10 Kitchen Gadgets Under 15 Bucks That Really Work

By Barbara Rolek, About.com Guide

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I think we've all been taken by a kitchen tool touted to make your life as easy as Jane Jetson's, only to get it home and realize it's just a worthless piece of, well, you get the idea.

I scoured the exhibitor aisles at the 2009 International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago looking for kitchen gadgets under 15 bucks that really work. Here's what I found.

1. The Garlic Twist by NexTrend

Eastern Europeans love garlic in recipes like White Polish Sausage. But, if you're like me, you've resorted to pre-chopped garlic in the little jars because chopping fresh garlic makes your fingers reek for days. Enter The Garlic Twist. The only time your fingers come in contact with the garlic is when the clove's protective papery skin is still on. No more finger reek! It can also be used for ginger, shallots and jalapenos.

Manufacturer's Site

2. Batter Blender from Wilton

Wilton Industries designed the Batter Blender for brownies, but it can be used for so much more. Sometimes a wooden spoon or whisk won't do for soft but heavy doughs that don't require kneading like the one in this Lithuanian Potato Bread Recipe. That's where the Batter Blender comes in. The silicone blades are heat resistant to 500 degrees and they can scrape the sides of the bowl. Their tips are ridged to break up clumps.

3. The PalmZester by Chef'n

I've always extolled the virtues of microplanes for zesting citrus fruits, but I have to admit I've never liked the way the zest shoots out all over the place. Chef'n's PalmZester fits in the palm of the hand and has a little enclosed catcher to collect the zest. For someone with arthritic fingers, it's great.

4. PalmPeeler by Chef'n

Poles and Lithuanians love potatoes many ways -- mashed, boiled, in dumplings and bread. That means a lot of peeling. I have arthritis in my thumbs and I've always dreaded the thought of peeling 5 pounds of potatoes for Potato Pancakes or kugelis. Well, this peeler fromChef'n is my dream come true because you slip it on your middle finger and nestle it in the palm of your hand just like the zester, above. The stainless-steel blade is sharp and it comes with a cover for storage. It also comes in a serrated peeler which is great for tomatoes, even ripe ones, and peaches or other soft veggies and fruits.

5. Mini Travel Coffee Press by Bodum

Except for Russians and Ukrainians who prefer tea, most Eastern Europeans love their coffee, and they love it strong. This travel coffee press from Bodum is a personal-size French press. It takes 4 minutes to brew and you're on your way with a great cup of coffee for your commute. It also makes tea.

6. Spoons and Spatulas by Tovolo

The silicone head on these tools lets you use them in heat up to 600 degrees. The spoon is perfect for cooking custards that require "getting in the corners" as in this Serbian Krem Pita recipe. The stainless steel handle is oval-shaped and fits comfortably in your hand, and, contrary to what you might think, the metal handle does NOT get hot unless you leave it in the pan (which you should never do, anyway!). Dishwasher safe.

7. Collapsible Colanders and Strainers

I think some of the best new products I saw at the show are the collapsible colanders, strainers and cake savers. They've always been the bane of my existence. They're so bulky and take up so much storage space, they're always in the way. Well, now, thanks to silicone, they collapse flat as a pancake and take up about as much room as a dinner plate. There are lots to choose from.

8. Steamer Basket by Tovolo

How many times have you burned your fingers lifting those rickety metal steamer baskets out of a pot of boiling water? It's happened to me many times. This silicone steamer basket from Tovolo, is cool to the touch no matter how hot the steam is, and the handles lock closed so it truly is a steamer "basket."

9. Hutzler Roast-In-Hand by Gourmac

Looking a lot like the Jaws of Life, these tongs are made of nylon and other resins and can lift large roasts, turkeys, hams without piercing the meat and letting those wonderful juices escape. It's dishwasher safe and folds down for compact storage.

10. Brownie Pops Mold by Wilton

Brownie pops are all the rage, but any firm batter, like pound cake and fruit breads, will work in this versatile mold. Place a lollipop stick in the center and they become pops. The molds also can be used for pates, cheese spreads, vegetable timbales, or molded desserts like this Strawberry Mousse Recipe.