5 High-End Kitchen Gadgets Tested By Design Expert | Well Equipped | Epicurious

Design and usability guru Dan Formosa returns to evaluate and improve upon 5 kitchen gadgets made by high-end brands, seeing how each might work better with a few strategic tweaks. Watch as he tests the gadgets, putting each through his critical gauntlet while commenting on what works, what doesn't, and what he'd do to improve their design.
Director: Jen Osaki
Director of Photography: Aaron Snell
Editor: Kris Knight
Expert: Dan Formosa
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Creative Producer: Jen Osaki
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Camera Operator: Kyle LeClaire
Audio Engineer: Nick Dalessio
Production Assistant: Rachel Karp; Sophie Pulver
Culinary Assistant: Lawrence Wang
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
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0:00 High-end Kitchen Gadgets
0:37 HORL 2 Knife Sharpener
4:26 Forma Cheese Grater
9:16 Apostrophe Orange Peeler
12:48 Cast-Iron Spice Grinder
16:01 Toss & Chop Scissors
19:46 Dan’s Final Impressions
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[@doctorpanigrahi9975]

Dan is extremely entertaining...

[@yashkantfamily5262]

Bring dan back!!

[@pueyorivers3281]

It's been 8 months, where's our new Dan video

[@notactuallymyrealname]

Mostly inspired by that cheese grater, I'd love to see a new regular category: Ease of Cleaning.

[@DancePuDDing]

Dishwasher

[@dontghostbanmeplz8788]

lol, is this a scamchannel? why is the video poster sending every commentor a ʟᴇᴛ’s ᴛᴀʟᴋ ☝ ɪɴ ᴘʀɪᴠᴀᴛᴇ ✍🎊 reply? 🤔

[@ArunBasilLal]

Thank you for saying this.

[@gabrielbrunet5598]

Bump this hahaha

[@thatjerseyb]

@@DancePuDDing Im not sure what type of miracle dishwasher you have, but the inside of that grater isn't going to get clean in mine lol

[@KaneNova]

It's been over 7 months since the last episode, where's Dan, is he ok?

[@wamrainc176]

I was going to ask the same thing. I hope he’s OK.

[@jakkaphatpasuphan6242]

He posted a few days ago on his Instagram account, he's fine

[@sobreiro]

When will this series continue? It's one of the best things in this channel...

[@happycampercasey]

Bring this back! 10 months and no new videos of him testing things!

[@davidwantsacroissant]

A famed modern architect designing a cheese grater that looks like one of her buildings. That’s the most random thing I’ve seen this week.

[@josephhall7019]

the world is full of surprises xD

[@svenkuffer4512]

It’s weird, since the design patterns we have are inspired by design patterns in architecture, so you’d think that usability would be one of her major concerns while designing the grater, but the whole thing looks like the worst user experience imaginable.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

@@svenkuffer4512 Yeah, it has strong vibes of both "things designed by people who don't have to use them" and "things designed by people who don't have to clean them"

[@basedeltazero714]

@@AnnekeOosterink It's an art piece, not an actual tool. Which... if that's what you're into, fine, I guess. So long as everyone's clear on that.

[@mindoffriday]

Where's Daaaaan? He is BY FAR the best thing on this channel! Bring him back asap, please!! ❤️

[@abcdisaster]

Bring Dan back 😭😭

[@3lapsed]

Need more Dan testing products Epicurious!

[@DaftRebel]

What happened to Dan? This is the last video of hgim :(

[@razanbabiker5989]

We need Dan! Pls come back we miss u alot

[@BrandonSmith-714]

I only watch this channel for one thing and that's Dan...he is absolutely hilarious and I hope he is doing well and can't wait to see more of him!!!!

[@strawberrymax]

when will we get another Dan video?? been waiting months now!!!

[@Jacen32272]

I've used plastic orange peelers before, and generally liked them. The ones I used were plastic "sticks" with a hook end for cutting and a flat end for prying up the first slice. They were also under $5, and lasted a few years. A better choice if you can find them, I feel...

[@StormCrusher94]

Yep, we had one too. Ours had holes to put fingers inside, which made it even more useful for people with disabilities i guess.

[@diesel0x]

100% $40 and it doesn't even have the pith remover. PASS

[@Naomi-pq6tv]

Tupperware sells them or at times gives them away as gifts or prizes if at a Tupperware party

[@Jacen32272]

@@Naomi-pq6tv That's probably where Mom got it, then.

[@margeylarue1900]

Got mine for free at a Tupperware party about 45 years ago.

