Cupcake Makers, Mini Pie Makers, Waffle Stick Makers, Anyone Use Them? Worth It?

When I was growing up, my dad would buy my mom some kind of specialty tool/maker for her birthday every year. She had apple corers, waffle makers, tons of cookie cutting tools, popcorn poppers, and pie making gizmos. At first she would use them to test them out, but then they all went into the "reject" cabinet. I think she grew tired of the gifts, but once in a while she would drag one out.

Fast forward into my kitchen, and we don't have any of that stuff. I cook all the time, and we love bonding over making new kinds of foods. But, I'd rather have the space and no clutter. Would it be cool to make cupcakes in 10 minutes flat? Definitely! But I'm always more impressed with myself when I make something difficult and amazing with the few simple tools I have.

For me, none of these things are worth the space they would take up..

I used to make 350 cupcakes each spring for the annual Library awards at out elementary school.. I purchased the foil cupcake papers and did not even need muffin pans.

If I purchase an appliance or gadget, I need to know I am using it at least a half dozen times a year.. even then, I think maybe I should get rid of mine and borrow from someone. I do not mind loaning my stuff.

The less junk I own the better I feel.

I guess I'm like Laurie A. I hate "extra" or "specialty" tools and gadgets. I prefer to streamline & pitch out. My son has been asking me for a slushee maker for 2 years now! lol Can't stand the thought of the space, the syrups, etc.....

I have a cupcake maker. I really love it. Is it necessary? No. But it does make perfect muffins or cupcakes in about 10 mins which is nice. some of the muffin recipes I have require about 30 mins in the oven, so it does cut down time and I think they are fun for kids and they use less energy because you arent having to heat up the big old oven. Have fun!

if i had the space and money i would buy them...i love special cooking gadgets :)

My mom always gets me those things for Christmas. Last year it was the brownie pan, the year before that it was the giant cake shaped like a cupcake, this year it is the cake-pops maker. I use the brownie pan every once in a while, the cupcake cake pan went to Goodwill unused, and the cake pop maker is still in it's box. She got me an apple corer this year too. I let my husband deal with that, I hate dealing with gadgets and such, but the corer is pretty cool when we do decide to pull it out.

I got rid of our bread machine, random food choppers, smoothie maker... What I REALLY need is a good food processor and a new rice maker.

When my husband bought the mini waffle stick maker for Christmas, I was upset because we already had a regular waffle maker. However..... and I hate to admit this... BUT I looooooooooooove it!!! It's so easy and actually fun! The waffle sticks taste great and you can use any batter - we like the blueberry mix - and they turn out great every time. We make extras and freeze them and they also taste great.

The only thing I don't like is the plates are screwed in and you cannot take them out to wash them so it gets a little tricky but not a major problem - altho, I would like to slap the designer up-side the head!!! lol!!! If you get one, DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT use the non-stick spray on the plates if they're already the non-stick type. My husband, for whatever reason, seems to think you have to spray every pan, pot, skillet, etc., and now they've all got the sticky residue that is next to impossible to get off!! I just brush on a little cooking oil and everything pops out just fine!

Good luck!!!

I went on a cruise with Carnival where they had a chocolate desert called "Chocolate Melting Cake." If you like chocolate, you'll love this. I bought 20 10 oz glass bowls that could be put in the oven with the idea of making individual desserts for my family for special occasions.

I haven't made the chocolate melting cake yet, but I have made individual servings of jello in them and everyone loved the idea. (When I asked the Matre D for the recipe, he gave me the ships' recipe. It makes 1500 servings and calls for 175 lbs of baking chocolate.)

I found some cookie cutters being sold after Valentines Day (8 heart shaped cutters for 50 cents). I use them to make "I love you" pancakes for my grandkids. They love them. I make Micky Mouse pancakes too.

You can use the mini cup cake pans to make jello jigglers for kids treats. I put a piece of fresh fruit in them and jello around it. Its a grandpa treat.

I think outside the box sometimes. Good luck to you and yours.

I do not have any of the above mentioned appliances but I do have a donut maker. It was one of those flea market finds brand new for $3. It does come in handy since I have a dairy allergic daughter and all of the store bought donuts contain dairy.

Everyone is correct that the problem is storing all of the gadgets since you don't use them very often.

Personally I'd let someone else pay full price and then pick it up for pennys on the dollar at a garage sale. When you get tired of tripping over it or moving it then you can sell it or donate it.