I really regret buying ... (fill in the blank)

[HRJ]

What kitchen appliance or gadget have you bought that you wished you hadn't?

Over on the Microplane thread, Kathryn mentioned that she was scared of using a mandolin, and it reminded me of the Benriner mandolin that I just had to have -- and ended up using only twice. (The first time, I asked DH to "help" me set it up, and he almost sliced off a finger :eek: )

My idea was that it would be easier to use and clean than the food processor, but that has not been the case -- so I continue to use the food processor, and the Benriner sits in its box in the cabinet.

I know there are other purchases I've regretted, but can't think of them at the moment, although I'm less than thrilled with my rice cooker.

So, what's in your cabinet that you regret?

Helene

[funnybone]

Hmm, I can't say that I have regrets, but I guess I had regrets with my Food Saver when it broke just after the 1 year warranty!:mad:

Other than that, I have things I don't use all that often, but am happy to have them when I need them. :)

[Kathy B]

I bought a pressure cooker four or five years ago and have never used it. I originally thought I would need it to make jams/jellies, then found out afterwards it wasn't necessary. I know I could use it to cook with, but I am honestly intimidated/nervous about using it at all. It is sitting on a shelf in my basement.

[jphilg]

My silpats. I am just not a believer. I reach for the parchment every time.

[TerriS]

My toaster oven. I didn't technically buy it; we registered for it and received it as a wedding present. I feel so bad for whoever spent $100 on this piece o'crap toaster oven. It is the worst toaster I have ever encountered.
http://images.lnt.com/images/collections/standard/3786.jpg
It's a Krups Pro Chef Ultra. It's nice because it's wide, holds 6 slices of bread, and has the oven feature as well as a toast feature. Except that the toast feature is just awful. With the rack in the normal position bread gets toasted completely unevenly, and this thing is SO SLOW. I've never seen anything take this long to toast. The minutes drag by as we wait for those little coils to turn red. SIGH. The oven feature works okay, though. And the toast feature works better when I turn the rack upside down to put the bread more vertically in the middle of the oven. I also don't like the dial that is used for the toaster feature.

I'd love to toss it and buy a black and decker or some cheap thing that actually works, but I feel bad getting rid of such a pricey appliance.

[wallycat]

About 10 years ago, I purchased a percolator. Yes, a percolator. Someone told me it made great coffee...blech.
anyone want it :rolleyes: :D ;)

[claire797]

Gosh. I can't think of anything right now. Some of my appliances go through periods of dormancy, but I generally pull them out at some point and say "Thank goodness I bought this thing!".

[swquilts]

A pasta machine, Circulon cookware (ick, I'm trying to kill it), half of my Tupperware that I don't use.

Like Claire, there are some things I don't use often, but I go in spurts in using them.

[stefania4]

I've got a little herb-cutter thing with 5 round blades and you roll it over basil or spinach or whatever. It's a nightmare to clean and I'm almost afraid of it. Wait, why is it still in my gadget drawer???

[Linda in MO]

My George Foreman Grill was the first thing that popped into my mind. I have never really liked that thing. :rolleyes:

[pammy]

We just bought a Calphalon stainless steel 12" wok. We really debated whether we should get the no-stick, or the stainless. I already have a smaller, non-stick wok, and found that for whatever reason, a good deal of moisture would come out of meat that I tried to stir-fry in it, resulting in "boiled" meat, rather than nice, browned stir-fried meat. Thought the stainless steel would solve that problem. Well, now, the nice, browned effect that I am looking for, remains stuck at the bottom of the stainless steel wok :confused: . Probably a temperature issue, and I keep on trying, but I kinda regret spending so much on this thing.

[catbatty]

A Juiceman juicer -- used once. And some pans (Circulon??? have ridges? Hate those. Might be some other brand, not sure...I've stuffed them into boxes somewhere or I'd go look.) Oh and the coffee press - the day after I got it home, I read how coffee made in those did something bad to the body...I forget now. Oh and the Maytag dishwasher that rusted and is so noisey, the GE Smoothtop I hate it...mostly because it has paint that comes off and the burners make me crazy with being either slow to get going, or finally hot so I burn things. (BUT...WHAT I LOVE are: my InstaHot (I use that instant HOT water for so many things!!!!), and my immersion blender and my Allclad pots and pans.)

[swquilts]

Oops, forgot my espresso machine....used it twice.

[pes]

Another vote for the expresso machine - sigh - it seemed like such a good idea at the time.:o

[PoppyJ]

My George Foreman Grill that I got as a gift. I have used it twice, but just didn't like the results and I hated cleaning it.

Also my rice cooker. I never use it.

[maizeyoats]

Salad Shooter I am quite embarrased to admit

I bought a Matfer mandolin about 6 mths ago and have yet to take it out of the box.

I bought one of those giant size Cuisinarts about 2 years ago and that's still in the box.

[luckylori]

I DESPISE the electric can opener I bought a couple years ago. It looked fine. It's an under-the-counter Black & Decker, which I had had before, but this version is so frustrating! Sometimes I can easily get the cans to go on it, others there is no way. My husband has learned to come running if he sees me with a can in hand and offers to do it for me.

[krispy spo]

Two things..

The HUGE coffee/espresso maker we got as a wedding gift. DH doesn't like coffee so I never really bothered much with the espresso part just for me. I recently replaced it with a cheap Black & Decker coffemaker.

A "Little Dipper" I bought years and years ago (although it was so cheap I shouldn't even mention it). It sounded good - a mini crockpot to keep dips warm. The problem is that it is too small to hold much dip, and it's a pain to keep it plugged in when you are serving the dip on your kitchen and dining room table. It got sent to Goodwill on the last run.

[katygirl]

Originally posted by maizeyoats
Salad Shooter I am quite embarrased to admit



:o I feel your pain, add me to the salad shooter club:o

[karen w]

I had a breadmaker that collected dust for many years so I gave it away. I love making bread, but I just prefer getting my hands in the dough, and I feel I have more control over the consistency if I'm doing the kneading. I also had a set of Circulon that DH and I registered for when we got engaged. I HATED THE STUFF!!! I have now completely replaced it with various pieces-mostly All Clad and QVC's Cook's Essentials along with a few other specialty pieces. I'm sure there are alot more smaller items that were bad buys for me, but these are the big ones that I can think of now.

What I love: ALOT!!! Catbatty, I also have an Instahot dispenser at my sink. I love it!! I use this all the time! The rest of the "I love" list is just too long!!

Karen

[HRJ]

Originally posted by luckylori
I DESPISE the electric can opener I bought a couple years ago.



Ah, yes! That jogs my memory. When Michael Graves came out with his small appliance line at Target a few years ago, I just had to have something from it -- so I got the can opener. (Think it was made by Black & Decker, but I'm not sure). I hated it -- much prefer a manual can opener. I ended up donating it to a charity thrift shop.

H.

[Elizabeth B]

I hope I'm not too late to weigh in, but here's another vote for the espresso machine. We got one as a wedding present (8 years ago) and have received a couple more since then that are still in their boxes. DH uses the small contraption that goes on top of the stove burner to make espresso so the big contraptions are collecting dust. I almost gave one to our next door neighbors last week, but DH held me back. Oh well, maybe we can sell them at a garage sale!

[badunnin]

Elizabeth - how do you like (or how does your hubby like) the stovetop espresso maker? I'm not ready to give my big machine up - I still use it on holidays when it's nice to have a little latte with dessert - I keep it in the basement, and it comes out shortly before Thanksgiving, stays out through Christmas, then goes back down until
Easter. I just think of it as a holiday decoration.

As far as things I maybe shouldn't have bought (at least at this point in my life), and I really hate to say this, but my KA stand mixer. I love it in theory, but in truth, I don't bake enough. I have the huge 6 qt professional. I use the attachments (like the meat grinder and the sausage stuffer) more than I use the actual mixer because I find my hand mixer to be more convenient.

[Valerie226]

Add me to the circulon list. Only one pan but I hate it a LOT. I gave away the air popcorn popper. would take a week to get a bowl of popcorn popped. a $100 cleaver. thought it would be so useful. a $4 one from an import store works much better. Not too many other big mistakes. I keep thinking I need a KA stand mixer but am afraid it would not get enough use to justify occupied space.

[kima]

My choice would be the Juiceman Juicer-same as catbatty. Used it twice-what a pain to clean. Sold it at a garage sale. That is the only thing I have ever bought from an infomercial-my family still ribs me about it!
And send ALL spare TUPPERWARE my way-I need it!!!!

[run4joy]

THIS THING. Stefania! I'm with you! Just tonight I pulled it out, washed/dried the herbs and put them in here, and what did I get? I mushy, pasty, sloppy mess of herb slop. After that I re-cut some more, and chopped them with a regular 'ole chef's knife. Ya know, I'm gonna throw this thang out.

Hey, GUYS, GUYS! I just had a thought....suppose the thing I want is the thing you despise? You know where I'm going with this, right? Is there something on this list you want? Maybe you can email the owner, and get a swap going, huh? At the moment none of your junk is my jewel, but KEEP 'EM COMIN'! Anybody want to trash one of those Le Creuset 6.5 qt French Ovens? :p

[run4joy]

Here it is, I hope...

[run4joy]

Gosh, dog. How come my picture won't post? Anyhow, it's an herb mill, as described by Stefania. Techie, I am not. :(

[wallycat]

I forgot about the juicer :eek: :eek: and the breadmaker.
I spent so much on that thing (back when they were new) that I gave it away; didn't think it should sit in the basement with the rest of my mistakes :o

Gosh, we should have a huge "virtual garage sale" here!!

I could already make a list of the stuff I"d buy from you guys!!!:rolleyes: :) ;)

[Kayla]

Originally posted by badunnin
...

As far as things I maybe shouldn't have bought (at least at this point in my life), and I really hate to say this, but my KA stand mixer. I love it in theory, but in truth, I don't bake enough. I have the huge 6 qt professional. I use the attachments (like the meat grinder and the sausage stuffer) more than I use the actual mixer because I find my hand mixer to be more convenient.

Heya, wanna lend me your KA stand mixer? ;) :p :D

I can't think of any drastic purchases right now aside of a juicer I got when I went on a juice and smoothie kick a few years ago. I admit, I'm glad I have it when I use it, but I don't use it nearly as often as I once did, and I now wish I had saved that money up to put towards a KA stand mixer :rolleyes:

Fun thread!
Kayla

[eas11]

These things have already been mentioned, but I'll add to the list:

Circulon (actually it was a gift- but I asked for it- big mistake!)

Forman Grill never liked the results- prefer a grill pan for indoors. Gave it away.

Ellyn

[badunnin]

Kayla - I'm not ready to give up the KA just yet! I do use it a few times a year, and it is great. It's on my kitchen counter now, back in a corner. It's too heavy to be hauling in and out, and I really haven't a big enough space to store it. I'm thinking of trying to reaquaint myself with it, but no-one in my house wants me to bake! It is mine, so when I move out of my parent's house, I will take it with me. And I just know the second I give it away I'll have great need for it. Maybe I could have done with a smaller one, though?