[@sunflowersandbones]

I hope Dan is ok - this is one of my fav series on KZbin and I really miss it!

[@victormillen8393]

The cheese grater is really "hey look my modern art sculpture can grate cheese too, can YOURS?"

[@MossyMozart]

@victormillen8393 - .^_^.

[@xTriplexS]

Can you guys update us on if Dan's okay?

[@Lucinium]

That cheese grater, if it doesn't come apart, is a nightmare to clean but also posses a health and safety issue with cross-contamination and bacteria growth in all those little inside corners of metal. Not something you want in your kitchen.

[@Zia_theLibra]

More Dan!!!

[@Zia_theLibra]

This is my favorite segment. Where's Dan?

[@Kaplle]

I miss Dan , I would love to see another video

[@fattydoodooable]

I have been WAITING for a new episode, this is by far the best series I have ever experienced. I love Dan he is SO DOPE. Keep em coming PLEASE

[@davidhoward984]

Where is Dan? We need new episodes.

[@mfrmxcv]

Hello??? Dan??? Where are youuuuu??? COME BACK

[@Lordoc]

Where is dan? Miss him!!

[@ha231]

Your daily reminder: we want Dan.

[@rainsoakedpuppy]

I ended up buying a cheap coffee grinder with a folding handle and a removable dosing cup on the bottom, and it has been a supremely fantastic pepper grinder. Better than any pepper grinder I've ever had.

[@bman1824]

It's what Alton Brown uses. He doesn't like those cheap coffee grinders for coffee, but they smash up whole spices nice and quick!

[@pleaserespond3984]

Yo, me too!

[@1steelcobra]

For that citrus peeler, you can get a $2 plastic one that's stick-shaped with a hook on one end and a flat screwdriver-like piece at the other for under $2. So, basically, a tool that already existed has the improvements for less than 1/20th the price.

[@jessesmith4309]

It's been 8 months since the last Well Equipped. It's fine if you guys ran out of steam on the segment, but has anyone at Epicurious checked in on Dan lately?

[@notmavis]

was wondering the same too

[@Kristie_H]

We need more of these videos! I really appreciate that he does the oil test, because I have problems with my hands because of health issues.

[@moss.miller]

I wanted to see if anyone mentioned that! I was actually very excited to hear him mention accessibility :-)

[@oneduelist]

What's the oil test - using something with oily/wet hands?

[@3laws292]

​@@oneduelistyes, I don't know if you're visually impaired but in the video they pour a generous a month of oil on the hands and use the product.

[@danformosa4210]

And, I've probably mentioned this before, for most things using soap is much easier for cleanup. But this is Epicurious... so it's oil.

[@Lordoc]

Bring Dan back!!!

[@senatorsponge]

Dan is one of my favorite guests hands down

[@robynfree1558]

Where is Dan? We miss him!

[@stellabelikiewicz1523]

I actually really respect the thought behind that knife sharpener! It may have a few weaknesses, but it’s extremely creative, and I would love to see a Version 2 with just a few tweaks that could improve the safety and versatility and possibly make it really useful!

[@Djuntas]

Just wanna comment that Ikea sells a 5 dollar sharpener that literally works like magic and can be used on all knifes. Loaned mine to my picky brother even, and my dad. All knifes perfect even after years of ownership. All these knifes sharpeners I see are scams.

[@timeiswhat]

I think it's nice looking and kind of neat, but how are you gonna improve the safety? The entire setup requires that the knife lay on its back...

[@benjaminshields9421]

​@timeiswhat If the block is raised, secured, and inverted, the knife blade could be pointed down. It would make the height of the knife less to the usability.

[@keithorr1244]

I have one, and it works like magic; the sharpening angle is dead on consistent and is very securely held by the magnet. Works so well that all my knives are sharp and stay that way and it lives in the cabinet most of the time. For a wide bladed knife you just roll the sharpener elevated on a cutting board so it reaches the edge easily. If the gentleman in the video had spent five minutes reading the instructions or even watching a video he would have known that.

[@loggrad9842]

​@@keithorr1244this. It was obvious he didn't even look at the instructions at all. It's very well explained and incredibly consistent. Is it a professional sharpener? No. But it's way better than most people have in their kitchens now.

[@williamhites6759]

This is the best demonstration host I may have ever seen. Please make more videos with Dan!

[@AhmadIzzJ]

He's been in these types of videos a lot already... .

[@AnnekeOosterink]

There is a playlist with at least 20 videos.

