Shopping for culinary tools and gadgets is fun. But whether you’re setting up your first kitchen or your tenth, no one wants to wind up with a bunch of stuff they regret buying. Here are eight kitchen items that waste your money. We’ll also share what you should buy instead.
1. Don’t Waste Your Money on a Prefilled Spice Collection
Spices are supposed to make the foods you cook taste better. But that won’t happen if you settle for a prefilled spice rack. Some herbs like chives and basil are more flavorful fresh opposed to dried. Also, both ground and whole spices lose their zest over time. Buy spices in small amounts when you need them. This way, you’ll avoid using flavorless seasonings.
Tip: Many fresh herbs can be frozen.
To learn more, you can check out these freezing tips.
2. Say No to Opaque Food Storage Containers
Reusable food storage containers save money by reducing food waste, right? But here’s the thing, you know the adage, out of sight, out of mind? Opaque containers, like the ones shown here, are like tombs for rotting food. You forget what’s inside them. Luckily, if you purchase clear food storage containers, you won’t have this problem.
Tip: Consider buying glass food storage containers.
Many options can be used to heat food too.
3. You Don’t Need a Gazillion Coffee Mugs
When it comes to kitchen clutter, coffee mugs are like a gateway drug. Sure, It starts innocently enough. You buy a cute one while on vacation. You get a few as office gifts. Then one day the shelves in your kitchen cabinets are buckling from your cup collection’s weight. If you live alone and drink hot beverages, you don’t need more than a couple of mugs. If you share dishware with a roommate, you can double that number.
Tip: Got a gazillion coffee mugs that you want to unload? You can donate them to a local thrift store.
4. Skip the Nonstick Cookware
It’s no wonder why nonstick cookware is a kitchen favorite. It’s easy to clean and trims the amount of fat needed when cooking and baking. Teflon coating prevents food from sticking. But it can let off toxic fumes if heated over 500°F. If the nonstick surface gets scratched, harmful gases might escape even at lower temperatures. Not only can the fumes cause flu-like symptoms in people, but it’s also highly toxic to birds.
Yikes!
Tip: Stainless steel cookware is a better way to go. It’s durable, dishwasher safe and there are plenty of low-cost options. To prevent food from sticking use a nonstick cooking spray.
5. You Don’t Need Lots of Drinking Glasses
You drink a lot of different things like juice, water and wine. But do you need a special glass for each beverage? No. You can use multipurpose options like the classic Working Glasses from Crate and Barrel for any drink.
Tip: If you feel you need the right glass for your vino, try break-resistant stemless wineglasses. They too can be used to sip a broad range of beverages.
6. Do You Need a Teakettle That Looks Like Your Cat?
Nowadays, you can find many teakettles. There are smart Wi-Fi models and even a cute kitty-shaped one. If you’re an avid tea drinker, who prefers water boiled in a kettle, then take your pick. But if you rarely make a cuppa, you can use a microwave or pot to heat water.
Tip: Microwaved water is ideal for steeping green tea, (but other types, not so much) according to tea experts.
7. Mice Love Pop-Up Toasters
A toaster is one of those kitchen must-haves. However, a toaster oven will give you more bang for your buck compared to a conventional pop-up model. Sure, the latter may seem like the best thing since sliced bread, but it can only toast it. A toaster oven can do that and more including warming leftovers, melting cheese and broiling burgers. Mice can’t climb into pop-up toasters for breadcrumbs. But, they might if you leave the oven door open.
Tip: These days there is a wide variety of compact toaster ovens to choose from. To find the best toaster oven for your purposes and budget check out Top Ten Reviews.
8. Kitchen Sponges are Disgusting
Kitchen sponges are disgusting havens for germs and bacteria. But you don’t have to take our word for it, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees. The problem is, sponges retain moisture that promotes bacteria growth. And while you can wash them, they’re difficult to sanitize. Washing dishes with clean rugs and brushes are a better way to go. Keep in mind, rags must be frequently laundered.
Tip: Avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen. The rag you’re washing dishes with shouldn’t be used to clean kitchen surfaces. Instead, use paper towels or disinfecting wipes. If you prefer to use a clean rag or kitchen towel, laundered them after wiping up messes like raw meat juices.
