20 Kitchen Gadgets People Regret Buying
Ahead, I've rounded up 20 different appliances people wish they had never bought. Hopefully, this can save a few of you from buyer's remorse:
"A vacuum marinating box. In theory, it makes marinating more efficient as the vacuum draws the marinade into the meat quickly. In practice, it's a pain to get set up, the pump gets lost in the cupboard, and it doesn't actually work as well as a good, old-fashioned plastic bag. I should have known there was a reason it was marked down from $35 to $5!"
—Stephen, 33, Ohio
"I have a potato chip maker that sits in my cabinet. It was cool the first and second time we made them, but honestly, they're not that good, and slicing the potatoes that thin is a pain in the butt. Maybe I'll wow my grandkids with it, but for now it's hiding up on the shelf."
"Turkey baster. We got it for a turkey once and then never used it."
—Anonymous
"Many hyper-specific 'Make your own X!' gadgets are my family's main regrets. A SodaStream and ice cream-making attachment for our KitchenAid comes to mind. You can only use them for specific foods and recipes, and it's more of a hassle than it's worth, especially now that I've found homemade ice cream recipes that don't need a maker or mixer."
"Why did I buy the sous vide gadgets? I have never used them."
—wickedmatcha306
"My automatic can opener."
"A knife set. Only use three to four, and the rest sit in the knife block."
—Anonymous
"I bought a food chopper for garlic and herbs, but it didn't do a good job, required just as much work and time, and was hard to clean."
"I bought an egg cooker that I've only used once, which makes hard-boiled eggs without tons of water. The thing works and was only $10, but nothing prepares you for the horrible screeching sound it makes when the eggs are done. The instructions don't make any mention of it. The noise scared me and my cats to death! I promptly cleaned up, put it back in its box, and threw it into the furthest recesses of my cabinet, never to see the light of day again. Regardless of the convenience and price, that screeching sound just isn't worth it!"
—fluffycactus311
"Microwave omelette maker. Useless. My omelette turned out like a piece of old leather, and I followed the instructions."
"Waffle maker. It takes up so much space!"
—Sandra, Instagram
"I bought one of those breakfast sandwich makers. Total waste of money."
"Pasta roller. Not the attachment for the KitchenAid mixer, a standalone pasta roller that you can clamp to a table or countertop to roll out lasagna, fettuccine, or linguine. I've had it for 20 years and haven't used it even once. Oh, I've thought about using it plenty of times, but it's so much easier just to use dried pasta or even to get fresh pasta from the Italian store down the street from me."
—Aubrey W
"I bought a specialty large colander that fits my Delta sink that has a ledge to place items on. It's huge. I never use it. It doesn't store well, but I'm afraid to throw it away because what if one day I have to make five boxes of spaghetti or something?"
"I carried around an apple corer across the country and into a new house, and finally I realized I'm not gonna make apple pie if I haven't in the last 10 years..."
—Robin, Instagram
"Juice extractor. I hate the cleanup."
"Peeler and garlic press. I prefer using a knife to peel carrots/potatoes or chop the garlic. I forgot that I have both of these."
—Anonymous
"Ravioli maker. I've never used it."
"Spätzle maker. I've used it once."
—Adrienne, Instagram
"Cheese cutter — just use a knife."
What else belongs on this list? Let me know in the comments or fill out the anonymous form below!
Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Must-Have Products Expert Gardeners Love
A seeding-start kit so you can finally sow all those seeds you've been holding onto. This little setup comes with everything you need to start a whole lineup of veggies, herbs, or flowers before sending them out to thrive in your garden. The kit has space for up to 72 seedlings in cells measuring 1.5" x 1.5" x 2" each. Entire tray is 10" x 20" x 5". Recommended for use with a heat mat to promote germination. Once sprouts emerge, use a plant grow light or place near a well-lit review: "As an avid gardener, I've found this kit to be an essential tool for starting seeds and nurturing young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Each cell is sturdy and well-designed, ensuring proper airflow and drainage to promote healthy root development. The included greenhouse dome helps retain moisture and warmth, promoting optimal germination and seedling growth. Incredibly user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. The included growing medium is pre-fertilized and ready to use, eliminating the need for additional soil amendments and saving time during the planting process. Highly recommend." —Blondie16Get it from Amazon for $14.69. A weed-puller tool to easily remove weeds from your garden or lawn. It's the bestselling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 46,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars. A seed and seedling spacer tool that'll show you exactly where to put your seeds. The color-coded square helps you space out seeds just right, so your veggies grow in neat little rows instead of chaotic clumps. Just press into the soil, poke holes with the included dibber, and plant. A pack of Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals to keep your outdoor plants perfectly hydrated, without you having to guess if you're overwatering or underwatering. You mix it in with your regular soil, and the crystals swell to absorb water and then release it later. A pair of breathable bamboo gloves that'll make you feel like a gardening pro. They're breathable, flexible, and grippy enough to keep a solid hold on your tools (or that stubborn weed that refuses to budge). Plus, they're made from bamboo, so your hands stay cool and comfy while you work your backyard magic. Or a pair of gardening gloves with extra-long sleeves so you don't have to stress