Top 11+ Kitchen Gadgets Chefs Say You Should Toss Now
Single-Use Avocado Slicers
Avocado slicers might seem clever, but professional chefs agree they’re more gimmick than necessity. These tools often take up unnecessary drawer space and don’t actually work better than a regular knife.
According to a 2024 survey by the National Restaurant Association, over 78% of chefs said they never use specialty slicers at home or in the kitchen. Most kitchen pros reach for a sharp chef’s knife, which can peel and pit avocados with better precision and less mess.
Plus, avocado slicers can be awkward to clean and sometimes even damage the fruit. Experts point out that investing in knife skills pays off more than buying these single-use gadgets.
The consensus is clear: ditch the slicer and use a good-quality knife instead.
Electric Can Openers
While electric can openers might seem convenient, many chefs believe they’re more trouble than they’re worth. A 2023 Consumer Reports study found electric models break twice as often as manual ones within the first two years.
Chefs also highlight that these gadgets hog counter space and are tough to clean, especially if food splatters inside the mechanism. Manual can openers, on the other hand, are compact, reliable, and easy to wash.
There’s also growing concern over the hygiene of electric can openers, as bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, according to a Food Safety Magazine report from January 2024. If you want to streamline your kitchen and keep things sanitary, experts say it’s time to let the electric version go.
Rotary Herb Choppers
Rotary herb choppers promise finely chopped herbs with minimal effort, but research and chef testimonials suggest they fall short. A 2024 review by America’s Test Kitchen found that these gadgets often bruise herbs, leading to a loss of flavor and aroma.
Hand-chopping with a sharp knife preserves essential oils better, keeping basil and parsley vibrant and fresh. Chefs also complain that rotary choppers are a pain to clean, with bits of herbs getting stuck in hard-to-reach places.
They’re also prone to breaking after repeated use, according to recent user reviews gathered by Good Housekeeping. In the end, most professionals recommend a chef’s knife for better taste and efficiency.
Garlic Presses
Garlic presses have long divided cooks, but recent findings from culinary experts tip the scales against them. In 2023, the Culinary Institute of America published a report showing that garlic pressed through these gadgets can taste bitter due to over-crushing the cell walls.
Professional chefs often prefer to mince garlic by hand, giving more control over texture and flavor release. Plus, garlic presses are notorious for being difficult to clean, with remnants sticking to the mesh.
Sustainability advocates also point out that many garlic presses are made from low-quality metals, which break easily and end up in landfills. With so many negatives, chefs suggest skipping the press and sticking to a knife.
Plastic Measuring Cups
Plastic measuring cups might be a staple in many home kitchens, but chefs and food safety experts are urging people to toss them. A 2024 study from the Environmental Working Group revealed that older plastic kitchen tools can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, especially when exposed to heat or repeated dishwashing.
Stainless steel or glass alternatives are more durable, dishwasher safe, and don’t retain odors or stains. Chefs also note that plastic cups often warp over time, leading to inaccurate measurements—a big problem for baking.
Recent health guidelines from the FDA have also emphasized the risks of using scratched or cloudy plastic utensils. For accuracy and health, switching to metal or glass is a smart move.
Egg Separators
Egg separators promise a mess-free way to separate yolks from whites, but chefs overwhelmingly see them as unnecessary clutter. According to a 2024 Bon Appétit chef panel, most professionals use the eggshell itself or clean hands to separate eggs, which is faster and just as effective.
Egg separators are also notorious for getting lost in drawers and taking up space. Many people report that these gadgets are hard to clean thoroughly, especially if egg residue dries on the plastic.
Food scientists point out that using your hands is not only efficient but also less likely to cause cross-contamination when done properly. Most chefs agree: this is one gadget you can live without.
Handheld Spiralizers
Handheld spiralizers for making vegetable noodles have seen a surge in popularity, but chefs and recent consumer data suggest they’re not worth the hype. A 2023 Kitchenware Trends report by Statista noted that over 65% of users stopped using their spiralizer within six months due to poor performance and cleaning hassles.
These tools often produce uneven noodles and struggle with harder vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. Professional kitchens typically use robust, countertop spiralizers or simply slice vegetables by hand.
Handheld versions also pose a safety risk, with reported finger injuries rising according to a 2024 Consumer Product Safety Commission alert. With so many drawbacks, many chefs say it’s better to skip the spiralizer altogether.
Banana Slicers
Banana slicers might make you chuckle, but chefs say they’re a perfect example of a gadget that solves a problem no one really has. Slicing a banana is quick and easy with a regular table knife, and this tool adds unnecessary plastic waste.
Consumer reviews from 2023 found that banana slicers often break after a few uses or don’t slice evenly. Chefs point out that the time saved is negligible—usually a matter of seconds.
Environmental groups also warn about the cumulative impact of single-use plastic gadgets, which contribute to landfill waste. For convenience, durability, and sustainability, experts agree: the banana slicer is best left on the store shelf.
Old Nonstick Pans
Nonstick pans are kitchen staples, but chefs warn that old or scratched nonstick cookware can pose health risks. The American Cancer Society noted in a 2024 update that pans with flaking coating can release toxic compounds, especially when heated above 500°F.
Chefs recommend replacing nonstick pans every two to three years, or sooner if the coating is damaged. Recent data from the Cookware Manufacturers Association show that newer pans use safer materials, while older models may still contain harmful chemicals like PFOA.
Professional kitchens tend to favor stainless steel or cast iron for their longevity and safety. Holding onto an old nonstick pan isn’t worth the potential health risk.
Drawer-Full of Dull Knives
Every chef agrees: a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. A 2023 report from the American Culinary Federation revealed that over 45% of kitchen injuries come from using dull knives, which require more force and can slip unpredictably.
Many home cooks hang onto old, blunt blades out of habit, but professionals stress the importance of regular sharpening or simply replacing worn-out knives. Sharp knives make meal prep faster, safer, and more enjoyable, while dull ones frustrate and can even ruin ingredients.
Chefs also note that a cluttered drawer full of cheap, dull knives is harder to organize and increases the risk of accidental cuts. Keeping only a few sharp, reliable knives makes for a safer and more efficient kitchen.
Coffee Pod Machines
Single-serve coffee pod machines have become wildly popular, but chefs and sustainability experts say it’s time to reconsider. A 2024 report from the International Coffee Organization found that billions of plastic and aluminum pods end up in landfills each year, creating a massive environmental burden.
Many chefs also argue that pod machines produce mediocre coffee compared to traditional methods like pour-over or French press. Health experts warn that the inside of these machines can harbor mold or bacteria if not cleaned regularly, as highlighted in a March 2025 Food Safety News article.
With better-tasting, more eco-friendly brewing options available, chefs say the convenience of pods just isn’t worth the cost to taste—or the planet.
