I’m thinking about kitchen, but it may bleed over to being about tools in general, so a mod can move it, if that’s what happens. I know we’ve done similar threads in the past, but it’s been awhile.
My wife and I embarked on a diet a week ago. I love a good salty snack and usually go with popcorn. So I started looking for an air popper. I had one years ago and remember it as burning some kernels and ejecting them from the popper, turning them into a flaming hot projectile moving at about 3000 fps. Turns out that’s still the case for most of them, with the additional fun of getting an appliance that’s now made in China.
Then I ran across this, and though ‘what the hell’. Not an air popper, but rather a microwave popper. It’s made in Spain from the same material that you find in a Silpat.
I opened the box and here was this floppy thing with a lid that doesn’t fit over the top. Had to give it a try, so put the tiniest (2 tsp) bit of oil in the bottom, along with some salt and nuked it for a couple of minutes. The loose fitting lid rises with the popped kernels and allows moisture to escape. Fucking great! All popped, nothing burned, tasted good. The bowl gets very hot, but not a problem. I’m totally impressed with the form/function of this thing. Bonus: no eyeball burns from flaming projectiles!
The kitchen gadget that I was surprised by was the Magic Bullet blender. My wife owned a full-sized blender and never used it, so I assumed that the Magic Bullet would be a waste of money. Nope: it turns out that the hassle of cleaning it was the only thing stopping my wife from using a blender all the time.
I have a Stanley handsaw that looks like a switchblade. The teeth point toward you, so the cut is when you pull it to yourself. I was dubious at first but I wuv my Stanley. Plus, the teeth fold into the handle.
These may not count. But I actually remember a time when tongs were not part of my cooking life. They kinda hit my radar as part of the Food as Entertainment thing started maybe 20 years ago. Now, I can’t imagine not using them.
The other is just as mundane: a wooden spoon with a big, comfy grip. I think I have one by OXO that is simply a bigger hunk of wood for a handle, carved into a very comfy shape. When I am digging down into the risotto for anoher foldover, I am so happy I don’t have a cheapass spoon with a dowel for a handle.
I bought the Oxo tongs, which have a lock on them for drawer storage. Nylon ends that don’t melt. I hear you on the spoons. I’ve got one that I use exclusively for soups and the like; it was made in Africa, has a big serving end and a sturdy handle. Love that spoon. I also am a big fan of wooden rice paddles for all stirring needs, from stir fry to scrambled eggs.
There are very few complaints, usually along the line of “It gets hot!” (:smack: ) or that kernels burn. I think fresh popcorn is the key, and adding a small bit of oil (I used lemon olive oil) is also helpful.
This thing. I got sick of always having to ask the spouse to open jars for me, so I went hunting for a solution. This (I got mine from Amazon) was highly recommended, and it works like a charm!
I’ve got a manual tire changing machine. Pretty much a metal pole you bolt to the floor that allows you to put a wheel on and secure, and a long metal bar to work the tire on and off. I do my own Jeep tires and truck tires and stuff where balance isn’t a critical issue (and even some where it is, but all my shit runs smooth!).
Works like a charm once you get the technique down. I’ve saved hundreds with this thing!
After years of trying various jar openers, I finally got a simple claw tool . . . like a screwdriver with a curved “claw” end. I just pry up a few spots along the lid, and when I hear the vacuum released, the lid comes right off.
We have one of these E-Z-Off lid unscrew tools that a friend ordered for us. I think this is family business: the friend had one at home as a teenager in the 80’s. It uses a section of industrial saw blade to grip tight jar lids and is so simple it pretty much has to work.
The small square of plastic for scraping food off of pots when you’re washing them. Every time I was dishes I feel sorry for the generations before me who never had one of these.
Seriously, if you don’t have one, go down to the hardware store right now. It will be the best $1.95 you’ve ever spent.
Impact driver. I knew what they were, but I failed to see the point; I already had a power drill that worked just fine. Then I used one. Now I’m can’t help but think of all the time I wasted and projects ruined because of stripped or broken heads and other driving mishaps.
