(Part 3) Best specialty tools & gadgets according to redditors

A lot of answers saying “this is why we don’t use metal cubes”. Basically none saying “they exist and people do use them”:

https://www.amazon.com/Franmara-Stainless-Steel-Cubes-Deluxe/dp/B0083RBXOY

Yes they don’t stay as cold as long as other commenters have noted but also as OP says, they’re re-usable. It’s an option and people use them. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Prove it.


Easy Egg Cracker & Separator, Zanmini Egg Whites Yolk with Dishwasher Safe,White

They make them out of metal. My grandmother had one like this forever...

I've had good luck using a grease splatter screen over a frying pan of boiling water for this. Just don't boil too vigorously (splashing) or leave them too long to prevent soggy tortillas.

You can buy these ice cube trays for water bottles. I have a $1 one from Ikea.

Neither is the ice lego photo!

http://hiconsumption.com/2013/01/lego-ice-bricks-tray/

Which you can also buy on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-4277645-Lego-Bricks-Tray/dp/B000TOHYGU

Nut sheller

Newer model with more plastic:
https://www.amazon.com/Texan-York-Nut-Sheller-Cracker/dp/B002I9GFH8

LED ice cube:

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Submersible-Decorative-LED-Cubes/dp/B005ZI6F2Y

Here you go fam.

I have one just like that, and it works pretty well. However, I hate cleaning it. America's Test Kitchen recommends this one and I love that there's no spout. Looks like it's so much easier to clean, and according to them, it works better. I may be switching to this one.

Y-er here. Try a Whiskey Ball instead. Works like a charm if you like your whiskey chilled without weakening it as fast as ice cubes do.

Here's the one I used

Here's a cheaper one

This is not a new invention. This thing has been around for years.

Just to be safe, I always:

1. Open new tabs with each of the items I intend to purchase from my wish list/cart for reference when adding them back to my cart in (4) below
   
   
2. Delete the items I intend to purchase from my wish list and cart (if they are there)
   
   
3. Click through from the Aeroplan estore/ebates/GCR portal
   
   
4. Add the items I want to purchase back to my cart from the newly opened window launched by the portal in (3). Use the Amazon ASIN to search Amazon for the item you want to add. For example, if the URL is:
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Kilner-KLN21758-Butter-Churner-800ml/dp/B00VSLGHOI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542688868&sr=8-1&keywords=churn
   
   ...then the ASIN is B00VSLGHOI
   
   
5. Yeh I know that's overkill...but I always get my miles/cashback/rebate
   
   Hope that makes sense :)
   
   

Yeah, you can buy the canisters (on amazon no less!) they use to charge them with.

Edit: Teehee.

Splatter screen for those who just realized they must have this for their kitchen.

Get a splatter screen. Culina 13" Splatter Screen, Stainless Steel Fine Mesh. Resting Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R59S4Z2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MQ1pxb27E991P

And here it is in red.

http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Nut-Sheller-Black-Reddisplay/dp/B002I9GFH8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410642436&sr=8-3&keywords=pecan+

We have a plain one like in your picture that we have had since the '50s.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Original-Whiskey-Ball-Molds/dp/B00B4PYUEC

You could have saved a few dollars and bought this...

Your tandoori technique is a bit off, but your problem is real! You need this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R59S4Z2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452179702&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=bacon+splatter+screen&dpPl=1&dpID=41UYfzTN%2BAL&ref=plSrch

It just looks way cooler. Especially if you do it with one of these

I think I found an amazing mold for everyone. Im going to get it myself.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AQB2XK?ie=UTF8&tag=bplin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003AQB2XK

French Fry Cutter!

Yes, it's for nuts, looks like this one is missing a part:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Texan-York-Nut-Sheller/dp/B002I9GFH8

I was into ice cube trays before they were cool. Got a 1978 aluminum tray with lever operated rotating ejectors.

