We all love our kitchen gadgets for making cooking easier, but are you sure you’re using them right? By tweaking how you use these everyday kitchen gadgets, you’ll save time, reduce frustration, and maybe even make cooking more enjoyable. Here’s a list of common mistakes people make with standard kitchen tools and how to use them properly.
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Garlic Press
What You’re Doing Wrong: Not peeling the garlic cloves before pressing.
The Right Way: Skip peeling! Just place an unpeeled clove in the press and squeeze. The skin will stay behind, and you’ll get finely minced garlic without the fuss.
Microplane/Zester
What You’re Doing Wrong: Pressing too hard and zesting the bitter white pith.
The Right Way: Lightly glide the Microplane over the fruit’s surface without pressing down. Only remove the colorful outer layer for the best flavor.
Vegetable Peeler
What You’re Doing Wrong: Only using it for peeling potatoes or carrots.
The Right Way: Use it to make thin slices of cheese, shave chocolate, or create perfect ribbons of zucchini and cucumber for salads.
Colander
What You’re Doing Wrong: Pouring your pasta or vegetables into the colander in the sink.
The Right Way: Place the colander directly into the pot and lift it out when draining. This method keeps your pasta from going down the drain and makes it easier to reserve pasta water.
Blender
What You’re Doing Wrong: Adding ingredients in the wrong order.
The Right Way: Liquids should go in first, followed by soft ingredients, and then harder ones. This prevents jams and ensures a smooth blend every time.
Can Opener
What You’re Doing Wrong: Positioning it on the side of the can instead of the top.
The Right Way: Attach the can opener horizontally on the top edge. This leaves smooth edges on both the can and the lid, making it safer and cleaner.
Cast Iron Skillet
What You’re Doing Wrong: Using soap to clean it.
The Right Way: Clean with hot water and a stiff brush. If there’s stuck-on food, use a paste of coarse salt and water. This keeps the seasoning intact for better non-stick performance.
Mandoline
What You’re Doing Wrong: Not using the hand guard or cutting gloves.
The Right Way: Always use the safety guard to protect your fingers, and consider wearing cut-resistant gloves. It’s not worth risking a trip to the ER for those perfectly sliced potatoes!
Slow Cooker
What You’re Doing Wrong: Lifting the lid too often to check on your food.
The Right Way: Keep the lid on! Every time you lift it, you lose heat and add up to 30 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process and only open it if necessary.
Food Processor
What You’re Doing Wrong: Overfilling it and using the wrong blade.
The Right Way: Avoid filling past the max line, and choose the correct blade for the job—slicing, shredding, or chopping. Overfilling can lead to uneven results and damage the motor.
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