• Home
    • Meet Me & Mr B
  • Recipes & Food
    • Appetizers, Snacks & Small Bites
    • Beverages
    • Bread Recipes
    • Condiments Recipes
    • Desserts & Sweets
    • German Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Soup & Chowder
    • Sourdough Recipes
    • Recipes by Eating Style
      • Dairy-free Recipes
      • Gluten-free Recipes
      • Vegan Recipes
      • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Recipe Round-ups
  • Cozy Living
    • Arts, Crafts & DIY
    • Music Notes
  • Cozy Travel
    • Pacific NW
      • Pacific NW Hikes
      • Portland Area
      • Oregon Coast
      • Orcas Island WA
      • Southern Oregon
    • Hikes Near & Far
    • Mountain States
    • Southwestern US
    • Hawaii
    • Tennessee for Music Lovers
    • International Travel
    • One Day in…
  • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
      • Cookie Statement
      • Disclosure
    • Work with Us!
      • Media Kit
    • Contact Us!

The Good Hearted Woman

Home Cooking & Cozy Living

  • SOURDOUGH RECIPES & RESOURCES

Eight Weird But Useful Kitchen Gadgets You May Not Know You Need

October 24 By Renée 16 Comments

We’ve all got a few weird kitchen utensils in that one drawer, right? Thingamajigs that leave other people scratching their heads and asking, “What is this thing for, anyway?!?

Eight Weird But Useful Kitchen Gadgets You May Not Know You Need | The Good Hearted Woman

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Everything from our cultural heritage to our mother’s affinity for hot cereal can affect how we cook and what we cook with. We rarely have the exact same tools in our utensil drawers because we all come to the kitchen with a different background and set of experiences.

For a tool to claim permanent residency in my kitchen utensil drawer, it must be one that I need and use at least once a year, and usually much more often than that. For example, I often use a lot of fresh garlic when I cook, and consider a garlic press to be a mandatory kitchen item.

On the other hand, I have a dear friend who, every time I am over at her house cooking and ask if she has garlic press (and yes, it happens more often than you might imagine) – every. time. – she looks at me like I’ve just asked her if I can borrow her spare flux-capacitor. (Note to self: Get Cheryl a garlic press {or a flux-capacitor} for her birthday next year.)

The most ringing endorsement I can give for the items on this list is that I would buy another one exactly like the one I have if mine broke. That’s what it really boils down to, right? Would you miss it if it was gone?

Listed below in order of relative awesomeness, here’s my list of useful kitchen gadgets you may not know you need:

Scottish Spurtleblank

What the heck is a spurtle!?!  Good Question! A spurtle is a Scottish cooking implement used to stir oats as they cook. Its design allows you to keep the oats off the base and out of the corner curve of the sauce pan as they are cooking. I use it whenever I cook any kind of small-grained product on the stove (i.e., grits, polenta, etc.)

blankblankblankblankblankblankblank

I use my spurtle several times a week because I absolutely love my porridge! Porridge is nothing more than cooked oatmeal, but it’s taken very seriously where I was born: Scotland. In fact, each October the World Porridge Making Championships are held in a tiny village, and it’s called The Golden Spurtle!
~ Christina, Christina’s Cucina

TRY: The 21st Annual World Porridge Making Championships: Award Winning Recipe for Sticky Toffee Porridge

GIFT IDEA: Package a Scottish Spurtle and a bag of Irish Oats in a pretty ceramic cereal bowl and BOOM – a perfect gift for just about anyone.

Danish Dough Whiskblank

Ever wished your whisk had a little more heft to it? Here’s your new best friend – straight from your grandma’s kitchen! Built to last, this heavy-duty dough whisk is perfect for hand-mixing mixing batters and doughs of all kinds. Dough doesn’t get caught up in the wires, and it cleans up in seconds. 

blankblankblankblankblank
TRY: Buttermilk Biscuits

German Spaetzle Makerblank

A spaetzle maker, common in German-speaking countries, simplifies the spaetzle making process and speeds up the prep time. It’s kind of a one-hit wonder, but if you love spaetzle, it is almost indispensable.

blankblankblankblankblankblank

We were raised eating spaetzle noodles with goulash in Austria, and of all the tools this was the most important one in our culinary college. Yet, the Spaetzle maker or the spaetzle press is not that well known outside the German-speaking countries in Europe; except in the US, where German/Austrian/Swiss immigrants brought it along with them to the new world.
~ Helene, Masala Herb