[catbatty]

A thought: besides swapping our 'treasures' we *could* decide to haul them off to a Goodwill or similar place.

Reason I bring this up: on national television news they reported that places like the Goodwill are facing bare shelves!!!!! So many people are out of work and are relying on second hand shops for their needs....and the goods are going gone fast. The need is dire. I am hoping this will inspire me to work harder to clean out my stuff...and reading this thread made me think: let's haul this crud OUTTA here for the good of mankind!! (Ok, that's a bit dramatic...but that's my odd mind working..ignore that part.) Perhaps some sweet little granny needs to buy a present for her grandkid's wedding... or a young child needs to buy a present for her momma -- and there's just no money for new. :) Let's think about how much we have and have lucky we are...and get real about these items - we are NEVER gonna use much of this stuff. :confused: But maybe the world needs them???

[Tiger]

pasta machine, cheap pots and pans, stupid gadgets from PC, a little dipper, fryer, taco holders and some cookbooks.
Live and learn. My love list is longer!

[cinbis]

I'd have to say stupid stuff from PC such as the thing (I'm not sure what it's called) that crimps bread into small sandwiches. The sandwiches were so small that even toddler would devour. The other thing was the tube pan in the shape of a heart. The bread was a disaster the one time I used it. We got a gift card for Christmas and I just ordered the George Forman grill yesterday. After reading this thread, I have a feeling I'm going to be adding that to the list!

[jellyben]

A cherry pitter, a ravioli maker, a Calphalon grill pan, an avocado slicer, about a thousand assorted Pampered Chef gadgets, an espresso maker. I could go on. We are moving in a few months. The good thing about moving every few years is I get rid of a lot of stuff. Anyone need a corn butterer?

Cinbis, I happen to enjoy the GF grill. the kids get a kick out of it and DH is now a grillin' fool.

[HRJ]

Originally posted by cinbis
We got a gift card for Christmas and I just ordered the George Forman grill yesterday. After reading this thread, I have a feeling I'm going to be adding that to the list!

Not necessarily. I love the George!

H.

[lhall]

My mom and I used to threaten to purchase each other odd kitchen things for Christmas. The salad shooter came up several times.

I don't have anything I regret buying. We did get a rice cook/vegetable steamer for christmas one year, but that went right back to the store. Besides thinking it was useless I had no room to store it. We also got a huge electric skillet as a wedding gift, but it was not something we registered for. Returned that too.

Leigh

[Gail]

For a wedding gift, we received a pasta maker. In my utter wisdom, (not) I returned the thing to the store and purchased a pasta maker attachment for my Cuisinart, figuring it made sense to have it, since I already had the Cuisinart.

Just shy of 20 years later, it's still in its original wrapper and I wish I'd kept the other machine. :rolleyes:

[stefania4]

Originally posted by catbatty
A thought: besides swapping our 'treasures' we *could* decide to haul them off to a Goodwill or similar place. Excellent idea. I've donated a lot of stuff to Goodwill and the St. Vincent de Paul shop. I'm sure that my crock pot (had it two years, never used it) found a much better home at its $3 price.

But this "herb mill" is a tragedy waiting to happen, and the store would be sued for selling a Finger Macerator, and THEN where would we be?

[Kayla]

Originally posted by badunnin
Kayla - I'm not ready to give up the KA just yet! I do use it a few times a year, and it is great. It's on my kitchen counter now, back in a corner. It's too heavy to be hauling in and out, and I really haven't a big enough space to store it. I'm thinking of trying to reaquaint myself with it, but no-one in my house wants me to bake! It is mine, so when I move out of my parent's house, I will take it with me. And I just know the second I give it away I'll have great need for it. Maybe I could have done with a smaller one, though?

Too funny! I'm the same way... I almost got one this December. I live with my mom over the summers still, but realize with our current move (gonna miss that old house!), and the fact that both of my parents are on health kicks (which probably aren't going to be "just kicks" this go-around), I'd probably be in the same boat as you. Whenever I tell them I'm about to bake (which I LOVE to do), they both yell "nooo!" - so maybe the KA isn't a good idea after all.

... One can always dream! ;)

Kayla

[KelLeg]

This thread is cracking me up!

My bad purchases (or gifts that I requested) include a garlic roaster, silpat (I still haven't really used this yet) and the breadmaker (this is ok, but I rarely use it and it is so big).

Has anyone bought that wire spatula thing that they advertise on tv for $14.95 and it picks up anything? I'm wondering if that is actually handy.

[catbatty]

Originally posted by stefania4
But this "herb mill" is a tragedy waiting to happen, and the store would be sued for selling a Finger Macerator, and THEN where would we be?

Stef,

Are these metal? Sounds like the only good thing to do with them is put them out in our metal recycle bins. My husband puts anything metal out with the tin cans. I've never seen one of these 'herb mills'... I think. There is something in my memory banks about a bladed thing...but I can't quite picture it.

PS: I like my Geo Foreman Grill (for chicken breasts and grilled cheese sands, mostly - and no problem with cleanups), and I like my Silplat mat and use it often.

[sungirl]

My Calphalon Pots and pans . Spent a lot on these and now I get sick when I look att them. I even put 3 pans in the trash. They were fine when I used tons of oil and butter to cook with. They started going down hill when I stared spraying them with cooking spray and not using much fat. They are all dicolored and hate looking at them.

[Paula H]

Can I ask why everyone hates their Circulon stuff?

I've just gone through my kitchen cupbaords, and the only thing I could find was my wooden kitchen tongs - they seemed like a great idea to save my non-stick struff, but they pinch your fingers like a pinchy thing when you're using them, leaving your hands crippled and in pain.

[MKSquared]

Originally posted by KelLeg
Has anyone bought that wire spatula thing that they advertise on tv for $14.95 and it picks up anything? I'm wondering if that is actually handy.

I believe that it was part of a gift swap here ... was it Peggy C. who ended up with it?

[maizeyoats]

Originally posted by Paula H
Can I ask why everyone hates their Circulon stuff?



I would be interested to know this too. I have a couple of pieces of Circulon that I like very much. One for making omlets and I always get a good omlet from it versus the calaphalon one I had that the omlet ALWAYS stuck too. I tossed it.
The other piece of Circulon I have is a stock pot for making soup and I have never had a problem with it.

[Lrimerman]

This is a great thread.

We bought a rice cooker at Costco several years back, used it a few times and the rice always burnt. Gave it to goodwill. Luckily it was only $15. We got an expresso machine for our wedding, I don't think we ever used it (maybe once) but it sits in our garage, I just figure if I get rid of it, I will want it.

I don't particularly like our G. Foreman grill, but my MIL bought it and didn't like it, so she gave it to us.

I can't really think of anything else right now, but I do have a lot of PC that I don't use much.

If anyone who mentioned not liking their pasta machine wants to sell or swap it, let me know, I took a polymer clay class and need a pasta machine to do the clay at home.

Lisa

[newtricks]

Something that I thought I would love and didn't - A Cuisinart coffee-maker that grinds the coffee for you.

Great in theory but you have to take the whole thing apart every time you use it and make sure every part is dry before you use it again. Or all the coffee gets stuck in the grinding chamber. Oh and did I mention that the steam from the coffee gets the grinding chamber wet every time you use it? Big pain. But good coffee:rolleyes:

And don't get excited, it went to our church rummage sale long ago. Along with our cappucino maker and pasta maker.

[claire797]

Wow. I love my George Foreman grill. For those of you who ordered one and never use it, what do you use instead? The broiler? Do you have a fancy gas grill? Do you just not grill?

I guess the Foreman Grill isn't very practical if you are making more than 4 pieces of meat, but for those who are cooking for 1 or 2, it's a great little appliance.


I have to confess one thing. My George Foreman isn't getting nearly so much use now that I've discovered broiling. I didn't know how to use the broiler in my oven (it's a gas one, with the broiler on the bottom) until recently. I thought the drawer at the bottom of the gas oven was a storage drawer for the broil pan (duh!)and that actual broiling took place in the upper oven.

[wallycat]

Originally posted by claire797
Wow.
I thought the drawer at the bottom of the gas oven was a storage drawer for the broil pan (duh!)and that actual broiling took place in the upper oven.

Wait a minute...I use the bottom drawer for storage.
My broiler is on top in the gas oven and I broil in there. Am I doing it wrong???
I have the GE profile and there's a long bar that goes aflame when I broil.
Now I'll have to go figure this whole thing out again ??? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :eek:

I've always broiled my salmon IN the oven with the broiler button-pad touched for "broil"....help me :rolleyes: :o

[frygirl]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TerriS
[B]My toaster oven. I didn't technically buy it; we registered for it and received it as a wedding present. I feel so bad for whoever spent $100 on this piece o'crap toaster oven. It is the worst toaster I have ever encountered.

My awful toaster oven is a Proctor Silex. It works on a thermostat so once it reaches its maximum temperature, whether your toast is dark enough or not, you have to wait for it to cool down.

[claire797]

Originally posted by wallycat


Wait a minute...I use the bottom drawer for storage.
My broiler is on top in the gas oven and I broil in there. Am I doing it wrong???
I have the GE profile and there's a long bar that goes aflame when I broil.
Now I'll have to go figure this whole thing out again ??? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :eek:

I've always broiled my salmon IN the oven with the broiler button-pad touched for "broil"....help me :rolleyes: :o

Mine is a Kenmore and the bottom drawer is definitely the broiler. In your case, the drawer probably really is a drawer.

My "drawer" has a heating element in the top of it and there is not heating element in the top part of the oven.

[wallycat]

Whew...thanks :o :o :)

[Lrimerman]

Originally posted by newtricks
Something that I thought I would love and didn't - A Cuisinart coffee-maker that grinds the coffee for you.

Great in theory but you have to take the whole thing apart every time you use it and make sure every part is dry before you use it again. Or all the coffee gets stuck in the grinding chamber. Oh and did I mention that the steam from the coffee gets the grinding chamber wet every time you use it? Big pain. But good coffee:rolleyes:

My MIL bought this same coffee maker and loved it, so we bought it too, and my sister bought it. We all love it. I just take the pieces and put them in the dishwasher. We don't do coffee every day, so I guess we don't worry if it doesn't get washed right away. My parents bought the same coffee maker, as well.

We had the braun one that holds the hot water so it brews instantly, but since we don't make coffee enough, it would evaporate and it takes forever to heat the water, and you can't brew till the water is hot. Also, it got clogged with lime from all the water sitting in the holding tank. Big waste of money.

