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Sure, everybody dreams of a kitchen that makes your food solely by itself. Well, maybe with the help of some innovative, high-tech kitchen gadgets, but definitely without your own manual labor. Knowing this, kitchen appliance makers sure do try their best to make our kitchens more autonomic and to make the drudgery of cooking less time-consuming. And some of the new gadgets they come up with are just awesome! Take, for instance, the frother - how did we ever survive without frothing our powdered shakes or morning lattes before it? Or, think about the omnipotent air fryer - this baby sure makes our lives easier. But it doesn’t stop at the kitchen, either! Smart home appliances like Roombas and window-cleaning robots have won our hearts and made our lives easier. However, not all home appliances are made equal, and there are some that are, well, completely useless. Then, of course, they make awesome entries to our worst home appliances list, which is even more hilarious than you would’ve thought.

This glorious list of bad appliances includes, but is not limited to, a smartphone-controlled kitty water fountain (very effective at scaring your cat sh*tless). Then, we have something called the Porkfolio, which is simply a glorified piggy bank. And then there’s the Star Trek borg cube fridge; don’t even ask about it because we’re also lost on this one. So, plenty of hilariously bad appliances we’re sure glad we haven’t bought!

Right-o, ready to check which things made it to our inglorious worst home appliances list? If so, you know what to do! Once you’re done reading, be sure to rank the gadgets from worst to dubiously best or vice versa and share this article with your friends!

#1

LED Tap

Multi colored LED taps

Why wash your hands with boring old water when it can glow like an incredible E.T.!

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N Miller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a shower head that changed colour. In the mornings it was actually quite mood enhancing. In the evenings it was like being in a disco!

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#2

Smart Kettle

Smart kettle controlled by a phone

Yeah, because locating your phone, downloading the app, and setting up your parameters is much easier than just flipping the on/off switch!

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#3

Pie Bird

Ceramic red pie bird on a pie

If you know what a pie bird is, chances are good that you already own one. So here is a little explanation for the pie newbies: These tiny ceramic birds can aid in steam venting while your pie bakes and keep the filling from bubbling over. The majority of home bakers still produce delectable pies without pie birds, though owners acknowledge that they serve more as a cute kitchen ornament than a necessary baking aid.

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Rachknits
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are great and have been around for years - my gran had one. It's not being used properly in the pic tho

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#4

Star Trek Borg Cube Fridge

Star Trek Borg Cube Fridge with a blue glass bottle near

Can you appreciate an icy cold beverage if it hasn't been sitting in green light inside a mini-fridge modeled after a mythical spaceship, says this dorm-worthy refrigerator? The answer is yes, and it makes this product completely useless.

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#5

Breakfast Station

Light blue Breakfast Station with food on it

The breakfast station, which commonly combines a toaster oven, griddle, and coffee maker, is then, by all means, something you should buy.

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#6

Baseball Bat Pepper Grinder

Baseball Bat Pepper Grinder

For those who like their pepper as aggressive as possible. 

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#7

Countertop Pizza Oven

360 degree black Countertop Pizza Oven

Even though pizza-only countertop ovens advertise that they use less energy and cook more evenly, they aren't really compact and will occupy a lot of cabinet or counter space for something you might only use once a week. Also, you could just use the oven you already have. 

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Jared Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother has this. It's the devil. Oven is so much better of a cook.

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#8

Warming Ice Cream Scoop

Black Warming Ice Cream Scoop with white ice cream inside

Enter the self-warming ice cream scoop, which claims to use some sort of thermodynamic magic to melt even the toughest ice cream quickly. Cool concept, but we'll stick to the tried-and-true techniques of letting that pint of frozen goodness soften on the counter for a few minutes or running a conventional ice cream scoop under warm water.

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Rachknits
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These actually work and are better than non warming ones. The one I use is filled with antifreeze and you just have to rest it one top of the ice cream and it sinks down. I have weak wrists (am disabled) so it's great for me

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#9

Magic Tap

Magic Tap dispenser for multiple liquid use

Poof! It's magic: When you purchased the Magic Tap, your $21 suddenly vanished into thin air. Thanks to this drink dispenser, we no longer have to lift and pour juice, milk, soda, or other beverage containers. We advise you to continue building your upper-body strength by pouring your favorite beverage in the traditional manner.

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#10

Monogrammed Barbecue Branding Iron

Branding Iron for Barbecue use

Regardless of how good your steaks are, we won't eat anything that has your initials on it.

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#11

Musical Toilet Roll Device

Person holding a small white device near a green toilet roll

Relieving yourself is not an act that requires a title track. Well, usually. 