[@tompoynton]

That cheese grater is the purest example of a vanity project I’ve seen for a while

[@helenap3822]

You know what would be great for these videos that emphasize the importance of accessibility? Proper captions 🙏

[@ethanstewart9970]

Dan was incredible. Thorough, in-depth and gave actual, honest reviews. No useless filler or fluff.

[@divinebonkers]

10:52 "orange (aren't) you glad i gave you a five?" he's so funny I love him so muchhhhh 🤣

[@achimsinn6189]

I was genuinly afraid he'd cut off a finger when he was cutting that small tomato with that scissorthing. That gadget really didn't look save to do smaller vegetables with it. Also I kept on being like "why is this better than just using a knife" and as he also proved it isn't. IMO the best design improvement for that one would be to just scrap the idea entirely.

[@stevewebber707]

For the sharpener, raising the cylinder by using a cutting board, or book is fairly simple, to accommodate larger knives.

[@jonahwebster1073]

I have one of these and it literally tells you this in the quick start booklet - you’d have hoped someone reviewing a product would check how it’s intended to be used before making comment 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@mamoke668]

Still forces you to do the knife in multiple passes which results in differences between ends and double sharpened middle. For that price whetstone and angle assist tool is better and 1/4th price

[@stevewebber707]

@@mamoke668 The target market is probably mostly for people that are intimidated by hand sharpening. The selling points would be a short learning curve, but still having the capability of sharpening a knife quickly and well. It's not exactly hard do adjust how much time is spent on each part of the blade, either. If someone is comfortable using a whet stone, I would agree that would be a better value and choice. I agree the price is steep. But there are more than a few people buying fancy knives, that don't know how to sharpen, or have the inclination to learn. For them the price of professional sharpening could make the price of this tool acceptable in comparison.

[@Throdrim]

And in the start booklet they also explain how to use both side... 1st it takes time to sharpen the 15 or 20 angle as you will need to remove some steel. Then when honing the knife it is really quick. 2nd you need to create a burr with the coarse face on one side of the blade and then do the other side of the blade, then you move to the finner face. Basically same process as a whetstone and Dan Formosa does not explain (or known) the difference between sharpening and honing which is important if you want to design a tool for that purpose ....

[@MrSteve1502]

@@stevewebber707 totally agree i have a wetstone and the Horl (1). i have some tests knives where i can practise the sharpening and for my regular using knives i'm using the horl until i have the capability to use the wetstone correctly. still need a lot of practise haha (kinda lazy to do that :D ) the Horl 1 cost me 120-130€, which is a quite high price but its doing a very well job on at least 90% of the knives i own (some are way to high like chinese veggie / chopping knives).

[@baronvonbeandip]

This series continues to reinforce the lurking idea in my head that we've basically peaked in utensil design and that companies are fruitlessly trying to innovate on perfectly usable things for little reason.

[@ExhaustedScarf]

Disability. That’s the “little reason” you’re looking for. These objects exist to provide independence to the disabled, like me.

[@waelsabanekh3741]

In these tests you should add cleaning tests, the grater would be a nightmare to wash 😂

[@C18H19NaO5S]

Absolutely the best series you host. I can’t get enough of Dan

[@maximeestevn5319]

Is Dan still around? I miss him

[@justagamer878]

Sadly no :(

[@greenapple9477]

@@justagamer878 Source?

[@justagamer878]

@@greenapple9477 source? Oh, of course Source: trust me bro

[@greenapple9477]

@@justagamer878Then why did you lie?

[@LuMo1980]

The strongest argument against the orange peeler was the blood he put all over the orange's peels, the lime, the glass and the ceiling. The last one maybe a figment of my imagination :D

[@NoPantsBaby]

Dan should do a video about his 5 greatest successes and worst failures.

[@saugatasen8976]

Love Dan's reviews! So funny and detailed

[@cruzerick]

never stop bringing this guy back

[@achromaggie]

Did anyone else see the pink marker stain on Dan's finger and worry that he'd cut himself 😅

[@jtsavidge]

Yes. I did, and I stopped the vido to look through the comments to find out if that was what had actually happened. I'm glad he didn't cut himself.

