Poll: Which kitchen "must have" do you use the least

[Wendy w]

On another thread, Emilycat & I are talking about homemade pasta and I am afraid to purchase a manual pasta roller-as it takes up too much room and I'm afraid of not using it enough. I could get that attachment for my Kitchenaid mixer but they are over $100 and I'm also afraid that I wouldn't use it enough either.

My question: what kitchen appliance, gadget, etc. did you absolutely have to have that you don't use as much as you thought you would?

I remember Gail mentioning on another thread awhile back that she had some pasta attachments for her food processor that are still in their virginal state.

I have one of those food storage sealers that is gathering dust up in the cabinets. I was going to make lots of food and fill my freezer - that was 10 years ago! What do you have lying around the house that you just HAD to HAVE?



[This message has been edited by Wendy w (edited 02-05-2001).]

[RUSTYSMOM]

I am afraid my list is quite long...

breadmaker, salad spinner, ice cream maker, cappacino machine, to name a few.....

I regularly use and could not live without my kitchen aid, food processor, griddle, immersion blender, mini chopper...

[jd]

I guess my least used is the 'asparagus cooking pot' thing. The 'gus cooks standing up, but you can't tell when it is done - quite useless but seemed to be the ideal thing at the time!

[cas]

Pasta maker and now the bread machine since I just got a Kitchen Aid recently. That was the best investment and it is a kitchen must have.

[JLS]

Waffle maker !

[kwormann]

Steamer. Unless Im making fresh veggies, I usually use the microwave (for frozen ones)

I dont use the Kitchenaid mixer, bread machine or cusinart every day, or even very often, but they still are valuable to me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Kim

[Jessica]

My father had an ice cream maker he never used, so I borrowed it in 1995. I have yet to make any ice cream.

[Vanessa]

As I was organizing my storage area I found a juicer we have never used.

[Lynn B]

How about that SNACK MASTER?!! (remember those?!!!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif <oh well>
On a more positive note, I absolutely LOVE my bread machine and my ice cream maker... wouldn't trade them! Never got around to getting a cappuccino machine or a pasta maker... by what I've been reading here, I guess I'm glad of that now! Oh...I do have a veggie/rice steamer that is gathering a little dust... and that waffler doesn't come out toooo often... <sigh> BUT by and large, I really do try to think twice about what I buy, and am USUALLY not sorry!!!

[LGBurns]

A friend of ours is a collector of all sorts of kitchen gadgets (which cracks me up because she hardly ever cooks!). Anyway, a while back she offered to loan us a bunch of her gadgets that she doesn't use that she thought we would. We got a juicer, espresso maker w/steamer, and blender. Well, I have yet to use the juicer and espresso maker. I occasionally use the blender, but it is not your normal blender and goes together in a strange (and somewhat messy to clean) way so I only use it when I know my food processor won't work for the job. Too funny, they were gathering dust in her kitchen and now they're gathering dust in mine.

[Laura]

I am almost afraid to say....But for me it is my PC cooking stone. I don't know if it's because it's in an awkward place in my kitchen, or I have never been that impressed with how things turn out. I mean I have baked stuff on it, and it was good, just not good enough to unload all the other things sitting on top of it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

[lindrusso]

My knife sharpener (one of those nice Chef's Choice), waffle maker, and potato ricer. My pasta machine doesn't get used that often, but the few times I do pull it out it's definitely worth it. And it really doesn't even take up that much room - the pieces come apart and fit into a pretty small box.

[Ed]

Hi Jessica,

Now is the time to make some "Home Made" Ice Cream, When there is plenty of snow outside.

Making Ice Cream is a fun project when the house is full of company, even if the ice cream maker is hand cranked, but electric is my preference.

People like to have a hand in making it and seeing how it's done, and they especially enjoy the finished product. This is an especially good project to commence on New Years celebrations, the one we just had, or any of them that are coming up.

Well, anyway, I'd suggest that you use that Ice Cream Maker, and then tell your Dad how much fun it is.

I mentioned about doing it now with the snow, because snow works better than using ice and it's easier on the machine, because Ice cubes tends to catch on the seam of the drum.

Ed

[BosunsWife]

The deep fryer that my parents bought us for christmas about six years ago - its only been used once!

Although I don't use my Cuisinart very often, I still couldn't do without it for those things like homemade scalloped potatoes.

[Natasha]

Lynn (or anyone else),
What's a Snack Master? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif

[Mamasue]

Oh yes I remember those snack sandwich machines...I have one and haven't touched it again since it was popular. Any bids! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I also haven't used my breadmaker much. I was all gun ho when I bought it trying out with different breads but the DH and DD would only eat maybe one slice and then the rest was wasted. The ice cream machine hasn't been used since the summer months, so that will probably be a seasonal thing in my house. Waffle machine...I am the only who likes waffles so that doesn't get used as much either.

The gadgets/appliances that I use the most is of course my Kitchen Aid, manual pasta maker (which has a motor so not really manual), NESCO, and of course the Food Saver. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Natasha....just saw your post when I finished mine. Snack Master is sort of like a waffle machine but has deep pocket instead of groves. You place a slice of bread down and then fillings of your choice, then top it with another slice of bread and close the cover....wallah a toasted sandwich! Can make pizza type pockets, dessert type thingies, etc. etc. etc. Want to place a bid on it? Hehe http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 02-06-2001).]

