How to Decide Which Kitchen Gadgets Are Worth Buying
That avocado slicer, garlic press, or spiralizer taking up space in your drawer? Chefs agree: a simple knife and spoon do the job just as quickly—and with more control.
TL;DR
The best way to decide if a kitchen gadget is worth buying is to ask three questions: Does it save real time on tasks you do often? Does it replace two or more single-use tools you already own? Will you use it at least once a week? If the answer to at least two is yes, it earns its place. Skip single-purpose novelty items, avoid cheap grocery-store tools, and invest in durable, multi-purpose essentials like a good chef’s knife, kitchen scale, and cast iron skillet.
Key Takeaways
- The “Earn Its Space” test saves you money: pass/fail based on time saved, tools replaced, and frequency of use
- Chefs all agree on one gadget to never buy: the avocado slicer is a total waste of money
- A sharp chef’s knife replaces dozens of single-use gadgets and is actually safer to use
- A kitchen scale outperforms measuring cups for accuracy and consistency—professionals almost never use cups for baking
- Avoid cheap grocery store tools—they’re low quality, break quickly, and may leach chemicals into your food
The Three-Question Test Before You Buy
If you’re eyeing a new kitchen gadget, stop and run it through this simple test. Professional chefs and home cooks agree that asking these three questions will help you separate the truly useful from the clutter.
Question 1: Does it save 10+ minutes per use?
Time is the most honest measure of a gadget’s value. If you can do the same task nearly as fast with a knife or bowl, the gadget isn’t pulling its weight. “If a gadget makes a task you do all the time genuinely faster, it’s probably worth the expense and space in your kitchen,” says home chef Marissa Stevens. “But if it only saves a few seconds and then you have to wash another tool, it’s not worth having.”
Question 2: Does it replace 2 or more single-use tools?
The average US kitchen holds 3–5 single-use gadgets that could be replaced by one multi-function tool. A vegetable chopper that dices, slices, and minces replaces a knife, a mandoline, and a chopping bowl. That’s three items condensed into one.
Question 3: Will you use it 3+ times per week?
Frequency matters more than capability. A spiralizer might make beautiful zucchini noodles, but if you reach for it once every two months, it’s clutter—not a kitchen tool. “The tools I use most pull at least double duty,” says Stevens. “A good chef’s knife, rimmed sheet pans, a bowl scraper: I use these constantly because they work across hundreds of different dishes.”
Score 2 out of 3? It earns its space. Score 1 or 0? Put it back on the shelf—or donate it.
The Gadget You Should Never Buy, According to Chefs
When Real Simple asked three chefs to name the one kitchen gadget they would never buy, they all picked the same item: the avocado slicer.
“It’s a total waste of money,” they agreed, since a simple knife and spoon can do the job just as quickly—and with more control. This same logic applies to most single-use gadgets. If a tool exists to perform exactly one task, it’s probably not worth the drawer space.
Gadgets That Consistently Pass the Test
These tools have been tested in real kitchens and consistently pass the “Earn Its Space” test.
| Tool | What It Does | Why It Earns Its Space |
|---|---|---|
| Chef’s Knife | Handles 80% of cutting tasks | A sharp 8-inch knife outlasts budget alternatives by 5-10 years and replaces countless gadgets |
| Digital Kitchen Scale | Weighs ingredients precisely | Chefs unanimously say measuring by weight is faster and more accurate than cups; a scale ensures consistent baking results every time |
| Instant-Read Thermometer | Checks doneness instantly | Eliminates guesswork on chicken, pork, and baked goods; prevents dry, overcooked dinners |
| Cast Iron Skillet | Searing, baking, frying, roasting | One pan does infinite tasks, improves with use, and lasts for decades |
| Microplane | Zesting, grating, mincing | An inexpensive tool that grates garlic, ginger, Parmesan, and citrus effortlessly—saving time every week |
| Silicone Spatula Set | Scraping, folding, stirring | Heat-resistant to 450°F, safe on nonstick, and handles everything from batter to sautéing |
| Kitchen Shears | Cutting herbs, opening packages, spatchcocking | Versatile, durable, and eliminates the need for other specialized cutters |
Smart Alternatives to Trendy Gadgets
Professional chefs are clear about what to avoid and what to use instead:
Garlic Press: Chefs skip this because it bruises garlic and releases bitter compounds. Use instead: a sharp chef’s knife or a Microplane for finely minced garlic.
Nonstick Pans: They can’t handle high heat, scratch easily, and never last long. Use instead: stainless steel or cast iron, which handle high heat, brown better, and improve over time.
