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Remember in “Back to the Future” when Marty McFly got back to the ‘50s and discovered that he didn’t know how to live in a society that didn’t have modern, 1980s conveniences like skateboards, electric guitars and Tab cola? That’s how you’ll feel about your own life once you’re done reading this article.
That’s right: we’re about to Flux Capacitor your kitchen.
From a singing pasta timer that belts out arias to an airtight guacamole container, these nine inexpensive kitchen tools will improve your cooking in ways you never even imagined were possible.
The problem it solves
No more extra clean-up if you’re cooking a meal that likes to spit at you.
Whether you’re cooking bacon, searing chicken, or playing “how long do I cook my steak before I overcook it and disappoint my father,” it doesn’t matter – splatter is going to happen.
The Frywall 10 Splatter Guard (as seen on Shark Tank) offers complete protection from all that sizzles with a BPA-free, FDA-compliant silicone cone that kinda looks like the kind that keeps your dog from licking its balls. Because of its unique shape, the Frywell Splatter Guard allows users to still cook while it protects you from splatter.
The problem it solves
You’ll never over or under-cook pasta again. (Plus: music!)
Al Dente – The Singing Floating Pasta Timer
Al Dente – The Singing Floating Pasta Timer
Brainstream
amazon.com
$24.46
If you’re like most people, the last stage of cooking pasta involves awkwardly fishing out a single strand with a fork, blowing on it in a futile attempt to cool it off, and burning the skin off the roof of your mouth, all to figure out if it’s soft enough for human consumption yet. But did you know there’s a better way?
Meet Al Dente. He’s the pasta timer with an integrated temperature sensor that literally sings songs when your pasta reaches variable stages of doneness.
Here’s how it works: drop Al in a pot of boiling water and pasta, and wait for the beep. At the three, seven, nine, and eleven-minute-mark, Al sings various opera arias (e.g. “That’s Amore,” “Tarantella Napoletana,” “Prisoners’ Choir,” and the theme from The Godfather) for everything from spaghetti to tagliatelle. Perfect for any kitchen that likes Italian food and the work of Italian composer Nino Rota.
Is this basically just a timer with a gimmick? Yes. But is that gimmick hilarious? Also yes.
The problem it solves
It yanks the yolk right away from the white, allowing you to use either (or both) separately.
Aidragon 2Pcs Egg Separator Egg Yolk White Separator
Aidragon 2Pcs Egg Separator Egg Yolk White Separator
Aidragon
amazon.com
$10.99
Separating egg whites from yolks isn’t for the faint of heart: The cracking, the touching, the dripping…. and the goo! The horrible, sticky goo! Sure, professional chefs can probably pull it off no problem, but if you only use egg whites for a few specific recipes per year, you’re probably at risk of accidentally getting some yolk (or even shell) into your Pisco Sour, cheesecake, or frittata.
This ceramic egg separator is a kitchen essential for the squeamish or messy. Crack an egg into the separator, tilt, and watch in wonder as the viscous egg white flows out of the chick’s mouth like magic. What you do with the egg white afterwards is entirely up to you.
The problem it solves
It’ll wipe your whisk.
Whisk Wiper – Wipe a Whisk Easily – Multipurpose Kitchen Tool
WHISK WIPER
amazon.com
$15.95
As much as we’d all like to just lick chocolate frosting off whisks all day, the sad truth is that this is not a hygienic way to clean kitchenware (also a diet consisting solely of chocolate frosting would kill you).
This Whisk Wiper easily attaches to your whisk to catch drips and save precious frosting while keeping the metal loops from touching dirty countertops.
The problem it solves
Strip your entire corn cob in a single slice.
Chef’n Cob Corn Stripper (Yellow)
Chef’n
amazon.com
$7.99
Some inventions are too ingenious to be deemed stupid. Think waffle irons, the chips-n-salsa hat, and the Chef’n Cob Corn Stripper.
Insert an ear of corn into the stripper and press downward to strip off every single kernel with one smooth stroke of this sharp stainless steel blades. Throw this 3-in-1 avocado slicer into the mix and you’ve got yourself the makings of a spicy little southwestern salsa!
The problem it solves
Your guacamole will stay green (and delicious looking) for far longer.
Casabella Guac-Lock Guacamole Keeper
Casabella Guac-Lock 12-24 oz. Guacamole Keeper with Airtight Lid, Clear/Green
Casabella
amazon.com
$18.44
The one downfall of avocados is that they start to turn an ugly brown the second you cut them open (or look at them funny, or remember they exist). The Casabella Guac-Lock provides an air-tight seal that stops your guacamole from browning, extending the life of the vitamin-rich fruit (that’s right, they’re fruits!) for a longer life – or, at very least, a more visually appetizing one. The shatterproof, odor-proof, BPA-free plastic container can be used before serving to ensure fresh guac (or any kind of dip) or after to save those precious leftovers from the cruel fate of browning.
The problem it solves
Your fingers (and anything you were planning on touching) will stay grease and crumb free.
Non-Stick Chip Fingers Tips, Finger Protectors, Finger Covers Protection, 3 pcs (Blue)
QK Endeavours
amazon.com
$17.99
Ripped straight out of the pages of the late night TV multiverse, chip fingers address the age-old problem of chip dust by protecting you from your snacks with high-quality silicone finger guards. Unnecessary? Perhaps, but I’d like to see you handle a stack of legal documents after crushing a bag of Doritos.
The problem it solves
Most kitchens do not have any elephants.
PELEG DESIGN Cutlery Holder Jumbo Cute and Funny Plastic Elephant
PELEG DESIGN
amazon.com
$20.99
What’s the point of a cutesy kitchen appliance if it can’t perform a basic kitchen function? This elephant cutlery holder features a contoured – and adorable – trunk that drains water out of its nose and into your sink without the stress or mess of a dish rack. Made from premium hard solid plastic, this freestanding drainer requires zero setup and is designed to fit everything from teaspoons to spatulas.