about poison ivy, thorny branches, or mosquito bites while you're out there doing your thing. Bug season is no joke, so it helps to stay covered. These'll also save your arms if you accidentally brush up against something prickly. A crack weeder tool to make your pathways, driveways, and patios like new again. The uniquely shaped head allows the tool to fit into tight cracks and grab weeds by the roots for easy removal. A 3D-printed spout that'll turn your empty milk jug into a fully functional watering can. It's lightweight, easy to fill at the sink, and a genius little upgrade for anyone trying to green their garden and their habits at the same time. Granny Geeks is a woman-owned small business based in Georgia that makes 3D-printed garden review: "Such a clever item. My hose is hard to use so I can fill a jug in my kitchen sink and still have it water my plants well! I loved it so much, this is my second (one for indoor plants which require distilled water and one for my outdoor plants)!" —MelissaGet it from Granny Geeks for $5.99 (available in five colors). A pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year round. A Nisaku Hori Hori weeding knife that'll help you dig, weed, and slice through stubborn roots. It has both a straight and serrated edge for tackling different tasks, plus inch markings to help you plant at just the right depth. A vertical planter so you can grow herbs, strawberries, or flowers without giving up your whole patio. Just stack the five tiers, fill with soil, and plant up to 20 things in one tidy, compact tower. A battery-operated 2-in-1 handheld hedge and grass trimmer that'll help you clean up messy garden edges, trim back overgrown shrubs, and neaten up any rogue patches of grass. It comes with two blade attachments you can swap out depending on the job, and it's lightweight enough to use one-handed. A pair of stainless-steel gardening shears for clipping cuttings and deadheading. Folks say they're lightweight and easy to use, and despite their size, can cut through really thick, tough stems. A galvanized steel planter bed for neatly planting all your veggies and fruits. It has an open bottom, which provides good drainage and keeps weeds away from your soil. Promising review: "Pretty straightforward to build. I have 6 of them in my garden and have had them since March 2023. It's now January 2025 and they are still holding up pretty well." —Dylan"For the past 40 years have always had a garden in the ground. So tired of weeds taking over. Decided to try raised beds. Love this. Easy to assemble." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two sizes). Or a raised garden bed that removes the need for bending or kneeling, preserving your back and knees as you tend to your garden. It's made from Chinese fir, a great wood for outdoor furniture and construction because it doesn't warp out of shape when it gets damp or wet. Promising review: "This is my third raised bed. It is very easy to put together, especially after the third time. It is very sturdy; the one I bought three years ago is still standing tall. I like the drainage holes. I do deep watering, so I never worry about the bed being waterlogged. It is easy to move when it is empty, not so much when it is full of dirt." —AnitaGet it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three sizes and three finishes). A 21-inch Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery powered-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts *forever* — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome). My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare. A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage. Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries. Promising review: "I have about 1,500 sq. ft. yard and I have mowed it four times and the battery is at 50%. It does great on a 25% incline slope. It has so much power that I had to lower it to 50%. Best lawnmower I have ever owned. Highly recommend." —RchoHomeOwner Get it from The Home Depot for $549. A seven-piece garden tool kit if you're new to gardening and want a one-stop shop for all your needs. This kit has a folding stool so you can sit comfortably while you work, and all the tools you'll need for basic gardening tasks. The seven-piece kit includes a weeding fork, cultivator, weeder, transplanter, trowel, folding stool, and tool review: "This stool is extremely convenient. I hate squatting in the garden and flailing around trying to find my tools when I need to dig something up. This has several small pockets for the small tools it comes with, plus a large pocket in the middle where I keep my larger clippers and gloves. Since I have things stored inside now, I don't fold it, but before that, the folding was great because it takes up almost no space in my shed. Can't beat the convenience of using and storing all of these things in one compact package. The tools themselves are decent, too. The shovels are flatter than I am used to, but it has actually come in handy in some areas, like around my stone wall." —MollyGet it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in two colors). A pair of Fiskars 28-inch tree trimmers so you can finally cut back those rogue branches without feeling like you just did CrossFit. They've got power-boosting levers that make it way easier to slice through thicker limbs, and the blades stay sharp and gunk free. Or a pole saw if you're done playing the ladder game every time a tree branch misbehaves. It extends anywhere from nearly 8 feet–27 feet (depending on the model you purchase), letting you trim high limbs from the ground. The sharp, triple-cut blade makes quick work of branches, and the lightweight design won't destroy your arms in the process. A bottle of organic Joyful Dirt concentrated plant food and fertilizer for indoor or outdoor plants that you mix into either soil or the plant's water. Within a few weeks, your plants will look noticeably healthier and taller. Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon, making organic, all-purpose plant food since review: "We love this stuff. We use it on all of our house plants and our outdoor garden. The indoor plants look better day and night about a week after application. Love that it's all natural too, and don't have to worry about any harmful chemicals. Been using this stuff for about three years now!" —DJ it from Amazon for $22.95. A pack of reusable Velcro garden ties that'll gently keep your plants in the right spot. Use these to secure stems to stakes, trellises, or cages without damaging anything delicate. They're soft, adjustable, and way easier to manage than twist ties or string. A garden dibber to make planting bulbs, sowing seeds, and breaking up clumps of dirt easier than ever — every gardener should have one of these babies! A pack of five heavy-duty fabric grow bags so you can grow big plants with ease. These grow bags use a breathable material, which keeps roots and soil oxygenated and cool throughout the year. Great for developing robust, fibrous root systems that stay healthy without needing regular root pruning. Promising review: "So I'm no plant pot-biologist, but these are awesome. They're durable and strong. The handles are stitched on super well. They are also solid enough to hold the soil and plant with no problem while letting enough oxygen to the roots to create a bigger root ball, leading to bigger plants/yields. Best mesh flower pots by far." —Tom Higgins Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in tan or black and in 10 sizes). A potting bench to turn your backyard into your new favorite workspace. This one will give you a waist-height spot to repot, trim, and admire your plants without hunching over like a Victorian ghost. It'll hold your tools, display your prettiest blooms, and even offer a little shelf for whatever garden project you're working on next. Promising review: "Nothing to dislike about this garden bench. It's not built for heavy-duty gardening, which is what I love about it. There's storage, a drawer, and a little shelf for my supplies. It's a private area for just me to play with my plants and bulbs. Super easy to clean up, too. Love it!!" —AprilGet it from Amazon for $122.99+ (available in three wood finishes; be sure to apply the $12 off coupon when applicable). A smart sprinkler controller that'll take over your yard's watering schedule with actual intelligence. It uses weather data to skip watering when it rains, adjusts automatically with the seasons, and lets you control everything from your phone. You'll get a greener, healthier lawn without wasting water or fiddling with confusing timers. Promising review: "I bought this Rachio 3 because I need remote control of my irrigation system. I did research, and Rachio 3 came to the top of the list. My old one is Hunter, which is ok but not Wi-Fi controllable. Plus, it is hard to schedule different watering schedules at the same time. The Rachio 3 is really smart and very user-friendly. It will skip the water day if rainfall is in the forecast. I wish I bought this unit years ago." —Turning Point Get it from Amazon for $164.99+ (available in two styles). A pack of three rolling plant caddies to make sure you can move your heaviest plants without much effort. Each caddy can hold up to 80 pounds, too, so we're talking about some pretty big plants! An extremely flexible, kink-free garden hose so you can water your yard with ease. It's also way lighter than other hoses — perfect for those of us who don't want to turn watering the garden into a cardio session. Promising review: "This thing is an absolute game changer. I mean, it's heavy-duty yet super lightweight, which is a total win-win. It's like the Hulk of garden hoses: strong and sturdy but easy to handle. I can drag it around my yard without feeling like I'm lugging around a huge snake. It's also a vibrant green color, so it adds a nice pop to my outdoor space. I highly recommend it to all my fellow garden enthusiasts out there. You won't regret it!" —Fouad al MaawdahGet it from Amazon for $14.85+ (available in eight lengths). A garden hose nozzle sprayer with up to eight patterns that'll fit all standard garden hoses. Reviewers love (there are over 16,200 5-star reviews!) the 100% heavy-duty metal handle, and that it can take on jobs as simple as lawn watering all the way up to more complicated ones like muddy dog washing. Promising review: "The double seal where the handle connects to the hose is a high-quality feature. I chose this model because of the lever flow control. As an avid gardener, this is better than the trigger-activated garden hose nozzles." —Ernest it from Amazon for $21.80+ (available with three pattern quantities). A pair of supportive, waterproof clogs if you're always tracking mud into the house after spending time in the garden. When you're done outside you can just wipe 'em down or hose 'em off. And a pair of knee pads for comfortably gardening for hours on end. Gardening is such a wonderful thing, but if your body starts to ache you can soon be in agony. Give these pads a try if you find yourself having to quit gardening before you're ready due to aches and pains.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
"I Had A Parent Demand That Their Third Grader Be Moved Out Of My Class And Into A Thinner Teacher's Class": 24 Teachers Call Out The Entitled Parents That Were So Horrific, Some Of Them Literally Quit
