The kitchen is the heart of your home, but even seasoned cooks can find themselves misusing everyday kitchen items. While these tools are supposed to make your life easier, using them improperly can lead to frustration, poor results, or even safety hazards.
Here are 15 kitchen items you might be using wrong and how to get the most out of them.
The Dishwasher
Many people load the dishwasher without a second thought, but improper loading can decrease efficiency. To maximize space and cleaning power, ensure utensils face up, pots and pans are at an angle, and plates are arranged so the dirtiest side faces the water spray. Avoid overloading the dishwasher, as overcrowding prevents water and detergent from reaching every dish. Additionally, regularly clean the dishwasher filter to maintain optimal performance.
Dishwasher Pods
Dishwasher pods are meant to go into the detergent dispenser; some people place them on the bottom floor of the dishwasher, leaving your dishes less than sparkling. Also, there is no need to use more than one pod. Doing so can leave residue on dishes and clog the dishwasher.
Your Blender
Blenders are versatile, but you might not be layering your ingredients properly for proper blending. To ensure everything blends smoothly, layer liquids first, followed by soft foods like fruits, and add harder items like ice or frozen vegetables. Starting with harder items can cause the blades to jam. Also, remember to pulse first before blending at higher speeds to prevent overheating the motor.
Knives
Knives are one of the most essential kitchen tools, yet many people misuse or neglect them. Using the wrong knife for the task can slow you down and increase the risk of injury. For example, a paring knife isn’t suited for chopping large vegetables, and a serrated knife is best for bread. Moreover, avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass, which can dull the blade, and make sure to sharpen knives regularly.
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters give you a clean brew but can do more than strain coffee grounds. Some people double up on filters to get a stronger brew, restricting water flow and producing a bitter taste. Instead, stick to one filter for a balanced brew. Coffee filters can also strain soups or line containers to absorb excess moisture when storing food.
Ceiling Fans
Believe it or not, ceiling fans in the kitchen help regulate temperature and improve air circulation, but many forget to adjust the settings seasonally. The fan should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down. In the winter, switch it clockwise to pull cool air up and distribute warm air from your heating system. This trick also helps prevent kitchen odors from lingering.
The Crisper Drawer Setting
The crisper drawer in your fridge is not just a convenient storage bin—it has specific settings that control humidity. High-humidity settings are ideal for leafy greens and vegetables, while low-humidity is better for fruits. Mixing items without adjusting the setting can cause premature wilting or rot. Make sure to separate fruits and veggies based on their storage needs for longer-lasting freshness.
The Food Processor
If you’re not utilizing all the attachments of your food processor, you’re missing out on its full functionality. Many people use the basic blade for everything, but different blades are designed for chopping, slicing, and shredding. Using the wrong blade can result in uneven textures. Also, don’t overfill the bowl, which leads to inconsistent processing.
The Garlic Press
Garlic presses seem straightforward, but many people don’t use them correctly. Instead of peeling the garlic first, leave the peel on—most presses extract the garlic while leaving the peel behind. Cleaning the press can be a hassle, but using the handle or a fork to scrape the residue before washing can save time. Lastly, avoid pressing too many cloves at once to ensure an even crush.
Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can handle a lot, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid dumping fibrous foods like celery or potato peels, as these can wrap around the blades and cause clogs. Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help push waste through the pipes. You can also freshen it up by grinding small pieces of citrus peel.
Vegetable Peeler
If you only use your vegetable peeler for potatoes, you’re missing out on its versatility. It’s great for peeling thin-skinned fruits like peaches, creating vegetable ribbons for salads, or zesting citrus. Many people peel in one direction, but using a back-and-forth motion is faster and more efficient. Also, keep the blade sharp to avoid wasting food by cutting too deep.
The Oven Drawer
The drawer under the oven is often misunderstood as a storage space for pans, but it’s actually designed to keep food warm. Many ovens come with a warming drawer to maintain cooked dishes at a safe temperature without continuing to cook them. By using this space properly, you can avoid reheating food that has been sitting out. Just remember to remove items that could melt before turning the oven on.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil seems simple, but there’s a right and wrong side to use depending on your cooking method. The shiny side reflects heat, making it ideal for wrapping foods you want to keep warm, while the dull side is more absorbent and perfect for baking. Also, avoid using foil on acidic foods like tomatoes, as it can react with the metal and alter the flavor.
Corkscrew
You might be misusing your corkscrew if you’ve ever broken a cork or struggled to open a bottle of wine. The key is to insert the corkscrew at an angle and rotate slowly to prevent the cork from crumbling. For winged corkscrews, stop twisting once the wings are fully extended, then press down evenly. Remember to pull the cork straight out, not at an angle, to avoid breakage.
Dish Sponge
Your dish sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned and replaced regularly. To maintain it, rinse the sponge thoroughly after each use and wring it out to remove excess water. You can sanitize it by microwaving it for one minute or soaking it in bleach. Replace the sponge every one to two weeks or sooner if it starts to smell.
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