7 Kitchen Gadgets You Probably Shouldn’t Buy

People in the U.S. are now spending more of their incomes on food than they have in 30 years. And when you’re dropping that kind of cash on food, you probably want to be getting your money’s worth. That may prompt some to stock up on kitchen gadgets that supposedly make cooking easier or less time-intensive. Some kitchen gadgets absolutely do make your life easier—the lemon juicer is an essential tool in my own kitchen—but if we’re being honest, most just take up valuable space in your drawers or on your countertop.

So, which kitchen gadgets are actually worth it, and which should you leave in your online cart? In my opinion, the following seven gadgets aren’t worth the amount of money you’ll spend on them, and they’ll do little more for you than clutter up your kitchen. Of course, everyone’s cooking needs are different, and some people—especially people with disabilities—may benefit from using these products. However, if you’re not already using these tools, you may want to reconsider purchasing them.

1. Kitchen Timer

I’m genuinely shocked that kitchen timers are still on the market. The only function they seem to serve at this point is an aesthetic one. Don’t most of us have timers on our phones? Even most flip phones offer timers. I understand that many of us have busy, constantly buzzing phones, and you may want to take a break from your device every once in a while. But why buy another piece of electronic plastic when you’ve already dropped hundreds (or thousands) on a phone?

2. Egg Separator

Separating egg yolks and whites can definitely be tricky, and it’s a messy endeavor, especially when you’re first learning how to do it. But that doesn’t justify actually buying an egg separator in most cases. If you don’t like using the shell to separate the white and the yolk, try using your hands, letting the white part of the egg drip through your fingers. Since you’d have to clean the egg separator anyway, washing your hands after separating a few eggs shouldn’t be a big deal.

3. Avocado Slicer

If you have a condition that makes it difficult to slice avocados, then go ahead and buy an avocado slicer. For most other people, though, an avocado slicer is just going to take up room in a kitchen drawer. This gadget doesn’t do anything a simple knife and spoon can’t do, and it can be tricky to clean once it’s covered in green gunk.

4. Pizza Oven

Some people are fanatical about their homemade pizza, and if you fit into that category, I applaud you (and I want an invitation to dinner at your house). A pizza oven may actually make sense in your situation. But if you only make homemade pizza a few times a year, you definitely do not need a pizza oven in your kitchen. Trust me, your standard oven will work just as well as this specialty product, and it won’t take up a bunch of room on your counter.

5. Egg Cooker

You really, really don’t need an egg cooker. Put a pot on a stove. Fill it with water. Put your eggs in, and set a timer. That’s literally all you need to do. Please don’t let the electric egg cooker industry delude you into thinking that it’s difficult to make a boiled egg.

6. Taco Stand 

Your kitchen is not a Mexican restaurant; you don’t need taco stands, or racks, or holders. After buying taco stands, chances are, you’re going to use them two or three times when friends come over, and then they’re going to collect dust in the back of the pantry until you move and remember you stashed them back there months or years ago. The worst thing that can happen if you don’t buy taco stands is a soggy taco every once in a while. You will survive. Regular taco consumers, proceed if you must.

7. Juicer

The appeal of freshly squeezed juice is a strong one, and if you’re a frequent juice drinker, then by all means, buy yourself a juicer. But if you only drink juice every once in a while, this expensive kitchen gadget just isn’t worth it. You have to buy a ridiculous amount of fruit to get even a small amount of juice out of your juicer, and it’s a huge hassle to clean. You’re better off just eating whole fruit as a snack.

Samantha Maxwell is a food writer and editor based in Boston. Follow her on Twitter at @samseating.