I asked teachers of the BuzzFeed Community to share their entitled parent encounters that were so awful, it made them almost (or literally!) quit their job. I have said it once and I will say it a thousand more times: teachers! do! not! get! paid! enough! for! this! shit! And if you didn't believe that already, well, these 24 stories just might change your mind: 1."I had several students in my fourth-grade class with severe allergies. As such, I made it clear to parents from day one that we would not be having birthday parties in the class. One mom called me repeatedly to convince me to waive the rule (I refused), then called the principal, and then the superintendent to override the rule. Admin backed me up. Right after lunch on her daughter's birthday, the mom walked into my room with a huge platter of homemade cupcakes. I reminded her of the policy, and her daughter said, 'I told you, mom!' The mom called me a bitch in front of my entire fourth-grade class, then left. Her poor daughter was mortified." —Anonymous 2."I had a parent demand that their third grader be moved out of my class and into a thinner teacher's class because 'if she can't take care of herself, how can she take care of her students?' I had recently lost 15 pounds and was well into my weight loss journey, too, at the time. Luckily, the principal just laughed at her request, which was really supportive!" —25, Virginia 3."A parent once called my AP to tell her that she needed to make me change her son's grade on an assignment because SHE did it, and she's an adult, so she knows she deserves a higher grade. I said no — turns out your son isn't the only one in the family who doesn't understand ninth-grade social studies..." —33, NYC 4."I had a parent send me a two-page message because his kid kept getting in trouble at school. This was Kindergarten, mind you, so we were trying to teach them how school worked in the first place. The parent spelled my name wrong, then proceeded to tell me that respect was earned and I had not earned his child's respect. He also told me that since I didn't have my own kids, I knew nothing about teaching. And finally, he tried to blame me for the fact that his son had apparently picked up the habit of putting his hands in his pockets. I have never made students put their hands in their pockets. Kindergarten parents are a lot." —30, Tennessee 5."I am a pre-K teacher at a private school. One morning, at 6 a.m., I got a text from a child's mom that said, 'Today is my birthday. YAY! I would like to come to the classroom and bring a treat for the kids to celebrate.' Yes, it was the mother's her child's birthday. We celebrate birthdays by singing a birthday song, eating the child's favorite treat, and creating a poster that shows why they love the birthday child. I let her know that she did not need to bring in a snack, but that she could come in to eat lunch with her child if she wanted to. She then asked me if I was going to have the class sing to her and tell her what they love about her. It was ridiculous..." —Anonymous 6."An art teacher once had to stop class and make a class colors t-shirt smaller because the mother of a freshman had ordered the wrong size on the order form. She demanded that another shirt be given to her child, but the shirts were made to order, and there were no extras. Then, she demanded that the Home Ec teacher alter the T-shirt. There haven't been Home Ec teachers at this school for over 10 years. Finally, she demanded that the teacher who had designed the t-shirt, the art teacher, alter the shirt. She stopped class, got out the sewing machine, and made the shirt smaller." —40s, Indiana 7."A parent emailed me about the bad grade her child got on a speech project. It was half the required time, filled with 'ummms' and 'uhhhs', and they read off index cards with no attempt to memorize it. Mom said the speech was fantastic, and she would know, because she was in the classroom watching it. Reader, she was NOT in my classroom." "While I was trying to come up with a response to this unhinged email, Mom emailed me again to call herself out about claiming to have been present. I deleted my draft response and pretended the whole exchange never happened. I just wanted it to stop." —46, United States 8."My first year as a high school graphic design and printing teacher, I had a student who was awesome. He was a super positive, engaged, and hard-working kid who was genuinely interested in my class. Sometimes he came in before school or at lunch to work on projects and make products in the print shop. In my eyes, he was a perfect 'A' student. About halfway through the year, I received an email from his dad asking for a meeting with me and the principal. When we met, he proceeded to tell us that his son was failing most of his classes, but had an A in my class." "He went on to explain he came from a family of educators, so 'he knows how it all works.' He looked me dead in the eye and said, 'So I want to know what YOU aren't doing as a teacher that my son has an A in your class, but not the others… you must be doing something wrong.' I was speechless. Don't know what you want me to tell you, dude." —Anonymous 9."On the day of graduation, a mom of one of my students sent an email DURING the ceremony, blaming me for her son losing his scholarship because he received a D in my class and not a C. She sent a novel of an email, so I won't go into details of her angry accusations, but it made me realize that instead of checking the parent portal and seeing WHY he got that grade, it was easier for her to blame me rather than see all the factors involved." "He was a great student and worked hard all year, but due to 'senioritis,' he chose not to do the last two projects that were required of him, which resulted in a poor grade. Had he committed and just turned partial work in, his grade would've been higher. This was a personal choice, but instead, she decided I did this purposefully and ruined her son's future." —Anonymous 10."Their daughter did not get elected to the homecoming court. Mother demanded to recount the votes, even though four teachers had counted them together. Her votes were not even close to the three winners. We had not kept the votes because we foolishly thought that everyone would believe us. She went to the principal and the head of the school. When she didn't get her way, she said she would sue." "I heard that several lawyers laughed her out of their offices. She took her daughter out of the school that year and enrolled her in public school. This was October of her senior year. I heard that in her freshman year in college, when she didn't get into the sorority she wanted, her mother sued the sorority. The girl dropped out of college." —Anonymous 