Like this but original: Onyx 18/8 Stainless Steel # ICE001 18 Slot Ice Cube Tray https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0027V9OR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uIyrDbJM87E16

As others said, you want a single large cube or sphere. Silicone molds make it easy, although by default they'll come out cloudy and not clear like you'd get in a fancy cocktail bar. This technique works great for clear ice and is even better with death star molds

They still exist!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3YVW6N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s4-UBbFQQS7X7
Only $10.99

Has science gone too far?

It's actually a recipe I cobbled together myself. Pan-roasted chicken thighs, finished in the oven.

-- 1 tbsp smoked paprika

-- 2 tsp sea salt

-- 1 tsp cayenne powder (varies according to tolerance)

-- juice of 2 limes

-- 3-5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (I like garlic)

-- 4-5 tbsp avocado oil

-- package of mushrooms, sliced

Stir together everything but the mushrooms and dredge the chicken in it, or use it as a marinade. Put a couple tbsp of oil in a 12-inch pan and heat it to medium-high. Cook the chicken for five minutes, covered, then take the lid off, flip the chicken, throw in the mushrooms, and cook it in the oven at 425 for 10-15 minutes. I recommend a spatter shield for the oven stage. If the meat thermometer reads 165F or higher at this point, it's ready for eatin. I sometimes grate some cheese on top and garnish with cilantro.

This pan-oven technique can be adapted to a variety of other flavors that go with chicken, like rosemary or ginger.

https://www.amazon.com/Kilner-Delicious-Homemade-34-Fluid-Capacity/dp/B00VSLGHOI?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1

Nut sheller/cracker

They do! They also have the figurine molds as well if you scroll down and look under "Customers also bought....".

Or you could just buy one of these for a fraction of the cost.

You mean like this?

I'm afraid you have the wrong ice cube tray.

Not far from this: http://www.amazon.com/Water-Submersible-Decorative-LED-Cubes/dp/B005ZI6F2Y

For baking / cooking enthusiasts it makes more sense to buy a reusable canister [like this one ] (http://www.amazon.com/iSi-163001-Professional-Whipper-1-Pint/dp/B003XNPGFA/ref=pd_tcs_subst_k_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=06VTR2QY74PS874B5QY9) . The empty side to the right is where all those little canisters screw into. So really good fresh whipped cream at relatively cheap prices.

Egg cracker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3YVW6N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DO80AbBYZ0GEJ

And this solves that issue
http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-15-Splatter-Screen/dp/B000OLC8IM

I suggest trying these.

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Bottle-Stick-Cube-Tray/dp/B0042KTUBY

Or buy one for $11

Easy Egg Cracker & Separator, Zanmini Egg Whites Yolk with Dishwasher Safe,White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3YVW6N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_T1bVBb6T2NX1G

I too have a whip cream addiction.

You might consider one of these to reduce your costs and increase the cream quality:

https://www.amazon.com/iSi-163001-Professional-Whipper-1-Pint/dp/B003XNPGFA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543422709&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=isi+profi&dpPl=1&dpID=31lyI5%2BAlCL&ref=plSrch

You’ll need the “cream chargers” too.

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Bottle-Stick-Cube-Tray/dp/B0042KTUBY

related, as a freezing enthusiast I love these:

https://www.amazon.com/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing/dp/B07GSSR5V2

Invest in this:


https://www.amazon.com/Texan-York-Nut-Sheller-Cracker/dp/B002I9GFH8


It is the only pecan sheller that uses a blade to nip off the end of the shell, and then nip down the dividing line between the two halves. I don't know of a better sheller as it generally leaves you with solid halves, and there are very few small shell pieces to winnow thru.

How about some sweet ass ice cubes?

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Submersible-Decorative-LED-Cubes/dp/B005ZI6F2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=light+ice+cube

They light up and are ice cubes. That's pretty awesome in my book.

Congrats on both the weightloss and the GPA gain! Good job! :)

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Submersible-Decorative-LED-Cubes/dp/B005ZI6F2Y

Something like that would seem to be a workable option.

On an episode of Good Eats, Alton Brown visited a pecan farm where the owner used one of these to shell pecans. He clipped off each end and then cracked it in the middle. It seemed fairly easy, but I've never used one.

