Save Your Money: The Best Guide to Fix Clutter by Skipping These Kitchen Gadgets
That moment you open your kitchen drawer and see a graveyard of gadgets you used once—or never—can make you wonder where all your money and counter space disappeared to.
We have all been there. That avocado slicer looked so clever in the store. The banana slicer seemed like a fun idea. But the truth is, many kitchen gadgets are simply not worth the money or the precious space they take up. This guide will help you solve the problem of kitchen clutter by showing you which tools and gadgets you truly do not need to buy—saving you money, drawer space, and buyer’s remorse.
TL;DR
- Single-use gadgets are the biggest culprits: Items designed to do just one job, like avocado slicers and banana slicers, are almost always unnecessary. A simple knife can do the same task faster and with less cleanup .
- Chefs agree on what to skip: Professional chefs consistently name the avocado slicer and garlic press as gadgets they would never buy . They are “unitaskers” that clutter your kitchen without improving your cooking .
- Ask these questions before buying: Does a tool I already own do the same thing? Does it actually save time? Can it do more than one job? If the answer is no, skip it .
- Avoid novelty and TikTok trends: Many gadgets are designed to look fun online but end up collecting dust in real life. If you haven’t used it in a year, it is time to let it go .
Key Takeaways
- The avocado slicer is universally unnecessary: Chefs and home cooks alike agree that a knife and spoon do the job just as quickly and with more control. It is a waste of money and space .
- Garlic presses are controversial but often skippable: While some chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi swear by them, many others, including Alton Brown and Anthony Bourdain, despise them for being hard to clean and for crushing the garlic’s flavor . A sharp knife works perfectly well.
- Banana slicers and herb scissors are gimmicks: These tools seem fun but rarely perform better than a basic knife. They are the classic examples of gadgets that end up in the back of a drawer .
- Bulky appliances for niche foods are rarely worth it: Quesadilla makers, popcorn machines, and pasta makers take up a lot of space for the amount of use they typically get. A simple pan or pot does the same job .
The Gadgets to Skip
Here is a list of the most common kitchen gadgets that simply do not earn their keep.
1. The Avocado Slicer
This is the gadget chefs universally agree you do not need. Marissa Stevens, a home chef and recipe developer, says a simple knife and spoon can cut, pit, and slice an avocado just as quickly—and with more control . The tool is often a “unitasker” that does not even fit every avocado size and is one more thing to wash .
2. The Garlic Press
The garlic press is a classic example of a divisive gadget. Chefs like Alton Brown and Anthony Bourdain have famously spoken out against it . Their arguments are that it is a single-use gadget that is difficult to clean, and that crushing the garlic releases bitter compounds, ruining the flavor. A simple chef’s knife can mince garlic just as well, and you have more control over the texture .
3. The Banana Slicer
This is the most iconic of all useless gadgets. Why use a knife when you can use a plastic tool that perfectly forms uniform slices? The reality is that it is a ridiculous piece of plastic that you will use once, giggle about, and then lose in the back of a drawer . A regular knife is just as effective and takes up less space .
4. Herb Scissors and Strippers
Herb scissors with multiple blades promise to chop herbs faster, but they are hard to clean and often mash the herbs more than they cut them . An herb stripper is similarly unnecessary—your fingers and a knife do the same job . Plus, you can even de-stem herbs with a simple box grater .
5. The Quesadilla Maker
It sounds like a great idea, but a frying pan works just as well and is easier to clean . This appliance takes up a lot of cabinet space for a job that is done in a pan in a few minutes . Unless you eat quesadillas daily, you can skip it .
6. The Popcorn Machine
Stovetop popcorn is quick, easy, and cheaper than buying a special machine . You can make it in a pot with a lid and add your own flavoring. A dedicated popcorn maker is a bulky appliance that often sits unused .
7. The Electric Can Opener
Unless you have a medical need, a manual can opener is just as effective, takes up less space, and does not need an outlet . An electric version takes up counter space and usually does not work any better than the old-school kind .
8. The Egg Separator
Cracking an egg and separating the yolk by hand or using the shell is quicker than digging out a special tool. It is a simple skill to learn, and it saves you from having another gadget to wash .
9. The Spiralizer
This gadget had its heyday with low-carb diets, but it is a clunky tool that often tears vegetables and takes up plenty of room in your cupboards . A simple julienne peeler, mandoline, or even a box grater can do the same job .
Comparison Table: Gadgets to Avoid
| Gadget to Avoid | Why You Don’t Need It | What to Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Slicer | A knife and spoon do the job faster and with more control | A chef’s knife and a spoon |
| Garlic Press | Hard to clean and can ruin garlic’s flavor; a knife is just as fast | A sharp chef’s knife |
| Banana Slicer | A one-trick plastic tool that clutters your drawer | A butter knife |
| Herb Scissors | Hard to clean and often mash herbs instead of cutting them | A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board |
| Quesadilla Maker | A pan works just as well and is easier to clean | A frying pan |
| Popcorn Machine | Takes up space for a once-in-a-while snack; stovetop is easier | A pot with a lid |
| Electric Can Opener | Takes up counter space and doesn’t work better than a manual one | A manual can opener |
| Spiralizer | Clunky, hard to clean, and takes up drawer space | A julienne peeler or box grater |
“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
How to Avoid Buying Unnecessary Gadgets
Professional organizers and chefs suggest a few simple rules to prevent kitchen clutter.
Ask the Right Questions
Before you buy any new kitchen tool, ask yourself these questions :
- Does a tool I already own do the same thing?
- Does it actually save time on something I do a lot?
- Can it do more than one job?
- Will I use it at least once a week?
If the answer to most of these is “no,” skip the purchase.
Look for Versatility
The tools you use most often pull double duty. A good chef’s knife works across hundreds of different dishes. A rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper is endlessly versatile. If a gadget only works for one specific recipe, it probably will not get used much .
Avoid TikTok Trends
That cool gadget you saw on social media? It is probably not as useful as it looks. Professional organizer Shantae Duckworth recommends getting rid of gadgets that you bought because of a trend but have only used once . “If it hasn’t seen the light of day in a while, donate it and reclaim some precious drawer space” .
FAQ: Solving Your Kitchen Clutter Problems
What is the number one kitchen gadget chefs say not to buy?
The avocado slicer. All three chefs interviewed by Real Simple agreed that it is a total waste of money, as a simple knife and spoon do the same job .
Why do chefs hate garlic presses?
Chefs like Alton Brown and Anthony Bourdain dislike garlic presses because they are single-use, hard to clean, and can crush the garlic, releasing bitter flavors . However, some chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi appreciate them for their efficiency in mass garlic prep .
What should I do with gadgets I already bought but never use?
Donate them to a thrift shop or give them to someone who will actually use them. If they are broken, dispose of them properly. Do not let them continue to clutter your drawers .
How can I tell if a kitchen tool is a “unitasker”?
If it is designed to do only one very specific job, like slicing bananas or pitting avocados, it is a unitasker. These gadgets are almost always unnecessary .
What are some good multi-purpose tools to buy instead?
Invest in a quality chef’s knife, a cast iron skillet, a rimmed baking sheet, and a set of tongs. These are workhorses that can handle hundreds of different tasks .
Which kitchen problem do you want solved next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
References
Essential Guide to Avoiding Useless Kitchen Gadgets: Expert Advice on Decluttering and Smart Shopping
