408395 Tue Jun 05 10:54:11 -0700 2007 127 41 Cookware 0 2631607 I have to say, mine was the cast iron enamel cookware I picked up at Sears. They had mismarked it so I grabbed two enameled dutch ovens (Cruese knock offs) for $9.99 each. Sticking with under $20, I also got a preseasoned cast iron griddle there as well. I love that thing. What about you? Tue Jun 05 10:54:11 -0700 2007 88192 holy chow 1 2632002 I don't consider them gadgets, but the Calphalon anodized I have bought on super sale at Amazon ($20 and under) have been some great deals. For pure gadgets: an olive spoon, small bamboo tongs, spring loaded tongs, silicon spatulas, microplane, reamer. Tue Jun 05 12:28:34 -0700 2007 2631607 86106 cocktailhour 1 2632017 The last time I ordered lobsters, the company threw in two pairs of lobster shears, which I found make good all-purpose kitchen cutters, better than typical scissors., They're $12.95 here: http://www.livelob.com/lobstergram/shop?method=category&catid=TLS-SHEARS Tue Jun 05 12:31:01 -0700 2007 2631607 55316 mpalmer6c 2 2646509 Shipping price is $21.95. Where else can it be purchased? Sun Jun 10 09:39:08 -0700 2007 2632017 11474 conniemcd 3 2650674 Wow, that much for shipping is ridiculous. I was lucky -- I happened to see they were having a half-price sale on lobster tails and 2 shears came free.The site below has "kitchen shears" that look very similar. Shipping for something that light shouldn't be much. Some lobster shears on the web have very short blades, making them single-purpose tools. https://www.surfasonline.com/products/32447.cfm Mon Jun 11 18:00:14 -0700 2007 2646509 55316 mpalmer6c 4 2695407 To me they just look like regular kitchen shears. You can find those anywhere. Tack on the word "Lobster" to anything and you increase the sale price... Tue Jun 26 09:28:52 -0700 2007 2650674 42270 HaagenDazs 5 3441847 I have three seafood shears, and they are different from kitchen shears. My Wusthof shears can cut through chicken bones, but these seafood shears can make it through the thickest and largest lobster claws. Wed Feb 27 17:50:44 -0800 2008 2695407 87837 RGC1982 1 2632027 the pastry scraper that i use every day to scoop up all the chopped meat and veggies to transfer to the pot. i also love my oxo peeler, the microplane zester. i bought some awesome olive wood spoons in France that are hefty and strong. Tue Jun 05 12:33:27 -0700 2007 2631607 94347 Ela0427 1 2632036 Not my all-time fav but definitely my latest fav. Chef'n Palm Peeler. $4.99 at Target. Tue Jun 05 12:35:39 -0700 2007 2631607 93935 jcreasy 1 2632039 Mine is a boil over? It is under $10, and is this round disk with curve on opposite sides. It prevents your water/or whatever from boiling over. I think I purchased in on overstock.com. I did have one that was glass and it broke, now I have a metal one. Love IT!!! Tue Jun 05 12:36:20 -0700 2007 2631607 93377 chrystaldawn 2 2659758 a wooden chopstick or wooden spoon also works, tho' they may not be long enough to go the diameter of the pot. (old camping trick ;-) ) Thu Jun 14 10:04:58 -0700 2007 2632039 15170 Local 1 2632041 I would agree with you on the cast iron cookware; I bought mine through a newspaper ad where someone was getting rid of their camping equipment, a 10" cast iron skillet already seasoned, and a large dutch oven (VERY heavy!) with lid...I bought them for $15! I also love my cheap-o wooden lemon/lime reamer that I bought for $2.00 at a discount kitchen store, though Amazon also has them for a little more: http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Wood-Lemon-Reamer/dp/B0000DE7OW I use that thing constantly for juicing limes for marinades! Tue Jun 05 12:36:22 -0700 2007 2631607 11983 Val 1 2632257 My definition of gadget is separate from "cutlery, cookware or utensil" and implies that I could live without it. Given those qualifiers I have to nominate the Dawn Direct Foam Soap & Dispenser. I use it on my hands, for dishes, pots, sponge. Great stuff and under $4! Tue Jun 05 13:28:16 -0700 2007 2631607 87093 renov8r 1 2632280 Freebie chopsticks from Chinese restaurants. Useful for scrambling eggs, getting pickles or cherries out of jars, stirring cocktails, etc, etc, etc. I've got a bunch of em in a pencil holder, ready for duty. Tue Jun 05 13:34:09 -0700 2007 2631607 100905 cali2ia 2 2644470 I'll vote with you. Chopsticks! Totally multi-purpose. I have freebies, really long ones, some 10/$1. Use them for everything. Toast out of the toaster, no electrocution. Turning and stirring food when cooking. Poking holes in food for inserting garlic, herbs.Cleaning hard to reach corners. Don't forget as eating utensils. Even an occasional back scratch. Sat Jun 09 07:54:23 -0700 2007 2632280 32444 