I don't know if he's into Star Wars, but [this] is a cool cookie jar. I like these shot glasses, too. And everyone needs brain ice cubes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Please surprise me.

I use this one. It's not only good for bacon. I also use it for pan frying any high fat content meat, Italian sausages, pork chops etc. It kind of sucks to clean but I submerge it in a sink of hot water and it beats cleaning grease off every surface in the kitchen.

http://www.amazon.com/Culina-Splatter-Screen-Stainless-Resting/dp/B00R59S4Z2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Does not seem to want to let me link.

Very easy to find.
https://www.amazon.com/Leland-Nitrous-Oxide-Cream-Whippers/dp/B003BVUURI

forgot to say I also freeze sauces, and broths in half cup and cup sizes for use later. I use these gizmos

for the half cup I use these

https://www.amazon.com/Kelsey-Adele-King-Cube-Tray/dp/B00NAYELLC/

and for 1 cup

https://www.amazon.com/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing/dp/B07GSSR5V2/

damn kids

https://www.amazon.com/Franmara-Stainless-Steel-Cubes-Deluxe/dp/B0083RBXOY

hahaha! that's what a splatter guard is for my friend! here you go! :D

I’m so impressed you made such a large portion. I’m not sure if this would help you because it freezes four cups at a time (two pack freezes 8) but I use these (amazon link ) so that I can defrost/ heat up just a cup or two of soup at a time.

Vodka is best chilled; stones would definitely be pretty useless for it.

It's the base for a LOT of great cocktails though, and I absolutely love using ice ball molds in mine. They melt a lot slower than ice cubes, so it doesn't water my drinks down nearly as much.

Mine are something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Whiskey-Ball-Bartending-Essential/dp/B00B4PYUEC/ref=asc_df_B00B4PYUEC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198094063648&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15917863178350069453&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019656&hvtargid=pla-318930088479&psc=1

This. I have this one and it's very nice: RSVP Endurance 15".

However while I was looking at Amazon I saw this interesting High Domed Splatter Screen. I kind of like the dome idea. Might have to try it.

HERE YOU GO PATRIOT!

Revolver

Tommy Gun

And make some badass icecubes to go in your badass mug!

These ice cubes are also bad ass

Can you beat this?

I am straight up asking for this fat separator. I've been avoiding it, thinking it was unnecessary. In terms of culinary gifts, I prefer to give food. I make hot fudge, homemade Irish cream, candy. For my mom and dad I stop by the cheese shop and get them expensive pasta etc.

https://www.amazon.com/Cuisipro-4-Cup-Fat-Separator/dp/B008N86YLK

You are thinking of a different kind of apparatus. I mean something like this:

• http://www.amazon.com/Cuisipro-4-Cup-BPA-Free-Separator/dp/B008N86YLK/ref=pd_sbs_k_4
  
• http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-2-Cup-Separator/dp/B000BGTZSG/ref=pd_sbs_k_2

Oh, good shit. Thanks man!

Ahahha i should sell these idividually to people for like 10. Guarantee people will pay! http://www.amazon.com/Leland-Nitrous-Oxide-Cream-Whippers/dp/B003BVUURI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344743222&sr=8-1&keywords=nitrous+oxide you do the math!

Ice maker? The ice trays at my grandparents house were metal trays with levers http://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Stainless-Steel-ICE001-Slot/dp/B0027V9OR0

They were the best...

A separator for de-greasing broth. Takes a ton of fat out of chicken or any other kind of broth. It's not expensive but def. something any home cook would love.

Damnit, now I want that gun ice mold for my scotch/bourbon/whiskey/whisky....

Hey I found one

It's taken practice, and a splatter screen.

Especially if it's this globe of ice...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JG0CV9S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483585082&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Death+Star+mold&dpPl=1&dpID=4162DBzlJbL&ref=plSrch

A bunch of bronze skeleton keys for costume bedazzling.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KXME682/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


or maybe my industrial french fry cutter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T3OO8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Y'all are obviously not from the south, where they fry everything. Buy an oil screen, kid! amazon

You want one of these bad boys!

