Kitchen gadgets I never use
7.5.2025
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Some of my kitchen gadgets lead a sad existence, bought in a frenzy, never to be used again. Here’s a little guide on what not to buy.
You’ll never catch me adding an air fryer or microwave to my kitchen. I’ve tested several and am certain I don’t need them. My built-in steamer more than makes up for the two. Then there are appliances and gadgets I refuse to ever relinquish, such as my food processor, sous-vide stick, vacuum sealer and induction rice cooker. Not because they’re all working overtime, mind you, but because they do take many tedious tasks off my hands as part-time helpers. And then there’s a long list of appliances and gadgets that I stopped using ages ago, but with which I have yet to part ways. In the working environment, this is known as quiet quitting.
Here’s a list of kitchen gadgets I never use.
Panettone moulds
In my miserable attempt to bake panettone myself, I bought a multipack of these moulds. They’ve since been relegated to the deepest depths of my kitchen cupboard – the one above the fridge that I can only get to on a ladder. I know exactly where they lie, next to the tea lights and napkin rings. And that’s where they’ll stay until I move house.
Square omelette pan from Japan
I should have learned my lesson. Over five years ago in Japan, I bought my first tamagoyaki pan, which can be used to make those square omelettes you often see artfully fastened onto nigiri with seaweed. I couldn’t use it in my new apartment because it doesn’t work with an induction stovetop. Mind you, I never actively missed using it. But that didn’t stop me from buying an induction-compatible version on my last visit to Japan. Have I used it yet? Of course not.
Pots + Pans
CHF42.95
Ibili Pan for Tamagoyaki Inducta 15 x 18 cm Perfect for preparing tamagoyaki omelettes
Frying pan
Tea infuser
What came first – my longing for a tea infuser or the actual need for one? Whenever I’d remove loose tea leaves with a sieve, I’d always wish I had a tea infuser. I finally caved and added it to my cart as a filler, unpacked it – and haven’t used it a single time. Turns out my longing for the tea infuser was greater than my need.
Potato masher
The potato masher is a gadget I never use because I never make mashed potatoes. And if I did, I could make them in the food processor. Life hack: throw in hot peeled potatoes, milk and butter, and process using the mixer attachment. Done!
Wok
This one pains me. I’d love to use my wok more often, but my cast-iron pan is frankly better suited for fried rice. The wok is big and bulky, and my stove just doesn’t create enough heat to get that typical wok taste.
Portable gas stove
Perhaps the wok and gas hob could prove a dream team? Bought with shabu-shabu in mind, I used my portable gas stove once for Christmas. It has since been gathering dust. I allowed myself to be persuaded to make the purchase by YouTube chefs. A silly decision, given my kitchen rarely doubles as a studio, and my built-in stove’s four induction plates have always been enough.
What kitchen gadgets have been relegated to your kitchen’s unwanted shelf? Let me know in the comments!
Header image: Shutterstock
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
Cooking
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