6 Things You Probably Don’t Need in Your Kitchen, According to Chefs

Source: 6 Things You Probably Don’t Need in Your Kitchen, According to Chefs
Real Simple: June 20, 2023
https://www.realsimple.com/things-you-dont-need-in-kitchen-7549229

Whether you are a serious home chef or the kind of person who cooks for their family once or twice a week, it’s likely your kitchen could use a little editing. From small appliances that don’t come cheap to gadgets you can’t identify or remember the last time you used—it’s probably time to declutter your kitchen. Or perhaps you’re getting married and wondering what to and what not to register for. What are the essentials? What’s entirely unnecessary? Here are seven things most people don’t need in their kitchens, according to professional chefs.

Spatulas That Aren't Heat-Proof

Whether we’re making omelets or cookies, we all need at least one or two spatulas in our kitchen. But there are certain types you don’t need and are likely better off without. According to chef Meg Walker, a spatula that can’t resist heat isn’t worth buying and can even ruin your food. “Many heat-resistant and non-heat-resistant spatulas look exactly the same. You're likely to grab whatever spatula you can find without realizing it will melt in your pan and into your dish!”

Chef Lisa Mauriello also tells me it's best to toss those stainless steel spatulas. “I always opt for silicone spatulas for flipping. Leave the stainless steel to the pros so you won't scratch your cookware."

Single-Purpose Appliances

Chris Aquilino, director of culinary at Elior North America, says that those expensive single-purpose appliances are unnecessary. “Kitchen appliances that are designed for only one specific task tend to clutter up your kitchen, collect dust, and aren't worth the investment for most people.”

Some examples of this include ice cream makers, hot dog warmers, popcorn machines, and cotton candy makers. 

Fancy Plates 

While food might look nice served on fine china, there’s no real need to have these on hand explains Aquilino. “The days of having fine china for holidays and special occasions are over. We tend to collect way too much stuff, especially in our kitchens. It’s double the work to get them out, wash them, use them, and then wash and dry them again before putting them back into the cabinet.”

An Arsenal of Knives

High-quality knives can be expensive and most chefs agree when it comes to these tools, less is more. “You really only need five knives in the kitchen—a paring knife, straight boning knife, flat-edged slicer, serrated slicer, and an 8-inch chef's knife. Stop there! You won’t use anything else,” says Steve Chiappetti, executive chef of the Albert restaurant in Chicago.

Specialty Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen gadgets can be enticing purchases because we think they'll be time savers. But do we really end up using them? Alon Langleib, culinary director at TAP & Bitters in New Jersey, says we don’t. “A banana slicer, avocado slicer, silicon egg poachers, egg peelers, silicon ice cubes in cute shapes—all of them take up so much space in your drawers and cabinets and you will likely use them once a year, if that. Don’t waste your money.”

He recommends saving cash and buying other tools that are more beneficial to your day-to-day cooking needs, like quality knives or a cast iron pan instead.

Decorative Wine Corks

While they might look nice on a bar cart, Langleib tells me no one needs a decorative wine cork. “Just use your wine cork,” he says. Or better yet, enjoy that last glass and finish the bottle.