Lisa

[Gilgamesh37]

This thread is too funny. Most of my bad purchases have been gifts, which for me adds another level of dilemma because I don't want to hurt the giver by tossing the gift, even if it's something I never use. The big frog bag-clamps that sit in my drawer even as I type are a fine example

Most of the small appliance-y type stuff went to either goodwill or garage sale when I moved last spring. A ceramic garlic roaster (pain to clean, just seems easier to wrap in foil), one of those sandwich grill press doo-bobbies that supposedly make little sealed hot pockets (suuuuure), a plug in coffee mug for the car. I've kept a bunch of stuff I don't use often but find handy==and actually, since we combined households, we have 2 of a bunch of them--cheap plastic mandoline, pasta maker, food mill. I mean, I probably only use my blender 5 or 6 times a year, but I'm glad I have it. Or my clay cooker, which I *never* use but still can't bring myself to give away, because I might start liking it some day.

And then there's things that you thought would be in the cupboard of despair but that ended up being surprisingly handy--my dad bought us a set of those pasta pots with the holes in the lid, the pair that they advertise endlessly on tv? The metal is pretty thin and I don't think they'll hold up over the long run, but we've used them a ton just since Christmas, they really are handy. Who knew?

[Curleytop]

Bought a George Forman Grill @Kohl's grand opening yesterday for $9.00 and change. If I don't like it, I won't be out too much. My grill pans are ok, but I get too much smoke, and the smoke alarm goes off :mad:
Re: Cherry Pitter: I bought one many years ago for .79 cents. My DH
loves calamata Olives, they have pits, and I pit a whole bunch for him with this tool. I made cherry jam once (they are too expensive) and it worked great! I got a whole lot of stuff for .79 cents that time, unbelievable bargains, like a wooden carving board!

[ReneeV]

Add me to the list of people who aren't crazy about the Geo Foreman Grill. I got it as a Christmas present several years ago, but it mostly sits in storage. It was a pain in the patootie to clean!

I prefer my stove top grill pan or my out door gas grill, weather permitting.

On the other hand, I love my espresso maker. I have a nice Krupps pump machine and although I don't make expresso everyday, I do use it most weekends for that afternoon pick-me-up.

Renée

[Valerie226]

for maizeyoats re the circulon pan. I bought one piece, a 12 inch fry pan. everything stuck to it from day 1. And everything gets stuck down in those little grooves and won't come out. you'd need dentistry tools to get stuff out. also bought a scan pan and it was no better. ended up with anolon and calphalon. I use the first two pans for watering plants.

[Little Bit]

What do I REALLY regret? not a lot, but in the 'I thought I had to have it, but this is a waste of money' category, I'd say the whisk with the little balls at the ends of the wires and the little slicer I got at the Oriental market both qualify.
The little slicer thingy has a series of close together little blades on a handle. I think you're supposed to use it to create little strips of green onion or nori? Not sure why I thought I had to have it. Still haven't given it a try as a pasta cutter though. The blades are close enough together that it might work. Hope springs eternal, right?

[Nefertete]

What I sincerely regret having bought I didn't buy for me. My daughter received a Black & Decker toaster oven as a wedding gift and it crapped out. So, I went to the store with her and we exchanged it for an Oster toaster oven which was pricier and had nicer features. Or so I thought!

We should've read the dials before we bought it. It takes - are you ready for this doozy? - TEN MINUTES to simply make toast. Yikes.

[matt]

I worked for Burdines a subsidary of Macy's here in Miami. When I first started to cook, did not know much about a lot of things. I got wilton bakeware cookie sheets. Not a good choice. I did not realize they were so cheaply made the tended to buckle a lot. So when I had to buy some new cookie and baking sheets. I got Chicago metallic bake ware. I have no problems with them at all.

[naomike]

I gotta throw in another vote for a toaster oven. It's funny, cause a few months ago there was a thread where several people were raving about their toaster ovens and how much they used them. Not us--pretty much a waste of money. Takes too long to heat up and toast anything, etc. Even so, we used it, but only occasionally. It just wasn't worth the counter space in our small kitchen, so now it's in the garage waiting for us to move into a bigger house.

I'm really enjoying reading everyone else's comments. It's good to know what may be best to avoid in the future!! It's also interesting to read so many different opinions on some of the same items (like the Foreman grill).

Naomi

[andrea]

SHRIMP DEVEINER :mad: ... sooo worthless... i can't even figure out how it could possibly work

PC THING WITH THE PRONGS TO HOLD ONIONS WHILE YOU CHOP :rolleyes: ... what was i thinking??? never used!

TACO SHELL HOLDER :p ... at least it was a gift! ridiculous!!!

i have been cracking up at this "herb mill" everyone's been talking about... how funny! for me, it's kitchen shears all the way!

[valchemist]

I have one of those rolling herb mills but I have never used it. doesn't look like it would be sharp enough and it looks like it would make a mess.

[cherylopal]

this thread is sooo interesting. take one item like the george foreman grill- some love and some hate. someone mentioned their bread machine as a mistake but i love mine so much, i'm ready to upgrade.

val,
i had one of those rolling herb mills- used it once and then pitched it. didn't work at all. i use a cup and a pair of scissors to chop my herbs.

what i regret most buying was cook'n with pillsbury instead of mastercook. but now i have mastercook :)

cheryl

[Linda in MO]

Hey, I like my taco shell holder and I use it every time we have tacos! :cool: The other items I like that others regret buying...bread maker (I use this ALL the time), KA stand mixer (my pride and joy!), silpats (I have 2 and use them ALL the time!), and the salad shooter (don't use it often, but sometimes for shredding cheese, carrots, etc. it comes in handy).

[lschroth]

I can't believe that people are commenting that they hate these! They are fabulous! cookies just slide right off the sheets, not a crumb left behind! Even the thinnest, most delicate cookies! These are expensive but worth twice the price!
Linda

[Beth]

I have a cherry pitter I bought when I was ordering some special canning jar lids. I didn't use it then, but we've discovered that it is great for piting olives -- and the kalamatas we buy with the pits have much better flavor than the ones that are already pitted -- so maybe rethink the cherry pitter.

We are also on our second espresso maker. The kind you have makes a big difference both on the kind of coffee you get out of it and how easy it is to make it. I have a Mr Coffee Excel that I'd trade for a Silpat or two! ;)

The silliest thing in my kitchen is the salad spinner. I would never buy it, but DH had to have it and he does use it, so I guess that's okay. I can't think of a big regret, but I am disappointed in the KA hand mixer I got last summer. The highest speed doesn't seem high enough for me, but the old one I tossed seemed to only go very high. Go figure. :D We got an air popcorn popper for a wedding gift (DH wanted to register for it). We used it once or twice and sent it to goodwill. That was over 10 years ago, so I think we've done pretty well.

[Beth]

Originally posted by lschroth
I can't believe that people are commenting that they hate these! They are fabulous! cookies just slide right off the sheets, not a crumb left behind! Even the thinnest, most delicate cookies! These are expensive but worth twice the price!
Linda

I don't think folks are saying they hate them, just that they regret buying them because they haven't used them. That's how I read it.

[stefania4]

I will have you know that I have carefully wrapped my finger macerator/"herb mill" in several layers of newspaper and thrown it away. I have no idea why it was still in my gadget drawer.

[naomike]

Hmmm, now I'm curious. Do other people hate their shrimp deveiners? I was thinking of gettin one . . . Also, it continues to be interesting that one (wo)man's trash is another's treasure, etc, etc. For example, we use our salad spinner quite a bit. :) We have a small one so it's not too hard to store.

Naomi

[run4joy]

Originally posted by cherylopal
i had one of those rolling herb mills- used it once and then pitched it. didn't work at all.
cheryl

The funny part is you only see these herb mills in high-end stores like WS, so you figure it must be worth having. Uh, uh. When you turn the crank it keeps rolling over the same section it did the last turn, and never 'feeds' any more herb through the blades. Then, when it's time to collect your cut herbs you examine the gadget, puzzled about where the herbs went. "Oh, here's some mush on the bottom."

[cinbis]

I have a plastic shrimp deveiner that I use occasionally. It works fine. I have two silpats. I think they're great. I also love my KA standmixer and toaster oven. I've never owned a toaster. The toaster oven seems so much more versatile.

[pammy]

Originally posted by sungirl
My Calphalon Pots and pans . Spent a lot on these and now I get sick when I look att them. I even put 3 pans in the trash. They were fine when I used tons of oil and butter to cook with. They started going down hill when I stared spraying them with cooking spray and not using much fat. They are all dicolored and hate looking at them.

Ouch. From what I recall from reading the use & care instructions with my hard anondized Calphalon pots and pans (which I love!), you aren't supposed to use cooking spray on them. I heat the pan up a bit, then add some oil (never more than 1 Tb.), and I rarely have problems with stuff sticking. They wash up beautifully - no discoloration. Sorry that happened to you, sungirl.

[foodfiend]

I have to say I don't like my salad spinner at all. I bought it and used it a few times, but the lettuce never seemed to get any drier! I also admit I don't fancy my slow cooker. I had wanted to streamline my home-cooking. I live alone, and I don't find much use for it.

[TerriS]

Originally posted by Beth
The silliest thing in my kitchen is the salad spinner. I would never buy it, but DH had to have it and he does use it, so I guess that's okay.

Too funny, my DH (who does NONE of the cooking) insisted we get a salad spinner as well. I only use it when making really large quantities of lettuce for a salad when entertaining or maybe when I actually use a whole bag of spinach. It does take up a lot of space, though.

[Elizabeth B]

I've changed my mind since my post on Friday.

After spending 3 hours in the ER Saturday after slicing off the tip of my finger, I would have to say it's now the cheap plastic slicer I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond for $20. Yes, I was using the handle, but was slicing a red onion, but it slipped and there went my finger tip. I threw it in the trash after we got home (the slicer, I mean). At the ER they said that they see a lot of "dinner-related emergencies"!!

To the nice person who asked about the stovetop espresso maker, DH loves it and uses it all the time!

[lhall]

Originally posted by newtricks
Something that I thought I would love and didn't - A Cuisinart coffee-maker that grinds the coffee for you.

I have one of these and I love it!

I normally only use beans on Friday - Sunday and ground coffee during the week. I just wash it in the morning and put the parts in the dish drainer. Everything is dry by the time I get home from work so I can go ahead and set up the next morning's coffee.

Leigh

[linsleyd]

Besides the George Foreman grill, the only things I regret having are the things that don't work!
Our slow cooker is on the fritz and the only time you can use it is if you are home all day otherwise the food burns.
And our toaster oven is a peice of junk because it doesn't toast well. We used to have a nice toaster oven that worked wonders, I just need to remember what it was so I can get a new one that works!

As for grilling, we have a gas grill that is much much better than a George Foreman.

[LaraW]

I would say that my George Foreman Grill is on my list of items I wish I hadn't bought. I have hardly used it at all, and I can't seem to give the darn thing away!

We normally use our gas grill when we want something grilled - its just easier, and we like it better.

