In the world of home cooking, many trendy kitchen tools have gained popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. While these items may look aesthetically pleasing in photos and videos, some professional chefs have raised questions about their practicality and value. Several kitchen experts were asked to share their thoughts on popular cookware pieces that they would never add to their own shopping lists, and they identified eight items that they are skeptical about. Among these items are generic vegetable choppers, garlic presses, rice cookers, classic stovetop pressure cookers, all-in-one pans, mini blenders, panini presses, and cooking torches.
One common criticism from chefs is that specialized kitchen gadgets that only serve one function can clutter up a kitchen and are hardly used due to their limited versatility. For example, vegetable choppers and garlic presses were mentioned as items that can be easily replaced by basic knife skills, while rice cookers were deemed unnecessary for achieving perfect rice. Instead, chefs recommend traditional methods for preparing food in order to achieve the best results and flavors.
Stovetop pressure cookers, although initially popular, have been overshadowed by the rise of all-in-one electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot. Some chefs caution that stovetop pressure cookers can be difficult to use properly and take up valuable kitchen space for a single function. They suggest opting for a multi-functional electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, which is easier to use and offers additional features like slow cooking capabilities.
The allure of all-in-one pans, such as the popular Always Pan, has captivated many home cooks with promises of versatility and convenience. However, some chefs have expressed concerns about the heat distribution and oven safety of these pans, questioning their ability to perform well across various cooking methods. In contrast, chefs recommend using traditional cast-iron skillets for their versatility and flavor-enhancing properties that can benefit a wide range of dishes.
Mini blenders, while convenient for making single servings of smoothies, may be seen as limiting by some chefs who prefer investing in a more powerful full-size blender for a wider range of cooking tasks. Similarly, panini presses were deemed unnecessary by chefs who suggest using non-stick griddle pans with weighted grill presses for a variety of sandwich-making and grilling purposes.
While kitchen cooking torches can add a touch of browning and caramelization to dishes, some chefs warn of their limitations and potential costs for refilling butane fuel. Instead, they recommend using a professional blowtorch from a hardware store for a more durable and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of culinary applications beyond just desserts like crème brûlée. By selecting kitchen tools that are versatile, reliable, and offer the best value for their investment, home cooks can enhance their cooking experiences and achieve professional-level results in their own kitchens.