MakingSense 3 2644955 I hope you bleach them if you reuse them lol Sat Jun 09 12:25:15 -0700 2007 2644470 98401 widehomehi 4 2645003 Clean them just like I clean my wooden spoons and other kitchen utensils, depending on the material. We have a huge collection, some with names of restaurants, airlines and hotels in Asia. Even a few heirlooms, including some silver sets. I don't even do much Asian cooking because I like to go out for it but I love chopsticks for all sorts of tasks not just in the kitchen. Garden, workshop, laundry, everywhere. I used the ones in the car glove box recently to get something that I had dropped between the seats. Sat Jun 09 12:59:51 -0700 2007 2644955 32444 MakingSense 3 3454491 Chopstick are the best tool for leveling drying ingredients when measuring. Mon Mar 03 08:36:45 -0800 2008 2644470 117271 Stuffed Monkey 1 2632289 Almost forgot about my avocado slicer. Brilliant invention. Tue Jun 05 13:36:17 -0700 2007 2631607 93935 jcreasy 2 2632380 Agee!!! With the Avocado slicer LOVE IT!!! Tue Jun 05 13:53:04 -0700 2007 2632289 93377 chrystaldawn 3 3570624 Really? Received mine as a gift and it's been gathering dust. Is it that much easier than just using a knife? Mon Apr 07 13:31:42 -0700 2008 2632380 95577 yamalam 4 3570633 I actually find it harder to use than a knife (and spoon)! Mon Apr 07 13:32:40 -0700 2008 3570624 10985 MMRuth 1 2632389 Wooden citrus reamer. It's three dollars, and is outrageously useful and helpful. Tue Jun 05 13:54:57 -0700 2007 2631607 13525 JasmineG 2 2632468 I agree with this - after i got one, it was impossible not to use. Also, I love using my potato masher for guacamole! Tue Jun 05 14:17:09 -0700 2007 2632389 100441 elizabeththinks 2 2633859 I almost purchased one the other day, then decided not to I think I'll go back and get it. Tue Jun 05 22:19:36 -0700 2007 2632389 93377 chrystaldawn 3 2633976 You'll wonder why it took so long, I know that I did! Tue Jun 05 23:18:51 -0700 2007 2633859 13525 JasmineG 3 3569160 I love my Wm-Sonoma potato ricer. Mon Apr 07 08:04:06 -0700 2008 2633859 12520 walker 1 2632547 I'd have to say the scrub brush that attaches to the faucet sprayer I buy for about 3 bucks. Best way to get egg yolk off a plate destined for the dishwasher. Tue Jun 05 14:39:35 -0700 2007 2631607 77397 Eric in NJ 1 2633886 My Black & Decker "Handy Chopper Plus" is a mini-food processor that set me back $9.88. I'm wearing it out. Tue Jun 05 22:33:06 -0700 2007 2631607 57170 Veggo 1 2633984 Well it's slightly over 20 bucks but it's a grill pan you can use on the stove top.Makes great sandwiches if you have a cast iron grill to put on top of the sandwich.Cooks chicken breast and steak great made by Kitchen Essentials probably cheaper versions. Tue Jun 05 23:24:11 -0700 2007 2631607 98401 widehomehi 1 2635432 My chinese cleaver I picked up for $4.20 back in college in the mid 70's. Still lives on the cutting board everyday. Wed Jun 06 11:28:15 -0700 2007 2631607 10784 Scrapironchef 1 2636823 japanese julienner cake tester microplane chefs choice veg peeler Wed Jun 06 17:26:06 -0700 2007 2631607 46030 soupkitten 1 2636974 Rubber disc for jar opening. Wed Jun 06 18:25:25 -0700 2007 2631607 18981 Jimmy Buffet 2 2637255 Oh, you mean the "rubber husband" ! Couldnt live without it in the kitchen! Wed Jun 06 20:20:18 -0700 2007 2636974 81467 elainelena 3 2650686 My "ex husband" got them all! I need to go visit him and get one. I need one! Mon Jun 11 18:04:11 -0700 2007 2637255 73159 financialdistrictresident 4 2657011 If you use rubber gloves for dishwashing or other cleaning chores, you can use one of them. They have nice grippy surface in the palms. Wed Jun 13 13:23:29 -0700 2007 2650686 32586 revsharkie 2 2656579 Or wrap a few heavy rubber bands around the lid, which greatly increases the friction and gives a bit more leverage too. A spare rubber mouse pad from your computer is also good. Wed Jun 13 11:51:38 -0700 2007 2636974 10539 KRS 2 3441519 I love my OXO toys. I like their peeler but they also have a inexpensive Y shaped tool that opens bottles than it takes me to ask the man of the house. http://www.oxo.com/OA_HTML/xxoxo_ibeCCtpOXOPrdDtl.jsp?section=10053&item=46416&minisite=10024&respid=53057 Wed Feb 27 15:57:17 -0800 2008 2636974 22220 Kelli2006 2 3441933 This was going to be my suggestion. I have weak hands due to arthritis, and the rubber disc not only helps with jars, but also tops as simple as those on soda bottles or bottled water. I've used one every day for several years, and it is finally starting to wear a little tear in the middle. Wed Feb 27 18:28:58 -0800 2008 2636974 10855 nosh 2 3454496 I just use a kinda wide rubber band. Wrap it around the lid and it works. Also a great trick for removing corks that you've jammed back into the bottle. Wrap one around a few times and it gives you something to grip. Mon Mar 03 08:38:14 -0800 2008 2636974 117271 Stuffed Monkey 3 5181115 brilliant Sat Nov 14 08:50:05 -0800 2009 3454496 11234 toodie jane 1 2637033 Y-shaped vegetable peelers from Williams-Sonoma -- 5 for $15. They're sharp, comfortable, nice for lefties (I'm a lefty,) and so cheap at $3 apiece that when they get dull, you don't mind just throwing them out. Wed Jun 06 18:42:24 -0700 2007 2631607 10644 Nancy Berry 2 2640722 3 pairs of Kitchen shears from the Chinese restaurant supply store. 