If you’re into quirky cooking tools, this one’s for you – I’ve been back in the kitchen testing five more viral kitchen gadgets to see if they’re actually any good in real life. The video is embedded just above, so feel free to hit play and watch me try everything from a microwave steamer to something called… the Hotdogger.
As always, it’s a mix of proper useful and properly bizarre. Here’s a quick round-up of what I tested and how they fared:
Baking Belt
So this one’s designed to give your cake a more even rise by insulating the tin. You soak it in water and wrap it around the outside before baking. Honestly, it felt like it had potential but was a bit temperamental. With more testing, it might prove its worth – but it’s not quite a must-have… yet.
Pepper & Chilli De-seeder
This tool came in two parts: one for peppers, one for chillies. The pepper one was actually great – really clean, simple to use, and surprisingly effective. The chilli de-seeder? Hit and miss. It really depends on the size and firmness of the chilli. For a similar gadget from a previous test, you can check out this earlier kitchen gadget testing video with a strange de-seeder.
Dreamfarm Fluicer
It’s a flat lemon/lime/orange juicer – brilliant if you’re tight on drawer space. And yep, it works! It fully flattens the fruit, catches the seeds, and juices really well. Probably one of the better-designed tools I’ve tested in this category.
The Hotdogger
This one made me laugh. It cores out a hot dog so you can fill it with sauces or cheese. It works, it’s fun, but it’s also the kind of thing you could just do with a small knife if you were feeling practical. Still, it’s a gadget that would be right at home at a BBQ.
Sistema Microwave Steamer
Standout of the bunch. This thing genuinely impressed me. Steaming in the microwave is so underrated, and this made it quick, easy, and tasty. It’s the one I’m most likely to keep using regularly – great for midweek meals or prepping veg fast.
If you’re into this sort of kitchen gadget chaos, I’ve got a full playlist of my other gadget testing videos on YouTube right here. There are plenty more wins, flops, and surprises waiting there for you.
Until next time – happy cooking and happy tinkering!