Do you often find yourself watching late-night infomercials? Those “As Seen On TV” kitchen gadgets promise revolutionary solutions. They claim to make cooking easier, faster, and more efficient. Yet, many of these products end up gathering dust. Some just clutter your kitchen drawers.
There’s a better way. This post, inspired by the video above, explores brilliant DIY kitchen gadget alternatives. You can achieve similar results using items you already own. Say goodbye to single-use tools and hello to smart, budget-friendly kitchen hacks!
Bacon Boss: Achieve Perfect Microwave Bacon Without the Gadget
The “Bacon Boss” promises perfectly flat bacon. It cooks right in your microwave. It funnels grease away, too. This gadget uses a specific angled base plate. It helps drain excess fat. The locking lid flattens bacon during cooking. This design aims for crisp, uniform strips.
The video demonstrates its use. You load five slices of bacon. One minute per slice is the rule. This means five minutes for five slices. A microwave with a turntable is essential. After cooking, let it sit briefly. Then, enjoy your tasty, flat bacon.
Your DIY Bacon Hack for Crispy Strips
You don’t need a special device for great microwave bacon. A simple DIY method works just as well. This easy kitchen hack saves money and space. Here’s how to make your own “Bacon Boss” alternative.
- Get one large microwave-safe plate.
- Grab two smaller microwave-safe plates.
- Place the large plate on the bottom. It catches all the grease.
- Lay bacon strips on one small plate. Do not overlap them.
- Cover the bacon with the second small plate. This flattens the strips.
- Cook in your microwave. Use the “one minute per slice” rule.
- Ensure your microwave has a turntable.
This method gives crispy, flat bacon. The large plate catches all the excess grease. You avoid a greasy mess. It’s a healthier cooking option. This simple approach proves that effective kitchen gadgets can be homemade.
Pineapple Decorer: Easy Pineapple Slicing Without a Specialty Tool
Pineapples are delicious. But preparing them can be tricky. Many people struggle with peeling and coring. The “As Seen On TV” pineapple decorer promises a quick fix. It claims to core and slice a whole pineapple in 30 seconds. This tool has a serrated edge. You twist it down into the fruit. It pulls out a spiral of flesh. The core stays behind. This gadget certainly delivers convenience. It prevents mess and waste. Many users praise its effectiveness, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It typically costs around $6.
Master Pineapple Preparation with Just a Knife
While the specialized tool works, a simple knife is often enough. You can easily cut a pineapple at home. This method gives you perfect bite-sized pieces. It avoids cluttering your utensil drawer. Here’s how to tackle a pineapple with ease.
- Lay the pineapple on its side.
- Cut off the top and bottom. Remove about half an inch from each end.
- Stand the pineapple upright.
- Slice it in half lengthwise.
- Cut each half in half again. You now have quarters.
- Remove the hard core from each quarter. Cut along its 90-degree angle.
- Lay each quarter flat. Make half-inch slices down to the skin.
- Make a few lengthwise cuts down the center. Again, cut to the skin.
- Run your knife between the flesh and skin. This separates the pieces.
This technique yields many bite-sized pieces. They are ready for snacking or cooking. You get the same delicious results. No extra gadgets are needed. Your kitchen stays organized. It’s a classic kitchen hack for fruit lovers.
Egg Piercer: Preventing Cracks and Easier Peeling for Hard-Boiled Eggs
Boiling eggs can be frustrating. Sometimes eggs crack in the pot. Then, peeling can be a nightmare. The “Egg Piercer” offers a solution. It’s a small device with a needle. You push an egg onto the needle. It creates a tiny hole in the shell. This tiny puncture supposedly prevents cracking. It also makes eggs easier to peel. The video confirms it prevents cracks and leaks during boiling. However, it didn’t make peeling significantly easier for the presenter.
Why does piercing work? It releases air from the egg. A small air pocket exists at the large end of an egg. As an egg heats, this air expands. The expanding air can cause the shell to crack. Piercing creates a vent. It lets the air escape slowly. This reduces pressure inside the egg. It also helps prevent the egg white from sticking. This can make peeling smoother, especially for very fresh eggs.
DIY Egg Piercing for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
You can create your own egg piercer. This simple kitchen hack uses common items. It achieves the same crack-prevention benefit. You will avoid buying another single-use gadget. Gather these simple materials.
- An empty egg carton.
- A few thumbtacks.
Here’s how to make your DIY egg piercer.
- Cut a section of the egg carton. Aim for four egg pockets.
- Push a thumbtack into the bottom center of each pocket.
- Flip the carton section over. The tacks act as legs.
- Press an egg onto a thumbtack. A tiny hole forms.
This method works perfectly. It creates small, effective holes. No mess, no fuss. Your eggs boil without cracking. For hard-boiled eggs, use Rachael Ray’s tip: add eggs to cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes. Chill eggs in cold water after. This makes peeling easier for many.
