22 Kitchen Gadgets You Never Knew You Didn’t Need

Curious about which kitchen gadgets are all sizzle and no steak? You’re in for a treat! We’ve rounded up 25 kitchen tools that might leave you scratching your head.

From quirky contraptions to puzzling devices, find out which gadgets are more about the gimmick than genuine usefulness. Get ready to see which tools are worth keeping and which ones should be tossed!

1. Strawberry Huller

The strawberry huller might seem handy, but it’s mostly unnecessary if you have a paring knife. Many pros skip it entirely, using a knife or a small spoon to remove the hull. For a quick hack, try pushing a straw through the bottom of the strawberry to pop off the top.

2. Shrimp Deveiner

Deveining shrimp can be a hassle, and while there are gadgets that claim to simplify it, you don’t need them. Instead, use a paring knife to make a shallow cut down the shrimp’s back, then remove the black vein carefully. It’s an easy, cost-effective method that avoids the need for specialized tools and helps you master a useful kitchen skill.

3. Egg Separator

Egg separators are handy but unnecessary. Instead, use your clean hands or the eggshell to separate yolks from whites. Simply crack the egg, let it slide into your hand or shell, and transfer the yolk while the whites fall through. It’s an easy, no-cost method that gets the job done effectively.

4. Garlic Press

Garlic presses are often seen as unnecessary. Instead, use a sharp knife to mince garlic or try grating it with a cheese grater or zester. Many chefs prefer these methods as they are more versatile and effective for adding garlic to dishes.

5. Sifter

Many bakers find that a sifter is unnecessary. Instead, a whisk can effectively mix dry ingredients and eliminate lumps. According to professional baker Gracie Bensimon, this method is just as efficient and saves you the expense of buying a sifter.

6. Hamburger Press

A hamburger press is often deemed unnecessary by Chef Maro Gjurasic. Instead, you can shape patties by pressing ground meat into a plastic-wrapped jar lid. For a griddle press, use a small cast iron skillet or pan.

7. Avocado Slicer

Specialty avocado slicers are often deemed unnecessary. A good knife can efficiently handle slicing, pitting, and cutting avocados, often faster than a bulky, multi-tool gadget.

8. Banana Slicer

A banana slicer, though amusing and affordable, is often seen as a waste of space. Most chefs recommend using a simple knife instead, as it performs the same task efficiently and takes up less room in your kitchen.

9. Decorative Wine Stopper

Decorative wine stoppers might add flair to your bottle, but they don’t outperform the original cork when it comes to preserving your wine. The cork that comes with your bottle is already designed to do the job effectively.

10. Task-Specific Knives

You don’t need a full arsenal of specialty knives to cook like a pro. A single sharp knife and a basic understanding of how to handle fruits and vegetables are usually sufficient. Specialty knives can often be more dangerous and less effective than a well-maintained, versatile chef’s knife.

11. Non Heat-Proof Spatula

When choosing a spatula, focus on durability and heat resistance. Plastic spatulas can melt and ruin your food, so it’s better to go with silicone, which is more heat-resistant and durable. Metal spatulas are versatile and long-lasting but can scratch your cookware, so use them with care.

12. Vegetable Spiralizer

Spiralizers for vegetables like zucchini and squash might seem handy, but they’re often unnecessary. Instead of investing in these tools, you can enjoy vegetables in their natural shape or use knife skills to create thin strips. This approach is simpler and saves both money and kitchen space.

13. Citrus Juicer

Citrus juicers, whether electric or manual, can be bulky and time-consuming to clean. Instead of using a juicer, you can simply cut the fruit in half and squeeze it by hand. For added ease, use tongs for extra leverage or a fork to help extract the juice more efficiently.

14. Butter Dispenser

Spreading cold butter can be frustrating, but a butter mill isn’t the solution. Instead, use a cheese grater or vegetable peeler to shred or slice butter into manageable pieces. These alternatives are more space-efficient and effective than a bulky butter dispenser.

15. Quesadilla Maker

A quesadilla maker might seem like a bargain, but it will likely gather dust on your counter. It’s rarely used for making quesadillas, so you might be better off sticking with a skillet for a more versatile and space-saving option.

16. Bear Paws

Bear Paws Meat Shredders might be a hit with pit masters, but if you only make pulled meat occasionally, forks will do the job just as well. For more efficient use, focus on recipes that make the most of your slow cooker.

17. Pizza Scissors

Pizza scissors might seem unique, but they take up unnecessary space. For cutting pizza, a classic pizza wheel works just as well and saves room in your kitchen.

18. Herb Scissors

Regular kitchen shears can handle herbs just fine, making specialized herb scissors unnecessary. For added versatility, opt for an herb wheel that doubles as a pizza cutter. This tool simplifies your kitchen setup and saves space.

19. Plastic Egg Mold

Egg molds may be cute, but they’re rarely used beyond novelty value. For practical cooking, a simple method like boiling or scrambling will do just fine.

20. Tuna Press

While a can-specific strainer for tuna may seem convenient, you can achieve the same result by using the can’s lid to drain liquids. For more versatility in your kitchen, a multi-size strainer can handle various can sizes and tasks, making it a more practical choice.

21. Hands-Free Bag Holder

Zip-top bag holders may seem handy, but you can manage just fine without them. The adjustable arms might keep bags upright, but you’re better off using a simple clip or just holding the bag yourself. Plus, buying two holders takes up extra space in your kitchen for a tool you’ll rarely use.

22. Grape & Tomato Slicer

While slicing cherry tomatoes or grapes can be tedious, you don’t need a specialized slicer. Instead, place them between two round plastic lids from take-out containers and slice through with a sharp knife. It’s a space-saving and effective alternative to the gadget.