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Sam Juan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd totally have the Mission: Impossible theme song play everytime I use it

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#12

Cookie Dippers

Green dinosaur Cookie Dippers

The creators of cookie dippers kindly request that you STOP DOING THIS NOW if you are dipping your Oreos in your milk with your fingers. They insist that there is a better way. The cookie doesn't crumble when dipped because the dipper "cradles the cookie by the cream." So long as you're ready to spend valuable money and drawer space on this exact small gadget, there won't be any more cookie search and rescue operations.

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the thrill of timing my dips. I’ll stick to my traditional method, thank you

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#13

Electric Martini Maker

Electric Martini Maker with a Martini glass near

When Bond, James Bond asked for his martinis to be "shaken, not stirred," he absolutely did not have in mind a machine doing it. 

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G M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This can’t be easier than making a martini yourself, neither the process nor the clean up.

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#14

Meat-Shredding Claws

Meat-Shredding Claws with tongs near

Not going to lie: These items appear to be fantastic for channeling your inner carnivore or for acting like Wolverine. However, unless you frequently host barbecues or whole roast hogs in your backyard, these are probably unnecessary. Use just a few forks for your most recent crockpot dish.

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#15

Soft Pretzel Makes With Cheese Dip Warmer

Soft Pretzel pan with a cheese sauce in the middle

Is there anything more frustrating than preparing a pretzel and then realizing you forgot to reheat the cheese dip? There is. Literally, anything else that might occur in your life is what it is called.

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PiAnisum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

German here, living in Swabia and with Bavarian parents. That’s not how we eat Brezeln 🥨 ( German for pretzels)

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#16

Runny Nose Shower Gel Dispenser

Soft looking human nose imitation

Because who wouldn't want to slather themselves with snot? (except for toddlers, maybe)

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#17

Microwavable Bacon Cooker

Orange and white bacon cooker with bacon on a plate

Don't have an oven, a grill, or even a stove? Then a microwaveable bacon cooker might be the right choice for you. 

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Nupraptor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bacon takes a really long time to cook and usually makes a huge mess with grease splatters. I still prefer it to microwave bacon but I think there's definitely a market for this.

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#18

Waffle Bowl Maker

Black Waffle Bowl making pan

Waffles bowls are terrifying. There's not much to add to describe this scary device. 

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#19

Electric Salt And Pepper Grinders

Black Electric Salt And Pepper Grinders near a box

Again, if you have arthritic hands or another condition that makes it difficult to turn a handle, you might be able to justify using electric salt and pepper grinders. If not, it's difficult to defend these automatic devices with motors and batteries that fail, leaving your food tragically unseasoned. (Yes, many of them have LED lights, but they're probably not worth the extra money unless you're cooking supper in the dark.)

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#20

Egg Counter

White Egg Counter opened

Well, using your eyes or your hands to count the eggs would also work just fine!

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#21

Popcorn Machine

Cool looking Popcorn Machine with popcorn bags near

Calculating how much popcorn you would need to consume for a personal popcorn machine to be financially viable is not even worthwhile.

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#22

Pickle Picker

Pickle Picker holding a small pickle

Apart from pleading to be put in a tongue twister, pickle pickers exist only to protect your fingertips from the gross humiliation of reaching into a pickle jar (or olive jar, or pepper jar). Naturally, a fork has long fulfilled the same purpose, but pickle pickers promise to be more dependable and keep your hands free of liquid.

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#23

Omelet Maker

Red and black omelet maker pan with omelet inside

Call us old-school, but pan would work perfectly well here. 

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#24

Corn Dog Maker

White and black corn dog maker with corndogs inside near a box

Having a piece of special equipment for making corn dogs doesn't seem like it will make life any easier unless you eat them all the time.

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Powerful Katrinka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Completely illegal. Federal law dictates that all corn dogs must be eaten while wandering aimlessly at the state or county fair.

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#25

Taco Holder

Multiple steel taco holders with tacos inside

Perhaps taco holders encourage taco consumption in a more refined manner. They can enable a daring home cook to prepare each priceless taco in advance and then maintain order and cohesion once everything is placed on the plate. But we're not persuaded. We'll be over with the barbarians who build their tacos as they go, eating any spilled toppings with a fork and a smile. 

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Corey Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Counterpoint: These are great, especially in a restaurant setting where you get 3 at a time..

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#26

Avocado Masher

Avocado Masher with multiple avocados near

You can mash avocados with this masher, which resembles a potato masher in appearance, but a fork will also work. Even if you often consume guacamole, there is no compelling need to keep this in your utensil drawer.

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#27

Wi-Fi Scent Dispenser

Wi-Fi Scent Dispenser controlled by a smart phone

Your phone can do many things these days, so why not give it the ability to make your room smell like Jolly Ranchers or sizzling bacon while you're away? 

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Bi Frog
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would I want to make my house smell good when I'm not there???

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#28

Automated Floss Dispenser

White Automated Floss Dispenser

30 dollars, and this gadget is all yours! However, we like our floss dispensed manually better. 