I just ordered this off Amazon (and some gas cans)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XNPGFA

This is cheaper than the Gourmet version but I think it should be fine for my needs.

Thanks guys!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000TOHYGU

http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-15-Splatter-Screen/dp/B000OLC8IM/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1408326609&sr=1-2&keywords=pan+splash+guard+screen

these are great too, it's just a screen with a handle, keeps it from spraying up, but yes he should turn the heat down too.

Here are the ones I have but there are many other varieties as well.

I live out of US so i doupt i can get it. But I saw this. I could order this, melt white chocolate and use food coloring and then cast the chocolate in the LEGO mold.

Got this for Christmas, works amazingly, no arms falling off. :P

Amazon, eh:
http://www.amazon.com/Lego-4277645-Ice-Bricks-Tray/dp/B000TOHYGU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321854275&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Minifigure-Ice-Cube-Tray/dp/B003AGSG0C/ref=pd_sim_t_1

Molecular Gastronomy Spherirication is really fun and sciency. I made little balsamic vinegar spears when I did it for a project but you can do it with fruit juice and then put them on ice cream. They are kinda like boba but much smaller. I used these pipettes to make the spheres (if you decide to do this, I still have a bunch and totally willing to send you some if you would like) It was pretty fun and I'm an adult. Also I have a simpler recipe but mine is specifically for vinegar...not sure if that matters...

These brain ice cube trays would make ice or you could make mini brain jello jigglers.

Try this-- its not a cone at the bottom, but I love mine.

Cuisipro 4 Cup Fat Separator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008N86YLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ee7nDb1WGXEB3

If you used a mini brain ice tray as a mold then suspended them in a different colour you could make jello shots

Get a modern day, stainless-steel update instead. Pricey, but it's not gonna crack.

It will be edible and that's about it. You need some direct heat on there to get color and crisp up that delicious skin. I don't think you need to worry about staining the walls and, if you're really, really worried about it grab one of these from Amazon or your local retailer: http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-2060-13-Inch-Splatter-Screen/dp/B004C26ON4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416339734&sr=8-1&keywords=splatter+guard

Another option would be to get yourself a toaster oven. They're great for single people or people with very limited space. I have one of these and, if I'm only cooking for me and my girlfriend, will use it instead of my full sized oven: http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BOV650XL-Compact-1800-Watt-Toaster/dp/B00357YS3A/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416339840&sr=1-2&keywords=toaster+oven+breville

Kilner Butter Churn, 34-Fluid Ounce Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VSLGHOI/

(Salvation Army) Popcorn maker: $5.99. Works great!

(Salvation Army) Brand new shoes: $9.99

(Salvation Army) Sealed box of foodsaver bags: $3.99

(Salvation Army) Metal and glass clock, 16" diameter: $3.99

(Goodwill) Forgot to include in pic is a splatter screen for 99 cents. One like this https://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-15-Splatter-Screen/dp/B000OLC8IM

(Goodwill) I also got a really nice rocking chair with a rocking footstool to go with it. Super smooth rocking and looks near new. Furniture was half off so I got it for $55

https://www.amazon.com/Jollylife-Silicone-Lovers-Party-Theme/dp/B00JG0CV9S

They make a screen to help cut down on the mess. For example

http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-15-Splatter-Screen/dp/B000OLC8IM

Obviously, it can't stop the entire mess, sinceyou need to be able to work the food, but it helps...

I'm a big fan of the isi brand, they are far more proud of them, but I think they're worth the money and you can get parts for them if needed (I've never needed parts in 15 years)

We had the smallest size for years, with the thought that one doesn't need that much whip cream... but have now since acquired both a pint and quart size, you don't need more than a pint imho , so quick and easy to make more if you need it, like 1 minute tops. And the quart one needs like 2 nitrous chargers. We also use the isi chargers they are a bit more expensive, but is not enough to argue about it imho.

