Stop Wasting Money: 20 Pointless Kitchen Gadgets Chefs Warn Against

Maximizing kitchen space is essential for any home cook. Clutter-free countertops and organized drawers not only enhance the cooking experience but also save you money by preventing unnecessary purchases. To help you avoid wasteful gadgets, I consulted five professional chefs who shared their insights on kitchen tools that should be banished from your culinary collection.

Why Avoid Useless Kitchen Gadgets?

When it comes to kitchenware, simplicity often reigns supreme. Investing in multi-functional tools can streamline your cooking process, while single-use gadgets often end up collecting dust. From reputable chefs to culinary instructors, here’s what the experts have to say about the tools that aren’t worth your hard-earned cash.

Masaharu Morimoto

Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur

1. Mandolin

Why: “While it can create perfectly thin slices, mastering basic knife skills provides better control, precision, and safety. Mandolins can be bulky and unsafe if mishandled. Instead, invest time in learning to wield a chef’s knife to develop your culinary technique.”

What to try instead: Mac 8-inch Japanese chef knife.

Eric Rowse

Lead Chef-Instructor, Institute of Culinary Education, Los Angeles

2. Onion Holders

Why: “These tools resemble a weapon more than a cooking aid. Simply cut the onion in half to create a stable base, and use a fork to keep it steady while slicing.”

What to try instead: Learn to properly slice an onion.

3. Onion Goggles

Why: “These don’t seal well enough to keep sulfur compounds from making you cry. A sharp knife and a fan are better alternatives.”

What to try instead: Use CNET’s tips for cutting onions without crying.

Richard Ingraham

Personal Chef to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union

4. Avocado Slicer

Why: “A specialized tool for avocados? A knife and spoon work just fine. This tool is often poorly designed for different avocado sizes and wastes drawer space.”

What to try instead: A good paring knife like Wusthof Gourmet Paring Knife.

5. Egg Separator

Why: “This tool is simply unnecessary. Cracking an egg and using the shell halves works just as well.”

What to try instead: Using your fingers to separate the yolk from the white.

Jackie Carnesi

Executive Chef, Kellogg’s Diner

6. Electric Can Opener

Why: “These appliances take up counter space and are often less reliable than a good manual can opener. They’re cumbersome to clean and less effective for various can sizes.”

What to try instead: Oxo’s Soft-Handled Can Opener.

7. Chicken Shredder

Why: “A one-trick pony that is rarely needed outside of professional kitchens. Just use two forks instead.”

What to try instead: Two forks for shredding.

8. Herb Stripper

Why: “This tool isn’t as effective as it claims. Just use your fingers to strip leaves from stems.”

What to try instead: Heartier herbs like rosemary can be stripped by sliding your fingers down the stem.

Peter Som

Cookbook Author and Lifestyle Expert

9. Electric Potato Peeler

Why: “Takes up space and is slower than a manual peeler. Only a necessity if you’re peeling hundreds of potatoes at once.”

What to try instead: Oxo’s Swivel Peeler.

10. Butter Cutter and Dispenser

Why: “A knife does the same job instantly. Why complicate things?”

What to try instead: Williams Sonoma Breakfast Butter Blade.

Conclusion

In the quest for a more efficient kitchen, understanding which gadgets are worth the investment can make all the difference. Choosing versatile tools over single-purpose gadgets not only declutters your kitchen but also enhances your cooking experience. Next time you’re tempted to buy another kitchen gadget, remember the insights from these culinary experts and opt for essentials that genuinely add value to your cooking endeavors.