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Sam Juan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want one now before my next dental appointment in about a week... But, then, what would I use it for in the 6 months afterwards?

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#29

Wine Aerator

Wine Aerator stuck on a wine bottle cap

Any person who is trying to save money should ignore wine aerators. According to some experts, there's no need to spend money on yet another pointless bar accessory unless you're in a great rush to aerate a wine. Wine should have lots of oxygen after being slowly swirled, which will help flavors develop. Bonus: When you do it, you appear to be a genuine wine expert.

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are actually really useful. Simply swirling will not aerate the wine, it will need ten minutes or so of being in the glass to get the same effect as simply pouring through this device. Who's got time to wait ten minutes before they dring their wine?

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#30

Hands-Free Bag Holder

green and black Hands-Free Bag Holder

This puzzling device tries to make the laborious process of filling a plastic baggie significantly simpler. Avoid unless you're packing hundreds of plastic bags per day with nefarious, cumbersome sauces or soups. You won't need to dig them out of the bottom of your junk drawer because your hands are free.

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Wheelchair athlete
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like a lot of these devices, they aren't useful for many people, but great for disabled people and people with mobility or dexterity issues

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#31

The "Smart" Toilet

The "Smart" Toilet

There is a lot wrong with this situation. Nobody should be using a phone app to operate their toilet since toilets are so simple and pretty self-explanatory (rhymes with 'lavatory'). 

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#32

Corn Kernel Stripper

Corn Kernel Stripper

While we're talking about corn, numerous devices can remove the tasty kernels off your corn cob. That would, however, prevent you from enjoying the summer ritual of devouring a mouthwatering ear of buttery corn on the cob and then pulling the kernels out of your teeth. 

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It's_me
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you do not have access to dental insurance/care, you may have lost some teeth over time, which makes this device a bit more attractive; although a knife would still do the trick.

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#33

Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate Fountain

While chocolate fountains can add flair to a wedding or other significant event, adding one to your kitchen requires a serious love of chocolate. Try melting some chocolate on the stove to make a quick (and far easier to clean) treat instead.

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jdtimid123
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a small one of these, it wasn't that hard to clean at all, and was a fun little treat for like date nights and stuff. The problem, as with most appliances, is that it gets stuck in a cupboard and you forget you have it. Honestly, most of these posts is just being snarky about neat stuff because there's a cheaper way.

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#34

Sno-Cone Maker

Sno-Cone Maker

For a dessert that unquestionably tastes better at the state fair than in your living room, this is a large appliance. It's probably simpler to get a container of ice cream if you want a frosty dessert anyhow.

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#35

Asparagus Steamer

Asparagus Steamer

To spend money on a specific asparagus-sized pot with a wire attachment that encourages your preferred vegetable to stand up straight while it cooks. The rest of us will continue to prepare asparagus by stuffing it into a multipurpose steamer basket, roasting it in the oven, or frying it in butter and garlic.

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#36

Tuna Press

Tuna Press

The tuna press makes it simple for you to empty that can without any hassle, and it can even occasionally empty cans of maize or black beans. Of course, most of us simply carefully drain the liquid past a can lid that is only partially open, but if you prefer extra-dry tuna, go for it.

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#37

Milk Tea Shaker

Milk Tea Shaker

We believe you can purchase a milk tea that matches your requirements at a great tea shop nearby if you can afford an automatic shaker for your milk tea. Otherwise, until the milk tea trend fades, you can expect to have this bulky device clogging up your kitchen counter.

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Chumbo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a commercial appliance, clearly intended for use in a tea shop...

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#38

S'more Maker

S'more Maker

I'm glad someone finally said, "How can I create an S'more without a fire, company, or any sense of amusement? I just want the chocolate and marshmallows!" It's just sad. 

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fair_weather_rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is sad. The entire point of making s'mores is holding flammable sugar goo on a flammable stick over fire!

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#39

Electric Can Opener

Electric Can Opener

An electric can opener is a prime example of a device that takes up too much room on a kitchen counter and doesn't actually save money or improve food quality. It's a headache and extra expense to fix or replace it if it breaks. Stick with the manual model unless you have arthritis or another condition that requires an electric can opener.

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#40

Roller Spiral Slicer

Roller Spiral Slicer

Although it's wonderful to have fruit with spiral cuts, there's a strong chance that your fruit will still look delicious without going through this extra effort. It's difficult to do even with a tool.

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#41

Deep Fryer

Deep Fryer

When you have images of onion rings and funnel cake dancing through your head, buying a deep fryer could seem fun. However, it won't be used frequently enough to warrant its size, expense, and labor. Instead, use a heavy-duty medium or large pot (or even a wok) together with a thermometer to fulfill your deep-frying needs.

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#42

Fondue Set

Fondue Set

Is there really anybody who eats fondue more often than once a year? Well then, there's your answer - you really don't need a fondue set. 