Glass Cutting Boards: They destroy knives and provide no grip. Use instead: thick wooden cutting boards that protect your knives and are safer.
Pre-ground Pepper: It loses flavor and aroma within weeks of grinding. Use instead: a simple pepper mill with whole peppercorns.
Measuring Cups (for baking): Cup measurements vary widely. Use instead: a digital kitchen scale for precision every time.
Quality Matters: Where to Buy
The worst place to buy kitchen tools is your local grocery store. Grocery chains generally have limited selections of lower-quality tools. While they might be cheaper, they often break quickly and may not be safe for long-term use.
Long-term use of plastic kitchen tools is linked to health and developmental problems. Tools made of stainless steel or wood are safer choices and are typically made to last. It’s worth spending a bit more on a good chef’s knife—a higher-quality blade will remain sharp and be able to be resharpened for longer than the junk you’ll find in a grocery store. And you don’t even need a full knife block: expert chefs say you really only need four knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a steak knife, and a bread knife.
How Much to Spend on a Chef’s Knife
According to CHOICE experts, knives that cost more than $100 outperformed almost all cheaper models in testing—but you don’t necessarily need to pay top dollar to get a very good knife that retains its sharpness. Mid-priced knives are often good-quality options for home cooks. A $5 knife might work in a pinch, but it won’t stay sharp as long as more expensive options.
Comparison Table: Worth It vs. Waste of Money
| Worth Buying | Skip It | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Good chef’s knife | Avocado slicer | Knife + spoon does same job better |
| Kitchen scale | Measuring cups | More accurate, consistent results |
| Cast iron skillet | Nonstick pan | Lasts decades, handles high heat |
| Microplane | Garlic press | Faster, better flavor, easier to clean |
| Stainless steel/wood utensils | Cheap plastic tools | Safer, lasts longer, no chemical leaching |
| Instant-read thermometer | Guessing doneness | Eliminates food safety risks |
| Immersion blender | Full-size blender (if counter space is tight) | Versatile, easier to clean, stores easily |
When Spending More Makes Sense
Some tools are worth spending extra on:
- Chef’s knife—a quality knife properly maintained outlasts budget alternatives by 5-10 years
- Cast iron skillet—buy once, use for decades
- Kitchen scale—accuracy matters for baking and consistency
- Stainless steel cookware—browns better, handles high heat, and improves over time
For everything else, mid-range options often perform just as well as premium ones. You can also look for sales and discounts on kitchen knives—they’re a regular occurrence, so you’ll rarely need to pay full recommended retail price.
“Before I buy any kitchen gadget, I ask myself if a tool I already have can do the same thing. I don’t own a lot of gadgets, because the answer is usually ‘yes.'” — Marissa Stevens, home chef and recipe developer
FAQ Section
What’s the number one kitchen gadget chefs say to never buy?
The avocado slicer. All three chefs interviewed by Real Simple picked the same one—a simple knife and spoon do the job faster with more control.
How do I know if a kitchen gadget is worth buying?
Apply the “Earn Its Space” test: Does it save 10+ minutes per use? Does it replace 2+ single-use tools? Will you use it 3+ times per week? If it passes at least two, it’s worth considering.
Why should I replace my measuring cups with a kitchen scale?
Cups can vary depending on how ingredients are packed, but grams are always precise. For consistent baking results, a scale is essential.
Is a garlic press worth buying?
Professional chefs say no. It bruises garlic and releases bitter compounds. A sharp chef’s knife or Microplane does the job better and cleans faster.
Where should I buy kitchen tools?
Avoid grocery stores—they have low-quality, cheap tools. Buy from kitchen supply stores, department stores, or online retailers with good reviews. Look for stainless steel or wood over plastic.
Do I really need a full set of knives?
No. Expert chefs say you only need four: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a steak knife, and a bread knife—which cover every kitchen task.
References
Chef-Approved Guidance on Which Kitchen Gadgets Are Worth Buying
- Real Simple – Chefs Name the Gadget They’d Never Buy
- Love Great Finds – The “Earn Its Space” Test
- Food & Wine – Professional Chefs Avoid These 4 Kitchen Products
- The Takeout – Kitchen Gadgets Worth Counter Space
- Daily Meal – The Worst Place to Buy Kitchen Tools
- CHOICE – Should You Spend $400 on a Kitchen Knife?
- Food & Wine – Chef-Approved Kitchen Tool Upgrades
Which kitchen gadget did you buy that you wish you hadn’t? Or what’s the one tool you can’t live without? Share your experience in the comments!