[Leonard]

WendyW:

Great question! I also purchase one of those food sealing machines a number of years ago. I used it regularly until the company went out of business. Now I'm left with a machine that I can't get bags for. Each of those machines uses their own brand of bags. Waste of money!!! I too was considering getting a pasta machine and share your concerns. I asked some friends who have the plastic attachment to the KitchenAid and was told it doesn't work very well. The new metal pasta attachment is over $100. I too would like to know if anyone has used this and what their opinions are???

[Gina O]

I can't help but thinking that we should all get together and have a sale with all this stuff, I am sure we would all be one another's best customers! I have been wanting a knife sharpener for quite while. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

My unused items include a bread maker and espresso maker that I have since given away, and the assortment of attachments for my Kitchenaid mixer (still have them, and they are going cheap!!!). I love both of my Cuisinarts, my mixer, and even my little egg poacher which all get used regularly. Gina

[Tiger]

At my last yardsale I sold my pasta maker ( haven't used it since my son was born) and my deep fryer. (Too unhealthy!)
But it's funny reading this thread. I love my PC baking stones. I never take my pizza one out of the oven! I recently bought a good breadmaker for $15. I just make dough in it. I'm not crazy how the bread turns out when cooked in the machine. But for $15 it was worth it!

[sneezles]

I have this gadget from Black & Decker called a Shell Baker. Can't even remember how long I've had it but used only a couple of times. You pour batter into the cups and lower the lid like a waffle iron and they come out like little cups. Way too much trouble at breakfast time!
I also have a meat slicer that I don't use too often but when I need it, I'm glad it's there.

[phantomcg]

Let's see......
There's the pasta machine - I use it maybe once a year. I love pasta, but I don't seem to make the time for homemade pasta very often.

I guess there's also the waffle maker. I'm the only one who likes waffles so it doesn't get used very often. Although I've started making a full batch of waffles, freezing the leftovers and sealing them in a Food Saver bag. In fact this morning I had a couple of cold coffee-chocolate waffles for breakfast at my desk.

And, last but not least, there is the sandwich maker that my DH chose as his Christmas gift from work one year. He doesn't cook at all, so why he chose this gift is anyone's guess.

Cheryl

Oh, I should add my coffee pot. A while back coffee just stopped sounding good. I'm the only one in the house who drinks it and my kitchen counter space is limited so I retired the coffee machine to the basement. On those days that I do want a cup of coffee I heat the water in my teapot (there's just something about a whistling teapot that I like) and make the coffee in my french press.

[This message has been edited by phantomcg (edited 02-06-2001).]

[donleyk]

I quit using my garlic press because my dishwasher refuses to clean it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I guess I don't blame him. I wouldn't want to either.

[KellyD]

I made the mistake of taking my husband to a couples Pampered Chef show - he now has his very own drawer full of stuff he HAD to have! I know for a fact he's never used the mandoline. And I know everyone loves their chopper - but I think it pulverizes vegetables as opposed to chopping them - so that doesn't get much use either. (I do love it for chopping nuts though!)

[pammy]

Not one, but two espresso machines (we each brought one into our marraige, and have not made a single cup of espresso in the 3 1/2 years we have lived together). Since my mother visited and misplaced the paddle to my bread machine it has been unused (I keep trying to call the Salton company to order a new one, have been on hold for up to 1/2 hour).

[Leslie w]

I'd have to say my blender, I prefer my Cusinart. Also the electric fry pan I received as a shower gift is still in it's box, has been for 12 years. The most recent must have for my kitchen that I insisted my dh get me was a pouring shield for my KitchenAid. Used it once and found it made a bigger mess than when I didn't use it. Also the electric carving knife. It only comes out on Thanksgiving.

[Kelli Kerrigan]

Mine must be a grill pizza pan. Had both feet operated on and couldn't walk for 6 weeks.....so I spent time dreaming over recipes and gadgets that I HAD to play with after I got better.....yeah, right. I don't even know if the pan FITS on the grill! (How could I measure while in bed recovering??)

[lsdesign]

The electric table top griddle my DH had to have to cook a proper breakfast. It only comes out when he cooks a proper breakfast and that is once a year. Then I have to clean it, ugh!
Immersion blenders, I could go for one of those, do they really do the job of a blender?
Some one tell me.

[Darlin]

To Gina O,
Do you have the Kitchen Aid attachment that seeds things like raspberries? I'm interested if you do!

[Lynn B]

Mamasue,
Thanks for the great explanation of the snack master!

Sneezles,
I think your old shell baker should get together w/ my old snack master... they sound like a match made in heaven!!!

