Let me just start by saying this post is not sponsored, I just felt like sharing some kitchen gadgets and tools I recently purchased that either failed or are surprisingly amazing.
A couple of weeks ago a frequently used gadget in our kitchen broke after 9 year of use, a Paderno brand garlic press, the thing was solid, but one day I was pressing garlic and the thing snapped in half. So I had to find a replacement…and fast, because we love garlic! I shopped around but couldn’t find one that was 100% stainless steel, most have plastic pieces or just don’t feel quality. I couldn’t find a Paderno one at a local shop, so I just got a random brand at HomeSense. I thought I had found the one, it was heavy and stainless steel and the price was right. Then, the stupid thing broke after 2 uses!?! It was a brand called Pedrini and while it looked great, it was actually just a piece of junk.
Check out the photo below of my sad broken Pedrini garlic press. It snapped in half right at the hinge. So I’m out of luck and looking for one again.
Does anyone have one that’s lasted forever and actually works great? Please let me know.
The next product caught me by surprise. My dad gifted me this strange thing, saying that it was truly awesome and I won’t be able to live without it. I was skeptical since I’m not really into filling up our limited storage space with unnecessary gadgets.
It’s called a Yogurt Cheese Maker and if you’re a greek yogurt lover, this is the product for you. The grey strainer fits inside the white plastic box and you pour your regular inexpensive plain yogurt into it, snap on the lid and put in the fridge for 10-24 hours. The longer you strain the yogurt, the thicker it gets. One time I forgot about it for a couple of days and basically ended up with a cream cheese spread, it was awesome!
The best part is it’s way more affordable than buying Greek style yogurt because plain yogurt in larger containers is fairly affordable and you get more. You may say, why buy this when you could just use cheese cloth or a regular strainer, because it really cuts down on the mess and time involved and the strainer it comes with seems pretty fine and shaped to work quickly. I love it.
Lastly, my Kitchen Aid Mixer. I’ve had it for several years now and I keep telling myself, how did I function without it?! It’s not only good for baking, but it whips up amazing mashed potatoes, blends together burger mixtures and other stuff.
For my birthday a couple of years ago, Andrew got me a second bowl, the glass bowl. It’s so nice having 2 bowls, especially when I’m making multiple things, plus the glass bowl just looked nicer on the counter. The only thing I’ve found odd about the glass bowl attachment is the gross dirt that gets stuck on the bottom that’s impossible to clean.
There’s a grey plastic ring on the bottom of the bowl that attaches to the mixer and food/water gets stuck between it. It’s not a big deal because it doesn’t come in direct contact with food, it just looks a little gross. It doesn’t stop me from loving it, it’s just too bad they can’t make it 100% glass.
Hopefully you find these little reviews helpful when making your next purchase and please please help me find a good garlic press!
YAY! We have the same stand mixer. I heart mine – and the colour. “Pistachio” sounds oh-so lovely.
Ok tell me more about mashed potatoes!! Do you just add them into the mixer after you’ve drained them? which attachment do you use?
Hi Alex,
Great choice in colour! For mashed potatoes I boil them as usual until soft, then drain and add right into the mixer bowl. Using the paddle attachment I mix on low/medium and add in a little milk or water and a bit of butter. Then finish with salt and pepper. Have fun experimenting!
For garlic presses, I can’t recommend the Zyliss presses enough. They are super durable. Although they are rated as dishwasher safe for 5 years, I’d recommend handwashing them. I gave my mom one 20 years ago that she still uses, but the finish doesn’t look great after that many years in the dishwasher. Also, you don’t have to peel the clove before you put it in.
http://www.amazon.ca/Zyliss-12084-Susi-Garlic-Press/dp/B007D3V00Q
Thank you Britta! I will probably get this one, I had been looking at it in a store. Seems like a great brand. I’ve seen it in action on old episodes of Jamie Oliver.
Hhmmm. I am intrigued by the yogurt cheese maker. Would it work with anything else like milk or is it just for yogurt? I ask because I’m not a huge fan of yogurt at all. It’d be pretty cool if milk would work and I’m referring to almond milk. =) Where did your dad find the gadget?
Hi Jo
It’s just for yogurt. It strains the excess liquid out of it making it thicker and more protein rich. I think he found it at a local kitchen supply store.
Great Post Nicole! As I was reading the article, I really wished that you had reviewed more products, LOL. I always wondered about those garlic presses and figured they would break because they don’t seem to be made that well and it is funny that you mention that because that’s exactly what I pictured happening in my head. The kitchen aid mixer is probably one of the more popular gadgets and I’m sure has a spot in many people’s homes because they can be used for so many different things, like I use mine for. Loved the overall article even though I wanted to keep reading more. Thanks!