Household gadgets are big business, with innovations hitting the market daily. The producers always have customers willing to accept the latest device into their homes to make their lives easier.
However, many everyday household items are less helpful than they seem. Most of us have at least one gadget or appliance in our homes that can be considered a waste of money.
This list includes regular everyday devices that many households own. They could be regular appliances or gimmicky gadgets that never caught on.
1. Robot Vacuum Cleaners
There is a saying that says, “Time is money,” so why shouldn’t a robotic vacuum cleaner be a wise investment? The issue is that current models are not as efficient as hand-held options, and many users must follow them to do the job correctly.
Technology is likely to improve, but for the moment, these robots are little more than a gimmick.
2. Exercise Bike
Some readers may argue that they make full use of their exercise bike, but they are likely in the minority. Many are purchased as part of a sudden desire to get back in shape, often as part of a New Year’s resolution.
As a cheaper alternative, a monthly gym membership can usually be canceled at any time, while you can undertake plenty of free exercise programs at home or outdoors.
3. Pre-Prepared Fruit
If you have these items in your grocery basket, you’re wasting money. Pre-cut and prepared fruit looks tasty and colorful, drawing the consumer in. It’s convenient, but you’re paying for the work carried out by the producer.
Fruit prepared at home is tastier and much more cost-effective. Another benefit is a longer shelf life, as the pre-cut versions tend to have short expiration dates.
4. Garlic Press
The garlic press is intended to make life easier in the kitchen, but in reality it creates more work. They never wholly do their job; the left garlic residue is hard to clean.
It’s easier and certainly less messy to chop the garlic clove yourself. Alternatively, buying garlic puree from the store will likely save you time and money.
5. Vitamins and Supplements
Following the healthy theme, most households have a draw full of half-empty vitamin and supplement jars. If you are familiar with this scenario, take a few minutes to identify any items that have passed their expiration date.
A better and cheaper option is to follow a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and natural sources of vitamins and minerals. By changing your dietary habits, you can dispense with the need for supplements.
6. Laundry Scent Boosters
We all want fresh-smelling clothes and sheets, but more effective options exist than scent boosters. Traditional fabric softeners do two jobs: they add softness to laundry while providing that clean smell.
In contrast, scent boosters only add a different aroma, and they can be more expensive, so it’s wiser to aim for fabric softeners every time.
7. Lemon Squeezer
A lemon squeezer may save you from a messy job, but is it an essential kitchen item? Cooks can squeeze the lemon into a clean sieve to separate the pips and have clean, fresh juice every time.
One lemon squeezer, the Juicy Salif, is a status symbol in some kitchens. However, at costs approaching $1000, it is an unnecessary expense.
8. Electric Can Opener
The electric can opener may seem like a neat gadget, but it’s become obsolete for two reasons. Manual openers require little physical effort, while many cans now use the ring pull method for easier entry.
Don’t waste your money on this kitchen item, and if you already have an electric opener in your home, it may be tough to sell or donate.
9. Rice Cooker
My kitchen cupboard is full of extra cooking appliances including an air fryer, a sandwich toaster and two slow cookers. Our relationship with the rice cooker mirrors many households: I think it’s useless, while my daughter loves its results.
Opinion is similarly divided in many homes, but it seems that many chefs feel rice cookers are a waste of money, so this is one of those rare occasions when I’m right.
10. Decorative Hand Towels
When an item in your home is purely functional, it makes little sense to overspend. Decorative hand towels may look pleasing to the eye, but they won’t dry your skin any more quickly or efficiently.
There’s also a suggestion that house guests are unsure whether they can use overly-decorated towels, so there’s little sense in spending more.
11. Banana Slicer
This is arguably the most useless kitchen gadget on the market. As the name suggests, the banana slicer is a template that slices your banana into even pieces when pushed through.
That’s the theory, but not all bananas are made equal, and most don’t fit the design. The banana slicer may only cost a few bucks, but a kitchen knife is a quicker and cleaner option.
12. Bags for Life
If you have multiple bags for life in your home, you’re missing the point. The problem with this innovation is that many of us forget to take our bags to the store, meaning we must buy another new one as we pay for our groceries.
They are not the most expensive item on this list, but they are arguably the most irritating. Buying new bags is unnecessary, so why not store some in your car to help with your memory?
13. Sandwich Toasters
Additional cookery appliances have been highlighted throughout this roundup, and for good reason. The sandwich toaster does nothing that a regular griddle pan is already capable of.
They may be fun, and the product may seem tastier, but the sandwich toaster is another household gimmick you don’t need.
14. Throws
A survey in the UK revealed that throws are among the top three items households waste their money on. Throws appear cozy and are lovely to snuggle under on those long winter nights, but they are not necessary purchases.
A blanket does the same job of keeping you warm, and it’s debatable whether throws are a nice decorative piece. From experience, throws are also a popular gift, so you may want to wait until somebody buys you one.
15. Extended Warranties
Check before you pay for an unnecessary warranty extension. Technology is advancing to the extent that your gadget or appliance may well be obsolete within a few short years.
Another problem is that a replacement item may be cheaper than the cost of an extended warranty, so do some homework before you sign up.
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