8 kitchen utensils you don’t actually need (and what to use instead)

Getting stocked up on kitchen stuff for uni? Don't waste your cash on these kitchen tools that have easy (and way cheaper!) alternatives...

Credit: Nostepinne – Flickr

Figuring out what you will and won't need for the kitchen when moving into a new pad can be a bit of a nightmare. Particularly when you have no idea what your new flatmates will be bringing along with them – you could end up with three of everything if you're not careful!

Whilst there's loads of guidance out there to help you work out what to bring to university, there's little warning about what not to waste your cash on.

We thought we'd take a bit of time to fill you in on the items we've found to be pretty useless over the years...

1. Colander​

   Credit: Simon Law – Flickr
   Colanders are handy if you're particularly clumsy and tend to pour half your dinner down the sink every time you try to drain it. But for the majority of the population, these things are probably more useful as a hat.
   A simple alternative to the colander is just to buy a pot with a lid that has a steam hole instead – just take your time pouring!

2. Egg poacher​

   As much as we love a posh poached egg as much as the next guy, there's no denying these things just aren't worth the cash.
   You can create the exact same results using a mug and a microwave, anyway: cover the brim of the mug with a sheet of clingfilm and crack the egg into the middle. Twist the film closed, fill the cup 2/3s with water and blast in the microwave for 35 secs – bam!

3. Pizza wheel​

   As fun as a pizza wheel can be to use (and the designs can be pretty cute, too), unless you're working in a pizza kitchen, they're pretty useless.
   Try using scissors instead! Sounds weird, but they're even more effective at cutting all the way through. Promise!

4. Knife set​

   We're not trying to imply here that you don't need a good knife in your kitchen at uni, but precisely that: you need one good knife, not knives!
   Buy one half decent knife and a sharpener to keep it in good nick. This will last you much longer than having a block of six different knives, half of which you don't even know the purpose of.

5. Garlic press​

   If you're particularly lazy and not a fan of having garlicy fingers, we understand why you might feel the need to buy a garlic crusher.
   However, they're a nightmare to clean, and chopping your garlic cloves the old fashioned way is just as effective. Get that perfectly sharpened kitchen knife out and get your chop on!

6. Food processor​

   If you're into your soups and your smoothies, splashing out on a food processor might seem like a good idea, but in reality they take up a lot of room in cupboards that you're likely to be sharing with a few others (and who knows what sort of bossy flatmates you might end up with!).
   The perfect alternative is to buy a hand blender – they cost a fraction of the price and can fit away neatly in your cutlery drawer.

7. Tupperware​

   Tupperware containers are crucial when you're a student. How else will you freeze leftovers and carry lunches to uni with you in one piece, right?
   However, don't bother wasting money buying a tupperware set. You get them for free each time you order a takeaway!

8. Toaster​

   This is a bit of a controversial one to add to the list: We know some students treasure their toasters!
   However, what if we told you you could basically do the same thing with your oven grill? Imagine that, eh! Save the toaster for your selfie printing.

Aspiring chef? Don't agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below!