Favorite Non-Traditional Kitchen Gadget (heat, outside, better, construction)

[burdell]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Mine is the Garlic Twist. I had been using a garlic press but they're not fun to clean and feel a third squirts out the sides or is left inside to be cleaned out. The Twist is easy to clean, I swish it out with water or olive oil depending upon what I'm cooking, and it's an easy hand wash or dishwasher-safe. I use a lot of garlic and after going to the already-chopped garlic in jars because of the labor involved with the press, appreciate having the full garlic flavor once again. https://www.amazon.com/stores/NexTre...9?ref_=ast_bln

Curious if you think this gadget would be strong enough to grate horseradish?

[Formerly Known As Twenty]

Originally Posted by bpollen

I don't know if it's considered non-traditional these days, but I think so, since most people don't use them now. I use a manual can opener, not an electric one. I buy the good ones (my current one is a Kitchen-Aid). It's easy to use, fast, and I keep it in a drawer, so fewer things on the counter. They also last longer than the electric ones, so saves money in the long run. It's a win-win for me.

To be honest, I haven't seen an electric can opener on someone's countertop in years. My mom went over to using a Swingaway when the one that she received as a wedding gift died sometime in the mid-eighties. She and Dad were married in '65, so it had a good run.

My partner prefers to use the Kuhn Rikon type of manual opener that removes the entire top of the can, leaving the cut edges smooth while I prefer to live dangerously (i.e., sharp edges on both removed top and can! ) and use the Swingaway opener that I've had since my college days.

For those who have arthritis, electric can openers must be a godsend as even the OXO Good Grips manual openers are difficult to use for those who have major issues with using their hands.

[xPlorer48]

I like this gadget for slicing cucumbers and potatoes:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It has adjustable increments of slice size. You just need to watch your fingers; after one cut, I have been very wary when I get to the end of whatever veggy I am slicing.

[GiGi603]

The meat chopper.
https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grip.../dp/B01434TOOQ

I actually bought a cheap one from Walmart. A tool I didn't know I needed until my cousin convinced me to buy one a few years ago.

[mom22j]

I’ve had this for years, and love it for brewing loose leaf tea.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MFFGAXM

Here’s a less expensive version that does the same thing.

https://www.amazon.com/Adagio-Teas-i...303960-5631125

I have two of these in my fridge at all times for iced tea; I have the one they make for iced coffee too (tighter mesh).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095ZBK4G

[OutdoorLover]

I do like some kitchen gadgets, but they are all pretty old school, pretty mainstream tools:

- box grater
- swiveling vegetable peeler
- vegetable cleaning brush
- various basting brushes
- shrimp peeler
- corn holders
- graduated measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- whisk
- easily cleaned poly cutting boards
- German steel knives and block
- good set of cookware-safe, heat-tolerant spoons and spatulas plus earthenware storage crock
- electric rice cooker
- electric breadmaker plus little silicone spatula to tend to the new doughball at the start
- citrus juice squeezer
- apple corer/slicer
- decent meat thermometer
- nice wine bottle opener
- jar opener

[Charlotteborn]

Originally Posted by GiGi603

The meat chopper.
https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grip.../dp/B01434TOOQ

I actually bought a cheap one from Walmart. A tool I didn't know I needed until my cousin convinced me to buy one a few years ago.

I love the meat chopper too!

Was sad to see it at Dollar Tree for $1.25 when I paid over $10 for it!

[king john IV]

mandolin.
eggs, cheese, etc.

[Texas Ag 93]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Mine is the Garlic Twist. I had been using a garlic press but they're not fun to clean and feel a third squirts out the sides or is left inside to be cleaned out. The Twist is easy to clean, I swish it out with water or olive oil depending upon what I'm cooking, and it's an easy hand wash or dishwasher-safe. I use a lot of garlic and after going to the already-chopped garlic in jars because of the labor involved with the press, appreciate having the full garlic flavor once again. https://www.amazon.com/stores/NexTre...9?ref_=ast_bln

Okay, I'm going to have to get one of these for my 15 year old. She loves garlic and routinely uses 7-8 cloves in making a single serving of pasta for herself. We buy the peeled cloves in bulk and she uses an attachment on our immersion blender to chop it. This will be much more compact and easier.

[ccm123]

We use a few that are very helpful:: garlic twist (as the OP suggested), electric rice cooker (we’ve had ours for 17 years and still running well), a food chopper (great for grinding up whole nuts, etc.)