Contents
10 Unconventional Kitchen Tools You Never Knew You Needed
Are you tired of your usual kitchen tools and looking for something new to add to your collection? Here are 10 unconventional kitchen tools you never knew you needed:
1. Avocado slicer – this tool easily and safely slices through the avocado flesh and removes the pit.
2. Herb stripper – quickly and easily strip herbs from their stems in one motion.
3. Pineapple slicer – core and slice a whole pineapple in just a few easy steps.
4. Corn kernel remover – a quick and easy way to remove kernels from fresh corn cobs.
5. Pasta measurer – measure the perfect portion of pasta every time.
6. Egg separator – perfectly separate egg whites from yolks.
7. Garlic press – Easily crush garlic cloves for recipes.
8. Apple slicer – cut and core apples in one simple step.
9. Butter grater – grate cold butter for easy spreading on bread or toast.
10. Strawberry huller – easily remove the stem from strawberries without losing any of the fruit.
These 10 unconventional kitchen tools are sure to make your cooking and baking easier and more efficient. Give them a try and see the difference for yourself!
1. Herb Mincer
If you are tired of chopping herbs with a knife, then a herb mincer is a must-have tool for your kitchen. This tool can quickly and easily chop herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil without bruising or crushing them.
Get it here: Prepworks by Progressive Herb Mincer
2. Avocado Slicer
Cutting and de-seeding an avocado can be a tricky and messy task. An avocado slicer makes this task a breeze by slicing the avocado and removing the seed with minimal effort.
Get it here: OXO Good Grips Avocado Slicer
3. Garlic Peeler
Peeling garlic can be a time-consuming and messy task. A garlic peeler makes it easy to remove garlic cloves from their peel without any hassle.
Get it here: Kitchnexus Garlic Peeler
4. Egg Slicer
An egg slicer is a handy tool that allows you to slice hard-boiled eggs evenly and effortlessly for salads, sandwiches, or other recipes.
Get it here: OXO Good Grips Egg Slicer
5. Batter Dispenser
A batter dispenser is a great tool for making pancakes, waffles, cupcakes, and other baked goods. It allows you to dispense batter evenly and without any mess.
Get it here: OXO Good Grips Batter Dispenser
6. Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer is a simple tool that allows you to extract juice from lemons, limes, and oranges with ease. It is a must-have for any kitchen that enjoys making homemade cocktails, salad dressings, or marinades.
Get it here: Cuisinart CCJ-500 Citrus Juicer
7. Bag Sealer
A bag sealer is a handy tool that helps keep your food fresh for longer. It allows you to seal bags of chips, cereal, and other snacks without having to use clips or rubber bands.
Get it here: Frieling Vacuum Seal Bag Sealer
8. Salad Chopper
A salad chopper is a great tool for those who love chopped salads. It makes it easy to chop all your ingredients at once and creates evenly sized pieces for a more enjoyable salad experience.
Get it here: WeBSiTT Salad Chopper
9. Butter Spreader
Butter spreaders are great for quickly and easily spreading butter on toast or sandwiches. They come in various designs, including handheld or electric, and can make a perfect addition to your morning routine.
Get it here: Westinghouse WT2201SBA Butter Spreader Toaster
10. Apple Corer/Slicer
Apple corer/slicer tool is another handy tool that allows you to quickly and easily cut apples into even slices and remove the core at the same time. This tool makes preparing apples for pies, snacks, or salads a breeze.
Get it here: Westmark Apple Corer/Slicer
Cooking Food Hacks: Saving Time and Effort in the Kitchen
Quick Tips for the Busy Cook
Are you looking to streamline your time in the kitchen? Here are some quick and easy hacks to save time and effort:
- Sharp knives – Invest in a good set of sharp knives; they’ll make prep work a breeze.
- Cutting onions – Avoid teary eyes by placing your onion in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before chopping.
- Removing eggshells – Wet your fingers before trying to remove bits of eggshell from your cracked egg.
- Cooking pasta – Save time by cooking pasta in a frying pan instead of a pot; it’ll cook more quickly and evenly.
Make Your Own Spice Blend
Are you tired of buying countless spice jars, only to use them once or twice? Create your own blend to save money and time. Here’s a simple recipe for a taco spice blend:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use in your favorite taco recipes or as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.
Don’t stop at taco seasoning! Experiment with different spice combinations to create your own unique blends.
Cooking with Cast Iron
Cast iron is a versatile and durable cookware option, but it can be tricky to care for. Here are some tips for cooking and maintaining your cast iron:
- Seasoning – Before using your cast iron, it must be properly seasoned. Rub a thin layer of oil onto the pan and bake in the oven at 375°F for an hour.
