5 Vintage 1990s Kitchen Gadgets Tested By Design Expert | Well Equipped | Epicurious

Design and usability guru Dan Formosa returns for another episode of Well Equipped, this time turning his expert eye towards 5 kitchen gadgets that were designed in the 1990s. Watch as he tests each device, putting them through the gauntlet while commenting on what works, what doesn't, and what he would've done to improve their design.
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[@irishwristwatch2487]

Could we have an episode of gadgets that Dan's designed? Itd be cool to see something done well, and point out what features he put in and why

[@funky_tree]

PLEASE

[@callmeandoru2627]

Yes

[@theresa5059]

Oh yeah! 👏👏👏

[@ivanpetrov5255]

Oh, I can tell you why - safety, for one. It's usually the first thing he talks about.

[@jrb614]

Yes!

[@ZAWFUL]

I think the salad blaster would be good to bring to work so the salad doesn't get soggy and you just add the dressing when you are ready. Seems fine

[@mikkolappetelainen259]

Also it's designed for a car cup holder. One hand action for the truck driver who likes their greens on the go!

[@genieinthepot2455]

@@mikkolappetelainen259 are u drinking the salad?

[@genieinthepot2455]

but you can just bring your dressing seperately. there's no point in putting it in that little container thing in a bottle.

[@ZAWFUL]

@@genieinthepot2455 just take the top off and use a fork also that way you don't have to bring the dressing separately in a different Tupperware or whatever idk.

[@raystinger6261]

Idk, I like to let my salad soak in the sauce. For me, that's what differentiates a salad from "cut vegetables".

[@chrissandoval7675]

just wanted to take a moment to thank the artists involved with this series. every month the walls get fresh, original artwork that perfectly reflects the episode. your work is noticed, appreciated and adds the extra something that helps make this whole thing work. thank you.

[@randomuser1567]

Also the custom icons that serve as “stars” on the ratings that are specific to each gadget

[@Madkalibyr]

The Super Slicer IS dangerous I can confirm! Sent me to the ER. I sliced a sizable chunk off of my pinky while slicing an onion. Nearly passed out, blood splatter everywhere and ended up getting stitches . My boyfriend tried to keep it, saying I wasn’t using it correctly. That thing is no longer in this household lol

[@funky_tree]

My fingers hurt just looking at it's design and reading your story didn't help T-T

[@Zalwalloo]

All mandolins are dangerous

[@stellar8656]

@@Zalwalloo especially dull and seen on TV ones

[@priyashreiya1080]

Dude, you should have used a cut resistant glove, or that thingamajiggy they use to grab the veggie or atleast a damn towel 😩. