Amaka Chukwuma
From sleek and shiny gadgets to the latest kitchen contraptions endorsed by celebrity chefs, it’s easy to get caught up in these culinary innovations’ hype. However, not all that glitters in the kitchen is gold. Here are ten over-hyped cooking tools that, despite their promises, often fall short of the hype.
1. Pizza Scissors
Concerns about cleanliness are warranted because pizza scissors tend to get seriously messy. Wheel slicers have been a solid choice for much longer, and a simple chef’s knife may also do the job with ease should the necessity arise for a specialist tool for cutting your pizza. Pizza scissors aren’t a must-have item in the kitchen.
2. Original Jokari Adjustable Baggy Rack
These tools hold your freezer bags upright so you can use your hands to do other things. But many bags, whether zip-lock bags or plastic storage bags, stay open on their own once they are partially filled. This means you often don’t need a specialized device like the Baggy Rack to keep them open while serving them, making it an unnecessary and redundant tool for most everyday kitchen tasks. Its instability and flimsiness make it an impractical and ultimately useless addition to the kitchen.
3. Frywall 10
This silicone gadget is designed to mitigate oil and food splatter while cooking, a common concern in the kitchen. One significant drawback is that the Frywall’s height can impede the user’s ability to stir or move ingredients around in a skillet. Cooking often involves active stirring and maneuvering of ingredients, and a tool that obstructs these actions can be more of a hindrance than a help. Another issue with the Frywall is its durability. The edges of this silicone splatter guard can start to melt or disintegrate if exposed to high temperatures, particularly if your pan exceeds 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This raises concerns about the gadget’s longevity and safety when used in high-heat cooking scenarios.
4. Heat Seal Kitchen Gadgets
Although designed for resealing bags, the Mini Bag Sealer Heat Seal Kitchen Gadget has drawn comparisons to a hot hair straightener by some users. One reviewer aptly expressed their sentiment: “It felt like I was using a curling iron.” This comparison highlights that this gadget may not offer a significantly different experience from existing household tools. For those who prioritize resealing bags, a more practical alternative is to transfer the contents of bags into plastic zip-top bags and reseal them using the tried-and-true zip-lock method.
5. Progressive International Zip Slicer
This tool promises to simplify the task of slicing small items. The device’s inability to consistently produce well-sliced items is a significant drawback. Additionally, the irregular cuts it generates can result in some food pieces cooking faster than others, leading to an uneven cooking experience, which is far from ideal for most home chefs.
6. Shredder Claws
Shredding claws, often used for pulling apart chunks of meat, rely on a repetitive jerking motion that can strain an individual’s muscles and joints over time, potentially leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, there’s also the risk of accidental cuts if one’s grip slips while using them. As an alternative, meat shredders provide a safer and more efficient option. They eliminate the strain on your muscles and reduce the risk of accidents.
7. Avocado Slicer
The claim that an avocado slicer is the ultimate tool for avocado lovers might not hold up to scrutiny. Firstly, avocados are known for their variability in size and shape, and an avocado slicer typically has a fixed design. This mismatch can lead to frustration when dealing with avocados that don’t fit neatly into the slicer’s mold, resulting in uneven or ineffective slicing. Additionally, avocado slicers mush the fruit more than they slice it, leading to undesirable textures in dishes like guacamole.
8. Hamburger Patty Molds
The concept of hamburger patty molds might raise some eyebrows because it seems unnecessary for a simple task like forming a burger patty, which most people can easily do with their hands. Additionally, some of these molds even try to create artificial grill marks on the patty, which is an odd feature since grill marks should naturally occur during cooking, not beforehand. Moreover, if you’re using a burger press and applying a significant amount of pressure, you might be unintentionally harming the quality of your burger. The best burgers are often gently and minimally compacted, allowing them to retain their juiciness and tenderness. Over-pressing the meat can lead to a denser and less flavorful patty.
9. Popcorn Machine
Investing in a personal popcorn machine might not be the most cost-effective choice for most people. These machines can take up valuable cupboard space and may not justify the expense. Instead, there are more straightforward and more economical ways to enjoy popcorn. For instance, you can choose a classic option like Jiffy Pop on the stove. Alternatively, popping raw kernels in a brown paper bag in the microwave is a budget-friendly and convenient.
10. Pasta Machine
Using a pasta machine can be a bit of a chore, as it requires time and effort to roll out the dough, feed it through the machine, and clean it up afterward. For those not dedicated pasta enthusiasts, this can be more trouble than it’s worth. Additionally, while homemade pasta can be delicious, it may not significantly save you money compared to buying dry pasta from the store, which is typically quite affordable. Dry pasta is convenient and has a long shelf life, making it a practical choice for many.
10 Things People Hated When They Were Younger But Love Now
Photo Credit: Shutterstock Discovering new likes and preferences is a natural part of the human experience, and as we grow older, our tastes often evolve. What once seemed unappealing or uninteresting in our youth can surprisingly become sources of joy and appreciation as we mature.
10 Things Boomers Loved Before the Advent of Smartphones Changed EverythingÂ
In the fast-paced digital age we find ourselves in today, it’s almost impossible to imagine a time when smartphones were not an extension of our daily lives. These pocket-sized devices have revolutionized how we communicate, work, and navigate the world. At this point, technology will continue growing and becoming a permanent fixture in our lives. Still, there is a growing sentimentality and yearning for the simplicity and authenticity of the bygone days. The era before smartphones, often referred to as a simpler time, holds a special place in the hearts of many.
10 Surprising Things Women Do Better Than Men
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Throughout time, there have been debates about the superiority of one gender over the other. However, whether women exceed men at specific tasks has been a common conversational topic. The following is a list of things women are better at than men, based on opinions shared by different people on a popular online forum.
13 Underrated Life Skills Everyone Should Know That May Improve Your Life
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Specific life skills often go overlooked in a world that increasingly emphasizes academic achievements and professional success. While traditional markers of achievement like degrees, certifications, and job titles hold their importance, a set of underrated life skills can significantly enhance our daily lives and help us navigate the complexities of modern existence. Often overshadowed by their more glamorous counterparts, these skills are the unsung heroes that empower us to thrive in diverse situations, build stronger relationships, and cultivate personal well-being.
10 Essential Things No One Pays Attention To, But Should
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
In the whirlwind of modern life, we often find ourselves consumed by the pressing demands and distractions surrounding us. Amidst this chaos, essential aspects of our lives often slip through the cracks of our attention. These are the overlooked gems, the vital elements that hold the power to impact our well-being and the world around us significantly.
This article was initially published and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
