Today I’m testing out three surprisingly straightforward kitchen gadgets: Pan Buddy, Flower Power, and Zip Quicker. These tools all caught my eye for different reasons – some seemed practical, while one was just irresistibly charming. So, let’s see how each one performs in a real kitchen setting.
Where to Purchase
Below are links to the Amazon listings where I purchased the products in this review:
3 Simple Kitchen Gadgets
Pan Buddy – An Aid for Heavy Cookware
The first contender on our list is the Pan Buddy, a nifty tool that promises to make handling your cookware more comfortable. For $20, this device offers a vertical handle to provide leverage, keep your wrist in a natural position, and minimize heat transfer. Ideal for those with strength limitations or arthritis, Pan Buddy aims to transform your cooking experience.
Online reviews are somewhat mixed – while some users hail it as a great gift idea that works as advertised, others critique it for being too heavy or too short. Using the Pan Buddy is a breeze – simply slide it over the handle of your pot or pan and tighten the screw to secure it. It almost feels like a joystick, supporting your wrist and offering a more ergonomic grip.
I tested it on various pans, including my heaviest, the HexClad, and found that it offered a solid grip and reduced discomfort on my wrist. It worked with different handle shapes and was easy to attach and remove. Plus, it effectively kept my hand cool when handling hot saucepans. My verdict? The Pan Buddy delivered as promised.
Flower Power – A Steam Releaser with a Spin
Next on our list is the Flower Power steam releaser. Priced around $8-$10, this cute gadget hooks onto the side of your pot or pan, releasing steam and spinning a decorative flower as it does so. It has its share of fans online who love it for being cute, clever, and functional, but some users report that the flower failed to spin for them.
In my tests, I found the Flower Power to be a bit finicky. It did well at releasing steam, but getting the flower to spin consistently was a challenge. However, after some trial and error with different pots and heat levels, I did manage to get it to work more reliably.
The takeaway? The Flower Power is indeed a fun and functional steam releaser, but don’t expect the flower to be spinning all the time.
Zip Quicker – A Third Hand for Bagging
Our final product is the Zip Quicker, a tool designed to hold your storage bags open while you pour in contents. Costing $26, the Zip Quicker aims to be a “third hand” in your kitchen, and it comes in two sizes to accommodate gallon and quart-sized bags.
Reviews on this product are generally positive. While many users applaud it as a convenient helper for bagging food, a few complain that their bags didn’t fit. The device is a cinch to use – you stretch your bag over one end, squeeze the gadget together, and stretch the bag over the other end. You then pour or scoop your contents into the bag, and squeeze the unit together to release.
I tested it with various bag brands and sizes and found it surprisingly effective. It kept the bags open and stable, preventing spillage and keeping the bag’s seal clean. I loved how it allowed me to transfer hot stew and marinades into bags single-handedly.
In conclusion, the Zip Quicker proved to be a handy addition to my kitchen, despite its slightly high price point.
Conclusion
In the end, I found the Pan Buddy helpful in managing heavy pots and pans, although it may not suit everyone due to its weight and length. The Flower Power served well as a steam releaser, but its spinning function was less reliable. Lastly, the Zip Quicker was a standout product and one that I plan to keep in my kitchen for future use.
Have you used any of these products? Tell me what you think in the comments below.