- Cleaning – Avoid using soap on your cast iron; it can strip the seasoning. Instead, use a brush or scraper to remove any food bits and then rinse with hot water.
- Drying – Always dry your cast iron thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.
- Storing – Store your cast iron in a dry place with the lid off to prevent moisture buildup.
Ready to try out your new cast iron skills? Check out this Wikipedia page on cast iron cookware for recipe ideas and more information.
FAQs: 10 Unconventional Kitchen Tools You Never Knew You Needed
1. What are some unconventional kitchen tools?
Some examples of unconventional kitchen tools include a pizza scissors, herb scissors, avocado slicer, egg separator, garlic press, mini food processor, vegetable peeler, mandoline slicer, hand-held mixer, and pineapple corer.
2. How would I use a pizza scissors?
A pizza scissors is perfect for cutting and serving pizza. Its sharp blades can easily slice through crust, cheese and toppings. You can also use it for chopping salad greens, slicing quesadillas, and even cutting up small pieces of chicken or meat.
3. What is an avocado slicer?
An avocado slicer is a tool used to remove the pit, cut the avocado in half, and slice the flesh into neat, even pieces. It is also helpful in removing the skin, allowing you to enjoy your delicious, creamy fruit in a variety of ways.
4. Can I use an egg separator for anything else besides separating egg whites and yolks?
Yes! An egg separator can also be used for straining liquids, such as homemade broths and sauces. It can also be used for separating fruit or vegetable purees from their skins.
5. What are the benefits of using a mini food processor?
A mini food processor is a handy tool for quickly chopping, grinding, and pureeing small amounts of food. It is perfect for making homemade pesto, hummus, salsa, and dips without having to use a large, bulky machine.
6. How do I use a mandoline slicer safely?
To use a mandoline slicer safely, always use the safety guard provided, and wear protective gloves. Make sure the slicer is securely fastened onto a cutting board or countertop, and use a smooth, steady motion to slide the food through the blade. Always be careful with your fingers!
7. What is the advantage of using a hand-held mixer over a stand mixer?
A hand-held mixer is more versatile and portable than a stand mixer. It allows you to easily mix small to medium-sized quantities of batters, doughs, and sauces without having to move the bowl from the mixer.
8. What types of vegetables can I peel with a vegetable peeler?
A vegetable peeler can be used to peel a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, and even ginger! It is also helpful in creating thin, ribbon-like strips of vegetables for salads and garnishes.
9. Can I use a pineapple corer for anything else besides coring pineapples?
Yes! A pineapple corer can also be used to core and slice apples, pears, and other similar fruits with a core in the center.
10. How would I use herb scissors?
Herb scissors are designed to make chopping herbs quick and easy. Simply snip the clean, dry herbs into small bits directly over your recipe. Herb scissors are perfect for recipes that require finely chopped herbs or for garnishing plates.
1. Avocado Slicer
- Easily slice and pit avocados with one tool
- Prevent injury from using sharp knives
- Perfectly slice avocados for salads, sandwiches, and more
2. Egg Separator
- Separate egg whites from yolks quickly and easily
- Faster and more efficient than traditional methods
- Perfect for baking or cooking recipes that call for separate egg components
3. Corn Stripper
- Easily remove kernels from the cob without making a mess
- Perfectly strip the entire cob in one motion
- Great for corn salsa, salads, and other recipes that call for fresh corn kernels
4. Herb Scissors
- Cut herbs quickly and efficiently with multiple blades
- Prevent bruising and tearing compared to traditional chopping methods
- Perfect for garnishes, salads, and other recipes that require finely chopped herbs
5. Egg Cooker
- Cook hard-boiled eggs perfectly every time with no guesswork
- Automatically shuts off when eggs are done
- Great for meal prep and snack time
6. Garlic Press
- Efficiently crush garlic cloves without any waste
- Easily add garlic to sauces, marinades, and other recipes
- Prevent sticky hands and strong odors associated with traditional garlic chopping methods
7. Salad Spinner
- Easily wash and dry lettuce, vegetables, and herbs in one device
- Prevent soggy salads and wilted greens
- Great for meal prep and quick salad preparation
8. Butter Spreader
- Easily spread butter or other spreads without damaging bread or toast
- Prevent messes and wasted product
- Perfect for breakfast or snack time
9. Fruit Slicer
- Easily slice and pit fruits like mangos, avocados, and more
- Prevent injury from using sharp knives
- Perfectly slice and present fruits for desserts, salads, and more
10. Bag Sealer
- Efficiently seal bags to keep food fresh and prevent spills
- Prevent waste and save money on food products
- Great for snacks, meal prep, and food storage