Potato Express: Microwave Baked Potatoes Made Simple
The “Potato Express” is a popular item. It’s a fabric pouch for microwave cooking. It claims perfect baked potatoes in just four minutes. The unique insulated design creates a steam pocket. This steam cooks potatoes quickly. It can hold up to four small potatoes. However, the video found it only fit three large Russet potatoes. Warnings advise against high heat or long cooking times. The infomercial promise of four minutes falls short. Most reviews suggest six to eight minutes are needed. The pouch sells for about $6-$8. It gets surprisingly good reviews despite its claims.
Microwave Baked Potatoes Without the Pouch
You don’t need a special pouch for microwave potatoes. The traditional method works just as well. It’s faster than oven baking. It requires only a fork and your microwave. This kitchen hack is incredibly simple.
- Wash your potato thoroughly.
- Prick the potato several times. Use a fork on both sides. This lets steam escape.
- Place the potato directly into the microwave.
- Cook for eight to ten minutes.
- Flip the potato halfway through cooking. This ensures even heating.
- Test for softness with a fork.
After cooking, slice it open. Add your favorite toppings. Butter, cheese, and bacon are popular choices. Melt cheese for another minute in the microwave. This simple method yields fluffy, tender potatoes. It performs just as well as the pouch. You save money and avoid kitchen clutter. It’s a timeless kitchen solution.
Chef Basket: Draining Pasta Effortlessly
The “Chef Basket” is another “As Seen On TV” item. It promises easy pasta boiling and draining. You cook pasta inside the basket. Then, you lift the basket out. The water drains right back into the pot. Its metal prongs stabilize it. Handles act as legs for loading. It also flattens for easy storage. The video showed it works as intended. Handles stay cool during boiling. It effectively drains pasta. However, the presenter noted it felt like a collapsible colander. This suggests an existing alternative.
Your Colander is Your Best Chef Basket Alternative
You likely already own a “Chef Basket” alternative. A standard metal colander works perfectly. This simple kitchen tool performs the same task. It allows you to boil and drain pasta with ease. This kitchen hack keeps things simple and efficient. Here’s how to use it.
- Choose a colander that fits your cooking pot.
- The colander handles should rest on the pot rim. The basket should sit in the water.
- Place your pasta inside the colander.
- Submerge the colander in boiling water.
- Cook your pasta as usual.
- When done, use oven mitts to lift the colander. The handles will be hot.
- Let the pasta drain into the pot.
This method is effective. It gives the exact same result as the “Chef Basket.” You drain pasta effortlessly. No need for new gadgets. Your existing colander is a versatile kitchen tool. This smart approach simplifies cooking tasks.
Clever Cutter: Quick Chopping Without Multiple Tools
The “Clever Cutter” is a two-in-one tool. It combines a knife and a mini cutting board. It claims to chop and slice food in seconds. Razor-sharp stainless steel blades are a key feature. An ergonomic, spring-loaded handle makes it easy to use. The video tested it on carrots, celery, and cucumber. It performed well, cutting through vegetables with ease. It also sliced pepperoni and cheese effectively. You can chop food directly into a bowl. This saves on cleanup. The “Clever Cutter” costs around $13. While useful, it may not replace all kitchen knives. Using scissors instead proved messy and inefficient.
Pizza Cutter and Cutting Board for Speedy Slicing
You can achieve quick chopping with tools you already have. A pizza cutter and a cutting board work wonders. This kitchen hack is surprisingly effective. It handles many vegetables quickly. You save $13 and avoid clutter. Here’s how to use this simple method.
- Place your vegetables on a cutting board.
- Hold the vegetables firmly in place.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice back and forth.
- This motion chops vegetables quickly.
This technique may not be as versatile. But it’s a great option for many foods. It cuts cleaning time. You use existing kitchen tools. It’s a clever way to slice and dice. This method is a productive kitchen hack. It’s perfect for budget-conscious cooks.
Your “As Seen On Your Counter” Q&A
What are ‘As Seen On TV’ kitchen gadgets?
These are kitchen tools often advertised on infomercials, claiming to offer revolutionary solutions to make cooking easier, faster, and more efficient.
Why should I consider making DIY versions of kitchen gadgets?
Making DIY versions helps you save money, prevents your kitchen from getting cluttered with single-use tools, and lets you achieve similar results using items you already own.
How can I make crispy microwave bacon without a ‘Bacon Boss’ gadget?
You can place bacon strips between two small microwave-safe plates to flatten them, with a larger plate underneath to catch the grease, then cook for about one minute per slice.
What’s an easy way to prepare a pineapple without a specialized corer?
You can use a regular knife to cut off the top and bottom, then slice the pineapple into quarters, remove the core, and cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces from the skin.
How can I stop eggs from cracking when I hard-boil them?
You can gently create a tiny hole in the large end of the eggshell using a thumbtack or a simple egg piercer. This releases air and prevents the shell from cracking as the egg heats up.