11."At the end of the year, I'd give out easy, optional homework for extra credit (or, if students could use a boost to their grade, it would go home highly recommended). One sheet I gave out to my third graders was a teacher report card. Students could fill it out, draw a silly picture, and turn it in for a bonus. Some kids actually gave valuable feedback. One particular student's grade really needed a boost. He didn't participate in class and rarely did homework. I sent the teacher report card home with him, along with some other bonus work." "The report card was the only one that came back. His parent had filled it out, drawn a rude picture, and 'failed' me for 'never' calling on their child to answer a question, even though, as he told them, he'd raised his hand to answer every question. They wrote that I was the worst teacher and that if they saw I was still at the school the following year, they'd make a formal complaint to the principal. That was my last interaction with a parent before I left education, and I feel incredibly secure in my decision whenever I think about it. Admin is often not supportive, but parents can be the most thankless part of the job!" —30s, AZ 12."A parent demanded a teacher's desk for her child during an IEP meeting. When the principal said no, she then stated that the students' desks didn't hold enough for her child, and then had it written into the IEP that her child could have a bucket beside his desk for 'overflow.' I tripped over that bucket, and so did all of my students. The only thing in the buckets was the few papers that the parent originally put in there. The kid was referred to as 'bucket boy' by his peers. Deep sigh." —Anonymous, Indiana 13."I once had a kid who was incredibly disruptive and had severe learning disabilities. She couldn't finish tests in second grade that the rest of her peers could, and the parents would claim that she was given no notification of tests, despite the fact that it was in the homework for a week in advance. She would roll around on the floor instead of doing work, play with slime, run off from teachers, go down the stairs to look for her lost toy, etc. The parents would refuse to come to meet the teacher at night or to conferences. We (my administration) eventually told the parents they needed to go to conferences, or the kid would be kicked out of school. We also suggested that while we were not fans of medicating 7-year-olds, the parents should look into ADHD meds for the child. The mother then replied, 'We pay good money for our child to go to this school so YOU can deal with her.' "'She doesn't need to do well, she just needs to pass until she graduates high school and then she can get married. Also, I had the same issues as a kid and I was fine,' she continued. Turns out, the mother's father had paid tutor after tutor to do the work for the mother so she'd pass as a child. The parents eventually came to conferences and said, 'There's nothing we're going to do about our child. Just let her do whatever she wants.'" —Anonymous 14."I had a very strong middle school student shove another student clear across the room. When I asked both boys what happened, the one who got pushed admitted to instigating it, but per school policy, both got a referral. When I emailed the mom of the student who pushed the other and explained what happened, she responded back to my email and said, 'I could shove the referral right up my ass.' All the while, her child slept every single day in every single class they were ever in. But right, I'm the problem." —31, Florida 15."A 24-year-old parent/co-worker whose lifespan was the same age as my career in teaching demanded her child be removed from my classroom because I had rules and consequences which she claimed caused her child to cry all day. The reality was that I told her child no and refused to give in to his demands, while enforcing his listening, along with redirecting his inappropriate behavior. Apparently, this was bullying for a 3-year-old. After the school's owner gave in to her demands, this parent put a target on me. I was legit scared for my safety, so I quit." —Anonymous 16."My school had the ex-wife of an MLB player's children enrolled. She was a tall, fit brunette with a Barbie-mom attitude and thought she was better than everyone else. She was a stay-at-home mom with a full-time nanny who wouldn't stay longer than a few months, a big SUV she couldn't drive, and expensive clothes for both her kids and herself. She bragged about her wealth whenever she was given compliments, and she made people feel as small as possible. I really think she believed the world revolved around her — she would send her kids to drop-in care without asking if there was room and would pick them up late (such as fifteen to twenty minutes after closing)." "One day, she went off on my boss because her child misplaced an expensive coat. 'I don't have to work, unlike you,' she said to my boss, who apologized numerous times for the coat. 'I can afford a $500 coat, and obviously you can't,' she said, smirking. My boss was ready to lose it. The next day, the coat was found. A few weeks later, said-parent 'got her head taken off' by some kids in our school-age program playing soccer in the gym. Parents had to walk through the gym to get to their child's classroom. When she complained about it, my boss brushed it off. We got a good laugh about the karma." —Anonymous 17."I'm a pre-K teacher at a private school, and I had sent a note home to let parents know that they would need to send in a sack lunch because we were going on a field trip. I also included that the more low-maintenance the lunch, the better and easier it will be for the child and teachers, because we would not be near a refrigerator. That next morning, a mom walked up to me carrying what looked like an incredibly small (approx. 