In many UK households, certain kitchen gadgets, despite their initial appeal, often end up underused and gathering dust. What begins as a promising addition to the kitchen can quickly become a forgotten tool.
Plumbworld, the bathroom and kitchen expert, has revealed the most common yet underutilized kitchen gadgets found in UK homes, examining why they often don’t live up to their promise and why they may be taking up unnecessary space in your kitchen.
1. Egg Boiler:
Cost: Typically around £15-£25.
Common Usage: The egg boiler is designed to simplify the process of boiling eggs by automating the timing and temperature. It usually comes with settings for soft, medium, and hard-boiled eggs, allowing users to achieve their preferred level of doneness without the need for guesswork. The idea is that you can set it and forget it, with the promise of perfectly boiled eggs every time.
Why It’s Often Underused: Despite its intended convenience, many people find the egg boiler redundant because boiling eggs on the stove is already a simple and straightforward task. Most households already have saucepans, which can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks beyond boiling eggs. Additionally, the egg boiler can take up valuable counter or storage space in the kitchen, making it less appealing for those with limited room. The time saved by using an egg boiler compared to a saucepan is minimal, and the cleaning involved can sometimes outweigh the convenience it offers.
2. Sandwich Toaster:
Cost: Generally priced between £20-£40.
Common Usage: Sandwich toasters, also known as toastie makers, have been a popular kitchen gadget in UK households for decades. They are designed to make quick, hot sandwiches by pressing and toasting the bread while simultaneously heating the filling. The appeal lies in the convenience of making a warm, filling meal or snack in just a few minutes, with minimal preparation required. They’re especially popular among families with children or anyone who enjoys quick and easy comfort food.
Why It’s Often Underused: While initially popular, the sandwich toaster often ends up underused because it’s limited in functionality. It’s designed specifically for making toasted sandwiches, which can also be easily made in a frying pan or under a grill with more versatility. Over time, many people find that cleaning the sandwich toaster, with its grooves and non-stick plates, can be more trouble than it’s worth. The appliance also tends to take up considerable space in kitchen cupboards, and with other more versatile tools available, it frequently gets pushed to the back and forgotten.
3. Bread Maker:
Cost: Typically ranges from £60-£150.
Common Usage: Bread makers are designed to automate the entire bread-making process, from mixing and kneading the dough to proofing and baking it. The idea is to allow anyone, even those without baking experience, to make fresh bread at home with minimal effort. This can be particularly appealing for those who want to enjoy the taste and aroma of freshly baked bread without having to go through the traditional manual process.
Why It’s Often Underused: Despite the allure of freshly baked bread, many people find that their bread maker ends up being used far less frequently than they initially anticipated. The main issue is that the novelty of making bread at home often wears off, especially when considering the time it takes for the bread to be ready (usually several hours) and the clean-up involved afterward. Bread makers are also quite bulky, taking up a significant amount of counter or storage space, which can be a downside in smaller kitchens. Additionally, the cost of ingredients and the time involved may lead some to conclude that buying bread from a shop is simply more convenient and cost-effective, leading to the bread maker being relegated to a cupboard or the loft.
4. Juicer:
Cost: Typically around £30-£100.
Common Usage: Juicers are popular for making fresh, homemade fruit and vegetable juices. They’re especially appealing to those who are health-conscious and want to include more fresh produce in their diet. Juicers work by extracting the juice from fruits and vegetables, separating it from the pulp, to create a smooth, nutrient-rich beverage. This can be particularly attractive for those looking to make specific juice blends or who enjoy fresh juice that isn’t available in shops.
Why It’s Often Underused: Despite the health benefits and the appeal of fresh juice, many people find that their juicer ends up being used far less than expected. The main reason is the amount of time and effort required to clean the juicer after each use. Most juicers have multiple parts that need to be disassembled, cleaned, and dried, which can be a hassle, especially if used frequently. Additionally, the cost of fresh produce needed to make juice can add up, making it more expensive than buying pre-made juice. Over time, the convenience of store-bought juice often outweighs the benefits of using the juicer, leading to it being pushed to the back of a cupboard.
5. Salad Spinner:
Cost: Usually priced around £10-£20.
Common Usage: Salad spinners are designed to quickly and efficiently dry washed salad leaves. After rinsing the leaves under water, they are placed in the spinner’s basket, which is then spun rapidly to remove excess water. The appeal lies in its ability to make salads less soggy and more appetising, as well as preventing salad dressing from being diluted by water.
Why It’s Often Underused: While salad spinners can be useful, many people find that they end up being more trouble than they’re worth. The device can be bulky and take up a significant amount of storage space in the kitchen. Additionally, using a salad spinner involves cleaning both the bowl and the spinning mechanism, which can be cumbersome. For those who only make salads occasionally or prefer simpler methods, the salad spinner can seem like an unnecessary extra step, leading to it being stored away and rarely used.
