8 Kitchen Hacks & Simple Solutions
Dec 07, 2020 07:32 AM
Kitchen hacks and simple solutions are amazing because they make our lives easier, save time, and minimize effort. These easy tips range from how to make a homemade knife block and hands-free thermometer, to safety hacks and everything else in between. Once you start utilizing these hacks, your time spent in the kitchen will become much more efficient!
Keeping track of bakeware sizes
With manufacturers’ indications of size on baking pans often being either illegible or nonexistent, you may want to take matters into your own hands and use oven-safe metal paint (available at hardware stores) to mark pan bottoms, noting dimensions or capacity.
Homemade knife block
To keep an assortment of knives on the countertop for easy access and shield them when not in use, try this creative fix: a tall plastic container filled with rice. The rice creates a “slotless” universal system that accommodates a range of different-size knives. (dried beans also work.)
Hands-free thermometer
Holding a thermometer over a steaming pot of water or oil can be a little tricky, not to mention dangerous. By attaching a large metal binder clip to the side of your pot and slipping the thermometer through the loop at the end, you can create an impromptu thermometer stand.
Homemade clip-on thermometer
If you want to deep-fry a batch of doughnuts and can’t find the clip for your thermometer to attach it to the side of the pot, here’s a solution.
1. Crumple a 12-inch sheet of aluminum foil into a rope.
2. Wrap one end of the foil rope around the probe, directly under the face of the thermometer.
3. Add oil to the pan. Before heating it, secure the other end of the foil to the pot’s handle so that the probe is stable and submerged at the desired level in the oil. (make sure that the tip of the probe does not touch the bottom of the pot.)
1. Crumple a 12-inch sheet of aluminum foil into a rope.
2. Wrap one end of the foil rope around the probe, directly under the face of the thermometer.
3. Add oil to the pan. Before heating it, secure the other end of the foil to the pot’s handle so that the probe is stable and submerged at the desired level in the oil. (make sure that the tip of the probe does not touch the bottom of the pot.)
Instant grip for instant-read thermometer
The sheaths that house many instant-read thermometers are designed for use as holders so that cooks can keep their hands safely away from hot liquids when measuring their temperatures. But if you are like us, it’s not long before the sheath disappears into the kitchen junk drawer, never to be seen again. In the absence of a sheath, try inserting the thermometer through one hole of a slotted cooking spoon and then simply hold onto the spoon handle to dip the thermometer tip into the liquid.
Makeshift splatter screen
Many cooks are turned off from sautéing because of the greasy mess that can spread around the stovetop, especially when browning meat. For those who don’t own a splatter screen, try simply inverting a large-mesh strainer over the skillet during the splattering phase of cooking, and the mess will be significantly reduced.
Instant covers
Many skillets are sold without covers, yet it is occasionally useful to have one on hand. Instead of buying a cover separately, which can be expensive, try a creative alternative, such as a large heatproof plate or an inexpensive 12- or 16-inch pizza pan.When you find yourself short on lids to fit your skillets and sauté pans, try this clever stand-in. Cover a splatter screen with two layers of aluminum foil, then place it on top of the pan.
Alternative handle potholder
A silicone garlic peeler is a great stand-in for a handle potholder. The tube slides right over the handle of most pots, and the silicone protects your hand just as well as a bulky mitt does.
Thank you for your ideas. I'm legally blind in both eyes, So cooking is hard for me. I love your ideas. So thank you very much. I see only 20% in each eye, I had an eye strock 5 years ago an lost my sight in about 15 minutes. So working in the kitchen is hard for me. My wonderful husband do not cook at all. I have learned a lot about myself in this time. I do not want him in my kitchen. I still craft a lot but it takes me 10 times long than tha average persop. I had a lot of felt scrapes, I cut them up and use them as a liner in all my pan in storage. It keep the pan surface from gettin scratched. It was a free item. Have a blessed day. M
Thank you for your ideas. I'm legally blind in both eyes, So cooking is hard for me. I love your ideas. So thank you very much. I see only 20% in each eye, I had an eye strock 5 years ago an lost my sight in about 15 minutes. So working in the kitchen is hard for me. My wonderful husband do not cook at all. I have learned a lot about myself in this time. I do not want him in my kitchen. I still craft a lot but it takes me 10 times long than tha average persop. I had a lot of felt scrapes, I cut them up and use them as a liner in all my pan in storage. It keep the pan surface from gettin scratched. It was a free item. Have a blessed day. M
Hello, my dear Mar! I am truly sorry to hear about your eyes! But it's great, that you craft a lot and cook, that's amazing! Thank you for your idea with felt scrapes, and thank you for reading my posts! I will keep sharing more useful information, and I wish you a pleasant and blessed day! 🌹