me. This 3-in-1 avocado slicer will cut your avocado in half, remove the pit quickly and safely and it will make perfect slices as you scoop. It’s genius!
Garlic Mincer
I love my garlic mincer. We should probably just buy the canned, already minced garlic for how much we use it, but I wouldn’t be able to part with my mincer. Plus, I love fresh garlic and it’s so cheap! I love that this is also safe for kids (or husbands) to use. You simply put the garlic cloves inside, close the lid and roll the heck out of it. Remember those wind up cars? Yea, this garlic mincer is kinda like that. It comes in handy when you’re upset while making dinner – gets some frustrations out productively.
Safe Can Opener
When I was a kid we had a magnetic, electric can opener attached to the wall or the ones that cut the lid and lets the lid fall into the can. Then my mom brought home this weird looking thing but I’ve been a fan ever since. This gadget cuts below the seal so it doesn’t produce any sharp edges! And it won’t fall into your can. Instead, you can use the handy pliers to take the lid off, which is great considering how dirty some cans can be! (Side note: did you know you’re supposed to wash your cans before opening them?)
Apple Slicer
Not just for apples ya know? It’s one of those tools you can use on more than just the name implies. It’s also good for pears, onions (kabobs anyone?) and even potatoes for homemade french fries. I have always only used it for apples and pears but it’s totally worth it. I hardly ever just grab an apple and go. I like them sliced, and same with pears, so obviously this is a tool I use all the time. I have seen these apple slicers also come with lids for safe keeping but it’s not necessary.
Living Simply In Your Kitchen
Remember, there’s a lot of products out there and everyone is trying to get you to buy their product but if you don’t have the space for it or won’t use it, it’s not worth the money. Think of your kitchen like your closet – if you haven’t used it in a year, throw it out. And lastly, just because someone else, including myself, swears by a product, doesn’t mean it is absolutely necessary in your kitchen.
Do you have a favorite kitchen gadget you can’t live without that I didn’t mention here? Please leave your comment below. We can all learn from each other.