It has revealed through new research that people have up to £11 Billion worth of UNUSED kitchen equipment just lying around their homes. Whether it is in the back of cupboards, collecting in drawers or just building dust on countertops because it “looks nice”. Words by Rebecca Cameron.
The new study, carried out by HelloFresh, has discovered that 58% of British people admit that they have no idea what do with or how to use most of the equipment in their kitchens. The list includes tagines, chef knives, potato ricers and sous vide (water baths).
Apparently, this is because modern people love to have “all the gear” when it comes to cooking – just in case they want to cook something fancy from scratch. Despite this, most of the equipment remains unused. 62% stated that they were guilty of buying the latest gadgets, with over a quarter of British people owning a bread maker and around 17% boasting about an ice-cream maker machine.
The list of unnecessary kitchen items includes bamboo steamers (53% have never used it), tagines (53%), sushi mats (52%) and pasta makers (49%).
The average UK household holds an astounding £415 worth of idle kitchen appliances and utensils!
Most people are influenced to buy these new appliances from programmes they watched on TV such as ‘MasterChef’ and ‘The Great British Bake Off.’ While others state that they just liked how great the appliances looked on their kitchen worktop. 56% said that they brought items home from trips and holidays to cook the recipes that they ate abroad, but ashamedly, 11% said they ended up throwing most of the food in the bin.
One of the biggest problems and reasons that the appliances are not being used is because 11% said that they find it too difficult to follow the complicated recipes, while others stated that they just do not have enough time in a day to cook from scratch. 18% said that after a full day of work, the last thing that they want to do is come home and cook, claiming they would rather eat simple meals.
Perhaps have a good clear out and get rid of the equipment was not touched last year. OR you could find some fresh ideas on how to use the gadgets.
Compelo has found different ways to put some of the unused gadgets and utensils around Britain’s kitchens to good use.
Read on to see the list:
Chopsticks:
- You don’t have to restrict yourself to only using these to eat, try:
- Using them to skewer food.
- Try using them to hold up plants
- As a paint stirrer
- Using them to pick the soles of muddy shoes
Blenders:
- Scrambled eggs: they come out nice and fluffy
- Smoothing gravy
- Making lemonade
- Making Pancakes: Just put all of the ingredients in the blender and pour into the pan!
- Whipped cream
Breadmaker
- Bake a cake: Did you know that it is surprisingly easy to bake a cake in a bread maker? You don’t even need yeast or a timer…
Ice cream maker
- Chocolate ice-cream with leftover chocolate from Christmas.
- Lemonade frozen yoghurt
- Chocolate chip cookie – Ice cream sandwiches
Waffle maker:
- Just use it like a regular grill (but not for meat…)
- Cheese Waffles
- Grilled cheese
- S’mores
- Brownies
- French toast
Slow cooker:
- Humidifier: Fill it with water, as it boils it adds moisture to the air when you take off the lid.
- Baked potato: This is very easy, just wrap the potato in foil and place in the slow cooker, set on low and leave it to cook throughout the day.