2 were about $2.99 a pair, the fancy pair that comes apart for washing was $11.99. Use them all nearly every day. Also several pairs of tongs from the same store, about $2 or $3 a pair. Finally, the webby Asian strainer with a bamboo handle thing used to fish stuff out of hot soup or oil... I can't remember what it's called but it was about 2 bucks also. Thu Jun 07 20:20:08 -0700 2007 2637033 55069 2m8ohed 3 2640738 That strainer is called a "spider" I think because it looks like a spider web. Cool tool! Thu Jun 07 20:27:34 -0700 2007 2640722 77397 Eric in NJ 1 2643200 I am a HUGE fan of Cast Iron cookware! My find of a Lodge Pro Grid/Iron 20x10 Cast Iron griddle/grill for $8 at Goodwill retails for $63 and it is the top of line with the grease gutter!! How lucky did I get?! I was so excited to get this home and check it out...I actually found after closer inspection that the condition has to be near new/perfect. Slight use...that I thought I would need help getting it clean...but a scrubbie, hot water, salt and a wee bit of soap cleaned it right up! Still so tickled with my find and its condition that I decided to fry up a pound of bacon to season it up at 2pm. My son was confused and asked if this was dinner or a snack!! For the record...I am NEVER this lucky in thrifting...ever!! Fri Jun 08 14:54:22 -0700 2007 2631607 95300 ktcolt 2 2646566 My favorite cooking vessel! $14 at Ace hardware, new. Took a couple of weeks to season but it gets more use than any other pan. Quick easy and even cooking and grilling~ Sun Jun 10 10:11:59 -0700 2007 2643200 50431 chef chicklet 2 2650692 FYI the Lodge cast iron instructions suggest you do NOT use soap . . . You are really lucky I need a 2 burner lodge cast iron grill (but don't want to pay retail). Mon Jun 11 18:06:11 -0700 2007 2643200 73159 financialdistrictresident 1 2643232 Those little thin rubber squares which are frequent give-aways by Realtors and the like. The are meant to give you a good grip with opening jars and they do that well. I also will slip one under a cutting board to keep it from slipping Fri Jun 08 15:05:13 -0700 2007 2631607 10285 Candy 2 2644353 You mean the thing that forever in my family will be referred to as "the Burt Lancaster?" :) A very effective marketing tool for said realtor. Sat Jun 09 06:35:09 -0700 2007 2643232 93935 jcreasy 3 2644969 Oh yes. I've got a bunch. The company I used to work for gave them away by the dozens. They have so many uses. Free makes it even better but if mine were to disappear I'd buy another Sat Jun 09 12:31:25 -0700 2007 2644353 10285 Candy 1 2643238 OK, it's not quite under $20 but it's close. A Benriner slicer. Mine was $24 bucks and it does almost everything the $200+ French mandoline does. Plus it has a "new double possible blade". And you can use the handle as a fish scaler. Fri Jun 08 15:06:14 -0700 2007 2631607 71196 dalaimama 2 2663418 ?? double possible blade??? what does that do? Fri Jun 15 09:52:28 -0700 2007 2643238 46030 soupkitten 1 2643586 The plastic bowl scrapers that I cut from plastic 5 gallon buckets. I could not work W/O them. or my Forschner 4" paring knife. Its a miracle for under $6.00. Fri Jun 08 17:20:32 -0700 2007 2631607 22220 Kelli2006 2 2644360 Can't cook without my trusty wooden spatula. Stolen form my mother but probably available for under $1. I believe the burn marks and the crack in the handle make the food taste better. Sat Jun 09 06:39:21 -0700 2007 2643586 101900 piggywiggy 1 2644526 Currently my new fav is a surgical scrub brush. Don't laugh....it's great for scrubbing vegetables and cutting boards. Got a dozen for $7.50 from Lee Valley garden suppliers. That's $.63/ea....a bargain. They're made of nylon and "winkle" soil out of the most minute crevice. Sat Jun 09 08:23:46 -0700 2007 2631607 75332 Gio 2 2644579 "Winkle". Cute word you invented; we'll run with it. Sat Jun 09 08:49:42 -0700 2007 2644526 57170 Veggo 3 2644587 Thanx, but can't take the credit. Credit the copywriter at Lee Valley. Sat Jun 09 08:52:48 -0700 2007 2644579 75332 Gio 1 2644965 These mesh strainers are great. Don't know how I