Not Just for Cooking: 20 Creative Kitchen Gadget Hacks
I love cooking, and I’ve spent way too much time exploring every nook and cranny of kitchen gadgets. Let me tell you, there are some surprising (and frankly rather strange) ways to use these tools that go beyond their intended purpose.
1. Waffle Maker as a Griddle
Who needs a griddle when your waffle maker can do the job? Grill sandwiches, hash browns, or even bacon in that waffle iron. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen gadgets.
2. Blender as a Coffee Grinder
Run out of coffee grounds? Your blender can grind those coffee beans in a pinch. Just don’t forget to clean it out thoroughly unless you want coffee-flavored smoothies.
3. Muffin Tin as a Condiment Holder
Muffin tins make excellent condiment holders for BBQs and parties. Fill each cup with different sauces and dips. It’s like a lazy Susan but lazier.
4. Rolling Pin as a Meat Tenderizer
No meat mallet? No problem. Use your rolling pin to tenderize meat. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle the pounding, and try not to splinter it.
5. Ice Cube Trays for Leftover Herbs
Chop up leftover herbs, place them in ice cube trays, and cover with olive oil. Freeze them for handy herb-oil cubes to use in future dishes. It’s like culinary time travel.
6. Citrus Reamer for Pomegranate Seeds
A citrus reamer is perfect for juicing pomegranates without the mess. Just ream the halves and watch the seeds and juice spill out. It’s surprisingly therapeutic.
7. Colander as a Splatter Guard
Use a metal colander as a splatter guard for frying pans. It’s effective and lets the steam escape, unlike those fancy splatter guards that cost a fortune.
8. Garlic Press for Mincing Ginger
Your garlic press can double as a ginger mincer. Just peel the ginger and press it through. It’s a lot less hassle than chopping.
9. Cookie Cutters as Sandwich Molds
Make lunchtime more fun by using cookie cutters to shape sandwiches. It’s like a bento box but without all the effort. Plus, picky eaters might actually eat.
10. Potato Masher as a Pastry Cutter
Your potato masher can work as a pastry cutter in a pinch. Use it to mix butter into flour for pie crusts. It’s a bit unconventional, but it works.
11. Pizza Cutter for Pancakes
Cut pancakes or quesadillas with a pizza cutter for quick, clean slices. It’s way easier than using a knife and makes you feel like a breakfast ninja.
12. Egg Slicer for Strawberries
An egg slicer can slice strawberries perfectly for desserts or salads. Just pop them in and slice away. It’s oddly satisfying.
13. Microwave as a Proofing Box
Need to proof dough? Your microwave is a perfect proofing box. Just heat a cup of water, place it inside with the dough, and close the door. No heat needed, just a cozy spot for your dough.
14. Salad Spinner for Washing Delicates
Yes, you can use your salad spinner to wash delicate clothing items. It’s gentle and gets rid of excess water without wringing. Just maybe don’t use it for salad afterward.
15. Toaster as a Cheese Melter
Turn your toaster on its side to melt cheese on bread. It’s a quick and easy way to make cheese toasties, but watch out for cheese drips.
16. Ice Cream Scoop for Batter
Use an ice cream scoop to portion out cupcake or muffin batter. It’s less messy and ensures even portions. Your muffin tin will thank you.
17. Kitchen Scale as a Mail Scale
Your kitchen scale can double as a mail scale for those small packages. Just be careful not to spill flour on your mail.
18. Vegetable Peeler for Chocolate Curls
Make fancy chocolate curls with a vegetable peeler. Just peel along the side of a chocolate bar. It’s an instant dessert upgrade.
19. Stand Mixer for Shredding Chicken
Use your stand mixer to shred cooked chicken quickly. Just toss it in with the paddle attachment and mix on low. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep.
20. Rice Cooker for Pancakes
Believe it or not, you can make pancakes in a rice cooker. Pour in the batter and let it cook. You’ll get a thick, fluffy pancake that’s like a cross between a cake and breakfast.
Kitchen Gadget Wonderland
Who knew your kitchen gadgets had so many hidden talents? Which one of these quirky uses will you try first? Let’s keep finding those weird and wonderful kitchen hacks together!
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ADDICTIVE STOCK.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