2 inches tall and wide) rotisserie chicken. She said, 'This is octopus for my daughter's field trip lunch today. I am going to need you to put it on ice until she is ready to eat it.'" "Octopus? Put it on ice? I started laughing and let her know that I was not planning on carrying a bucket of ice for her daughter's octopus lunch." —Anonymous 18."I had a parent who refused to potty train her child before starting kindergarten, so after several days of accidents, she took her daughter to the doctor and got a note handwritten on an Rx pad telling me how to potty train a child. I was made to follow the doctor's orders. The child did not have any medical conditions, BTW, just a lazy mother." —Anonymous 19."I had been in a quite traumatic car accident the previous school year. I had broken my arm, which required multiple surgeries due to infection and my bone not growing back. That next school year, I was still dealing with the issues with my arm and had some high-maintenance parents (in their eyes, their son never did anything wrong; I'd disagree). One day, my arm was in excruciating pain. I went to the doctor, who confirmed my bone was infected and I was going to have to go in for immediate surgery or I'd lose my arm. Finding a sub last-minute is difficult, let alone a consistent one that my students would know. I had about an hour to get my class ready and find a sub, and I was unsuccessful. I went into surgery and was then admitted to the hospital for several days. Then I started getting the emails." "They were attacking me for not being prepared and for getting a terrible substitute for this student, and complained that the subs were changing every day. Once I returned to work (soon after, because I was out of sick days), I had to have a meeting with the parents and principal to 'discuss my incompetence.' I was going to have another surgery, which I put off as close to Christmas break as possible, so as not to miss work, but I was going to have to miss some. The parents looked at me in the principal's office and, speaking to me like a child, said, 'Since this one won't be an emergency, you'll be better prepared and you will find us a good, consistent substitute?' I told them I'd try my best. However, they're never happy; they badmouthed me to younger grade parents and told them not to put their children in my class. They even reported me to the superintendent. That was when I decided I was done with teaching." —Anonymous 20."I had a parent ask me if I could pick up her child each morning and bring her to school with me. The school didn't open until 7, and she had a new job where she had to be at work at 7. Trying to be nice, I explained that I had two little ones of my own, and we could barely get ready and get to work on time as it was. She then asked for my address and offered to drop her daughter off at my house on her way to work. I declined and suggested the bus. She made it clear she was not happy with me." —Anonymous 21."I had a student not get into a well-known honor society because they cheated on one of my assignments, and at least one other teacher recommended against admitting them. The mom went to the principal and single-handedly blamed ME for the student not being admitted. The principal decided the honor society needed grievance procedures for events like this. The student ended up being admitted." "I am also the sponsor of a different, content-specific honor society. The student did not apply during their first year of eligibility. This past school year, we provided a month-long application window. Once again, no application from the student. Keep in mind, the application was on a Google form, making it totally verifiable that we had no application from this student. When the student asked me about getting in, I let them know there was no application submitted by them. I had the Google form set so they had to use their district credentials to even open the form. The student went to their mom, and the mom proceeded to criticize me, not just to my sponsor, but also to my principal, claiming I 'lost' their child's application two years in a row and basically accused me of having a personal vendetta against this kid. So. Much. Fun." —37, Texas 22."I had a ninth-grade boy who constantly acted out in class and never did his homework, and his mom was POSITIVE it was my fault. One day, the woman showed up in my classroom because the assistant principal gave her permission to observe my class without even telling me first. Name one other profession where someone could just stand there and watch you do your job without a valid reason to be there. Of course, her son wasn't bright enough to be on his best behavior in front of his mother— he pulled the same crap he always did. The mom at least had the decency to be embarrassed and apologize for not believing me. —jenniferj32 23."I once had a student whose behavior was horrendous — shouting, swearing, coming into class twenty minutes late, disrupting everyone, the works. They were 15, and this was my first year of teaching. When the kids were given a negative point, the parents were notified. This kid's mom must have been on the app 24/7, because whenever this kid got a negative from me, she would then email me and ask for specifics about why, then get annoyed when I was too busy teaching to reply to her." "I'd end up with a series of six or seven emails a class, plus messages from the office to call her back when I had a moment. Admin eventually told her to arrange meetings with me instead of emails, and 'surprisingly' it stopped!" —Anonymous finally, "My dad works at the high school I go to, and there was one student (super super nice kid, super smart, but very quiet) whose parents tried to make the school reschedule GRADUATION because the family would be on vacation. The same student's family would have my dad and me give him rides home from school after club meetings, and BOTH of the parents' cars would be in the driveway. They would come out to thank us for giving him a ride. Like GIRL, you live not even ten minutes away, get your ass over to the school and pick your kid up." —claireclaireclairebearbearbear Alright, now it's your turn. Teachers of BuzzFeed — in the comments below or via this anonymous form, tell us about the wildest, most unhinged encounter you've ever had with an entitled parent. You never know, your submission just might end up in a future BuzzFeed Community post. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