lived without them. For some reason, you can find them in asian supermarkets. http://www.plumbingsupply.com/stainlessscreenstrainers.html I also really love this knife (the curved, "birds-beak" paring knife, from Lehman's): http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=4256&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=paring+knife Sat Jun 09 12:28:58 -0700 2007 2631607 15153 Dave Westerberg 1 2644967 Well you said kitchen gadget and this is used in the kitchen its called a Lil Scrubber its got plastic bristles and you fill it with dish soap and as you use it the soap dispenses itself.Costs only a few dollars and use it on counters and dishes.If you don't have a dishwasher you must have one of these.Makes life alot easier. Sat Jun 09 12:30:40 -0700 2007 2631607 98401 widehomehi 1 2644975 Bamboo skewers. $1 for a bag. My skinny plastic tongs. $2. Useful for taking out things like pickles. Sat Jun 09 12:35:20 -0700 2007 2631607 45940 Shazam 1 2645265 A little 6 inch "squeegee". I might have paid 99 cents for it. Saw it one day after cleaning up after dinner, and figured for 99 cents, it might make getting water off the countertop easier. Works much better than a sponge for pushing all the water on the counter into the sink. Also have a wire mesh frying pan cover. Keeps the stove from getting messy when cooking anything that "spits". Sat Jun 09 15:51:56 -0700 2007 2631607 103787 ThreeGigs 1 2646666 my stainless steel tongs...can't remember exactly how much they were but pretty sure they were under ten bucks... Sun Jun 10 10:59:59 -0700 2007 2631607 83375 pfarrell 1 2646694 my metal collapsing steamer basket that i bought from stop & shop 6 years ago. i think it was $5. Sun Jun 10 11:17:18 -0700 2007 2631607 12078 rebs 2 2646733 I have a potato peeler that has a blade like a cheese slicer. I don`t know where I got it but have tried for 3 yrs. to find another one. it is small and metal. I don`t want to be without it. it woks great. and I am sure that it doesn`t cost over 2-3 dollarsbut I would gladly give 20 for another one. Sun Jun 10 11:34:32 -0700 2007 2646694 50491 bigjimbray 1 2665320 Three pair of 12-inch aluminum tongs, from a restaurant supply place--a few bucks a pair. Heatproof fingers! I love them. And I have a 16- or 17-inch pair to use on the grill. Fri Jun 15 21:03:50 -0700 2007 2631607 17327 rootlesscosmo 1 2678358 I bought a great little "pot clip" for about $2.99. It's made by Trudeau. You clip it onto the side of any pot or pan and it holds your mixing spoon handy, and any drips go right back into the pot. Wed Jun 20 13:13:53 -0700 2007 2631607 49600 CindyJ 1 2683136 Went into a kitchen store in Omaha last year to get my sister a good knife for Christmas. I came out with the knife (set me back about $45, but I'm happy because when I was trying to cook in her kitchen awhile back I knew she had at least one good knife), a big metal pancake turner to replace the one I melted the plastic handle off of, a pair of magnetic measuring spoons which I haven't used but which are doing a good job holding stuff on my refrigerator, and a $2 miniature wire whisk. I use that dadgum thing all the time. That and the aforementioned citrus reamer are my favorite gadgets. Thu Jun 21 20:36:00 -0700 2007 2631607 32586 revsharkie 1 2694840 My microplane...Great gadget Tue Jun 26 07:02:36 -0700 2007 2631607 71851 jinet12 2 2697432 I think the cheap Ecko brand vegetable peelers are the best. I also like those plastic clips that close the chip bags, you can use clothes pins too Tue Jun 26 17:52:22 -0700 2007 2694840 96003 sarge 3 5180117 ...Rubber bands are even cheaper for closing bags...just fold in all the open edges of the top of the bag...roll up tightly and use a rubber band to keep the bag closed. I don't use clips anymore, just rubber bands. Fri Nov 13 17:13:32 -0800 2009 2697432 11983 Val 1 2704058 Rubber square for opening things because I can't open anything (free give away). Apple corer which also has the blade to cut potatoes into french fries for like $10. Pop Up sponges from WS that go in the dishwasher, love em. Silicone brush (yes a slight germaphobe) Wait and magnetic knife strip since I have a small kitchen I gotta make the most of. Thu Jun 28 13:56:22 -0700 2007 2631607 92426 ktmoomau 1 3441481 garage sale& flea market vintage cast iron skillets 6,8,10,12" for under $8 each SS splatter screen with reinforcing brace and legs from OSH cheap SS tongs from Smart & Final asian veggie brush from the co-op Tuffy nylon scrubbers Microplane nutmeg grater/box Forschner Econo-Cut griddle spatula Case mini spatula Bamboo and wooden cocktail forks, spoons and spreaders in a jar at the stove--use constantly Wed Feb 27 15:44:43 -0800 2008 