First Person: Pointless Kitchen Gadgets I Wasted Money On (ContributorNetwork)

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Some kitchen gadgets and tools save me money and others just take up counter space. I couldn't live without my slow cooker, which uses little electricity and keeps the house cool in the summer. Dinner simmers while I am busy at work.

On the other hand, there are a few kitchen tools I received as holiday gifts that I wish I could have returned. Some kitchen gadgets, such as a messy fondue set, I regret having purchased myself.

Soda maker

While I appreciate the soda maker as a way to turn tap water into carbonated drinks, I never saved any money by using one. The concentrated mix for the colas cost $6.99. The home soda maker itself cost me $124.95. Although it was a cool novelty gift, my family members still prefer to Zevia diet soda from the health food store. I use coupons and look for specials. We just recycle the cans.

Juicer

My juicer cost about $150, but simply takes up a lot of space on my countertop. I would love to use it more often, but it can be quite messy. If I am not careful, the unit spits shavings of carrots, celery and beets all over my kitchen. I have to gather, peel, chop the produce and then clean up the unit by hand. I rarely use my juicer.

Bread machine

I was sold on the idea of a bread machine because I imagined how easy it would be to make bread, pizza dough and desserts. I spent $130 on a bread machine so I could have the feeling of having a home bakery. But then everyone in my family went on the low-carb diet and the bread machine became more kitchen clutter. When I occasionally whip up some homemade gluten-free pancakes, I find a wooden spoon is the only kitchen tool I need.

Miscellaneous kitchen gadgets

Throughout the years I've accumulated other useless kitchen tools such as an egg separator. I find the old-fashioned way of using the shell edge to break the yolk apart is just as effective. Then, there's the pasta measuring tool, the apple peeler, the avocado slicer and garlic peeler. They all accumulate dust in my kitchen drawers.

Although people love to give utterly pointless kitchen gadgets for the holidays, I won't contribute to the insanity. I might make an exception if I see a chocolate fountain on sale. And, come to think of it, that electric pizza cutter might make a cheap stocking stuffer for my son, who has a job delivering pizzas.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/personaltech/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111205/us_ac/10425465_first_person__pointless_kitchen_gadgets_i_wasted_money_on

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