[@Tranceplant82]

I thought it was blood for sure lol

[@KhajiitTrader]

That orange peeler looks great, but really small. I struggle to peel oranges because of my dexterity issues and hand pain, so something like this would be really useful. It would be great if the bulb was big enough to fill my palm so I wouldn't have to squeeze my hand around it too hard

[@adammateen]

I actually have this peeler, bought it a few years ago and I can confirm it is painful to grasp over concerted use, if the bulb were fatter it would be much more comfortable

[@merrivideo]

Thank you for the comment. I was thinking on buying it

[@willyum3920]

YESSSSSS a new ep of Dan and Well Equipped. THANK YOU

[@wormulous]

Was he bleeding during the citrus peeling segment? If so I didn't hear him say anything about it or if it was a sharpie mark etc. Either way still like the video just what I noticed during the video.

[@Luna_faery]

I noticed this too!

[@pleaserespond3984]

The best handheld spice grinder I have is a handheld coffee grinder. Costs 10 bucks, has a nice long handle for when you need to grind enough pepper for an entire pot of stew, can select coarseness level to your desired consistency. Just don't use it for coffee afterwards, lol. Oh, and the top compartment fits enough pepper for several months, so I just load it up with a bunch of pepper a few times a year.

[@patbolan8928]

Love these kitchen gadgets reviews. Keep making them Dan!

[@cap3373]

Where's is the next episode? I need more

[@rohitraghunathan]

Was surprised when Dan skiped the usability test for the knife sharpener, but that's probably for the best.

[@tomgreen2058]

The Horl really is amazing but does take a tiny bit of practise, it is very easy to get consistent results though. Also it's incredibly easy to sharpen bigger knives, you put the knife and magnet on the table and the sharpener on the board lifted up a bit.

[@samponette3306]

Indeed

[@THE-X-Force]

Or .. save $180 and get a whet stone.

[@tomgreen2058]

@@THE-X-Force it takes a long time to really learn to use a whet stone properly. Sure you can get a better edge with a whet stone eventually but the Horl gets you 90-95% the way there with about 5 minutes practise.

[@tschumitjuu]

Tupperware actually got a similar orange peeler for like 5 quid, works like a charm

[@brodieburriss2950]

This dude always looks like hes about to laugh after giving his finishing statement on each product. i love it!!

[@yasmeenshabana500]

guys, where is Dan :/

[@TheNinjaLamb]

I'm a little on the fence with the citrus peeler. On one hand I like the shape and fact it's made out of metal. On the other hand the plastic stick citrus peelers are super super cheap...

[@Virginiafox21]

It’s a bit of a unitasker, a normal peeler can peel whatever. But, those will dull and have to be replaced while this one won’t. It also takes a bit too much pith for the peel to really be useful in anything except maybe cocktails.

[@arliejefferson]

I agree. The Tupperware peeler works better and costs a lot less.

[@jessicazaytsoff1494]

I think I like the peeler. The shape is neat! And that is how I know I'm the target demo. To my shame.

[@Fafnerluver922]

It's needs a reason to be high-end ahahaha

[@jonathan1991z]

Easier to clean the citrus oils off of stainless steel tho

[@maialurie1391]

love this series

[@nickmastmann1073]

Dan is so cool. I love his energy.

[@bookfish]

It's been quite some time. I hope Dan is alright.

[@scottbitz5222]

The HORL seems like a great sharpener (albeit expensive) for people who don't want to take the time to learn how to use a whetstone and I'd agree that I'd probably be wearing a cut resistant glove while using this and putting the roller on a ~1in butcher block for larger knives!

[@FntX-Video]

I own the "pro" variant which uses a planetary gear. You can sharpen a knife in seconds with that. Of course the price is quite steep but with this variant you don't even have to push hard against the blade because the disk spins a lot more. On top of that, if the knife is too tall, Horl themselves write in their manual to use for example a cutting board to bridge the gap.

[@tom_something]

I'm disappointed that the cast iron spice grinder didn't perform very well. I like the concept and the aesthetic, but it needs to be effective if I'm going to buy it.

[@TCC180]

I believe what I've seen with the sharpener is folks use their cutting board to sharpen larger blades. this makes sense IMO, since someone who sharpens their own knives likely has a decent cutting board as well.

[@DangerSquiggles]

This is explicit in the manufactureres recommendations. They have all sorts of tricks and tweaks to help you sharpen different shapes of knives.

[@georgestermaier8553]

when can we see Dan again?

[@WhiteTintedVan]

Would love to actually see some gadgets that Dan actually designed

[@MossyMozart]

@WhiteTintedVan - Oh, yes!

[@AlexBowers]

For the HORL knife sharpener, for the height issue you mentioned, they do say on their website and documents that you get with it (I have one), that you should use a cutting block to raise the roller if you need to

[@johnnyjocks7936]

Tumbler 🤝🏽

[@KintarosLife]

Dan came on really strong in the start, but mellowed out and gave some great insight.