Speaking of kitchen gimmicks - has anyone seen those electric pizza grills (I think that's what they're called?) You put an uncooked pizza on the round pan and it must rotate under the heating element... ?!! Perhaps it is more practical/functional than it looks...? But I saw it in the stores recently and thought, "Now there's a dust catcher waiting to happen if I ever saw one!" If anyone has one and loves it, though -- feel free to set me straight! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lynn

[beacooker]

lsdesign -
I use my immersion blender every morning to make a smoothie for breakfast - it works great. I also use it to blend soups and sauces. I have a regular blender and never use it

My least used must-have item is SALAD SPINNER! I bought it after reading a thread here from everyone who loves theirs. Of course, since DH and I hardly ever make salad, and when we do it comes pre-washed in a bag, buying a salad spinner was pretty dumb on my part!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I also have one of those sandwich maker things, and we've only used it once.

[Lynn B]

OK, I give up!!! WHAT is an "immersion" blender?! I can't believe I don't know!!! (I mean, it is fairly apparent from the NAME, right?! But who makes it? Where do you get it? About how much is it? And HOW is it immersible?!!!) I have a Kitchenaid blender that was NOT $$cheap$$, and we have never been 100% satisfied w/ it. So maybe I NEED this immersion blender... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Thanks!
Lynn

[Beth]

Mine are probably the sausage stuffer for the KitchenAid and the drip coffee maker. We haven't made sausage, but I'm sure we will someday. We use the pasta attachment in spurts. A separate citrus juicer is not used all that often, but comes in handy at times. The hot air popcorn popper DH made me register for went out in a garage sale years ago.

We had a small espresso maker that we used occassionally for years. Then our office cafeteria put in an espresso maker, and we started drinking espresso and capuccino and the office everyday. We pulled out the espresso maker at home and started using it every morning, to the point that Mr. Coffee was retired. After 3 years, the switch gave out, and we finally bought a new pump model with a resevoir so that you can brew cup after cup without waiting for it to cool down and refilling each time. A change that makes a world of difference.

[Mamasue]

Lynn...take a look here and get a general idea. There are a few brands out there. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

http://cg1.superpages.com/cgi-bin/php/bestbuys/prod?ProductId=PID3574

[SusieO]

Originally posted by lsdesign:
Immersion blenders, I could go for one of those, do they really do the job of a blender?
Some one tell me.

I use my immersion blender to mash potatoes puree soups, make salad dressings, scramble eggs for the world's fluffiest omelets, etc. It comes out of the cabinet far more often than my conventional blender, and is much easier to clean.

[emilycat]

Hmm. Well, I don't have enough room to store anything I'm not going to use, so I suppose I can't really answer this question very well....however, if anyone has a pasta machine that they don't want, I'd be happy to take it off your hands! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Emily

[Lynn B]

Mamasue,

THANK YOU very much for the helpful information!!!

So, just so I am clear on this -- a "hand blender" and "immersion blender" are interchangeable terms? (I guess I always referred to that gadget as a "hand blender"!)

Thanks!
Lynn

[This message has been edited by Lynn B (edited 02-07-2001).]

[Beth]

I forgot about the salad spinner, but that is DH's must have.

I'm surprised by how many people have said they have espresso makers they never use. Are they they steam kind (with a screw on cap instead of an open tank for water)? DH is so hooked he bought a small one for the office.

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Mamasue:
Oh yes I remember those snack sandwich machines...I have one and haven't touched it again since it was popular. Any bids! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Natasha....just saw your post when I finished mine. Snack Master is sort of like a waffle machine but has deep pocket instead of groves. You place a slice of bread down and then fillings of your choice, then top it with another slice of bread and close the cover....wallah a toasted sandwich! Can make pizza type pockets, dessert type thingies, etc. etc. etc. Want to place a bid on it? Hehe http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 02-06-2001).]

Thanks for the explanation, Mamasue! Will you bring it down to Birmingham for me? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif Actually, I have a combination waffle maker/sandwich maker/grill that I quite like. Or liked. I haven't seen it since moving and hope it's still around somewhere http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

[Mamasue]

Natasha....I was actually thinking about that...bringing to Sweet Birmingham to give away, but then there is the weight thing and I certainly wouldn't want to carry on board! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Your welcome! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Mamasue:
Natasha....I was actually thinking about that...bringing to Sweet Birmingham to give away, but then there is the weight thing and I certainly wouldn't want to carry on board! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Your welcome! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Aw, c'mon...you could use it in the Cooking Light test kitchen demos! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif hehehe

[MrsReber]

Not use a bread machine? We have pizza about once every ten days. I'd be lost without my bread machine that makes such perfect dough for my pizza crust! And the cinnamon rolls that my husband loves so much!

Well, I have an immersion blender. I've had one for about 10 years. It lives in the storage closet. I actually never used it. I took it out once and couldn't figure it out http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif - maybe I'm missing a peice or something? I plugged it in and it didn't look like it was doing anything.

My husband was pining over his dead juicer (he killed his juicer about 5 years ago- before he met me). His mom bought him a new one for his birthday last April and he STILL has not used it.

I pretty much use everything else that I have- I love having all these gadgets- deep fryer, ice cream maker, bread machine, mini chopper, garlic press, three different cheese graters, blender- I use it all! Each one seems to be able to do a particular task that can't be accomplished by the others. Good thing we have some storage space for them all!

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 02-08-2001).]

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 02-08-2001).]