The best BBQ smokers
If you're looking for maximum barbecue flavor, the best smokers are the answer. Smoking is a great way to preserve food and impart a deep, fire-roasted taste. While you can smoke on any grill (read our guide to the best grills for all our favorites), a dedicated smoker is shaped to accommodate larger cuts of meat and impart the ultimate flavor. We've tested dozens of models to find the best BBQ smoker. Our top pick is the Traeger Woodridge Pro, a pellet grill that offers hands-off grilling and smoking without sacrificing flavor. For a more traditional charcoal flavor, the Weber Original Kettle can be used as a smoker and grill, is budget-friendly, and doesn't take up too much space. Top picks for the best smokers Best pellet: Traeger Woodridge Pro - See at Amazon Best pellet Whether you're looking to upgrade an old, well-used smoker grill or are new to the space, the Traeger Woodridge Pro is a great choice for most people. Its heat retention is excellent, and it has advanced wireless connectivity, both of which mean less hands-on cooking is needed. Plus, it has a hearty 970 square inches of cooking real estate, a size that I've personally verified is enough for five full racks of ribs with room to spare. It's versatile as both a smoker and a grill. As is common in the smoker space, the Woodridge Pro can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also has a super smoke mode that can be used when grilling under 200 degrees for even more intense smoky flavor. This is a true treat when paired with the right meats. The 24-pound pellet hopper pretty much ensures you'll never run out of fuel during a long cook, but a sensor inside the hopper can relay a notification to the app when it's time to add more — just in case. You can customize the grill. A few years ago, Traeger got serious about updating its line of grilling accessories with the P.A.L. Pop And Lock system. Now, nearly all of its current grills can use the same shelves, hooks, paper towel holder, and hanging storage. Your investment now won't be wasted in the future. Traeger makes three different Woodridge grills, but the Pro is best for most. While there are plenty of other fine smokers out there, the new line of Woodridge smokers offers a range of features to satisfy all, at a price that's easy to stomach. The entry-level model is a good choice for infrequent chefs, and the Elite model is a complete outdoor kitchen, but the Pro model is well-rounded and suitable for most people. If you're curious about other models, you can check out our guide to the best Traeger grills and best pellet grills Best for beginners We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price. Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches), but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most. Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal, some wood-smoking chips, and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun. I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill. My most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead. Best charcoal To do barbecue right, you'll want the best offset smoker that can handle burning wood without rotting out. Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks, says, "When it comes to flavor, there's no substitute for charcoal and wood." Professional-level smokers can run well into the four-figure range, but Char-Griller's Grand Champ XD is remarkably heavy-duty with 12-gauge (tenth-inch thick) steel, expanded metal grates, and oversized legs and wheels made for off-patio trudging at half the price of the competition. It took me a little under two hours to build this 250-pound grill; instructions were clear and all the holes lined up effortlessly. It's remarkably heat-stable. When we cooked pork shoulder, the grill maintained a near-constant 225 degrees Fahrenheit over eight hours with two charcoal chimney starters ' worth of coals and five small logs. Despite less-than-ideal gaskets (we think this grill deserves some thicker felt like these LavaLock seals), we haven't experienced any seepage after three long burns. Like with many offset smokers, there's a learning curve. Offset smokers tend to cook unevenly because heat comes from the fire at one end and works its way to the other. Our tests for heat distribution, performed using zucchini strips, proved this, but the transition was gradual. This is a good thing; it can help you dial your grill for low-and-slow cooking versus higher-heat grilling, though it involves some trial and error. Best electric Electric smokers are among the easiest to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours upon hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips). Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons. There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and effortless as smoking gets. Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a midsize barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat. You can only use it outdoors, and I wish this grill had handles because I've had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source. Best budget Good news: you can smoke just fine on a standard charcoal grill. There's a sizeable series of YouTube wormholes to help you navigate your way through converting Weber's Kettle grill into one of the best smokers. If you want to keep things compact and simple but also afford yourself a little versatility with a charcoal grill, the good old-fashioned Weber Kettle allows for just enough ingenuity that it passes for a smoker when called upon. Thanks to the depth and shape of the kettle, you can build a small charcoal bed on one side and set the grate on the other. This is most easily done with Weber's Char-Basket charcoal holders and a bit of aluminum foil as a heat deflector. Despite having thinner steel