# Tools that work far better than you would have hoped **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 7, 2015, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894 "2015-06-07T15:06:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/41 "2015-06-09T18:39:09Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > Actually, I would go with a box grater. Very cheap, and it gives you the choice of four different ‘finenesses’ in the results. Speaking of graters, the [Microplane](http://us.microplane.com/microplanekitchentools.aspx) products are terrific for grating/zesting, etc… ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2015, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/42 "2015-06-09T19:00:20Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I want some of this now, please. it is very good and the butter, sugar and cherry juice ends up making a sticky toffee-like residue in the bottom of the tray. Needless to say there is a mad scramble to scrape it off and scoff it. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2015, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/43 "2015-06-09T22:39:05Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Dude, none of that stuff is cooked! > :dubious: Some carnivorous plant YOU are; you never heard Audrey II complain about a little underdone beef. Or humans. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce7236/32.png) [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2015, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/44 "2015-06-09T22:54:38Z")
I have a box grater which we use all the time. I also have a [http://www.braunhousehold.com/global/products/food-preparation/hand-blenders/multiquick-1-hand-blender-mq-100](http://www.braunhousehold.com/global/products/food-preparation/hand-blenders/multiquick-1-hand-blender-mq-100) which us great for smoothies and blending soups and making pureed vegetables. (I also have an electric hand beater)But if I am going to have to chop many veggies very finely to be able.to eat them raw or process them smaller for blanching or steaming etc. I tend to prefer hand tools rather than large fancy gadgets (that’s why when my blender died I never replaced it and use my Multiquick for almost everything the blender did. I almost wonder about upgrading to the ones that have the food processor attachments. By the way the multiquick is awesome. I love it. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2015, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/45 "2015-06-09T23:25:36Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > it is very good and the butter, sugar and cherry juice ends up making a sticky toffee-like residue in the bottom of the tray. Needless to say there is a mad scramble to scrape it off and scoff it. You need some [non-stick aluminum foil](http://www.reynoldskitchens.com/products/aluminum-foil/non-stick-foil/), the greatest culinary invention of the 21st century (so far). Your lovely sticky residue will just p-e-e-e-e-l off. Oh yum. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2015, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/46 "2015-06-09T23:45:53Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > The [Leatherman Micra](http://www.leatherman.com/micra-20.html) is an excellent pocket tool. It’s not nearly as useful as the Micra, but I don’t leave home with one of [these things](http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Tech-ST66676-Utili-Key-Multi-Function/dp/B0001EFSTI/ref=pd_bxgy_86_img_y). I’ve never had a problem with airport security, and it’s saved my butt many times. It’s cheap enough that I wouldn’t really mind if it did get lost or seized, but that’s never happened. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2015, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/47 "2015-06-10T00:47:51Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Thank you. This is the kind of thing I was looking for in this thread, not loads of food preparation gadgets. 😛 Sorry, but…you know those automatic apple corer/peelers/slicers? They usually have a vacuum base so that they can stick on the counter and you shove the apple on a prong and turn the crank? [Like this?](http://www.amazon.com/Industries-5920-Apple-Peeler-Slicer/dp/B001A6E91E) They cost maybe 20 bucks and they work the _bomb_. They’re fun and you can prep apples for apple crisp like nobody’s business. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2015, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/48 "2015-06-10T01:51:19Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > Sorry, but…you know those automatic apple corer/peelers/slicers? They usually have a vacuum base so that they can stick on the counter and you shove the apple on a prong and turn the crank? [Like this?](http://www.amazon.com/Industries-5920-Apple-Peeler-Slicer/dp/B001A6E91E) They cost maybe 20 bucks and they work the _bomb_. They’re fun and you can prep apples for apple crisp like nobody’s business. This is the least convincing argument I’ve ever read here. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2015, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/49 "2015-06-10T18:02:16Z")