2631607 11234 toodie jane 1 3442961 corkscrew Thu Feb 28 06:22:13 -0800 2008 2631607 28122 zin1953 1 3443158 My wood juicer I bought at BBB for about $3.50. It works exactly like it is supposed to - completely juices any piece of citrus fruit in seconds. I love simple tools like this, that work so well - really beautiful in their simplicity and utility. I love good whisks for the same reason. I have about 8 of them, in different shapes and sizes. (I could probably winnow the collection by about 3 and still have all I'd really need - but I don't think so.) Thu Feb 28 07:17:20 -0800 2008 2631607 63569 flourgirl 2 3443897 I too was going to nominate the wooden juicer (reamer??). I'd add that it should be wood--I also have a plastic one and the wood one works much better--can't exactly explain why, it just does. My other pick is silicone spatulas. Although more expensive, they take high heat, and don't dry out like the old fashioned rubber ones. Volrath's are particularly satisfactory IMO. Thu Feb 28 10:15:57 -0800 2008 3443158 10668 johnb 3 3444481 Yes, you're right it is reamer. I was trying to think of the word before and just couldn't. Thanks! And I LOVE my silicon spatulas. They really are terrific. Mine have metal handles which I know some people don't like because of the whole heat conducting issue, but I have never had a problem with that and they are so sturdy. Thu Feb 28 12:46:52 -0800 2008 3443897 63569 flourgirl 4 4071279 I was going to say my wooden reamer. I got an OXO soft handled plastic one and it doesn't work nearly as well. I think the reason is that the edges of the reamer is sharper and drags just a little as you turn it, tearing the pulp and releasing more juice. The other item I'd have to say, is my microplane grater(s); all 4 of them. I use them for everything, including one I just use for garlic. Mon Sep 29 20:39:37 -0700 2008 3444481 106255 chazzerking 1 3443200 --My Kuhn Rikon paring knife ($8 or $10 maybe) --'Chore Boy' scrubber - works on non-stick, and I throw it into the washing machine with dish towels when it gets yucky -- silicon spoonula (great for everything - I like the under $5.00 ones because I use them to saute in my non-stick pan, and some have discolored a bit -- the set of plastic ladles in 3 sizes ( none soup-sized) - I use those a lot when cooking for adding a spoonful or two of liquid or whatever (they were 3 for $1) -- oven safe ramekins in a couple of sizes - I use these for everything from making individual portions of things that need to be baked, to storing my prepped savories while I'm cooking -- chip bag closers - I use them for closing bags of everything..... Thu Feb 28 07:31:19 -0800 2008 2631607 124908 jeanmarieok 2 4307924 I just got the new Kuhn Rikon paring knife and it's the best thing ever. http://www.kuhnrikon.com/products/tools/tools.php3?id=210 Thu Jan 08 11:29:52 -0800 2009 3443200 42513 Mawrter 1 3444660 fun topic. microplane kitchen shears donvier yogurt strainer apple corer offset spatula citrus reamer with built-in 1/4 cup measure & pouring spout citrus "keepers" [plastic cases to keep cut or zested citrus fresh in the fridge] locking tongs scoop & release dough droppers - perfect for measuring out uniform batter portions Thu Feb 28 13:31:20 -0800 2008 2631607 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 3445590 My .99 plastic scraper; fits in the palm of my hand and helps me take labels off jars, among other things wood reamer for citrus nesting glass bowls for ingredients - changed my whole way of cooking hand carved wooden spatula made by a guy in Carthage MO. I have 2 and when they wear out, I'm doomed Thu Feb 28 18:15:58 -0800 2008 2631607 134265 sueatmo 1 3445710 Coming in at precisely one penny under $20 -- the apple peeler-corer/slicer device. http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1866507 For years I'd see ancient, rusty ones for sale in New England yard sales and flea markets. Ha ha. How could that possibly work. Then my mom got one. And I laughed and said, ha ha, how could that possibly work. And she laughed back and said, "like this." And then she proceeded to peel, core, and slice enough apples for three pies in a little over three minutes. When I got back home I went out and bought one and now apple season is even more fun. It's an absolutely brilliant piece of folk engineering. Thu Feb 28 19:09:44 -0800 2008 2631607 21333 uh ... art 2 3446345 I have one of those too - it is ingenious. Fri Feb 29 04:38:38 -0800 2008 3445710 63569 flourgirl 1 3446512 I picked up this Bialetti pizza chopper in Marshall's a couple of days ago for $2.99: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/srch/index.cfm?words=bialetti%20pizza%20chopper It's my