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We all have household items that seemed like a good idea when we bought them. They promised to make cooking easier, save time, or help us stay organized. Over time, though, many of these items end up pushed to the back of a drawer or cabinet and are rarely used. Below are 12 household items that many people own but hardly ever use.

Egg Separator

Egg separators are designed to make separating yolks and whites easier, but most cooks don’t rely on them. Using the shell or a fork usually works just as well. Because of this, the egg separator often stays in the drawer instead of becoming a regular kitchen tool.

Fondue Set

Fondue sets are usually purchased with entertaining in mind, but they require time, setup, and cleanup. For everyday meals, they’re impractical. Many end up stored away and only used on rare occasions, if at all.

Garlic Peeler

Garlic peelers are meant to save time, but many people find them unnecessary. Smashing garlic with a knife is often faster and simpler. Since the tool serves a very specific purpose, it’s frequently overlooked during meal prep.

Electric Food Slicer

Electric food slicers can be useful, but for most households, they’re more work than they’re worth. They take up space and require careful cleaning. A knife or pre-sliced food usually feels like the easier option.

Pancake Batter Dispenser

Pancake batter dispensers are meant to reduce mess, but they often add extra steps. Filling and cleaning the dispenser can take longer than using a measuring cup. Because of this, many people stop using them after a few tries.

Popcorn Maker

Popcorn makers promise quick, fresh popcorn, but they aren’t always convenient to use. Setting them up and cleaning them afterward can feel like extra work. Many people return to stovetop or microwave popcorn instead.

Food Steamer

Food steamers are marketed as a healthy cooking option, but many kitchens already have ways to steam food. Stovetops and microwaves often do the job just as well. The steamer then becomes an appliance that takes up space and is used infrequently.

Citrus Juicer

Citrus juicers are designed for lemons, limes, and oranges, but hand-squeezing is usually enough. The small amount of juice and the cleanup involved can make the tool feel unnecessary. Over time, it’s often left unused.

Meat Thermometer

Meat thermometers can be helpful, but many cooks rely on experience instead. For everyday meals, pulling out a thermometer may feel unnecessary. As a result, it often stays stored until a specific recipe calls for it.

Ice Cream Maker

Ice cream makers allow for homemade desserts, but they take time and planning. Many people prefer the convenience of store-bought options. This often limits the ice cream maker’s use to occasional projects.

Bread Maker

Bread makers are designed to simplify baking, but they still require setup and cleanup. Store-bought bread or oven baking is often more practical for daily use. After the initial excitement, many bread makers go unused.

The Manual Can Opener

Manual can openers are still found in many kitchens, but they’re often used far less than electric versions. Electric can openers are quicker and easier, making the manual option feel outdated. As a result, it often sits unused until it’s needed as a backup.