Top 5 Kitchen Gadget Fails

Ah, kitchen gadgets. Not only do they make our lives easier, but some of them are just plain fun. When Food Republic comes across these new and improved kitchen accessories, we like to share them here in an effort to make cooking easier for you. Every so often, however, some "tools" roll through that leave us shaking our heads. Like these five gadget fails, for instance.


  1. The Pickle Fork

If you're tired of trying to spear your pickle with the ordinary, everyday fork, then why not try the pickle fork! With only two tongs, this fork actually extends to reach all the way to the bottom of the jar for the trickiest of pickles. Ok, so maybe a regular fork will do that, too. On the plus side, you won't have to reach across the table at your next dinner party. Just extend the pickle fork, and... Ok, so there aren't too many uses. At least they tried.


  • Onion Goggles
  • Not to be confused with beer goggles, these purport to solve the age-old problem of the tears caused by slicing onions. Just put these glorified shop glasses on and you won't need to worry about crying on your cutting board. Here's a tip: You don't need 'em. Try sticking your tongue out while slicing onions or keeping water in your mouth; these methods aren't bulletproof, but at least you won't look like an extra from Revenge of the Nerds.


  • Spatula Spoon Strainer
  • It's a spoon! It's a fork! It's a... spoonatula? Just what the world needed: the spork of cooking utensils.


  • Tomato Slicing Knife
  • Apparently, you now need designated knives for your tomato-cutting needs. Okay, let's pretend that the tomato's skin is just too rough for your non-tomato slicing knives. Who'd want to damage their cutlery? Or de-juice their tomato? Or maybe you seriously don't need this.


  • OXO Cake Tester
  • The OXO Cake Tester helps tell you if your cake is done. Simply place the stick of metal into the cake and remove. If it comes out clean, then the cake is done. If it comes out with residue, it's not. How is the tester different than using a fork, toothpick or skewer? Um, it's not.