favorite new toy. I've been lusting after one for a while (I just think it's sexy) but I already had a pizza wheel and couldn't justify the approx. $20 it would cost with shipping. But for $2.99... you gotta love Marshall's. Fri Feb 29 06:15:25 -0800 2008 2631607 63569 flourgirl 1 3447714 Not sure if oven mitts count as gadgets, but I am loving my magnetic silicon (padded interior) OXO oven mitts. One red, one blue. Fri Feb 29 12:39:46 -0800 2008 2631607 91237 hollerhither 1 3448115 1. Kiwi Pro-Slice ($2.00, although it is 10.99 in USA) 2. Wooden mortar and pestle $10.00 (both bought in Thailand. The Kiwi picture is at: http://www.templeofthai.com/fruit_carving/papaya_salad_kiwi_peeler.php I use both of them to make green papaya salad or other salads (green mango, carrot, cabbage in Thai style). As you add different ingredients to the mortar and pestle you pound and flip (with a spoon) so that they get bruised and absorb the liquids like lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar etc. If you use a stone mortar and pestle it will likely come out mush (crushed). Fri Feb 29 15:40:30 -0800 2008 2631607 152425 cacruden 2 3453645 cacruden, I have the Kiwi Pro-Slice as well - simple tool, but it does wonders on the will-this-do-what-I-want-it-to front. As I have on these boards many times before, I will sing the praises ( in this case, CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP) of the Kiwi Brand knives. Just bought a selecion for a birthday gift, and am told they were appreciated very much in the wake of the old knives. And yes, you will like the Pro-Slice, if you have ant affection for julienned veg in your cooking. Cay Sun Mar 02 21:12:51 -0800 2008 3448115 49525 cayjohan 3 3454994 Yes, I have many different little tools from Thailand, last time I returned I was a little overweight on luggage (100kg in total). I also have a set of carving knives (can't remember if they are Kiwi or Kom Kom), although for the main knives I went shopping in Japan and brought back some Global-Pro knives (not sold outside Japan - Cooking, Paring, Petty, and Boning knives). Mon Mar 03 10:35:24 -0800 2008 3453645 152425 cacruden 1 3448139 Bought on a whim while crusing the closeouts at TJ Max. A spatula form fitted to my Kitchen Aid Mixer, well worth the $5 My citrus reamer, must have cost me $1.50 all those little bowels I bought at Pearl River (cheap Chinese imports) to premeasure ingredients into Fri Feb 29 15:56:58 -0800 2008 2631607 28577 Jack_ 2 4168830 little bowels? Wed Nov 12 16:47:04 -0800 2008 3448139 84119 lagatta 3 4169447 You know, like baby chitlins. Wed Nov 12 21:37:09 -0800 2008 4168830 106255 chazzerking 1 3448702 Trauma Shears. Great for cutting through bones, pennies, hapless victims.... ($1.05) Salad Shears. Basically a blade and mini cutting board on a shears set up (Ace Hardware $9.99) Fri Feb 29 20:30:04 -0800 2008 2631607 170146 ccoffeegod 2 5181139 called "Blade and Anvil" set-up similar to the pruning shears (...you should never use) Sat Nov 14 09:00:50 -0800 2009 3448702 11234 toodie jane 1 3448869 My Microplane stick grater/zester, hands down. Also, in terms of utility for price, not much beats the aluminum half sheet pans I bought at a local restaurant supply store for like $4 each. They're thick and heavy as heck. I bake in them, roast on them, and I've even used them to carry heavy hot pots to pot luck dinners. Fri Feb 29 23:19:03 -0800 2008 2631607 168321 sobriquet 1 3455084 My favorite cheap gadget is the SECOND OXO veggie peeler I bought. So DH can join in food prep :-) Other indispensible duplicates: mini whisks, tongs and 3 sets each of measuring cups and spoons. Mon Mar 03 10:49:19 -0800 2008 2631607 49179 jennywinker 1 3545182 an apple slicer cuz I love apples Mon Mar 31 07:40:39 -0700 2008 2631607 42561 kas 2 3546144 grease splatter screens those little silicon alligators mits you can use instead of oven mits Mon Mar 31 11:30:26 -0700 2008 3545182 74192 chuckl 1 3565080 bowl scraper and dough cutter. The former is large, rounded and made out of the perfect type of rubbery plastic (firm but not too rigid). For some reason I've only been able to get this type as a branded freebie at demonstrations or along with other products. Helps get dough and other sticky things cleanly out of bowls. Also good at cleaning bowls with stuff stuck to the side. The dough scraper is a rectangular metal blade with plastic handle along one side. Brilliant from cleaning counters, cutting things (including dough!). I can't imagine baking bread without these. Sat Apr 05 15:06:21 -0700 2008 2631607 10431 Gooseberry 2 3565099 I have a couple of bowl scrapers too and I love them also. Can't remember where I got them but they really work. And