13 Quirky Kitchen Gadgets You’ll Actually Want to Use
Updated: Nov. 01, 2023
These kitchen gadgets may seem odd, but they will save you time and make dinner prep more convenient.
Windmill Watermelon Slicer
Cutting into a watermelon (and getting all of the goodness out of it) can be a little tough, especially as the temperatures rise. With this windmill watermelon slicer, getting a bite of your favorite summertime snack is super easy. All you have to do is roll the slicer through a halved watermelon, and you’ve got perfect cubes made for fruity kabobs or just an easy afternoon snack. What’s better is this tool is totally kid-friendly and easily washable. Here are a few tips for using a watermelon slicer.
“Whale” That’s Helpful
We know that the last thing you want is an impractical tool cluttering up your already-crowded kitchen drawers. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the most practical tools that’ll add whimsy to your kitchen. For instance, the clever design of Fred Big Blue Whale Strainer saves you from having to dump out the whole pot of pasta. Simply place the whale over the pot and pour out the water.
Cute Corer
Take the hassle (and mess!) out of coring tomatoes with this adorable tool. It has three grooved prongs that make quick work of removing seeds, core and stem with the simple press of a button! Bonus: It even looks like a tomato.
Extreme Notes
Who knew a basic office supply could be such a powerhouse in the kitchen? Our staff of culinary experts use these extra-sticky, water-resistant Post-It notes to label all of our refrigerated and frozen foods. We bet they’ll work great for your leftovers and freezer meals, too.
So Hand(y)
You know that old, stained oven mitt that you’ve been using since the 1990s? Get rid of it. The FingerMitt is the new oven mitt in town, and we love it. The 5-finger design lets your fingers be nimble while you are safely handling hot items like Grandma’s favorite casseroles. Plus they’re made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, making them stain resistant and dishwasher safe.
Get Attached
This Utensil Pot Clip is the gadget you never knew you needed but now can’t live without. No more resting the sauce spoon on the counter leaving yet another mess to clean up later. This clip attaches directly to the sides of cookware to hold your utensil in place, and the drippings go right back in the pot. Genius. Try it out with our best soup recipes.
The Pop-ular Choice
Everyone knows popping your own popcorn on the stovetop is a much tastier, and maybe healthier, option than store-bought microwave popcorn. But the microwave is just so convenient! Enjoy the best of both worlds with this single-serving glass Microwave Popcorn Popper. The main container can be filled with whole kernel corn and then microwaved. No oil is involved. But you can add butter while it pops—the handy silicone lid doubles as a butter melter.
For Cat Ladies
Okay we know you don’t need eggs shaped in the form of a cat face, but come on. How can you resist? The Cat Egg Mold is a silicone mold that is placed in a hot frying pan. Crack the eggs into the “eyes” and a few minutes later a cute cat appears that doesn’t require a litter box.
Fresh (Sliced) Berries
The Strawberry Hull and Slice helps you prep strawberries at super speed so you can get to the important part—eating them!—quicker. The time-saving tool is made of plastic with stainless steel blades and is dishwasher safe. Plus, with sliced strawberries on hand, you’ll be one step closer to strawberry shortcake.
Shake Things Up
It’s never been easier to make Chex mix, season popcorn or even dress a salad, thanks to the Popcorn Ball. No more overflowing mixing bowls—just dump everything into this BPA-free plastic sphere, seal it, and shake to evenly distribute the ingredients, ensuring every bite equally delicious. (Psst: You can pop popcorn in it, too.)
Nice Spread
Is there anything more frustrating than tearing up a perfectly fine piece of bread because the butter is too cold? The popular Butter Spreader Knife makes this a problem of the past. The knife features a built-in grater that turns cold butter into “sumptuous, spreadable ribbons.”
That’s a Wrap
No more searching your cabinets for the right Tupperware lid. CoverBlubber Food Saving Wraps to the rescue! These stretchy, reusable food wraps fit containers of all sizes and shapes. You can even stretch them directly onto cut fruit. Plus it’s just fun to say the name—CoverBlubber. Speaking of fruit, check out why you should get a grapefruit spoon.
Main Squeeze
Impress your kids and your guests with the Tovolo Pancake Pen 2.0. The squeeze bottle dispenser holds 3 cups of pancake batter and features an easy-flow silicone tip. From birthday numbers to silly faces, create any pancake shape your heart desires.
Originally Published: July 30, 2020