[KathrynY]

This is too funny - I just put together a pile of things to go to Goodwill, including:

* Lemon holder-juicer thingy from Pampered Chef.
* Pizza-shaped tupperware containers (my homemade pizza slices are never the right size to fit into these darn things!)
* Sun tea jar - we never use it (why did I think we needed this when I know that neither of us drinks tea? :rolleyes: )
Thankfully no big expensive items!

wallycat we could probably use your percolator at my office - the one we have now is older than dirt. Thankfully I am not a coffee drinker, since I can only imagine how awful our coffee must taste. :o

[claire797]

I don't regret buying it because had I not bought it I would still want one, but I'm really starting to hate my bread machine. It's so hit or miss. 80% of the loaves come out dense or with fallen tops. And just when I'm ready to haul the thing to Goodwill, it will produce a decent loaf of the pre-packaged bread machine bread mixes. What this tells me is it's not the machine's fault, it is my fault and I'm doing something wrong with every recipe.

I think I'm going to have to stick the thing back under the counter and go back to using my Kithen-Aid and oven. I get much better results when I can actually feel the consistency of the dough. It just bugs me that there are people all over the place effortly turning out perfect bread machine loaves while I kick out bricks.

[erin elizabeth]

Here's a new one--I regret my HUGE microwave. I have a tiny kitchen and this was a gift from my parents. It takes up the whole counter beside my sink. It does a very good job on popcorn and heating things though. I never use the zester I asked for--the grater is easier (a microplane one would be nice though!).

I love my espresso machine--although I cannot get my milk frother to work. Maybe I need a pitcher for it. And I really enjoy my salad spinner--I wash all the lettuce and then store it in there between paper towels. Since I live alone I have room for it in my fridge.

[Valerie226]

A big thank you to all of you who have saved me at least $100. Had been thinking about a george foreman grill, but no longer. this many regretting the purchase is too many.

[LaraW]

Originally posted by claire797
I don't regret buying it because had I not bought it I would still want one, but I'm really starting to hate my bread machine. It's so hit or miss. 80% of the loaves come out dense or with fallen tops.

Anna, I thought I was the only one with the problem of fallen tops. I figured it was the altitude, and that it was because I don't have control over the baking temp.

What I have begun using my bread machine for, and I really like it, is the dough cycle. I like putting everything in there and then going to church or the grocery store or something, and my pizza dough is ready when I get home. It does save a lot of time and some mess when trying to get out the door to go someplace.

[emily]

It's so ironic that this thread was started. On Friday night as I was using my PC mandoline I kept thinking how much I hate the thing and was wondering if anyone else would like to trade me something for it, but then I thought about why I hate it and wouldn't want to wish that on any of my friends :o The food holder/hand protector is absolutely useless. The mandoline body slips all over the place. Yuck! I'll definitely be getting rid of that! I also hardley ever use my PC food chopper. I almost always already have out my knife and cutting board so why bother dirtying another piece of equipment. Besides that, it's a pain to clean up high on the blades. However, it is nice for nuts. Somewhere along the lines my mom gave me a PC measure all thing that I've never used and can't seem to find, but that goes again with dirtying two more pieces of equipment. I already have enough to clean!

Things I love: my KA stand mixer; my silpat for kneading; my food processor; my lemon reamer; my salad spinner (before spinning if you put a paper towel in the top, it helps catch even more water; then the dried greens keep so much longer!)

Emily

[hrk]

Originally posted by claire797
I don't regret buying it because had I not bought it I would still want one, but I'm really starting to hate my bread machine. It's so hit or miss. 80% of the loaves come out dense or with fallen tops. And just when I'm ready to haul the thing to Goodwill, it will produce a decent loaf of the pre-packaged bread machine bread mixes. What this tells me is it's not the machine's fault, it is my fault and I'm doing something wrong with every recipe.

I think I'm going to have to stick the thing back under the counter and go back to using my Kithen-Aid and oven. I get much better results when I can actually feel the consistency of the dough. It just bugs me that there are people all over the place effortly turning out perfect bread machine loaves while I kick out bricks.
We have the same problem as well, as a matter of fact it happened to us last week:rolleyes: This problem has only been happening since we moved from California to Maryland though, so last night we finally pulled all the directions out and it says if you live in a humid climate to use about 1/4 cup less water. We did this last night and it worked.

As for the thing I really regret buying (well I didn't buy it it was a gift) but it would have to be the litte dipper crockpot as well. Never used it in the five years we've had it. I think it will go on the next trip to goodwill.

[cinbis]

I like the idea of using the silpat for kneading. I hate getting flour all over the counter. The little George Forman grill I ordered last week hasn't arrived....can I have a regret before I even receive it???!!! At least it was a gift. How about Corian...does anyone regret that? We chose the ruby color. It's beautiful, but scratches very easily. My husband tried sanding it once and it was a ton of work. The sink is a light beige and that seems to be fine. I can easily remove scratches and bleach it when it starts to look dirty. Any tips on keeping dark color Corian looking good, would be appreciated!

[jjcokc]

Mine was a gift that I am still trying to figure out where my brother-in-law got it so I can take it back - a George Forman Insulated 2 quart food server. I have looked everywhere for this item and no one seems to carry it.

Julie

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by emily
I also hardley ever use my PC food chopper.

Well, dear, part of the reason for that could be because it's been at MY house since january! :o ;) :cool: However, I am getting a lot of use out of it! If you want to sell it to me I'll buy it off you, or maybe I have something you'd want to trade it for? :D

Probably the only thing I really regret is my salad spinner. DH HATES it, and refuses to wash it if I have used it. Since he's the resident dishwasher, this means it rarely gets used! Perhaps it's the brand I have... I think it's an OXO Good Grips.

Aside from that, I have managed to do a decent job of eshewing gadgetry! My favorite gadget, the one I don't regret for a SECOND, is the plastic tube thingy I have that removes the skin from garlic. I LOVE that thing! :D

[LaraW]

Originally posted by RebeccaT

Probably the only thing I really regret is my salad spinner. DH HATES it, and refuses to wash it if I have used it. Since he's the resident dishwasher, this means it rarely gets used! Perhaps it's the brand I have... I think it's an OXO Good Grips.

Aside from that, I have managed to do a decent job of eshewing gadgetry! My favorite gadget, the one I don't regret for a SECOND, is the plastic tube thingy I have that removes the skin from garlic. I LOVE that thing! :D

Rebecca, I find this really funny because I have the exact same salad spinner and I love it, and I have the same garlic peeler thingy that while I don't hate it I don't really like it all that much either. I only use it if I have a lot of garlic to peel, because it is such a pain to clean it!

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by LaraW


Rebecca, I find this really funny because I have the exact same salad spinner and I love it, and I have the same garlic peeler thingy that while I don't hate it I don't really like it all that much either. I only use it if I have a lot of garlic to peel, because it is such a pain to clean it!

Too funny! DH hates how the lettuce bits get caught up in the strainer, and he has to pick them out individually. :rolleyes:

To clean the garlic peeler, I just throw it in the dishwasher! I only use it if I have to peel more than a single clove, but I lvoe that I don't have to get my hands all stinky! Between that and the PC chopper, I hardly even have to touch the garlic! :o :D

[MKSquared]

For everyone who hates their mandoline, could I suggest a mesh metal glove? I'm assuming you can pick them up at restaurant supply stores - it looks like chain mail for your hand. When I use my mandoline, I slip the glove on, and I have no more cut fingers! :) (I did learn that the glove can also be used to pick up vicious little hamsters that like to bite.:D)

Just learning that they're pricey little things ... but if you ever see one for a reasonable price, I recommend them. :)
http://www.chefknifes.com/images/91655_00.JPG

[LaraW]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
To clean the garlic peeler, I just throw it in the dishwasher! I only use it if I have to peel more than a single clove, but I lvoe that I don't have to get my hands all stinky! Between that and the PC chopper, I hardly even have to touch the garlic! :o :D

Yea, I throw it in the dishwasher too, but do you pick out all the little skins that get stuck in there? That's the big PITA part for me.

I use it if I am making something that requires a lot of garlic, but mostly I use the side of my chef's knife or else I make DH do it. ;)

[gertdog]

I'll base my list on what we tossed/gave away when we moved into our new apartment with a MUCH smaller kitchen.

Cherry pitter. Always made the kitchen look as if there had been a gruesome accident. I do a much neater (and faster!) job with a bobby pin.

Herb mill. I regret to say that I gave it to the Salvation Army when perhaps I should have just thrown it in the garbage. It was a gift and I never once used it, so I never clued into the dangers of it!

Zyliss chopper. Anything I could do in the chopper, I could also do in my Cuisinart mini-prep, and the Cuisinart is faster and easier to clean.

Garlic peeler tube. Hated it- faster to just smash the garlic with the side of a knife. But I can see how it would be useful if you don't want to get your fingers all smelly. :)

[naomike]

Using a bobby pin instead of a cherry pitter? Maybe you could save me a few bucks! How do you do that exactly? (Sorry, I'm guessing that sounds like a pretty dense question!!)

Naomi

[RebeccaT]

Lara, I just rinse it under the faucet to get the peels out, then throw it in the dishwasher. Stephanie, I use the side of my knife too if I only need a clove or two and if I am going to be mincing anyway, but if I want sliced garlic, it can't be beat!

Oh, and Stephanie, how do you pit a cherry with a bobby pin? Do tell!!! :D

[gertdog]

I just slide the looped end of the bobby pin into the cherry alongside the pit, then angle the end of the bobby pin as if you were going to hook the tip of the pit, and give a quick pop downward to pull the pit out. A woman at a farmer's market stand where I used to buy cherries showed me one day. It took me a pint or so of cherries before I got the hang of it, but now it's a breeze! :)

[Gracie]

Originally posted by gertdog

Garlic peeler tube. Hated it- faster to just smash the garlic with the side of a knife. But I can see how it would be useful if you don't want to get your fingers all smelly. :)

You all know the trick to getting rid of the garlic smell on your hands??? Rub your fingers/hands all over something that's aluminum. Nothing that's coated with nonstick or anything, but straight, light old-fashioned aluminum.

Voila! No garlic smell!

Loren

[badunnin]

Originally posted by gertdog
I just slide the looped end of the bobby pin into the cherry alongside the pit, then angle the end of the bobby pin as if you were going to hook the tip of the pit, and give a quick pop downward to pull the pit out. A woman at a farmer's market stand where I used to buy cherries showed me one day. It took me a pint or so of cherries before I got the hang of it, but now it's a breeze! :)

You can do the same thing with a paper clip and it works well. I did 20 lbs of cherries last summer in under 45 minutes.

[newtricks]

After spending 3 hours in the ER Saturday after slicing off the tip of my finger, I would have to say it's now the cheap plastic slicer I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond for $20. Yes, I was using the handle, but was slicing a red onion, but it slipped and there went my finger tip. I threw it in the trash after we got home (the slicer, I mean). At the ER they said that they see a lot of "dinner-related emergencies"!!