I wouldn't be caught without my dough cutter either. I use it all the time. Sat Apr 05 15:15:32 -0700 2008 3565080 63569 flourgirl 1 3565165 corkscrew. one of those guys with the butterfly wings that rise as you screw the pointy end down. i've used the same one for more years than i care to remember. it was a freebie. i keep looking for a reason to dump it but the damn thing just keeps on working. Sat Apr 05 15:47:38 -0700 2008 2631607 10627 steve h. 2 3605558 It's irreverently known as an Iron Jesus. Thu Apr 17 17:16:00 -0700 2008 3565165 10539 KRS 3 3608122 lol. thanks for the info. Fri Apr 18 13:28:34 -0700 2008 3605558 10627 steve h. 1 3570119 I don't even know what it is called but a Laotian friend of mine gave me one of those spoons they use for eating rice and I just love it because it is larger than a tablespoon and I use it to stuff tacos, add chopped garlic, chopped shallots, I load it up and sit it on my stovetop waiting. Maybe its just me but I love it. Mon Apr 07 11:41:27 -0700 2008 2631607 51489 Jimbosox04 1 3590354 I couldn't live without my Feemster. It's this low-tech mandolin type gizmo that shreds and slices fruits and vegetables. When I don't want to get the cusinart out for a small job, and the fancy-dancy mandolin is too much trouble to set up, I drag the Feemster from it's tattered box and make cole slaw with it. Sharp as anything and easy to wash. Sun Apr 13 14:28:10 -0700 2008 2631607 34558 roxlet 1 3607871 An all-plastic Boerner potato grater, which was $2. It's about 4x8", under .5" thick. Looks like junk, but is the BEST for making latkes. One side grates them to shreds, the other to mush. Equal amounts of both make the ideal latka. Fri Apr 18 12:21:49 -0700 2008 2631607 159317 greygarious 1 3609720 Scale. Indispensable for baking, and surprisingly useful for drinks. It was on sale for something like $15 when I bought it, so I'm going to sneak it in here. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007GAX04/sr=1-1/qid=1208613387/ref=sr_searchpop_0_pop?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1208613387&sr=1-1 And I can't believe everyone's talking about citrus reamers but hasn't mentioned these awesome aluminum citrus squeezers (can often be found at hispanic groceries): http://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Housewares-Inc-70417-Squeezer-Metal/dp/B000A7S636/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1208613271&sr=8-1 Sat Apr 19 06:57:29 -0700 2008 2631607 110215 eliah 1 3613332 Swing-A-Way Adjust-A-Grip Jar & Bottle Opener. Simple design, easy to use, works great and costs less than five bucks. Sun Apr 20 19:25:56 -0700 2008 2631607 12867 BluPlateSpec 1 3614256 4 pkg of reusable metal skewers. They hold up to dishwashing and lots of grill use. No need to soak (like wooden skewers). $1.49 for 4. Mon Apr 21 07:14:39 -0700 2008 2631607 36312 HillJ 1 4065757 my latest and greatest is Microwave Omelet in a Pot http://www.shop.com/Joie_Microwave_Omelet_In_a_Pot_by_MSC-109667376-p!.shtml $10 + tax but be very careful it gets very hot Sat Sep 27 09:03:19 -0700 2008 2631607 42561 kas 1 4066779 My tomato corer which I also use for the choke in baby artichokes. Sat Sep 27 19:09:34 -0700 2008 2631607 193015 always_eating 1 4066852 Two. Firm-bristle toothbrushes. Hardly a day goes by when I don't use them to remove stubborn grit from fruits or vegetables, clean the threads of a jar or thermos, scrub the interface between the sink and the chrome trim, remove gunk from pots and pans before going at them with a scrubbie, etc. The scalpel from my university zoology class dissecting kit. Don't use this often but in some situations it can't be beat: loosening stubborn skin from a bird of some sort; cutting tiny veins and green spots from foie gras and delicate lamb kidneys; separating muscles with a precision that can only be described as surgical, and so on. Cheap replacement blades mean it's always razor sharp. The blades are sharper than any knife. The small size means it's extremely maneouverable, perfect for work in tight spaces where even a boning or paring knife dare not go. The kit's other tools -- two sets of stainless steel scissors (small and tiny), various probes and clamps -- are also useful. Sat Sep 27 20:11:40 -0700 2008 2631607 10520 carswell 1 4070872 I have recently discovered that my melon baller is brilliant for coring apples. It works perfectly. Mon Sep 29 16:45:33 -0700 2008 2631607 34558 roxlet 2 5181147 and removing artichoke thistles Sat Nov 14 09:03:21 -0800 2009 4070872 11234 toodie jane 1 4073147 It's a tough choice either my Schaefer or Falls City beer can opener.The Schaefer is smaller and more ergonomically designed, but the Falls City one gives more leverage and torque. I used the Schaefer one earlier this even and with two deft flicks of the wrist opened a can of coconut milk for a Massaman curry and a bottle of Sam Adams Scottish Ale to lubricate the chef. Best of all they were free and were recently seen on The Antiques Road Show. Tue Sep 30 17:15:11 -0700 2008 2631607 93538 Passadumkeg 1 4078257 I absolutely hate peeling garlic. Love my Pampered Chef garlic press. You just put the whole clove in without peeling and voila out comes the garlic and leaves the peel in the chamber. Super easy to clean. 16.50 - I think. Thu Oct 02 18:33:04 -0700 2008 2631607 65518 calla0413 2 4081440 Hardly ever see them but love birch whisks...they are like a little bundle of broom twigs tied around a handle to make a little flat bottom, conical broom. They do not hold up well but make incredibly smooth roux and don't hurt my tinned pans. I have seen them sold as "cake testers" (I guess you pull them apart and use them one strand at a time...seems silly). I also love those little French wooden spatules with the slightly angled ends and rounded corners. ..$3 at Sur La Table. . Sat Oct 04 09:46:51 -0700 2008 4078257 170997 tim irvine 1 4153773 I love a good wooden spoon and a nice thin spatula for flipping fried eggs. Thu Nov 06 11:21:18 -0800 2008 2631607 219367 at24 1 4154132 My wooden toast tongs. Thu Nov 06 13:23:06 -0800 2008 2631607 131001 c oliver 2 4154425 Adorable little silicone pinch bowls (2oz.) made by Le Creuset. (Alas, it's the only L.C. that I own!!) They were under $10.00 for a set of 4 at Sur la Table. Use them every time I cook for getting my "mise" prepped. Also lurve my microplane grater/zester, and my bench scraper all under $20.00 @ SLT. Thu Nov 06 14:58:31 -0800 2008 4154132 154787 adamshoe 1 4159860 I just stumbled upon this thread and don't have time to scan the whole thing, but just thought I'd throw my favorite in. A serrated vegetable peeler (sometimes marketed as a soft fruit peeler). It will zest a lemon and leave you with zero bitter white pith, great for peeling mangoes and peaches with zero effort. And I bought mine for like $6 at a restaurant supply place on the Bowery in NYC. Sun Nov 09 10:44:46 -0800 2008 2631607 164426 dwagner6 1 4162029 I love my teflon coated ice cream scoop w/antifreeze in it. Never freezes up when scooping ice cream! Bought it at Sur La Table. Mon Nov 10 10:43:00 -0800 2008 2631607 93282 lfhhouston 1 4168860 Yet ANOTHER huge cast iron frying pan, in good shape, for 50 cents at a bazaar! Might become a gift. But latest cheap bazaar gadget in use - I picked up a "vertical chicken roasting gadget" at a Portuguese church bazaar here - a lot of those are shoddy, but this is a solid, heavy one made in Denmark. Cost me 25 cents. I've used it, and it turned out a lovely little organic chicken,perfectly browned. Set chicken and gizmo in a nest of small potatoes. I want carswell's dissecting equipment. I use a very, very small cutting knife (from artist's supplies) for those tasks, but a true scalpel would be better. Wed Nov 12 16:54:59 -0800 2008 2631607 84119 lagatta 1 5180065 A silly thing really but an egg slicer. It's a dollar store thing but how else can you easily slice a hard boiled egg. I've tried a knife but make a mess of it every time. Fri Nov 13 16:43:34 -0800 2009 2631607 182230 Alacrity59 2 5180072 Equally nifty on white mushrooms, pitted olives, seedless grapes, candy jellies! Fri Nov 13 16:46:50 -0800 2009 5180065 36312 HillJ 1 5180188 I have a tiny kitchen and rarely indulge in one-use items, but I *love* my OXO mango splitter. Fri Nov 13 17:51:59 -0800 2009 2631607 1121753 herring 1 5180778 Scissors. I have two pairs, small and large. They're just regular scissors not fancy kitchen shears. Got the current ones at IKEA for maybe $2.00 for the both about 10 years ago. Sat Nov 14 04:56:29 -0800 2009 2631607 248284 taos 1 5181166 I've upgraded to a stainless steel fridge and decided all my fridge magnets could go. There seems to be little market for second-hand magnets. So they went in the garbage. Except for one. This was a magnetic strip that came from a door sealer, one of those sealing strips that pulls a steel door shot and stops the wind getting past the edge. I cut it into strips of different lengths. It holds up multiple sheets. You can pin the top and bottom of a sheet of paper - say a recipe printed out in a text size I can read. And finally, they don't carry advertisements for Rodent Disposal or Sell Your House in 3 Days. Sat Nov 14 09:13:16 -0800 2009 2631607 154622 Paulustrious 2 5181285 "There seems to little market for second-hand magnets." Shoot. Really? There goes my retirement plans.... Sat Nov 14 10:03:19 -0800 2009 5181166 63569 flourgirl