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#43

Quesadilla Maker

Quesadilla Maker

When a skillet and spatula aren't enough to finish the job.

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Bekki Sala
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....I asked for and got one of these for Christmas. I don't care. I love the stupid thing.

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#44

Porkfolio

Porkfolio

A digital piggy bank that aids in goal-setting and tracking your savings. So far, it sounds good. Oh, so it simply takes coins, I see. On the other hand, it might be time to set higher financial goals if they entail items you can find in the couch cushions.

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Page intentially left blank
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's for kids. I love how this article tries so hard to ignore what the device was actually designed for, thereby dismissing that particular consumer - especially those who have a physical limitation (abelism, anyone ?). Some, I admit, are kinda stupid, but many of these items *are* useful - just not useful to *everybody*

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#45

Treat Tossing Dog-Watching Wi-Fi Cam

Treat Tossing Dog-Watching Wi-Fi Cam

Again, perfect for scaring your pet right out of its fur. 

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Bi Frog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once you buy it, you still have to buy a subscription to use it. I hate that.

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#46

Pizza Scissors

Pizza Scissors

Pizza scissors come to the rescue when a rolling pizza cutter doesn't clog your drawers enough. Many of these stainless-steel marvels even include an attached wedge-shaped spatula to keep your fingertips clean while they claim to slice through your pie with ease. 

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Ches Yamada
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are just kitchen scissors. We have a specific type that pops apart for easy cleaning and it's only used for food - works great on veg and meat as well as pizza. And no, you don't get "oily" cutting it, why are they acting like it would make you filthy?

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#47

Yogurt Maker

Yogurt Maker

You've got to love yogurt to want one of these yogurt makers taking up space in your kitchen, especially since you can make yogurt in everyone's favorite multiple-use small appliance, the Instant Pot. Even worse, these devices only produce tiny amounts of yogurt and take at least half a day to produce. So we'll continue to buy the six-packs that are on sale at the supermarket.

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#48

Trongs

Trongs

Trongs are vying for a place in your utensil drawer if you can't stand to eat messy foods like chicken wings or ribs without getting your fingers covered in sauce or grease. Reviewers claim that these strange plastic pinchers, which have grooves for your fingertips, make eating more hygienic but that using them is difficult (surprise, surprise). We'll continue to use our fingers (along with lots of soap and water after we're done).

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#49

Egg Steamer

Egg Steamer

Look, you can even color-match this device to your kitchen! Or you could just boil your eggs in a pot!

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Mjskywalk
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I totally disagree that this is useless. I love mine. When I boil my eggs in a pot they bang around and break, they always seem over or under done and I waste a potful of water. The egg cooker uses a few tablespoons of water, cooks the eggs perfectly every time and is a breeze to clean (and no more broken, oozy eggs)

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#50

Banana Slicer

Banana Slicer

The Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer has received some witty reviews on Amazon, which is proof of how useless it is. So save your money and use a knife unless you have an obsession with perfectly even banana slices.

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#51

Electric Tomato Squeezer

Electric Tomato Squeezer

It looks dangerous enough to be considered a necessity by some. 

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#52

Egg Separator

Egg Separator

Salmonella is a serious issue, but a special egg separator seems unnecessary since most of us have traditionally used the shell to separate the yolk from the white while being careful to wash our hands afterwards.

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Mindy Megas-Loucks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You come with two perfectly good egg separators--your hands work just fine. The white runs between your fingers & then you dump the yolk in a bowl. Repeat as needed. Much easier to clean too.

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#53

Smartphone Controlled Kitty Water Fountain

Smartphone Controlled Kitty Water Fountain

You can "keep tabs on your kitten's water-intake right on your smartphone," claims the product's sales pitch. Congratulations, you just nailed down the daily routine of the world's loneliest individual.

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, since cats are descended from desert-dwelling carnivores, they have a very LOW thirst drive. They are designed to get most of their moisture needs from their prey, but most people feed their domestic cats dry kibble. Therefore, the vast majority of pet cats don't drink enough water, and are dehydrated to some extent or another, and kidney failure/chronic kidney disease is VERY common in elderly cats. A way to monitor and track their water intake is helpful and beneficial for their health. But way to make it sound like a concerned owner who wants to make sure their kitty has a healthy life is the "world's loneliest individual".

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#54

Bread Maker

Bread Maker

We'll let you in on a secret - your kitchen already has a built-in bread-maker. It's called an oven. 

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... says someone who's clearly got no idea what a bread maker actually does.

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#55

Salad Spinner

Salad Spinner

To get your money's worth from a salad spinner, which speeds up the process of washing and drying leafy vegetables a little bit more than the traditional rinse-and-pat technique, you'd have to consume a lot of greens unless you intend to use it in other ways like as a serving bowl or a colander, stay away.

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