Ewww, Elizabeth! I have a deathly fear of meat slicers because I've seen two people do this in restaurant kitchens. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

Leigh and Lisa, about the Cuisinart coffee maker, what you need to understand is that I'm.... lazy:rolleyes: . We make at least a pot of coffee a day and it was just too much hassle. Really really lazy.

[granolagirl]

Rice cooker. Received it as a gift and used it twice and it burns the rice. :rolleyes:

Right about now I'm tempted to say the Cuisinart food processor. We've used it, oh maybe 4 times, and the dang thing broke. Was looking forward to giving it another chance (to shred carrots for carrot cake), but alas. Maybe I'll change my mind once it's been repaired.

Reverware pasta-type saucepan. It has the built in colander thingie in the lid and lemme tell you, I hate it! (Another gift). I thought it would be great, but nope.

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by LaraW
Rebecca, I find this really funny because I have the exact same salad spinner and I love it

Ditto! I also love the OXO salad spinner. I don't use it very often, but it's very handy when I need it.

And, I also regret my PC mandoline. I never use it and it was kind of expensive. Thank goodness I got it for half off because I had a party.

[emily]

Originally posted by RebeccaT


Well, dear, part of the reason for that could be because it's been at MY house since january! :o ;) :cool: However, I am getting a lot of use out of it! If you want to sell it to me I'll buy it off you, or maybe I have something you'd want to trade it for? :D

Probably the only thing I really regret is my salad spinner. DH HATES it... I think it's an OXO Good Grips.

Rebecca - In no way do I miss that thing, or the cabinet space (albeit small) it took up. I'll trade it to you for dinner or something along those lines :)

My salad spinner is also an Oxo and while I don't use it very much, when I do use it I remember how much I love it. It's so nice to bite into a still crunchy, yet not gritty piece of spinach.

Another thing I could have lived without is my electric oven thermometer. One with a cord that hangs out and attaches to something that beeps and has a magnet for hanging on your oven. Well, nothing on my oven is metal for the electronic thing to hang on to :confused: and while it does make for a mean roast leg of lamb, I'm still wary of using it with poultry as I've sliced into a chicken that was supposed to be at 180 to still find it questionably raw :( (Perhaps this is just my phobia of chicken, but I don't trust the thermometer now).

Emily

[pammy]

Okay, that's it. I'm going home and tossing my cheap, plastic mandoline. I have used it, and it made me nervous as he** each time. I have it stored in a tippy-top cupboard, because I'm scared to death that a child of a family member or friend will accidentally happen upon it and slice their hand off. After reading Elizabeth's post, I'm taking no more chances. In the trash, with masking tape wrapped around the blade.

[Meganator]

I'm getting a kick out of reading this thread - I guess it would be a boring world (and BB) if we all liked exactly the same things!

We have salad with almost every supper, but it would be MUCH less often without the salad spinner! Love the shrimp de-veiner - it makes it so easy to peel the shrimp. Love the toaster oven (basic Black & Decker) - we it all the time.

Love/hate relationship with my bread maker. The same dense/fallen loaves that others have. I tried reducing the water, but only by a Tbsp. - maybe I need to reduce it more. I also wonder if my model kneads well enough, though. It is a West Bend. Gift from DH, or else I would gladly try a different model.

Love the KA stand mixer (another gift from that fabulous DH!)

[stefania4]

And I have a $9.99 mandoline from Target, and I love it! Zip, zip, zip - an entire carrot is sliced. Zoom - sliced onion. We bought a cheap one to see if we'd use it enough to buy a better model, and I believe we've made that decision!

[emily]

Originally posted by stefania4
And I have a $9.99 mandoline from Target, and I love it! Zip, zip, zip - an entire carrot is sliced. Zoom - sliced onion. We bought a cheap one to see if we'd use it enough to buy a better model, and I believe we've made that decision!

If you want a PC one, I'm coming to Atlanta (Alpharetta) this weekend to visit my parents... no, really :)

Oh, and regarding the bobby pin to pit cherries, yeah, so I tried that and maybe I just gave up too soon (I think after 5 attempts) but I could not get it to work at all. I think I need a one-on-one tutorial :rolleyes:

Emily

[LaraW]

Rebecca, I had a little chuckle tonight as I washed my salad spinner...:p

[purplefishy]

One more vote against the George Foreman -- it was a gift, thank goodness, and we just don't use it. I use my calphalon non-stick grill pan or our gas grill way more.

I am surprised no one else has mentioned the Ronco rotisserie thing -- the "set it and forget it" device advertised adnauseum on TV. Or am I the only sucker that actually bought it? I got taken in, I will admit it. Its not that bad, but it just takes up so much room and I just love doing a chicken in a crockpot. Any takers, anyone?


For those of you who said they don't like their salad spinners, how to you dry washed lettuce? My mom used to layer the washed leaves with paper towels in an old pillow case and have one of us kids go out side and spin the pillow case around. It worked well, but not so fun in the winter and I don't have any little ones around to pawn the task off on :rolleyes: !

Oh, and I like my PC mandolin -- great for slicing onions when you need thin slices. I just can't get them thin enough with my knife.
Love my PC chopper -- great for nuts and chocolate and i just put it in the dishwasher to clean.

[s'kat]

To whomever had those extra, annoying Silpats lying around: I'LL TAKE 'EM OFF OF YOUR HANDS!! :)

I love my silpat, but only have one. They make baking a snap. Now if they only came in varying shapes...

Useless gadgets: the rice cooker. My husband and I received this as a wedding present. We have used it exactly once, during the first and last time we tried to make sushi. It's now stuffed in the bottom back corner of a closet. I'd love to get rid of it, but... it was a present, after all. <shrug>

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by purplefishy

For those of you who said they don't like their salad spinners, how to you dry washed lettuce?

Bagged lettuce my dear... bagged lettuce....

Originally posted by LaraW Rebecca, I had a little chuckle tonight as I washed my salad spinner...

Lara, were you laughing AT me, or WITH me??? :o :p

[LaraW]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
Lara, were you laughing AT me, or WITH me??? :o :p

:p

Maybe I was laughing a little at your DH :o ;)

[Pat]

Two Cuisinart products: the ice cream maker and the toaster.

[stefania4]

I guess I'm the Queen of the Unloved Appliances, but I love my rice cooker! If I had ever had the slightest success in making rice the traditional way with just a saucepan and lid I might feel differently. But my Black & Decker rice cooker - even though the timer doesn't work - is a godsend.

Now I've never had, or intended to get, a George Foreman grill, so I can't speak up for that one...

[Peggy C.]

Originally posted by KelLeg

Has anyone bought that wire spatula thing that they advertise on tv for $14.95 and it picks up anything? I'm wondering if that is actually handy.

MK is correct, I got one of these at the Columbus get together. It is not the exact same one as shown on TV, but I believe one of better quality, sorry I don't know the manufacturer off hand. Anyway I love it.:D

As for what appliances I regret purchasing...hmmm a mandoline, a spaetzle maker, pc chopper (I only use it for nuts will try it for chocolate next time I need to do that).

Things I was given a really cheap toaster oven, generally speaking I like toaster ovens and had one years ago and wish I remembered the brand name. A houdini wine opener. I just got this for christmas and it is really slick, but I like the waiters key method better, just a little more romantic.

Fun thread...oh and I've already donated said mandoline and spaetzle maker to goodwill.

[Gail]

Originally posted by naomike
Hmmm, now I'm curious. Do other people hate their shrimp deveiners? I was thinking of gettin one . . . Also, it continues to be interesting that one (wo)man's trash is another's treasure, etc, etc. For example, we use our salad spinner quite a bit. :) We have a small one so it's not too hard to store.

Naomi

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that thing! (shrimp deveiner.)

[Gail]

Perhaps the answer here is to have a Gadget Exchange... :p

[Elizabeth B]

I realized that my earlier posts were kind of negative, so here are the kitchen gadgets I love:

George Forman Grill (outside grilling is preferable, but the George is great if the weather's bad or if I'm only cooking for one)
Egg slicer (works well for slicing strawberries)
Ice Cream Machine (I have weakness for ice cream, what can I say?)

[Gail]

Originally posted by Elizabeth B
I realized that my earlier posts were kind of negative...

Don't worry about it. The subject of the thread just sort of begs negativity. Everyone's entitled not to like some of their kitchen gadgets.

[emily]

Originally posted by s'kat
To whomever had those extra, annoying Silpats lying around: I'LL TAKE 'EM OFF OF YOUR HANDS!! :)

I love my silpat, but only have one. They make baking a snap. Now if they only came in varying shapes...


Ah, but they do...
http://www.surlatable.com/images/products/full/123422silpats_6163c.jpg

This photo is from www.surlatable.com but I've seen them at other places as well. I also only have one, but would love both a bigger and a slightly smaller one as mine doesn't fit into my jelly roll pan... hmmm, perhaps I just need a larger jelly roll ;)

Oh, and my rice cooker does endup with a layer stuck to the bottom, but I forgive it for that as all of the rice above that is perfect! Plus I paid $5 for it in a consignment shop!

Emily

[claire797]

I love my silpats too. Love, love, love them.

I do keep parchment paper around, but I more often than not reach for a silpat rather than a sheet of parchment.

As for rice cookers, I'll have to add that to my list of things I regret buying. Fortunately, I regretted it so much that I took the rice cooker back the same day I bought it and bought a heavy duty saucepan instead.

Elizabeth, don't worry about being negative here. This is a negative thread. I only mentioned that I love my silpats because so many people hate them.

Let's see. What else can I be negative about here?....Hmmmmm.....

[granolagirl]

So, anymore regrets? :p

[bobmark226]

(How did I miss this thread?)

A couple months ago I bought a knockoff of the Rabbit wine opener at Linens & Things. This was a mechancial version, priced around ten dollars. The friend who was with me made a joking remark about it lasting a month. Not more than a month later, while opening a bottle, it did a huge SPROING, and about four pieces fell out onto the floor.

I still haven't owned up to him about it.

BOB

[bobmark226]

Originally posted by gertdog
mini-prep, and the Cuisinart is faster and easier to clean.

Garlic peeler tube. Hated it- faster to just smash the garlic with the side of a knife. But I can see how it would be useful if you don't want to get your fingers all smelly. :)

I only picked this up recently after a couple mentions on foodtv: just rub your hands on something stainless steel and it disappears. I've used pan handles and measuring cups, whatever was handy, and it always works.

BOB

[LauraB]

Originally posted by luckylori
I DESPISE the electric can opener I bought a couple years ago. It looked fine. It's an under-the-counter Black & Decker, which I had had before, but this version is so frustrating! Sometimes I can easily get the cans to go on it, others there is no way. My husband has learned to come running if he sees me with a can in hand and offers to do it for me.

I laughed when I read your message!! My mother keeps buying new electric can openers hoping that one of them will finally work!! The last one she got so frustrated with she actually took it out back and threw it off the deck into the snow. I bought her a heavy duty Cuisinart one for her birthday...I haven't heard any complaints yet.....we'll see how it goes.

