Kitchen gadgets promise to save time, improve efficiency, and make cooking more enjoyable. But do they live up to their claims? Today I put five kitchen gadgets to the test to see if they deliver on their promises. Here’s the scoop on the Can Colander, Crinkle Cutter, Soup Spout, Icepo, and the Icegone Defrosting Tray.
Where to Purchase?
Below are links where you can purchase the items covered in this review:
- Can Colander
- Crinkle Cutter
- Soup Spout
- Icepo
- Icegone Defrosting Tray (No longer appears to be available online).
5 Kitchen Gadgets Reviewed
Can Colander
Claim: A simple tool designed to drain canned foods efficiently, priced at $8.
Testing:
- Tuna Drain Test: Worked effectively, squeezing out every drop of juice with a press-down motion.
- Vegetable and Fruit Cans: Held firmly over the top and poured liquids without spills.
- Larger Cans: While slightly awkward for oversized cans, it still managed to get the job done.
Verdict:
Simple, affordable, and space-saving. While it’s not a must-have for those already owning colanders, it’s a handy gadget for quick, mess-free draining.
Crinkle Cutter
Claim: Creates crinkle-cut vegetables and fries effortlessly.
Testing:
- Carrots and Pickles: Produced even, visually appealing crinkle cuts with minimal effort.
- Potatoes: Achieved professional-looking crinkle-cut fries with ease.
Verdict:
This gadget delivers on its promise. With no learning curve and consistent results, it’s a great tool for adding flair to your dishes. It’s store-worthy and a solid pick for home cooks.
Soup Spout
Claim: A clip-on spout for pouring soups and liquids without spills.
Testing:
- Struggled to seal properly, resulting in leaks.
- Tested on multiple pot sizes but consistently failed to pour efficiently.
Verdict:
Poorly designed and impractical, this gadget is more trouble than it’s worth. It won’t be making the cut for the store.
Icepo
Claim: A dual-purpose ice cream scoop that measures perfect portions and creates ice cream sandwiches.
Testing:
- Scooping into soft, fresh ice cream produced decent results.
- Challenges arose with partially used or firmer ice cream, leading to uneven scoops and frustration.
- The lever mechanism often broke scoops into parts rather than delivering a single circular scoop.
Verdict:
While creative in concept, the Icepo struggles with consistency and practicality. It’s better suited for those who frequently make ice cream sandwiches but falls short as an everyday scoop.
Icegone Defrosting Tray
Claim: Defrosts frozen foods faster using a heat-conductive aluminum tray.
Testing:
- Hamburger patties showed faster defrosting compared to a cutting board, though results varied depending on surface contact.
- Steaks thawed unevenly, with parts remaining frozen after the recommended 20 minutes.
Verdict:
The tray defrosts food faster than traditional methods but doesn’t meet the advertised speed claims. While useful for smaller items, it may not justify the price for larger or irregularly shaped foods.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to kitchen gadgets, practicality and effectiveness are key. The Can Colander and Crinkle Cutter proved themselves as useful additions to any kitchen. However, the Soup Spout and Icepo left much to be desired, and while the Icegone tray performed decently, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. For any gadget, it’s always wise to assess its value against your specific needs before making a purchase.
If you’ve used any of these products, tell me what you think in the comments below.
Video Review
You can check out my full review in the video below: