When you’ve been cooking as long as I have, it’s easy to feel like you know everything there is to know about the ingredients in your kitchen. But in reality, you may be misusing your kitchen items without even knowing it!
In this post, we’ll explore 15 kitchen items that are often misused, or not used at all. Not only will you learn a few new things about your kitchen equipment, but you’ll also learn how to have a cleaner, more functional, and more efficient kitchen!
Related: A simple fix you need to know if you have a stand mixer
15 Kitchen Items You’re Using Wrongly
1. Kitchen Knives
A knife is a knife is a knife right? Not necessary! Some knives are better suited for different tasks, such as using a serrated knife to cut homemade bread without accidentally breaking it. Serrated knives are also great for cutting soft produce like tomatoes and strawberries.
Another knife that many people overlook is the paring knife. In addition to slicing small items, you can also use your paring knife to peel fruits and vegetables, remove seeds, and remove shrimp.
2. Dishwasher
Where you place your dishes inside your dishwasher makes a big difference! A study published in Chemical Engineering Journal It was found that dishes with carbohydrate-based residues (such as potatoes, pasta, etc.) were cleaned better when placed in the center of the machine. The study also concluded that dishes with protein-based residues (such as meat, cheese, etc.) should be placed on the edges of your dishwasher for optimal cleaning.
Related: 11 Dishwasher Dos and Don’ts You Need to Know
3. Food processor
Some people use their food processor and blender interchangeably, but they are actually better suited for different tasks. A food processor is best when used to chop solid, dry foods or make chunky sauces.
4. Blender
On the other hand, your blender is a helpful tool for making smooth soups, sauces and drinks. But blenders can struggle if you don’t add your ingredients in the right order, so start with your liquid first, then add smaller ingredients. Layer the larger ingredients on top, then add the hardest ingredients (like ice or vegetable stems).
5. Refrigerator
Many people use shelves in their fridge doors to store things like milk and juice for easy access. But this is not a great idea, because the door shelves are one of the hottest parts of your fridge.
Instead, it’s better to use those door shelves to store things like spices, water, and shelf-stable juices, since these items don’t need to be kept as cold. Store your milk and fresh juices on the main shelves of your fridge to keep them cold.
Another factor that affects the temperature of your fridge is how much food you have in it. It’s fine to have lots of food in your fridge, as long as there’s enough space between items to allow air to circulate. If air can’t circulate, your items won’t cool enough and may even spoil!
6. Garlic press
If you own and use a garlic press, you may be surprised to learn that you do not need to peel your garlic cloves before pressing them. The “skin” of the garlic will remain inside the press, and only the good parts will be pushed through the holes.
7. Freezer
Most people don’t use it freezer Almost often enough. This is a great place to store your leftovers so they stay fresh longer. Using your freezer more often will help you reduce food waste, and less food waste means more money in your pocket!
Related: 20 Ways to Use Your Freezer to Save Time and Money
8. Disposal of waste
It may seem natural to use hot water when you’re managing your waste disposal, but cold water is often the best option. Hot water causes many foods to melt and the melted food can stick to the disposal blades and the inside of your pipes. Cold water keeps food solid, and solid food is much easier to crush and rinse.
9. Stand mixer
Most people who use a stand mixer don’t know that you can Adjust the height of your pedal attachment. It should rest a few millimeters above the bowl; Any higher and it won’t mix properly, and any lower and it will scratch your bowl.
10. Microwave
To use your microwave properly, you must know the wattage of your particular model. Wattage is how much power your microwave produces and affects how quickly it cooks food. Many frozen food labels suggest different time recommendations based on wattage, so it’s important to know yours. You can find it in your microwave’s user manual or on the front or back of your microwave.
11. Oven
Opening your oven door while cooking or baking can be a dangerous step because your oven temperature can drop to 130°F every time you do it. This swing in temperature can cause disastrous results, such as cake collapse and undercooked food. If you must open the oven door during the cooking process, do so as quickly as possible to minimize the temperature drop.
Additionally, the drawer under your oven may be more useful than you thought! Depending on the make and model of your oven, the drawer may be for storage, warming, or even broiling. Read your oven’s owner’s manual to find out what your oven drawer should be used for and how to get the most out of it.
12. Slow cooker
As with the oven, if you lift the lid during cooking, the temperature of your slow cooker can drop dramatically. It’s hard to resist the temptation to peek, but your meal will be better if you leave it alone!
13. Vegetable peeler
When you use a vegetable peeler, be sure to move the peel away from you, not toward you. Not only is it safer to peel yourself off, but it also results in a cleaner and neater finished product.
14. Wood cutting board
Both moisture and heat can corrode wooden cutting boards, so instead of cleaning them under the faucet or in your dishwasher, use half a lemon and some coarse salt. Salt will remove dirt, and lemon will disinfect the surface. After scrubbing, wipe the board with a clean cloth, and don’t forget to treat the wood regularly with a cutting board conditioner.
15. Spaghetti spoon
The hole in the center of your spaghetti spoon isn’t just for draining; You can even use it to measure! Slide dry spaghetti through the hole to measure out one serving of noodles.
What’s the most mind-blowing fact you’ve learned about your kitchen items?