Laura

[cniles]

Originally posted by Elizabeth B
I realized that my earlier posts were kind of negative, so here are the kitchen gadgets I love:

\
egg slicer (works well for slicing strawberries)


Do you have a hard time keeping this clean? I use it to slice mushrooms and I can't get all the pieces out of the grooves (kind of like the herb slicer)

And speaking of grooves.......:rolleyes:

Number one reason for HATING Circulon!!! I threw away 4 pans this summer - I used one only for bacon - UGH. It was a grease trap! Can't stand them. I've been slowly replacing them with Analon and Calaphon pieces (whatever is on sale:D )

[Curleytop]

I have a blender that just sits there. Hardly ever been used in the 30 years I have had it. I do have a mini which I use sometimes.
Yes, I am not crazy about circulon, BUT I love the woks, have 3 sizes. Use the tiny one for sauteeing green onion, slivered almonds, red peppers to add to the pressure cooked green beans. The larger sizes are for stirfry or fajitas etc.
Had a toaster oven once, donated it! Terrible waste of time and money. Faberware electric skillet, used it years ago when the boys were still home and the dinners were larger. My saute pan is great for just the 2 of us, and I can use it on the gas burners.
Someone mentioned egg slicers. We don't eat hard boiled eggs anymore, BUT I use it for slicing mushrooms, perfect.

[brownie12]

my vacuum sealer (Food saver, I think). Did I think that Ziploc was going to quit making bags? All I know is that I never haul this thing out to use, but I spent so much on it that I haven't been able to donate it just yet.

[NewMrsG]

We bought one of those pasta pots with the colander that's part of the pot - used it once and didn't like it. Mostly because we discovered that it's only useful if you're going to dump the pasta in something else right away. If you need to drain it and put it back into the pot, it doesn't work. We should have figured that out before we bought the thing, but somehow didn't ...

I also have a pasta machine - one of the electric ones - that I got YEARS ago. It works fine and all but takes FOREVER to clean. Just not worth it... My DH swore we weren't moving it again as he's already moved it twice in the 4 years we've been together and has never seen me use it :o

[ellamay]

I have a few things I feel guilty about not using enough, but not a lot of things I regret buying.

I have a Pastamatic pasta maker that I don't use often enough, but when we have used it we've really liked the pasta.

We use our rice cooker and our toaster oven (it's a DeLonghi and it works great). I don't use my KA mixer terribly often, but I'm not sorry I have it because when I need it, I NEED it. Still use my breadmaker (a Zojirushi). Not often, but I am glad I have it when I do use it. I should use my Cuisinart ice-cream maker more often, because I love homemade ice cream. Maybe this summer. I also have one of those rice cooker/vegetable steamers I received as a gift and I've used it a couple of times. It's okay for using when I've made a crock-pot dinner and want some steamed vegetables to go with it, and I don't want to stand at the stove. Not terribly useful otherwise.

I have a tiny George Foreman grill that I bought brand-new for $5 at a yard sale and I have yet to use that - if I don't like it on the first try I'm pitching it. I also have a Salton yogurt maker that I got off Amazon for $5.99 one time - have yet to use that. I have a feeling it's destined for the Goodwill box come Christmas. I have a Silpat I haven't ever used, just because I don't bake very often anymore - too much temptation.

As for espresso machines - we're now on our fourth. DH uses it every day to make himself a latte and we both drink lattes or cappuccinos on the weekends. Much cheaper than Starbucks and I prefer the way he makes the coffee anyway. I have a regular coffeemaker we only bring out when company comes.

[Vicanddi]

We have a George Foreman grill that we got as a gift. I used it for a while, and actually like the way it cooks hamburger patties, but I just HATE cleaning it! :mad: :eek: They advertise that it's sooo easy to clean...but mine sure isn't! I just use our gas bbq now; it's much easier, and I like the results better for other cuts of meat.

I have a couple other items I don't use that often, such as our ice cream maker, but I do use them a couple times a year, so I can't say I have regrets. Just that darn GF grill :D

Ohh...one other thing. We have a fondue set that is still in the box, that we've had for over a year. I plan to use it one day, though....

[CORALEE]

ok I'll play too.

hate hate hate my toaster oven. It takes forever to make toast and takes up too much room. Dislike my breadmaker when it doesn't make good bread and I could have done it all myself and it would have been great. (also takes up too much room)

Could not live without my rice maker. I use it all the time. that and my crock pot. I love them both!!! very much.

I have but have no real feelings about my salad spinner.

But I must admit... I am a infomercial a-holic. IN Fact. If dh sees me sneaking them on tv he walks over and snaps it off. I am telling you, If you make an informercial about it.... I NEED TO HAVE IT!!!!

I have (some as gifts as my whole family and in laws know of my love of gadgets) the miracle thaw (no real miracle), the Rotato (a great little tool until I lost the blade... all my friends laughed at me but when they came over they all wanted to try peeling potatoes!!)

I try to stay away from the things now... but I have been eying up Ronco Rotisserie

[Middydd]

I've got one of those herb mills, too. It's in the yard sale box along with the vertical chicken roaster.

[bobmark226]

Originally posted by brownie12
my vacuum sealer (Food saver, I think). Did I think that Ziploc was going to quit making bags? All I know is that I never haul this thing out to use, but I spent so much on it that I haven't been able to donate it just yet.

Tell me which model it is and now much you want for it, and I'll happily take it off your hands as a gift. I couldn't live without it now that I use it.

As to those who can't clean Circulon, don't you have a Dobie? I have three pieces, no cleaning problems whatsoever, and I've used them for eons.

BOB

[Jazzmatazz49]

Mine have been covered, but it would be the GF Grill, circulon skillet, and espresso maker. The Circulon doesn't heat well on my glasstop cooktop, or it would be fine. The grill is a waste of space, and looks like a big old toilet. I just forget about the espresso machine, and it's not big enough to do more than 2 cups at the time anyway.

[Cooky]

I am gonna go with the salad shooter... lolololololol :p

I still laugh at that thing and it remains on a shelf in my basement as a constant reminder to wait before diving into a purchase. On television it cut all the veggies. At home, it cut zip, zero, zilch.

[Cooky]

Oh, and another item that gives me a laugh is the sandwich maker. You know the one where you take two slices of bread and add pizza sauce and pepperoni's or apple pie filling, close and cook and ... viola! you get hot pocket look alikes. LOOLLOLOL

It works as intended and the hot pocket look alikes are good. But we used it the day we got it in 1985 and haven't since. LOLOLOLOL

Don't let me keep thinking about this. :p

[granolagirl]

The Salad Shooter!! I think I am the only one that thinks this thing is cool (and useful)! I don't own one, so perhaps I'd change my mind then, but my parents have one and use it all the time for taco fixings and stuff like that. :)
http://store6.yimg.com/I/everythinghome_1784_5145076

I need help...I remember parts of the Sald Shooter jingle. :p

[cniles]

"Sal-led shoooter" hmmmm hmmmmm hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :D

[cangoss]

All this talk of Salad Shooters has me thinking of a little boy who I used to babysit when I was in high school. When he was about 3, the only thing he wanted for Christmas was a Salad Shooter. He talked about it incessantly. His mother never gave in, but did find a friend who had one and let him use it once. He's probably about to start college now and I wonder if he'll get one when he sets up his own place:D

I absolutely love my toaster oven - it's a basic Black & Decker that bakes and broils. I use it more often than my oven. It toasts well, and bakes quickly - it's so much faster than heating up the whole oven for something small. It sounds like the people who hate their toaster oven have the big fancy ones (like the Cuisinart) that I've been coveting (I want to be able to roast a chicken in it). I've also been pining for a Ronco Showtime for a long time but I've resisted so far.

Reading this thread made me think that when I finally get married (hopefully next year) I'm going to have to get the BB community to look at my wedding registry and point out all of the "mistake" items!

[yomomma]

I love ALL my gadgets/appliances. So much so, that everything has to be babied because they've been used so much, they're either broke or just plain worn out. I love my George, but the top grate falls off everytime I lift the lid. All his markings for time/cook are worn off so I have to guess where to set it. I love my espresso machine but the handle on the coffee carafe & the handle to the thingy that holds the grounds is broken. - why can't I ever find things like espresso makers @ garage sales? I have to use a pencil eraser to ativate my food processor b/c the plastic connector broke (she's darn near 25 yrs old but sturdier than what is on the market nowadays).

I am usually disappointed in the things I buy from pampered chef (except the garlic press). I did buy one of those bloomin onion things that has never been taken out of the box, but it was only $4 so I guess I can't complain.

[sararosalie]

Originally posted by cangoss

Reading this thread made me think that when I finally get married (hopefully next year) I'm going to have to get the BB community to look at my wedding registry and point out all of the "mistake" items!

I was just thinking the same thing! We just registered last week and I may have to go make some changes after reading this thread
:D

For the record, I hate my garlic press Now that I think about it, I've tried about 10 different garlic presses and have hated them all. Maybe I need to just buy the jar garlic. :)

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by granolagirl
The Salad Shooter!! I think I am the only one that thinks this thing is cool (and useful)!
Another fan of the Salad Shooter. :D I bet I've had mine close to 15 years and I still use it. I'll admit, I mainly use it for shredding cheese, but it does get used.

And for those that are holding onto these misfit gadgets that they never use and never will use...set them free!! :D I finally donated my Foreman Grill a couple of months ago and I was glad to finally see it go.

[sararosalie]

Originally posted by yomomma

I am usually disappointed in the things I buy from pampered chef (except the garlic press).

Really? Maybe I can try a PC garlic press before I give up garlic presses! :o

[colleency]

My rice cooker spits sticky rice water all over the counter.

I am embarrassed to admit that I am in possession of a plastic doohickie that makes sushi rolls in the shape of a heart. I've never used it.

I love: my Black & Decker toaster oven, my breadmaker (although my success rate seems to be about 75%), my ice cream maker, and my mandolin (but only for making really thin apple slices...which I haven't used since I got an apple peeler, corer, slicer...hmmm).

I don't love my KA as much as others do. I really preferred the sunbeam that I used to have. Unfortunately, it didn't have the power I needed for double cookie batches. I miss it.

I've never purchased a GF Grill or a food sealer because they cost so much, and I'm afraid I'll regret the purchase.

I'm sure I've regretted other purchases, but I'm pretty quick to get rid of things that take up space.

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by sararosalie


Really? Maybe I can try a PC garlic press before I give up garlic presses! :o
For what it's worth, I love my PC garlic press. :)

[Gail]

Originally posted by cangoss
...Reading this thread made me think that when I finally get married (hopefully next year) I'm going to have to get the BB community to look at my wedding registry and point out all of the "mistake" items!

Of course, you know you can't do that since no one agrees on must-have items...

I don't have a rice cooker. I don't have a pressure cooker. I don't own a bread machine. I don't have a "real" crockpot (only a teeny-tiny one.) I don't have a convection oven. I don't own silpats. I don't own a George Foreman whatever. I don't own a single Pampered Chef item. I don't own an espresso machine or a Food Saver.

