We really like our kitchen gadgets in the United States. According to statistics website Statista.com, the kitchen accessories market hit $1.2 billion in 2017; that’s a lot of garlic presses and juicers. And for those of us who thought they’d be grilling at least three times a week on the George Foreman, it’s a safe bet to say that didn’t come to pass.

Many unused kitchen appliances end up on pantry or garage shelves, or the back recesses of the kitchen cabinets, their bulkiness something to be dealt with later. How do we decide what appliances to keep, and which we can say goodbye to?  

It’s best to start with the question: which do I use the most? Take a few moments to look inside your kitchen and pantry, grab a piece of paper, and write down the ones you use the most. Then take a hard look at those left. A few to consider that are often found in many kitchens:

1. Panini Press – it’s a heavy appliance, and though gooey grilled cheese is wonderful, a pan on the stove (or even a waffle iron, if you don’t mind the checkered pattern), are perfect substitutes for a Panini press.
2. More than one Crock Pot – unless you’re cooking for a large crowd quite often, that second (or third) Crock Pot is probably not necessary.  If you’re hosting a large holiday dinner, chances are a family member has one you can borrow.
3. Popcorn poppers – just how often do you eat popcorn? While packaged microwave popcorn may not be the healthiest alternative, you can pop your own kernels in the microwave with a product like the LeKue silicone popcorn popper, which collapses into a disk.
4. Food processors – many of us have the behemoth food processors from the late 1970’s or early 80’s, which are not only heavy, but rather bulky to store. Unless you’re making your own pesto or pie crusts on a regular basis, couldn’t a small chopper do the same?
5. Multiples of anything/things bought on a whim – poke through your gadget drawer: how many corkscrews or peelers, specialty bread slicers or food choppers do you need? When’s the last time you used that mandolin slicer? A good, sharp knife can easily do the job in lieu of several items in your drawer.

Examining the kitchen with a mindful purpose and donating unused items can free up your space as well as give a second life to the things you no longer need. If you still need help with organizing or downsizing your kitchen, a professional organizer can whip your kitchen into shape quickly, no whisk required!