Thanks to the likes of Alton Brown, unitaskers get a bad rap. Haters say that most of us don’t have room in our kitchens for tools that just do one thing. But these highly specialized tools often do a job that would otherwise be incredibly annoying or even downright impossible. Case in point? These 10 tools that will totally help make or break your summer. Keep reading to see what we mean. You’ll be disagreeing with Alton in no time!
1. Stainless-Steel Pineapple Slicer & Dicer, $20
Did you see that viral pineapple-eating hack that was going around the internet a few weeks ago? It was both brilliant and disturbing at the same time. And incredibly messy! When it comes down to it, the best way to get into a pineapple is with a corer. Simply insert the shaft into the top of a trimmed pineapple, apply light pressure, and twist the handle. In less than a minute, you’ll be able to lift the juicy pineapple flesh right out of its peel.
2. Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press, $25
No matter how good you are in the kitchen, it’s pretty hard to make perfectly even patties by hand. And that can become a problem when you’re trying to cook burgers of various sizes and thicknesses all at once. Our Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press consistently makes patties of uniform shape and thickness (from 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inches thick, depending on the setting you choose).
3. Chef’n Strawberry Huller, $8
Got a big pile of fresh strawberries? This wacky-looking device can make quick work of removing the stems, while leaving as much of the fruit in tact as possible. Plus, it can be used to core tomatoes, so its not really even a unitasker!
4. Cactus Corn Holders, $10
If you’ve ever tried to eat corn right off the grill, you know how crucial a good pair of corn holders can be. We’re partial to these cute (and totally on-trend) cactus holders.
5. OXO Corn Stripper, $14
Another totally necessary corn gadget (those ears need so much help!), this handheld tool zips up and down the cob to strip off kernels for kids or anyone who’d prefer to use a fork. You can use a knife (and even try that bundt pan hack) but this way is always going to be easier, faster, and neater.
6. Kuhn Rikon Watermelon Slicer, $20
There are few fruits that are more dangerous to cut into than the round, and wobbly watermelon. This cheeky tool, makes it all a little safer. Just cut a watermelon in half and use this to cut and pull out slices.
7. Williams Sonoma Seafood Oyster Knife, $20
Just try to open an oyster without an oyster knife. Actually, please don’t! That’s just asking for trouble. Also, if you’re not grilling oysters for summer cookouts, you’ve been missing out. Luckily, we have the perfect recipes to help you get started.
- Grilled Oysters with Leeks and Bread Crumbs
- Grilled Oysters with Fines Herbes Butter
- Grilled Oysters with Barbecue Sauce
8. Williams Sonoma Herb & Kale Stripper, $10
Sure, this tool seems totally unnecessary . . . until you realize how much time it will save you this summer. No more stripping off rosemary pieces by hand! Or cutting out the stems of your leafy kale! Plus, it barely takes up any room in a drawer.
9. Williams Sonoma Wood-Handled Pizza Rocker, $40
Your grill is actually the most perfect pizza oven. We’ve got everything you need to pull it off — including directions, recipes and this unique pizza cutter. See, unlike the popular wheeled versions, which can drag your cheese and toppings right off, this makes a clean cut every single time.
10. Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop, $20
The only thing sadder than not having ice cream on a hot summer day is having to wait for your ice cream to soften just so you can scoop it. This scooper has been a popular choice in ice cream parlors and home kitchens since 1935, and its unique handle harnesses the natural warmth of your hand to cut through a super-frozen tub of whatever flavor you’re dishing out.