Our quick recipe is one cup heavy whipping cream and 2 packets of splenda, and a squirt of vanilla bean extract. You could probably get away without the splenda, and there is a carb in each packet, but we like it.

iSi 163001 Profi Professional Cream Whipper, 1-Pint https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XNPGFA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_07aczbXMKDKD8


Nielsen-Massey Vanillas 4-oz Pure Vanilla Bean Paste https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002HQE11O/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_RdbczbDBF17E8

We found the same vanilla locally in a smaller portion for less, but I'll probably buy this next time.


Stupid easy and good, so many things you can do with a whipper too, I've made chocolate malt whip cream that was amazing too... kalua flavored whip cream, really the list is endless.

On a side note, probably not a lot cheaper than rediwhip, but so much better tasting, and don't get me wrong I like rediwhip too!

Well since you wrote "chips" rather than fries I'm guessing you're not 'Murican, it's pretty common to make them that way over here. However if you fry in a shallow pan you probably want to use a splatter screen, because that shit gets everywhere.

I use these all the time for this purpose. I don’t just use it to freeze soups. I have frozen rice and sauce etc as well. I then individually bag and label each item. The night before I defrost the food in the fridge and the next day take to work and heat and eat. Works great for me!

Souper Cubes Extra-Large Silicone Freezing Tray with Lid - 2 pack - makes 8 perfect 1cup portions - freeze soup broth or sauce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSSR5V2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tixLDbHGHNH04

I've found the Souper freezer trays to be a godsend for batch cooking things and freezing meal-sized portions. That way I can pick and choose from whatever is in my freezer.

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Whiskey-Ball-Jumbo-Mold/dp/B00B4PYUEC

I like the bottom drain ones

(Gong Sounds)

https://www.amazon.com/Leland-Nitrous-Oxide-Cream-Whippers/dp/B003BVUURI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1482958251&sr=8-4&keywords=nitrous

https://www.amazon.com/Whipped-Cream-Dispenser-Cartridge-Holder/dp/B01DOZFG2O/ref=pd_sim_79_43?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2W62BMDYGVYPQABTDV2M

https://www.amazon.com/ASSORTED-PUNCHING-BALLOONS-Party-Jarty/dp/B01DIPWXIA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482958335&sr=8-3&keywords=punch+balloons

TheFijiGod's got you, broseph!

WUBWUBWUBWUB your little heart out!

(THE GOD OF FIJI HAS SPOKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) (Gong Sounds)

Regarding the Star Wars ideas, check Amazon for their prime-marked items, but here some ideas under or around $15:

Ice cube maker

Poster

This tank top

But I really encourage you to go in-store and see what else is available. I know my local (U.S.) Kohl's is carrying a Star Wars stocking that I'll be getting for my boyfriend - it's about $15. Since it's a film being so heavily promoted, you might be able to find items in-store without having to pay for shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/Fred-FREEZE-Handgun-Ice-Tray/dp/B003YUBQKG

You're in luck!

> HUGE russets

The grill guy and I agree that sometimes it feels like we're trying to slice footballs, given how big some of the potatoes are. I'm also surprised no one makes more jokes about the fry guy having one arm stronger than the other...

They make splatter screens that eliminate oil splatter from shallow pan-frying.

we all need lego ice cubes

I use this thing

Ice guns and ice bullets obviously.

This guy is pricey but he will last forever and takes care of sweet potatoes no problem. No mushing problem, either.

It would help if I posted the link

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Silicone-Bottle-Sized-Tray/dp/B0042KTUBY

Am I the only one who knows about these?
Bottle Ice Tray
Link

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003BVUURI/ref=pd_aw_sims_6?pi=SL500_SS115
With the cracker of course.

This already exists :

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2314579/Stainless-steel-used-cool-drinks-instead-ice-stop-alcohol-watered-down.html
   
   2)http://www.brookstone.com/reusable-ice-cubes
   
   3)http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-Ice-Cubes-Whiskey-Chilling-Stones-Beverage-Cooler-Drink-Chiller-/150957213274
   
   4)http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Ice-Cubes-Tray/dp/B0083RBXOY