TRY:

  • Rye Sourdough Spaetzle with Caramelized Cipollini & Sautéed Mushrooms
  • Easy Spaetzle Recipe – How to make perfect Spätzle Noodles [+Video]

Microplane Zesterblank

When Mr B and I got married, a dear friend gave me a Microplane zester as a shower gift, and it immediately became one of the single most indispensable tools in my kitchen. Not only does it zest citrus like a dream, but it shaves parmesan and other hard cheeses into the finest, lightest shredded cheese ever, and grates everything from chocolate to garlic to nutmeg with equal ease. If you don’t have one of these babies already, pick one up today in your favorite color! Zester

Note that this is the only item on the list that I’ve narrowed to a specific brand. This is because I’ve tried many other zesters and fine graters, and in my experience, none do as good a job as the Microplane brand does. 

Food Millblank

If you’ve ever wondered how people make those uber-smooth sauces and soups, a food mill might just the thing you’ve been looking for. Food mills are a tool that has endured the test of time, and are often employed when canning or making preserves to produce a smooth puree without seeds, skins, or stems.

A favorite memory from my own childhood is standing on a chair over our food mill and turning it round and round while my mom peeled apples for applesauce.

Many food mills are mechanical, but if you aren’t up for grinding away at a pile of apples all day long, there is a nifty little food mill attachment for your Kitchen Aide that does the work for you.

I love my Kitchen Aide Food Mill. It lets me make applesauce from feral found apples workout needing to waste a day peeling around weird shapes or discoloration on the skin.
~ Alecia, Chicken Scratch NY

 

blankblankblankblankblankblank
TRY: Easy No Peel Whole Apple Applesauce [Chicken Scratch]

 

Narrow Measuring Spoonsblank

SpoonsDo you have a set of measuring spoons that are narrow enough to measure spices directly out of spice jars? I’ve had a set of “skinny” measuring spoons for years, and I can attest that they can make life so much easier.

Watch how using these measuring spoons will make cooking easier: 


25% OFF!  Enter CUPS2YOU at checkout when you order this measuring cup and spoon set for a 25% discount! [Discount code generously provided by Danielle, Cooking Gods]

TRY:

  • Homemade Pumpkin Spice
  • Spicy Skillet Dry Rub

Collapsible Travel Chopsticksblank

Technically, this one isn’t a “kitchen” utensil: it’s a “travel” utensil, but it’s one of my favorite things. Plus, it’s good for the Earth.

Recently, I started carrying my own chopsticks, for a number of  reasons. I use them for everything from stirring drinks to tossing salads. (I also use them to eat, when appropriate.) They have their own little carrying case, and take up almost no room in the small festival bag I carry as a purse. (One of my friends calls it my “Jenga Purse” because everything is so precisely placed.) I use them instead of grabbing plastic utensils or disposable chopsticks whenever possible: I’m pretty sure I’ve already saved at least one very small tree in the process.

The first time I whipped out my chopsticks at a restaurant when my teenager was present, she was tempted to tease me a little, but she immediately had a change of heart. “I’m kinda glad you do little things like that,” she told me. “It’s cool.”

I like being able to pull my little chopsticks out at a moment’s notice, and I love that I will never again have to face that awful moment when you crack open a pair restaurant chopsticks and pray they break apart evenly and don’t give you a splinter in the process.

blankblankblank blankblank blankblank
Did you know that over 20 million mature trees are cut each year for single-use chopsticks? If you need another reason to buy a set of travel chopsticks, how about this: it is one small way you can help to make the world a little better – with virtually no effort at all on your part.

What is this thing for, anyway?!? Eight Weird But Useful Kitchen Gadgets You May Not Know You Need Tweet & Share!

Silicone Garlic Peelerblank

The first time I ever used a silicone garlic peeler, it seemed like magic! Just pop a clove in the silicone tube, roll it around under your palm a bit, and Voila! The garlic falls out peeled and the tissue paper skin can be simply brushed away.
Garlic Peeler

I put one or two cloves inside, roll it sideways on the counter with my hand and the peel comes right off. Before this, I would crush the clove with my knife and it gets all sticky and I waste some of the tasty juice.
~ Merc, Easy Filipino Recipes

TRY: Filipino Chicken Adobo

 

We’d love to hear about your favorite kitchen utensils! Please take a moment to tell us what you can’t live without in the comments below! 



 

Thank you so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of The Good Hearted Woman. ❤ Be sure to Pin this post!