than most barbecue smokers, the Weber Kettle is a master at heat retention. With the lid on properly, you'll have no trouble maintaining heat. We also enjoy that you still have space to cook over direct heat while smoking, so it's easy to char some vegetables or cook some hot dogs while you're smoking. You're not going to turn any heads pulling out a Weber Kettle grill at a barbecue in the way you will with a furnace-sized offset barrel smoker, but you'll get the job done for a small party, and you're going to save a lot of money and space in doing so. If you want even more versatility, the KettleBasic Pizza Oven Kit turns your charcoal grill into one of the best pizza ovens. Best indoor An indoor electric smoker shouldn't be your first choice when picking a grill to infuse meat with rich, smoky flavor. But if you're limited in space or by other circumstances, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a terrific option to keep you cooking and the meals flowing. It features a small wood pellet hopper to create the internal smoke, but its active filtration system keeps your house from being flooded with a haze. The countertop-size unit has 293 square inches of cooking space, which isn't enormous, but should be plenty of room to make dinner for the family. I'm constantly impressed by how many wings or the cut of ribs that I can fit onto the three grates. Even if that internal space isn't a limiting factor, you should be aware that the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker has a heating range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300. It's perfect for the low-and-slow cooking method, but it won't be able to sear or really serve as a general-purpose countertop oven for other kinds of food. I've found myself using the indoor smoker the most during the winter when it wasn't convenient to cook outside. Making it even more user-friendly, I'm a fan of the built-in WiFi that pairs with the GE SmartHQ mobile app to let you monitor its timer, check the internal probe temperature, and adjust the timer all remotely. If you really want to get fancy, you can connect it with Alexa or Google Home to use certain voice commands. For its $699 retail price, you can get a good outdoor smoker, but if you don't have the outside space for a traditional smoker, then this one does a great job preparing juicy, flavorful cuts of meat. Then again, even if you already have a regular smoker you like, this one is always an option for a secondary one when it's too cold to be outside. —Tyler Hayes, contributor What kind of smoker is best? Smokers are generally classified by the type of fuel used. A charcoal or wood-burning grill will give you the most smoke flavor, but you'll have to be more mindful about refilling throughout the BBQ process. Here's a breakdown of the different smoker types: What to look for in a BBQ smoker Smoker heat source: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. If you're a smoke enthusiast, opt for an offset or charcoal-powered smoker but be prepared for a learning curve. Otherwise, a pellet grill will get you good flavor (albeit not quite as smoky) and is almost entirely hands-off. Material quality: Most grills have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, even the best smokers are still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially for competitively priced smokers. Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least two years, but be prepared to make some concessions. In the end, a grill is only as good as the quality of the materials and build. It's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires, spilling grease, and exposure to the elements. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration, even if it means forgoing a longer warranty. How we test the best smokers After assembling the best smokers, analyzing the design and structure, and preseasoning them, we run several cooking tests: Pork shoulder: For 5- to 7-pound shoulders, we targeted 225 degrees Fahrenheit at a rate of about one hour per pound, checking for a good smoke ring and even heat on both sides of the shoulder. Chicken drumsticks: We evenly spaced drumsticks across each grill to test for the level of smokiness and doneness. (On smaller grills, we used as few as six drumsticks, while larger models saw 12-18.) We targeted 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour-and-a-half cook time. We also tossed in the occasional full bird for about two-and-a-half hours on larger grills. Zucchini strips: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we spread strips of zucchini across each grill to look for char marks to make sure grills were cooking evenly. We also consulted several experts, including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen, to find out what makes a good smoker. Barbecue smoker FAQs Can you smoke on a gas grill? Yes and no. You can impart some smoky flavor by placing a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the burner of your gas grill. However, Steven Raichlen told us that because gas grills aren't sealed well enough, you shouldn't expect BBQ-quality smoke from a gas grill. If you're looking for a traditional grill, check out our guide to the best gas grills. Can you use wood on a charcoal smoker? Yes, you can add wood chips to any charcoal grill. However, higher-quality charcoal smokers, often offset barrel models called stick-burners, are your best option for wood fires because they are built to withstand direct heat. The Char-Griller Grand Champ XD, which we recommend above, is a great entry-level option that can withstand burning wood. How does smoking work? BBQ smokers work by using indirect heat to cook and/or cure food with smoke, and there are a number of ways to smoke food. At their most basic, smokers are simply a well-sealed vessel in which to contain heat and smoke to cure food to your desired level of flavor. More complicated smoker setups have additional features like offset smoke boxes or electronic controls to better regulate the level of heat and smoke.
