15 Kitchen Items That Are Just Clutter!
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If there is one room in your home that is truly its beating heart, then it’s the kitchen, the room where meals are prepared, memories are made and, all too often, chaos is brewed. A well organized kitchen can be a source of joy and efficiency, but then, there is that drawer (or two) full of gadgets and gizmos that we don’t use very often.
These items don’t just sit around doing nothing, they can actually turn cooking into a scavenger hunt, as you grapple to find the actual tools you need. The reality is that some of these are just clutter, taking up valuable countertop real estate and slowing you down. Here are a few common culprits you might want to rethink.
Garlic Press
Sure, a garlic press promises to save you time, but let’s be honest: Cleaning one of these is like scrubbing out a waffle iron with a toothpick. A Knife and a good old mince? No drama, and gets the job done just as fast. If you are ready to toss your garlic press, you are making the right choice.
Single-Use Appliances
These gadgets, from egg cookers to quesadilla makers, are usually fun to have at first, but soon wind up gathering dust. But does one really need a dedicated appliance for one task? Nearly all of these jobs can be done just as well with tools you already have. Plus, you won’t be overloading your pantry with one hit wonders.
Dull Knives
It’s dangerous to have a drawer full of dull knives. A blunt blade takes extra force to cut, making it more likely that you will cut yourself or the knife might slip. You are better off spending your money on just one or two good quality knives and a sharpener that will keep them in peak condition.
Specialty Cookware
There’s nothing wrong with heart shaped cake pans, novelty waffle irons or even a mini donut maker (who doesn’t love donuts?). But how often do you really use these things? If it’s less than twice a year, chances are they’re not worth the space they’re taking up. Usually, when the need arises, you can borrow or improvise with standard cookware.
Expired Spices
Check out your spice rack and go for it. You probably have a few jars sitting around collecting dust and never seeing the light of day since your last spring cleaning. According to Healthline, spices lose their potency after one to four years, which means all those ancient bottles of spices you have are doing more harm than good in your cooking.
Old Plastic Containers
You probably have that one cabinet filled with mismatched lids that seem to belong to no container and containers that have outlived their use. Plastic containers that are warped, cracked, or stained are not only unsightly, and can be potentially unsafe because they are leaching chemicals, according to the NIH. Try changing to a handful of glass containers, they are durable and easier to clean.
Oversized Cutting Boards
Extra large cutting boards might be nice when you have a big job, but they’re a hassle to clean and store. If you aren’t making meals for a crowd all the time, a medium sized board will do the trick. It’s also easier to handle and doesn’t take up nearly as much precious cabinet space.
Unused Cookbooks
Cookbooks make for great gifts, but if you’re not actually using the book, you might as well put it home on a bookshelf instead of your kitchen counter. Just a few go to books, the internet, and a few clever kitchen tricks, you’ll have endless recipes at your fingertips.
Excessive Coffee Mugs
Does your cabinet look like a museum for mugs? Having a variety is nice, but having more than you could possibly ever use is just clutter. Donate the rest and they’ll find a new home where they’ll actually get used; keep your favorites.
Non Stick Past Their Prime
The moment the non stick coating on pans start peeling or scratching, its time to bid them bye. As well as losing effectiveness, they can also release harmful chemicals. For a healthier, more long lasting option, upgrade to high quality stainless steel or cast iron.
Ice Cream Makers
It sounds like a dream to make homemade ice cream, but how often do you actually follow through? If it’s been buried under a mountain of dust since the first week you got it, it’s time to rethink its position in your kitchen. Leave the frozen desserts for Ben & Jerry’s.
Decorative Utensils
Yes, that cute set of spoons with ceramic handles or the hand carved spatula from a flea market might be so cute, but if they’re not practical, they’re taking up space. Use what’s functional and let the décor somewhere else.
Duplicate Tools
How many whisks, vegetable peelers and can openers does one kitchen need? Duplicates of things you use often don’t make you twice as efficient—they make you twice as cluttered. Pass the extras along and organize the best of each.
Unused Baking Gear
While cupcake stands, tiered trays, and fancy piping sets can inspire the wannabe baker in all of us, if your baking ambitions don’t often get beyond the planning stage, these items are dead weight. Think only about essentials like mixing bowls and measuring cups.
Junk Drawer Chaos
The infamous junk drawer isn’t a single item, but it does deserve an honorable mention. And if you’re anything like me, it’s a catch all space for items you haven’t seen in years. Set aside an hour and declutter and sort it out.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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