Hmm, I love me some kitchen gadgets… Aero-Press, Microplanes for grating, Silicone spatulas, Sil Pat mats for baking, KitchenAid [hot air popper](http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CPM-100-EasyPop-Popcorn-Maker/dp/B005RRBGYA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433959062&sr=8-2&keywords=air+popcorn+popper) (only one I’ve used that gets almost every kernel everytime), [Hardwood muddler](http://www.amazon.com/Fletchers-Mills-MUDDLER1-Muddler-11-Inch/dp/B00EAHTMNA/ref=sr_1_19?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1433959186&sr=1-19&keywords=muddlers)- I use this for not only mojitos but mashing things generally like avocados for guacamole. Non-kitchen wise the best tool in the garage is my [ROSS](http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Oscillating-Edge-Belt-Spindle-Sander-EB4424/100061671http://). I use that for all manner of smoothing things and light grinding. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2015, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/50 "2015-06-10T19:49:18Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > [Hardwood muddler](http://www.amazon.com/Fletchers-Mills-MUDDLER1-Muddler-11-Inch/dp/B00EAHTMNA/ref=sr_1_19?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1433959186&sr=1-19&keywords=muddlers)- I use this for not only mojitos but mashing things generally like avocados for guacamole. You can get them [a LOT cheaper](http://www.amazon.com/Winco-Wooden-Muddler-Lacquered-Walnut/dp/B000GFP0PO/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1433965701&sr=1-3&keywords=muddler&pebp=1433965705182&perid=506F5356EADD4BB28E1B)… And, unless you’re muddling in the actual glass, the stainless ones with the plastic end work fine for most purposes. While we’re on the subject of cocktails/drinks, I find those little 1/4 cup measuring cups to be drastically more useful than that antiquated jigger/half-jigger thing that most bar sets come with. I can actually accurately measure quarter oz amounts easily in the same measurer that I use for everything else. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2015, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/51 "2015-06-10T21:25:53Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > 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. Have you done much spurtles? QVC sells these [http://www.qvc.com/Mad-Hungry-2-Piece-Bamboo-Spurtle-Set.product.K39434.html](http://www.qvc.com/Mad-Hungry-2-Piece-Bamboo-Spurtle-Set.product.K39434.html) but I was more familiar with the round kind: [http://www.auravita.com/OriginalImages/frnd/frnd10712\_2\_OI.jpg](http://www.auravita.com/OriginalImages/frnd/frnd10712_2_OI.jpg) Has anyone tried these and have feedback? Silicon covers for pots when they are bubbling: [http://www.qvc.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Spill-Stopper-11.5-Silicone-Pot-Lid.product.K35509.html](http://www.qvc.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Spill-Stopper-11.5-Silicone-Pot-Lid.product.K35509.html) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/52 "2015-06-10T21:38:56Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > Have you done much spurtles? QVC sells these > > [http://www.qvc.com/Mad-Hungry-2-Piece-Bamboo-Spurtle-Set.product.K39434.html](http://www.qvc.com/Mad-Hungry-2-Piece-Bamboo-Spurtle-Set.product.K39434.html) > > but I was more familiar with the round kind: > > [http://www.auravita.com/OriginalImages/frnd/frnd10712\_2\_OI.jpg](http://www.auravita.com/OriginalImages/frnd/frnd10712_2_OI.jpg) > Has anyone tried these and have feedback? Silicon covers for pots when they are bubbling: > > [http://www.qvc.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Spill-Stopper-11.5-Silicone-Pot-Lid.product.K35509.html](http://www.qvc.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Spill-Stopper-11.5-Silicone-Pot-Lid.product.K35509.html) All three of these links took me to black screens with one white pixel in the middle. The address at the top of the screen said they were gifs. This has happened with several links that people have posted in the last few days. Is it just me? And I so wanted to see a spurtle… ☹ ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/53 "2015-06-11T00:57:09Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > 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! I’d love a link to this thing, or at least a name so I can google it. > [@dwyr](#): > > My submission would be this [nifty little manual can opener](http://www.amazon.com/Nogent-Classic-Service-Manual-Opener/dp/B001E05WQM). It looks a bit odd but works like a charm and takes up very little drawer space. This is awesome. I hope you didn’t pay the original price… Now it’s at $19.99, which is much more reasonable than the $100+ pricetag they have on it. > [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > It’s