Collapsible kitchen gadgets from Progressive

Collapsible Over Sink Dish Rack by Progressive

In the future, all kitchen products might be collapsible to save space in what is sure to be a world full of gadget-filled kitchens. Until that time becomes a reality, we’ll just have to make do with this starter set of five. Click on through for a gallery of images. (Sadly, none from the future.)

Continue reading Collapsible kitchen gadgets from Progressive

Rack ’em up

Kitchen Grid Storage System

Kitchen walls tend to get overlooked as a means of storage. Even the ceiling gets more attention for those hanging pot and pan racks. However, it may be time to replace your kitchen decor with storage. (Or better yet, maybe just move your food art to another wall.)

The Kitchen Grid Storage System combines baskets, racks and containers, creating a system that is completely customizable. The large wall grid is the only piece that mounts to the wall. A utensil holder, a magazine rack, a basket and a spice rack are included, while more accessories are available. At almost three feet wide and just over two feet tall, this rack system offers plenty of space for all of your kitchen gadgets.

Spice jar meets measuring spoon

Airtite Auto-Measure Spice Jars

The goal of any good kitchen gadget should be to combine common tasks into one streamlined operation. When measuring out herbs and spices why bother digging out a measuring spoon when you could just integrate one into the jar itself? That’s exactly what is going on with these Airtite Auto-Measure Spice Jars.

Available in either black or white, the 5-ounce spice jar conveniently dispenses dried herbs and spices one-quarter teaspoon at a time. Included is a shaker top for instances where good ol’ fashioned eyeballing it is good enough—which now doesn’t have to be each time since you won’t have to hunt for those pesky measuring spoons.

Prepara Power Plant Professional grows fresh herbs

Prepara Power Plant Professional

Fresh herbs brighten any meal. Using herbs is probably the easiest way to take your cooking to the next level. However, the simple little addition of freshly cut herbs is not as easy as it sounds. After all, if you want to use herbs, you have to buy herbs. Considering that it’s not always easy to keep fresh herbs, well… fresh, it’s no wonder that this vital ingredient often goes overlooked.

With the Prepara Power Plant Professional you can always have fresh herbs on hand. The indoor garden doesn’t require any soil; instead, seeds are bathed in a nutrient solution, eventually growing to full height with little maintenance. Good news for those of us whose thumbs have not even a tinge of green.

UPDATE 7/18/12: Links above no longer grow anywhere. But this one does:
Prepara PPL1-PP201 Power Plant Professional

Creme brulee branding iron

Crème brûlée branding iron at Savoy, NYC. Photo by Melissa Hom.

For a new take (done in old way) on creme brulee check out what Savoy is doing in NYC. Instead of using a butane torch to brown the top of the custard, they opt to use a branding iron. While you probably won’t find a Creme Brulee Branding Iron any time soon in your local kitchen gadget emporium, consider that a good excuse to visit the restaurant next time you find yourself in the Big Apple.

Slice whatever you want with this multi-purpose slicer

Norpro Multi-Purpose Slicer

Now this is refreshing; a kitchen gadget that isn’t overly specialized. While I may have no need in my kitchen for a dedicated avocado slicer, I certainly could find a use for this Norpro Multi-Purpose Slicer. After all, that’s what it’s designed to do: slice multiple things.

This gadget slices everything from mushrooms to radishes, so you can finally get rid of all those slicers that are each designed to slice a different item. Or better yet, re-gift them for those hard-to-buy-for friends you have. Most likely any novelty slicers you may have are still in the package anyways.