Want More Counter Space? 8 Kitchen Gadgets Organizers Say to Get Rid Of

One common problem with kitchens is an excess of unnecessary gadgets cluttering every corner, making it hard to store (or sometimes find) the essentials comfortably. If your kitchen contains a gift you felt guilty letting go of or an impulse buy you mistakenly thought would revolutionize the cooking process, these items—and many others—often end up unused, taking up valuable space and making it more challenging to use the kitchen efficiently.

If you feel cramped in your kitchen and are seeking inspiration to create more space, look no further. This guide identifies eight things to let go of when they no longer serve you. As you go through your kitchen, you might also discover other tools and small appliances that can be tossed. Remember: If it doesn’t make cooking easier, faster, or more enjoyable, it’s clutter.

1. Duplicate Utensils

Without knowing how they got there, you might have accumulated nine spatulas, three peelers, and a dozen wooden spoons. While having a few backups can be helpful if you’re a frequent cook, too many create clutter and make it difficult to find the utensils you actually need. Professional organizers often recommend setting a realistic limit, such as two of each type of utensil, which is usually sufficient for most households. If they’re in good condition, consider donating any extras you don’t use.

2. Specialty Cutting Tools

Specific-use items, like pineapple corers, strawberry hullers, and avocado slicers, can be fun to use. However, are they necessary, and do you actually use them? Most people find that they can achieve the same results with a good knife and a bit of practice. Additionally, these specialty tools often have awkward shapes that make them difficult to store, often resulting in them being crammed into an overflowing drawer and tangled with other utensils. Unless you regularly prepare large quantities of a specific fruit or vegetable, it’s best to forgo these tools.

3. All-in-One Prep Gadgets

There’s a certain appeal to gadgets that claim to slice, dice, spiralize, and mince all in one compact machine. However, many of these devices can be clunky to set up, difficult to clean, and often less effective than basic tools. If a gadget requires multiple steps to accomplish a simple task, it will likely remain unused. Simplifying your supplies to include a few high-quality knives, a cutting board, and perhaps a handheld slicer can free up significant space in the kitchen.

4. Single-Use Appliances

From a panini press to a cake pop maker, the novelty of single-use appliances fades quickly. Perhaps someone gave you the appliance, thinking you’d enjoy it, or you found it on sale and thought, "Why not?" If it has been sitting untouched in a cabinet, collecting dust, and you have no intention of using it anytime soon, it’s time to let it go.

5. Party Beverage Makers

Items like margarita makers or snow cone machines can be a hit at parties, but they are rarely used in real life. These appliances are large and cumbersome to clean, often stored in the back of a cabinet and forgotten until the next special occasion. If you genuinely enjoy making these drinks regularly, keep a compact version of these appliances. Otherwise, let them go and free up space for something you will use more often, such as a high-end espresso machine.

6. Servingware You Never Use

Platters, punch bowls, and cake stands are lovely items to have if you frequently host parties and holidays, but they take up a lot of space. Often, oversized serving pieces are stored in kitchens for years, only to be rediscovered during a move. If you can’t recall the last time you used that large salad bowl or multi-tiered dessert stand, consider donating them. If you truly love the pieces—even if they are only used once in a blue moon—store them safely in another part of the house, such as the basement or in a hosting closet.

7. Mismatched Food Containers 

Few things are more frustrating than opening a cabinet and watching mismatched containers tumble out. Over time, lids disappear, containers crack, and the collection turns into a chaotic jumble. A simple way to declutter is to remove all containers, match each one to its lid, and recycle or donate any unmatched pieces. Transitioning to a uniform set of stackable containers, especially sturdy options like glass, can help prevent this problem in the future.

8. Damaged Cooking Tools

As you sort through the kitchen, keep an eye out for things like scratched nonstick pans, warped baking sheets, or chipped dishes. Keep in mind that if an item is damaged, it can be potentially unsafe to use, such as chemicals leaching into your food or causing a sliced finger! Replacing these worn-out items with a few high-quality replacements that last reduces clutter and makes cooking more enjoyable and safer.