not nearly as useful as the Micra, but I don’t leave home with one of [these things](http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Tech-ST66676-Utili-Key-Multi-Function/dp/B0001EFSTI/ref=pd_bxgy_86_img_y). I’ve never had a problem with airport security, and it’s saved my butt many times. It’s cheap enough that I wouldn’t really mind if it did get lost or seized, but that’s never happened. This is very cool, and I can’t imagine it would get yanked from your keyring at the airport. Two things already in my amazon basket. ^^^^^^^^^ My contribution to this thread. I picked up an infra-red thermometer at Lowes. This thing works great. You point it at an object, and you get the temperature reading in a second. This comes in very handy when you need to check then temperature of just about anything. just don’t point it at someone’s eyes… And keep it out of reach of your children. I have been able to get the temp of the air coming out of my air conditioner, the temp of my engine, my dryer, anything at all really. $19.99 (on sale!) I have not tried it on myself yet, but that’s coming. The laser will hurt your eyes, but not your skin. I’ll try it right now and see if I can beat the edit window! [http://www.lowes.com/pd\_73790-56005-IRT207\_\_\_?productId=3136869&pl=1&Ntt=infrared+thermometers](http://www.lowes.com/pd_73790-56005-IRT207___?productId=3136869&pl=1&Ntt=infrared+thermometers) ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/54 "2015-06-11T01:04:41Z")
not sure where I needed to point it, so I closed my eyes and pointed it at (I think) my forehead. 94.4 F, which is close. I am not sure if I pointed it at a spot that would accurately reflect my body temp, but it was close for a first try. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/55 "2015-06-11T02:09:09Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > All three of these links took me to black screens with one white pixel in the middle. The address at the top of the screen said they were gifs. This has happened with several links that people have posted in the last few days. Is it just me? > > And I so wanted to see a spurtle… ☹ Not that I am pushing QVC, but [qvc.com](http://qvc.com) and look for product K40934 The Scottish one I have seen before is > **[Spurtle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spurtle)** > > The spurtle (or "spurtel", "spurtil", "spirtle", or "spartle") is a wooden Scottish kitchen tool, dating from the 15th century, that is used to stir porridge, soups, stews, and broths. > The rod-like shape means that porridge can be stirred without congealing and forming lumps, unlike a spoon, which would have a dragging effect during stirring. The low surface area reduces the chances of porridge sticking to the instrument. > Spurtles are made from wood, typically beech, cherry wood, or maple. Th... based on the thistle. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/56 "2015-06-11T11:26:50Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > All three of these links took me to black screens with one white pixel in the middle. The address at the top of the screen said they were gifs. This has happened with several links that people have posted in the last few days. Is it just me? > > And I so wanted to see a spurtle… ☹ Links work for me (iPad using safari). ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/57 "2015-06-11T14:12:17Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Links work for me (iPad using safari). I’m on a Dell laptop-- 2 yrs old, Windows 7, 8 GB of RAM, 1 TB hard drive. \ ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/58 "2015-06-11T14:32:04Z")
I had no trouble with the inks either. (HP, three years old, W7, IE) ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/59 "2015-06-11T14:34:13Z")
> [@bump](#): > > You can get them [a LOT cheaper](http://www.amazon.com/Winco-Wooden-Muddler-Lacquered-Walnut/dp/B000GFP0PO/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1433965701&sr=1-3&keywords=muddler&pebp=1433965705182&perid=506F5356EADD4BB28E1B)… And, unless you’re muddling in the actual glass, the stainless ones with the plastic end work fine for most purposes. > > While we’re on the subject of cocktails/drinks, I find those little 1/4 cup measuring cups to be drastically more useful than that antiquated jigger/half-jigger thing that most bar sets come with. I can actually accurately measure quarter oz amounts easily in the same measurer that I use for everything else. I couldn’t find the one I actually have but it looks very similar to the one pictured. I think I paid about $5. I second the whole jigger thing. Also, Spurtles! My next kitchen gadget! Fun to say as well! ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2015, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894/60 "2015-06-11T14:45:46Z")
Spurtles sound like the name of the clown in a porn rodeo. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tools-that-work-far-better-than-you-would-have-hoped/721894.md?page=4)