Eight Weird But Useful Kitchen Gadgets You May Not Know You Need | The Good Hearted Woman

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard

Filed Under: Product Reviews, Recipe Round-ups

blank

About Renée

Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

Comments

  1. blankSarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says

    October 24 at

    I think I need those travel chopsticks, that and a metal straw so I can still have a straw.

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      October 24 at

      I need to get a metal straw, too!

      Reply
  2. blankChristina | Christina's Cucina says

    October 24 at

    Thanks for including the good old Scottish spurtle! I would suggest Hamlyn’s Scottish oats instead of the Irish, though. I’m a bit prejudiced! haha!

    Reply
  3. blankDanielle says

    October 24 at

    My eyes were opened!
    I have seen a spurtle in pictures – but had no idea of what it was called.
    I can vouch for the narrow spoons – I use my set every week as I use a lot of spices.

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      October 24 at

      Haha! So glad we could clear up that mystery for you!

      Reply
  4. blankNicole says

    October 24 at

    Wow, I’ve never heard of any of this. I definitely need the narrow measurings spoons asap!!

    Reply
  5. blankKelsey says

    October 24 at

    The spurtle totally looks like a wand from Harry Potter! This is a great list. I often get frustrated with my measuring spoons not fitting in containers, the narrow ones are a great idea.

    Reply
  6. blankHillary Knudsen says

    October 24 at

    These are all so awesome! I’m a huge cook and I don’t have any of these besides the microplane zester. I need to step up my game! 🙂 That whisk is definitely something I need to have! Thanks for the great post!

    Reply
  7. blankGillian Kent says

    October 24 at

    So many good gadgets and just in time for making Christmas lists. I think the personal pair of chopsticks would make excellent gifts.

    Reply
  8. blankCindy says

    October 24 at

    I love all these cool kitchen gadgets. Having Scottish ancestry, I especially want the Scottish Spurtle. The chopsticks are something I’ve been considering as well. Fun post! Thanks.

    Reply
  9. blankPech says

    October 25 at

    I’m with you on my love of my microplane zester but I had no idea the function or name of the spurtle until now, even as a lover of savory breakfast of grits and polenta and cheesy Oatmeal myself!

    Reply
  10. blankErin @ Platings and Pairings says

    October 25 at

    Those travel chopsticks are SO cool and useful! The one item I have on this list is the microplane and I use it several times a week, if not daily. Love it for cheese, garlic and citrus zest!

    Reply
  11. blankThena says

    October 25 at

    I love kitchen gadgets! Such a fun and useful post!

    Reply
  12. blankAarika says

    October 25 at

    These kitchen tools are so interesting! I think the silicone garlic peeler would be super useful in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing these ideas!

    Reply
  13. blankJL E says

    April 16 at

    I’m totally on the same page with you about the food mill. I have an antique, original Foley food mill that I found in a thrift store. It’s sturdier than the ones made nowadays. It works perfectly despite its age.

    The travel chopsticks are a sane alternative to an insane waste of wood. (remember the cartoon that showed a lathe grinding down an entire tree to make one toothpick?)

    You also need an orange (citrus) peeler. They’re usually plastic but I have seen them made of wood & metal too. Some are long & skinny, some are shaped like a ring. They are indispensable when you are processing large quantities of citrus fruits. They’re made by many different brands like Tupperware & Pampered Chef. I wouldn’t want to process citrus fruit without one.

    Some other handy kitchen gadgets are a cherry pitter & a strawberry topper/huller. Again, indespensable when processing large quantities of fruits.

    Last but not least, you need a set of “Push Me-Pull You” tools. They’re usually made of wood & come in a variety of sizes/lengths. They’re used to pull out/push in oven racks without burning yourself. I have a set of two, one is for a full size oven & the other is for a toaster oven. Love ’em!

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      April 16 at

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful, informative comment! We have one of those rack pusher-pullers! You are so right – I’m famous for burning myself taking things in and out of the oven, so for me, a rack puller is nearly indispensable. And I do remember that cartoon about the toothpick. Great recommendations all around. Thank you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello! We’re so glad you’re here.

Hello! We’re so glad you’re here! | The Good Hearted Woman {& Mr B}

Join me & Mr B as we share the best in home cooking and cozy living - from the beautiful Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Follow Us!

Sponsors
Privacy Policy

© Harmony Cat LLC, 2011-2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. The Good Hearted Woman is a subsidiary of Harmony Cat LLC.

sponsored
115shares