Spinning off from @Vecchiouomo 's comment on the Toaster Over discussion [quote=“Vecchiouomo, post:50, topic:44301, full:true”]
Here in cookware-land, we are all familiar with the call of the new and shiny.
[/quote]
I’ve got a small stack of gizmos and cookware taking up space that I’m quite sure are not worth, in usefulness, what I paid, nor the hassle of fitting other cookware around them in my crowded cupboards. What’s on your “should I get rid of that” list?
Most recent - a $30 stainless steel garlic press, purchased last year at a kitchen specialty store. I’ve minced using a knife for more than 30 years. While the press is quick to use, it’s not quick to clean up – has to be sprayed and/or toothpick cleaned, not just rinsed and run thru dishwasher. And doesn’t fit well in the utensils drawer.
A kitchenaid Y peeler. As a peeler, it’s fine. It’s got a stainless steel blade, so you don’t even have to worry about being all scrupulously clean with it.
But the handle is so big and chunky that it’s a pain in the ass to fit in the drawer, and it constantly gets shoved around so it gets caught and prevents the drawer from opening.
I am impatiently waiting for it to break or grow unusably dull so I can get a couple of these
https://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-2784-Original-Peeler/dp/B001BCFTWU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1
+1 for the Kuhn Rikon. I bought/gave away numerous “best” peelers which didn’t live up to the task. KR remains a favorite (and my only peeler).
Never had a Kuhn Rikon peeler. I get those Star or Rex peelers. Love’em.
I have bought and regretted far too many things. Thankfully, I have become more savvy and moderated the buying, a lot. However, I must say that the Instant Pot was a big regret. Yes. It does a lot of things, most of them pretty well, but it just was not a fit for me. I also regret my Pommes Anna pan. It is too big. I should have bought the smaller one. I am always open to a sale or a trade!
Air Fryer… I don’t know if that counts as a “gizmo”, but I do regret that purchase.
Yes. It’s a gizmo.
Interesting. I find it more versatile the longer I have it. Fish comes out really well, chicken thighs, wings… and everything is done so much faster than it would be in our regular oven.
Guess it depends on what model one gets. We were disappointed with our first one, which had two racks. After staying at our friend’s pad in Philly, who had one with a large drawer we got the same one.
It takes a bit to master it (and TBH we’re far from that), but I really find it cuts down on cooking time.
I have the version with a “basket” that slides in. (not the one that looks like a small oven).
I only have two dishes that I cook in it. Moreover, I found it a complete pain to clean the thing, as NONE of the parts are dishwasher safe.
Mine resides in the back of my pantry, only to make an appearance 2-3 times per year.
At the end of the day, I (personally) regret that purchase!!
About five years ago, I bought a pasta machine. Not the KA attachment, but one that you hand-crank. I have never used it. Fortunately, while it was shiny, it wasn’t new. I picked it up used on Craig’s List for about $10, IIRC. Still, it’s taking up storage space and gathering dust.
I don’t ‘regret’ getting my Tefal Actifry, but in 10+ years of ownership I have probably only used maybe 20 times, and only for one or two things other than chips/fries.
Does make the best chips ever though!!
Not cookware, but I regret the purchase of a lot of cookbooks, especially those by celebrity chefs. Wish I had spent the money on ingredients or wine instead……or left it in the bank.
My cousin’s 2nd wife used one for her amazing Vietnamese spring rolls. I know I’m too lazy to make them from scratch.
pasta machine
Around 2017, my partner signed us up for a pasta making class for my birthday. We liked it so much that she put an Mercado Atlas 150 (the typical hand cranked machine) on her birthday wishlist later that year.
We use it at least once a month. Mostly fettuccine, but I’ve also done tortellini a couple of times. It’s one of our favorite gadgets. It’s fun to use, too, to the point that I would ONLY consider the KA attachment if the manual one broke.
Ours is in the basement. We even got the little engine for it. I’m almost ashamed to admit that we haven’t made fresh pasta in well over a decade, and it’s such a pleasure to eat 
I got one of those (hand crank pasta makers) at Goodwill, used it once. Lesson learned!!
The next day I purchased in the KA (pasta - 3 pack) attachments. (Totally worth the investment!!) I use the KA Attachments quite often.
I donated (back to Goodwill) the hand crank pasta maker…
And I cannot imagine making Bolognese without hand cranked pappardelle!
I make a shtton of eggs on Sundays as breakfast for my wife and myself for work. Usually I make 8 eggs each, with goodies mixed in. My 10" CI pan had been my go to. First pan I ever owned. Walking through Ross one day, I see a10" Calphalon for $10. Nonstick, me thinks, but no stupid coating for the nonstick love.; just aluminum. Naw, like any nonstick, doesn’t last, even following the user instructions to a T. Now, it sits there looking stupid.
If it is the old Calphalon anodized aluminum, I found, back when I had such a pan, that it could be seasoned like regular aluminum, nowhere near as slick as CS, but pretty good. Sadly the pan spent a stretch being tossed in the dishwasher. Aluminum plus dishwasher detergent equals big sad spoiled pan.
