Kale strippers , tomato knife … afreaking mango divider ? Civilization has moved beyond the spear - and - blast cave kitchen to some outrageously ludicrous stuff , and cooking gear has gotten really , really specialized – at wasting your money . Does the desperation of last - minute shopping for Aunt Susie fuel these innovations ? Who knows ? They ’re not anywhere nearthe canonic tools that every menage cook needsor even theadvanced ones that are deserving the binge . Do n’t be a soft touch . blow over on these " tools . "
Margarita maker
Use this rather : A blenderUnless you regularly host bitchin ' pool parties with hordes of wintry - drinkable enthusiasts , there is little to no need to commit in what is basically just a tropically theme liquidiser with insecurity issues . A margarita manufacturer is the appliance equivalent of the guy who goes to Señor Frog ’s for the appetizer specials .
But think what ? Virtually every blender has a " Crush Ice " button . So rather of buying a monolithic , expensive kitchen appliance , get a multi - purpose blender , like an Oster Reverse Crush counterforms liquidiser , or , if you want to fling , aVitamix(which , admittedly , is more expensive than a margarita maker , but is bloody more useful ) . It even has a " Frozen deglutition " push button . Just add the Methedrine right on alongside your margarita ingredients and blend by .
Tomato knife
practice this rather : A serrate knifeDue to their extremist - delicate skin and soft flesh , tomatoes can be tricky to cut off , especially if you ’re using a slow knife , which can slip off the side or squish the love apple whole . Many companies have capitalize on this challenge by creating " special " tomato - only knives no different than the serrated ones you ’ll find in a distinctive knife block . Do n’t be a patsy – you in all likelihood already have one in your kitchen .
Mango splitter
Use this instead : A knifeThe thing about mango slicers is that they actually lead you with more work than if you just used a dang focalise chef ’s knife . Unless the mango miraculously conforms to the size and shape of the tool , you ’ll terminate up receive to saw off the fruit that inevitably remains on the stone pit . for certain , the fruit is a minute weird to turn out , butit ’s also quite simple-minded , and anyway , using a specialised slicer make you look like a full noob .
Avocado masher
Use this instead : A forkYou know what else can pit , scoop , and squeeze an avocado ? A knife , a spoonful , and a branching . buy a extra masher foravocado toastorguacamoleis like Philip Morris ante up for butt . It does n’t make any sense .
Jalapeño corerorPepper Prepper
Use this instead : A paring knife and glovesWhile the corer ’s ability to seed jalapeños promptly can potentially cut the chance of you burning your manus , or worse , your eyes , it ’s also a all unnecessary tool unless you happen to own aChili ’s Grill & Barand in person make all the jalapeño poppers . Which is pretty unlikely . For the surely few times a year you must core a blistering pepper , use a paring knife and mitt , or just moisten your hired man well .
Kale stripper
apply this instead : Your hands!Buying akalestripper , a machine that does exactly what you think it does , is whole insane , and the charge plate tool does n’t even work out all that well . Half the metre it just breaks the stem . Use your goddamned hands ! Start towards the bottom of the stem and gently rip the leafy part . C’m on , the great unwashed .
Egg poacher
utilize this instead : A pot and a slotted spoonHere is another perfect case of big business capitalizing on our fears . Poaching eggsis intimidating , but you do n’t require to purchase an integral locker - clog contraption to side - stepa very canonic life history skill .
Garlic Zoom
employ this alternatively : A food processorA Garlic Zoom is a tiny Seussian tool that vaguely resembles a toy cable car . It mince garlic , and will surely only be used once before it ’s kick downstairs to that drawer in your kitchen meant for string , Chinese takeout chopsticks , and an unreasonable number of Stevia packet that you justify stealing fromStarbucksbecause it can afford the red ink . Invest in amini - intellectual nourishment processorto take care of tedious and nettlesome bulk garlic chopping . Not only is it faster and more effective , it chops virtually anything . Of course a knife will do the job just fine , too .
Salad dressing emulsifier
Use this instead : A whisk broom and a bowlAlthough properly emulsifying vinaigrette requires some finesse , it does n’t require its own gadget , specially one that ’s comprise of detail you surely already have . A salad dressing emulsifier is a jar with a whisk broom attachment . Seriously , that ’s it . A bowl and a whisk broom , or a minuscule food processor – if you ’ve get the budget – will produce absolutely mixedhomemade salad dressingsjust fine .
Crepe maker
Use this rather : A nonstick panA traditional crepe maker is a hot , round , nonstick open , very exchangeable to another live , rotund , nonstick surface hump as a goat god . How often are you eat crepes ? Be sane .
Garlic peeler
Use this rather : Two alloy bowlsPeeling prominent measure of garlic is the regretful , but that does n’t intend you should waste your money and drawer distance on a galosh - roll garlic peeler . or else , grab two bowls of the same size – lightsome , intermediate - sized metal ones are idealistic – come out a question of Allium sativum in one , then top it with the other so it looks like an orb . excite ‘em like maracas . The ail bounces off the bowl ' wall and breaks from its skin . Voilà , peeled Allium sativum and a small upper - arm workout .
Garlic roaster
habituate this instead : Aluminum foilRoasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness while mellow the intense flavor . But rather than buying a garlic roaster , a little terra cotta or casting - Fe stool that ’s just another thing to worry about fall in , rusting , or cleaning , rip off a piece of aluminum transparency , cut off the top of the ail , rub the remaining mind with oil , and cover with the enhancer . Bake it at 400 degree for 30 - 45 minutes until it ’s nice and cranky . Aluminum hydrofoil conducts heat beautifully and also add itself to an easygoing cleanup .
Sugar shaker
habituate this instead : A mesh sieveWant to channel your privileged Martha by dusting powdered sugar over all of your baked goodness ? Great , but do you really suppose Martha would waste money on a jar topped with a all right sieve when a multi - purpose mesh strainer would do the same exact task ? Probably , she ’s mad rich .
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