[@fadhil2694]

That cheese grater is a proof that most architects are all aesthetics and zero practicality.

[@PhilGeissler]

This was great! Please do more of these videos!

[@kellyamaral1381]

I always look forward to these episodes.

[@petemac7969]

The last time I saw something that looked and worked like the cheese grater, it was being pushed as something that would "shave the roughness off the bottom or your feet!" No thanks!

[@amberf6275]

well now i'm never going to be able to un-see that thing looking like an overpriced pedegg.

[@melaniesalphabetgirl]

IT’S BEEN 10 MONTHS!! Where is Dan?

[@blatinobear]

Thanks for exposing the truth and keeping products honest!!!

[@Lyric.S-]

HORL system is better when you use it well : Both sides diamond THEN both sides ceramic THEN leather I wish you have some kind of wooden board in the kitchen to rase the barrel, you could even use it to prevent cuts in your table ...

[@H3llSkull]

with the spice grinder, isnt it so you can store some peppercorns in it? i got a similar model here and i actually have my black peppercorns in there, and when i want some grinded, lift top, put some in bottom part and start grinding?

[@buuuuuuuuuuuuuu]

we need more of these!!!

[@hazelord]

DAN COME BACK

[@sareeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

Always love these episodes, and Dan!! The cheese grater might be unconvenient but it's oh so prettyyyy

[@AnnekeOosterink]

If you buy it you can look at it and never use it. Because how can you clean it? It doesn't come apart,

[@christophergranberry]

At the end Dan was just making lunch for the whole office 😂

[@erika_evdokimenko]

Love you, Dan! You're a legend!

[@FacitOmniaVoluntas.]

On the Horl website they explain that if a knife blade is too tall, you should just use a cutting board on which you roll the cylinder and prop up the knife next to it. That way it’s also more stabilized.

[@laurenb3853]

For the spice grinder, I think you grind without the lid, then put your ground spices in the inside pot to store them (with the lid on)

[@Rob-bq9sj]

I was also wondering if it was a more fine section of the grinder. It moved independently, and if it was just for storage it should lock in so the whole piece can be used, adding leverage.

[@mizikacibalik]

I believe I saw a detent on the cup for locking with the lid, bur couldnt see anything that would go in there wondering if there was qc issue with the product or a lost piece?

[@fredkelly6953]

Very watchable content. That knife sharpener puts me on edge just watching.

[@guguigugu]

i am yet to see a chopping gadget that is more effective than the most basic knife skills

[@Brandyalla]

I own that cast iron grinder, and other than the fact that I paid half what this says it cost, the review id spot on. I used it twice, was very disappointed in its performance, and put it away somewhere. In addition to what he said, food also gets caught in the teeth and it's difficult to clean. Bummer! That cheese grater looks like it's a solid piece. How are you supposed to clean the inside if it doesn't open?

[@prestontanner3696]

For the redesign in the sharpener, they are already using magnets so they should have different sized changeable pads that you can pop on and off with the magnet

[@MistSoalar]

Dan is such a character. He's like Dr Emmet Brown IRL

[@austinshucraft8722]

Y'all he's back! Never clicked so fast haha

[@austinshucraft8722]

@@Dr_Epicurious huh

[@dontghostbanmeplz8788]

4:10 some way to raise the roller... yeah, how about that cutting board you were using before 😂

[@ParryTh1sCasual]

I have the same knife sharpener, if it doesn’t reach it, I tend to make sure that it isn’t raised by the grip on the knife as that’s the only issue I have with it, I also use a knife vice I made so it can’t go anywhere, I do think it should have more safety measures though

[@Your_Raks]

Where's my guy dan??????!?!?!

[@tharancyboy]

tbf in the user manual of the horl, it says to use a cutting board or a similar flat surface as elevation for larger knives

[@carl8752]

The horl sharpener works very very well but Dan kinda didn't use it very well at all

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

It's still much more expensive and more complicated than free-hand sharpening with a set of whetstones.

[@Yossus]

I have a pepper grinder just like that, and I actually really like it. Though if I need to grind really large amounts like he’s doing I tend to divide them up. And mine was a lot cheaper than the price he quoted

[@terrancejones9033]

I've had those toss and chop scissors before. They are a nightmare to clean well. There are some gaps between the metal blades and the plastic scoop part and food always gets stuck in there. Have to dig it out with a toothpick or something similar.