And while they're all probably Wonderful Things, I'm perfectly happy!

Originally posted by sararosalie
...For the record, I hate my garlic press Now that I think about it, I've tried about 10 different garlic presses and have hated them all. Maybe I need to just buy the jar garlic.

Lots of people don't like or use garlic presses. Rather than resorting to the jarred stuff, whack the garlic hard with the heel of your hand on the flat of your chef's knife and squish the dickens out of the clove. If you want, you can mince it from there.

[sdcook]

I regret buying my 4-slice toaster. It's huge and takes up a ton of cabinet space. I'm not sure why I even bought a 4-slice one since I'm the only one in my house that eats toast.

I have a melon-baller thing that I'm not sure how I got. I think my mom snuck it into my drawer because she never used it. My boys love melon, but I can't make a ball with that thing to save my life. My 2-yr-old uses it to eat jello.

[JaneStarr]

I finally donated it to the church women's thrift shop.

But I do LOVE all 3 of my Silpats (2 for cookies and 1 for savory things like onion-roasted potatoes)

My V-Slicer is my favorite gadget, though. I need to get a new one soon since the blades are starting to get dull (after like 7 years)...not bad for $30

Jane

[scrappycat]

The stupidest thing I ever bought was a Villa Tortilla Maker. I bought it because there was no place in town to get flavored tortillas for wraps. I wanted to try spinach and tomato and whole wheat, so I thought I'd make them myself. This thing is a nightmare. You make the dough and heat up the machine. Then you place a ball of dough in the machine and then you flatten it. But you don't flatten it too much or it sort of explodes. And all the while your trying to flatten it, the dough is screaming!! I don't know what it is, but the combination of hot dough and escaping gas or whatever, but the stuff screams and makes indecent noises! Then, of course, 6 months after I bought it, our store starts to carry every kind of wrap imaginable!

Pam

[Cayennecuervo]

I have had or still have everything except the salad shooter, GF Grill and the grooved cookware and silpats. I want to get rid of my bread maker - don't like the bread that it makes. Pass things I have gotten rid of are the pasta maker, espresso maker, all garlic presses and metal cheese graters. Some things are just easier and faster to buy pre-made & prepped. I do love my microplane grater for hard cheeses. I am on my third food saver - my DH salmon fishes and that is how I freeze the salmon - it never taste frozen or fishy and the canisters are awesome for leftovers, fresh fruit, & marinading.

[sneezles]

I have enjoyed reading this thread and wish to offer my condolences to those who feel they've made bad purchases. Not Me! Every gadget I've ever bought was fun, some are still fun, others will be fun for years to come! Do I have any regrets not really but I do have an issue with Dualit! Bought the 4 slicer, arrived and it didn't work, sent it back, service dept returned it in worse condition (sucker even had dents), returned the abused unit and rec'd brand new unit...doesn't work, either! Had DH ever found out what I paid for the toaster that now sits in my bedrom closet then I might have some regrets!

I love my salad shooter much more convenient than dragging the FP at times!

[tamawrite]

Great thread.

I remember this potato-chip maker thing we got my mom for her birthday once. It was like a salad shooter but just for potatoes -- had attachments to make chips and fries. We used it once. (The chips were decent, but they just weren't Lays...)

My very favorite kitchen utensil is my ulu (Alaskan crescent-shaped knife.) I use it as an herb-chopper, veggie slicer, and prefer it to a garlic press. I will never never never give it up! (DH, on the other hand, wishes to murder it because he's always afraid I'll chop a finger off. I've never so much as scratched myself with it -- something I cannot claim about regular knives.)

[nixmom]

My Farberware indoor electric grill. It was a gift years ago and I don't know why I still have it. It takes forever to heat up and even longer to cook the food. I've been schlepping it around the world every time I move and I think it's time to stop the madness!

I hated the PC mandoline! I could never get the food holder to work and was convinced I was going to chop my knuckles off. DBF took it with him when he moved out :D :eek:

I had two salad shooters once upon a time, neither of which I liked. One I gave away years ago and the other one went to way of the PC mandoline...with DBF ;) Sensing a trend folks? :D Too bad he already has an electric grill of his own!

I don't use my garlic press much, but I do like it when I use it. I also don't use my electric skillet or my food processor much. When I do use them they work well.

On the other hand, I LOVE my bread machine and my KA. I've been considering silpats, but I just don't bake enough cookies to justify the cost. Can you use them with brownies too?

[mbrogier]

I hate my salad spinner because it is string driven and doesn't work right...its a few years old. I'm going to get one that has a pump on the top.

I had some nasty cheap knives that gave me more than one trip to the ER...traded them in for some Chicago Cutlery knives that look like Wustof classics. I also gave away one of those serrated long knives that was sold on TV. My mom had it, I used it to cut open a large squash, cut my finger to the bone, got stitches, somehow I wound up with it...DH would never let me touch it...I gave it away. I also have a Wustof classic Santuko that I gave to DH for his birthday. (He had been drooling over it at the Chef store)

Most of my hated kitchen gadgets were gifts. My MIL gives me gadgets. I have gotten rid of egg separators. I either use the shell or my hands (a la Nigella). MIL actually gave me measuring spoons that measure a pinch, a smidgeon, and a dash...I just don't have room. I've also gotten rid of spatulas that didn't work right, nasty manual can openers, etc. I'm left handed, so I've come across can openers that don't work right for me...and I'm not going to pay $30 for a left handed manual can opener.

I had a vegetable steamer that my dad had bought and used. I never used it...I just steam veggies in the microwave. It was a pain to clean. It was nice for him when he was eating veggies and steamed chicken and the rest of the family wasn't...and I wasn't cleaning it.

I LOVE my silpat, all clad, Kitchenaid mixer, good knives, Williams-Sonoma measuring cups and spoons. I cleaned out all the junk that I never used. AHHHHH. :p


NOTE: For the person that had the French press and then read that french press coffee is bad for you... A french press makes really good tea. Green teas especially are incredibly good for you, and a french press allows you to use loose leaf tea without a whole lot of mess. I bought a small one and it makes great tea.

[ErinM]

Originally posted by badunnin
As far as things I maybe shouldn't have bought (at least at this point in my life), and I really hate to say this, but my KA stand mixer. I love it in theory, but in truth, I don't bake enough. I have the huge 6 qt professional. I use the attachments (like the meat grinder and the sausage stuffer) more than I use the actual mixer because I find my hand mixer to be more convenient.


So, Bethany, wanna trade? I have a small one...I think it's a 3 quart 250 watts? Something like that. I've been wanting to upgrade...;)

[golden1225]

Originally posted by HRJ


Not necessarily. I love the George!

H.

I love my George, too! I make grilled marinated salmon on it frequently. The fish is heavenly that way. If anyone has a stainless steel version, name your price!
:)

[Luika]

The one item I regret buying is a Calphalon Commercial 2-burner pancake griddle. I purchased it at Amazon for $30! What a deal... supposedly the regular price was around $150). The problem... I have a smoothtop range, and the "smoothtop area" is about 1/2 smaller than the length of the griddle; thus, it does not lay flat. Laying the griddle width-wise across the smoothtop doesn't work either because than only about 1-1/2 burners are under the griddle! So I packed it up and am storing it until someday when I get a new range.

One item I really like which others seem to dislike is the "little dipper" crockpot. I even have two! I've used it to make main dish meals for just the two of us: Crockpot Lasagne (1/2 recipe) comes to mind. Also great for serving meatballs, etc. (and as a back-up fondue pot) at parties.

[bijoux22]

Very funny thread! My Grandmother bought me a pasta maker 10+ years ago and it is still in the box, never opened. As for my mistake purchases they are almost too numerous to list, pc sandwich squisher, pc chopper, (but I do love my pc mandoline), rice steamer etc. This appliance wasn't mine but my BIL once had the "Hot Diggity Dogger" it was a toaster that had 2 openings for hot dogs and 2 for the buns, my eyes almost fell out of my head when I saw him open this one Christmas it was so hard to keep from belly laughing at his gift!

[Sami]

i guess the plastic mandoline I had to have has sat in the drawer since purchase 3 years ago. If I ever find the mesh glove that MKSquared mentioned, I might try it.

Gave away my Cuisinart mini chopper because it mever seemed to work right. Bought a cheapie Black and Decker mini that is fine.

The pasta machine I bought in Italy has had 1 use and probably should go to good will.

Caphalon grill pan....too hard to clean and Circulon makes a better one.

Sami

[kjl]

I think that's what they were called, from Pampered Chef. Somehow I ended up with several of these, given to me as gifts. I just can't imagine making the effort to grease it and bake bread in it. I like bread baked the normal way just fine! :)

[CompassRose]

I just prowled through this whole thread looking for what people said about Silpats. Yeah. I'm disappointed in the great Silpat. I bought some for the holiday frenzy. They did weird things to reduced-fat cookies -- they didn't spread, and got a strange glazed finish on the bottom. I thought "ah! it's because they're low-fat."

Then last week I made the Dairy Hollow oatmeal cookies, no-holds-barred, fulla butter and shortening (and Toblerone and dried cherries) and they didn't spread either, just sat there and I had to squish the first batch with a fork after several minutes in the oven, squirting Toblerone all over the place. Weird. And they feel weird. Slimy, like.

Circulon. Ugh. We have all Circulon, because we asked for it. There's only one pan I like, a nice 9" oven-safe metal-handled skillet, which for some reason actually IS non-stick. :rolleyes: The rest of it, impossible to clean, and the nonstick kind of goes funny between the lines. Blah.

Our rice cookers have all spat water onto the counter. I think it's a hazard of the beast. I just plop a dishcloth on top of the lid. I only had one that burned the rice, though, and I think it was defective. (It was the fanciest one of the bunch, all kinds of extra timers and steamer baskets and things. I returned it and got a middling cheap one like the one the expensive one was replacing, and it's been just fine'n'dandy.)

We are giving away a deep fryer (deep fryer? me?) but it was a hand-me-down, so I don't think it counts. (Yeah, I might make deep-fried authentic East Indian or Middle Eastern snax again one day. I mean, it's been five years since the last time...) The only real biggie that I have actually purchased is I think the ice-cream maker. I have not found any low-fat lowish-calorie ice-cream recipe that is even half as edible as even a cheapie purchased one. Decent-tasting low-fat recipes still manage to pack the punch of premium regular ice-cream -- and they still ain't no Haagen-Dazs. If I'm gonna put a half-cup of ice cream with 300 calories in it down my gullet, it darn well is gonna be Haagen-Dazs.

Huge disappointment, that was. I had visions of all kinds of exciting flavours (since here in Primitive Land, the "diet" ice creams only come in chocolate and vanilla and maybe if you're lucky some kind of fruit) and then found it was not to be!

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by MKSquared
For everyone who hates their mandoline, could I suggest a mesh metal glove?

