Publications
Partners
Think of this as the opposite of one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP guides.
You don’t need super fancy, ultra expensive gadgets in your kitchen. If you love yourself a kombuis dingetjie though, go ahead and buy it, but whether you’re just starting out and wondering how to navigate the kitchen aisles of your local department store, or the mess that is your kitchen cupboards, you probably don’t need these things.
An egg separator
This is one of those things you’ll buy on a whim because you think you want to make healthy egg white omelettes for breakfast every weekend, but you probably won’t. But, if you do, just separate it in the shell, or watch the video above on how to do it with a plastic bottle.
A knife block
It’s a giant hunk of wood that takes up space on your counter and can get pretty manky. If you’re really worried about storing your knives in a way that won’t risk you cutting yourself, then get a magnetic knife strip. They’re not that expensive and they save space and time.
A salad spinner
It’s just a piece of plastic that spins leaves. You don’t need it. Seriously. Instead, rinse your veggies and let them drain in a colander with a bowl underneath while you prepare the rest of your food. Give it a shake every now and then to get most of the water off, but it pretty much does the job on its own.
A stand mixer
Unless you’re dreaming of becoming a master baker and making your own whipped cream every other day, just get a good ol’ whisk and mixing bowl.
A kitchen scale
Again, unless you’re waiting for a chance to star on the Great SA Bake Off, or really into baking cakes, or on a super precise diet, then you won’t need these. Measuring cups and spoons also work quite well if you’re following a recipe.
Those fancy herb scissors
Seriously, just use a normal pair of bloody scissors. Or strip the leaves by hand.
Rice maker
Just use a pot. Making rice is not that hard.
A juicer
It’s big, bulky, and hard to clean. But if you really want to make your own juice, here’s how to do it with a blender.
A spaghetti server
They usually come in your set of utensils, but if you don’t have one, you really don’t need to get one. Just use tongs instead.
A garlic press
It has one function that you can actually do with a knife. It’s actually a lot easier than you think. Have a look.
A juice reamer
Yeah, I didn’t know that’s what you called it either, I always assumed it was a handheld juicer. Anyway, instead of buying one of these and only using it when a recipe might call for fresh juice, use a pair of tongs instead. Cut the lemon (or other citrus) in half, then place it near the hinge of the juicer and press. It works quite well.
A rolling pin
It’s heavy and takes up space. So, instead, take the label off a wine bottle, or cover it in cling wrap and use that to roll out your dough.
A milk frother
Now, before you turn your desk over in frustration, you can froth your milk without using a gadget. All you need is a jar, some milk and 30 seconds in your microwave.
