I get several emails a week from Sur la Table and Williams-Sonoma, usually trying to sell me something I don’t want or need. Many of the gadgets people invent for the kitchen are downright silly — created by those with too much time on their hands. Here are some gadgets you definitely DON’T need in your kitchen — followed by a few you do!
A corn peeler. How often do you peel corn?
Egg poaching baskets. They're cute and all... but really??
This handy gadget takes the green thing out of the strawberry for you. Its little friend on the right then slices the strawberry in case you don't own a knife.
Sure, little burgers are cute. But do you really need a "kit" to make them?
Now, here’s three items I use all the time and would have a hard time doing what they do on my own. The last one, that pair of peelers, I actually bought from one of the emails I got from Sur la Table! Go figure…
Cheap Japanese mandoline. Great for thinly slicing potatoes, fennel, carrots, etc.
Mini food processor. Easy to use, easy to clean — indispensable!
Veggie peelers with little teeth — they make great little matchstick carrots, potatoes, etc., for frying or garnish.
skinny girls & mayonnaise 
Aug 22, 2010 @ 17:46:46
Hilarious. Oh, wait – maybe I could use the corn kernel cutter – it’s always annoying the way the knife can’t fit the contour of the cob….
I’ve coveted a mandoline for a while now and have never gotten around to getting one. Maybe I will now you mention it.
Aug 22, 2010 @ 18:16:01
Yeah, check out the Japanese ones. They’re about 1/10th the price of the fancy french ones, and they do the same thing. Go on Amazon and look at the Kyocera BN1 Japanese Mandoline Slicer. It’s $18.50. Buy yourself a new CD of music to listen while you cook, and you’ll qualify for free Super Shipping! ; )
Aug 22, 2010 @ 22:49:03
I cannot live without my large Magic Mill mixer.
I use it to make 5lb of bread at a time at least once a week- and it’s 13 year old and counting! It’s pricey but worth every cent
Aug 23, 2010 @ 15:26:55
I LOVE my mini food processor. The big one gathers cobwebs while the little one is constantly employed. I’ll even make things in batches instead of get out the big food processor. I also love my microplane grater (I think that’s what it’s called….) GREAT BLOG, DUDE!!
Aug 23, 2010 @ 17:24:17
Great job, Sean! Actually I think as long as you are processing you might as well go for it. I always seem to cook in bulk so love my big one. It’s just as easy to clean…I pop mine in the dishwasher.
Check out Cooks Illustrated for product ratings. This magazine is not backed by advertisements. The very best garlic press I own and have ever seen was recommended by these folks.
Aug 23, 2010 @ 17:27:35
You’re right, it’s a great magazine. Good cooking show on PBS, too. Thanks!