I did learn that the glove can also be used to pick up vicious little hamsters that like to bite.:D

Originally posted by LauraB
My mother keeps buying new electric can openers hoping that one of them will finally work!! The last one she got so frustrated with she actually took it out back and threw it off the deck into the snow.


LMAO...As someone with a very visual brain these statements both cracked me up!! :D Did your mother find her can opener come spring Laura?

I'm pretty happy with everything in my collection with the major exception of my Kitchenaid hand mixer. Started off that one of the beater blades would not stay put, kept falling out when I tried to use it. Now BOTH of them do this so that I cannot lift it up while I'm using it because both of the beaters immediately fall out. Piece O'Crap.

I adore my garlic press (PC). First time I used it I think I looked at it with reverence and thought "How did I ever live without this?"

Can I ask you Calphalon lovers a question? Don't you find it incredibly heavy??? When I was home on evac last summer I was guest cook in my own house and my tenants have it so that's what I was using. Even without food in it it's heavy. I don't know how they were cleaning theirs but it also got discolored (sort of whitish looking) as someone else mentioned. I just have a beat up set of Revereware but when I consider getting new pots and pans I'd hesitate to get Calphalon because of the weight issue.

[Valerie226]

I had a similar problem with a KA hand mixer & they replaced it free. It was beyond warranty. This was a few years ago but it may be worth a phone call. I think there was a group that were recalled cause of the beater-falling-out syndrome. Keep the beaters themselves though because ( if they still will replace it) thye may send you the mixer without another set of beaters.

[BarbaraL]

Gee, CompassRose, maybe I should get a Silpat! My cookies spread too much; Toll House chocolate chip and gingersnaps taste good, but look horrible! Maybe a silpat would keep them from spreading so much.

[Pat58]

A complete set of Circulon cookware shortly after it was launched. I learned a bitter lesson to always test drive new cookware with an 8" skillet! And for more than 3 months. I hate that cookware - what's still left, anyway.

[kjl]

How about an onion slicer ... it looks like a pick for your hair, except it has metal prongs. I've never figured out how to use it, and have become quite proficient at slicing and dicing onions with just my chef's knife.

Does anyone know how this thing works?

We also have a George Foreman grill gathering dust up high on a shelf. It was a white elephant gift two Christmases ago, and we used it once. It just didn't seem worth the cleanup involved.

[kjl]

Also, perhaps, my salad spinner. It works great, but takes up almost an entire shelf in my side-by-side fridge. So I find myself not using it too often.

[CompassRose]

Originally posted by kjl
How about an onion slicer ... it looks like a pick for your hair, except it has metal prongs.
According to the woman at the Pampered Chef party I went to, you stab the onion with it, to ensure it doesn't escape, while you slice. No smelly fingers! she said, no onion layers sliding!

(I didn't buy one... actually, I was kind of disimpressed with all the PC stuff. Seemed mostly expensive and useless. Except the little plastic citrus peeler. I got a couple of those. My mom used to get them free in boxes of oranges, and they are very useful, especially for those of us who don't cultivate fingernails.)

[Curleytop]

I am having more fun reading this thread! I have my Foodsaver for years and years, they don't even make this model anymore! One of the first ones made! I use it a few times a day! I only use Mason jars, and the containers they used to sell from Foodsaver (smoke color about 1qt). Guess that since they became more popular and fancier, the quality slipped.
I also donated my air popcorn machine.
I have a Sunbeam electric hand mixer, about $20 from Costco, it works great and has lots of attachments! (this is in addition to the 2 KAs) I use it mainly for making mashed potatoes, right in the serving bowl. Much easier than using the KA standmixer. I would not spend a lot on a handmixer if you have a standmixer, but they are great for little jobs and can be used on the stove.

[stefania4]

How did I forget about the potato ricer?

It had handles so long it barely fit in any cabinet. Potato gushed out the sides. Potato starch clumped in the tough-to-clean spots. I think I used it once and put us both out of our misery by throwing it out.

For Christmas FIL gave us one of those pasta pots with the sieve lid. It's still in its box, on the top shelf in the laundry room. When DH and I moved in together we had an abundance of cookware from our two kitchens and gave a lot of it away; we really, truly don't need any more.

[Luika]

I love my potato ricer! I have an OXO brand and it works perfect! It is also great for removing the water from frozen spinach!!

[SueK]

I just got an OXO ricer for making baby food, so I'm glad to hear you like it, Luika.

I'd have to say my bread machine is a bust. As someone else (Anna?) mentioned, it's hit or miss with mine and I end up making breads by hand anymore.

Several years ago DH (then DF) was on the juicer kick, and I bought him one, and he used it maybe twice. It was collecting dust in our basement for the last 9 years and when we moved last summer, I gave it to Goodwill. Of course you know what he said "No - keep it- I really will use it again!" Sorry! It went to Goodwill. ;)

[SueK]

I thought of another one. I had a really nice T-Fal indoor grill and loved it, but it died after 5 years or so. So last year, I bought a Hamilton Beach Health Grill and I can't stand it, so I just broil stuff now. I'd really love to find another grill like the T-Fal one, but I have read so many bad reviews (here and several other places) about the George Forman grilll, and there aren't too many out there on the market besides those, so I'm at a loss.

[pschambers]

Dislikes:

George Foreman Grill: not easy cleanup like advertised and I prefer to use broiler or grill pan when indoors.
Pocket Ravioli makers: used wehn I first bought them, thought I would use all the time :rolleyes:
PC cheese slicer: PITA! Hate it.
PC self sharpening knives: Hated them. Now have a good set of knives with a steel.
PC pizza cutter: doesn't work any better than a cheap discount store brand

Loves:
Rice steamer/vegetable steamer: rec'd free with purchase of a bread machine which bit the dust but this baby gets used frequently and still does a great job. Doesn't burn, doesn't spit.
Salad Spinner
Food Saver
KA stand mixer

Fun thread!

Patti

[QueeTheBean]

My only major regret is my RED KA mixer. About 12 seconds after I bought it, they started selling them in all those great colors. pistachio pink lavender and yellow I still love her, but always get a little whistful when I look at her.:(

Other regrets:

Bad kitchen knives (I still only have 2 decent ones--I need more)

Tupperware that is way too hard to open and close--I ended up giving it to Goodwill after having thrown it down the basement steps in utter frustration.

Cheap EKKO oookie sheets--I really prefer Calphalon

The microwave. DH wanted it. I do use it sometimes, but would rather not have it & regain my counterspace.

[Short Stuff]

I'll stick with my George Forman grill....never have understand why people rave about it, and my espresso machine (never used!).

[Kayaksoup]

Regrets: The five dollar ricer. It broke teh second time we used it. We now own a 50 dollar one.

Love: My red KA. my favorite color

[Short Stuff]

Now that I thinking about this, I do have a ricer....and I never use that either! Maybe it's time for some Spring Cleaning in the Kitchen! :)

[cangoss]

Originally posted by SueK
I thought of another one. I had a really nice T-Fal indoor grill and loved it, but it died after 5 years or so. So last year, I bought a Hamilton Beach Health Grill and I can't stand it, so I just broil stuff now. I'd really love to find another grill like the T-Fal one, but I have read so many bad reviews (here and several other places) about the George Forman grilll, and there aren't too many out there on the market besides those, so I'm at a loss.

I have a T-fal indoor grill that I love - I most recently used it to make the CL beef bulgogi. I've only had it a year or so, so you could probably find one if you look around. Mine came from HomeGoods.

[mbrogier]

Someone had asked about those tongs they are selling on TV that will hold eggs, etc. My SIL and I both got a pair in our stocking this Christmas from our MIL (our husbands are brothers). Other than the fact that everyone had to check them out and we ALL got pinched trying to open them, the tongs are pretty useful. You can pick up an egg, but sometimes you have to make more than one attempt to grab something small. I like the fact that they lock shut...but you really have to watch your fingers because the things pinch when you try to open them. I really like my metal spring loaded tongs the best.

[Beth]

I got a Calphalon grill pan while they were on sale at Amazon. I have only used it once, but it was nearly impossible to clean. We will try it again and see if it wasn't hot enough when we started, but if that doesn't improve things, it will get donated.

I thought the pizelle maker I got for Christmas might be something I wouldn't use, but I love it. I even decided to get the smaller one too -- better for the stroopwaffels. Now ask me in a couple of years if it is worth having both! :D

I don't regret the electric wok I have -- I have used and enjoyed it, and it added a burner a few times I needed it, but I am thinking I might like to have the cabinet space back.

We love our espresso maker so much we got rid of the regular coffee maker -- I make drip with a funnel if we have company. We even took DH's small one from the office with us on our trip to Disney World since our hotel didn't have coffeemakers in the room. :D

[Luika]

Beth,
Just a question about your Calphalon grill pan. Is it the non-stick version? I purchased the Calphalon Commercial non-stick grill pan from Amazon. Per my previous post, I haven't had the chance to use it yet; hopefully, I don't run into the same cleaning situation.

[Beth]

I thought that was the same one, but I went back ansd checked. Mine is the Commercial Hard Annodized. It came with a set of skewers and was $17.99 with no tax or shipping. The skewers are good, so even if the pan doean't work better with more preheating, it won't be a big loss.

[mbrogier]

The calphalon anodized seems to work better if you wipe the bottom with a tiny bit of oil before you heat it up...I use a paper towel. I have never had a calphalon grill pan...I didn't like my calphalon frying pan...it just seems like they suck up any moisture or oil in your food and things stick. I feel like they need seasoning.

[Beth]

I think we did that, but I'll make sure we give it a wipe next time. Thanks.

[MelissaAS]

Regrets:
Salad spinner (the bag salad fixed that problem), Ice cream maker (popular for one season, now idle), Fajita pans (gift-never used).

Loves:
Circulon is welcome at my house, KA mixer, Coffee maker with timer.

[jmarie]

originally posted by funnybone:
Hmm, I can't say that I have regrets, but I guess I had regrets with my Food Saver when it broke just after the 1 year warranty!



Same here. A little after the one year guarantee. There ought to be a law. $129.00 down the drain!:mad:
Joyce

[Jessica]

I love my Calphalon pans (plus I got them for free!), so I decided I needed a Calphalon grill pan. I used it a couple times but it was a b*&ch to clean.

Most of my kitchen stuff I either use all the time, or often enough to make it worth the space. Even the fondue pot comes out once or twice a year :) I regret only that I did not spend the extra $20 or so to get a Cuisinart ice cream maker instead of a Krups. The Krups is fine, but not as sturdy and I am sure it will break sooner or later.

[yomomma]

"- better for the stroopwaffels."

been curious about these since I read about them last week on this site:


http://forums.egullet.com/index.php?showtopic=38635

tell me more!

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by Beth
We love our espresso maker so much we got rid of the regular coffee maker

We even took DH's small one from the office with us on our trip to Disney World since our hotel didn't have coffeemakers in the room. :D

LOL, Beth - YUP-PIE! :D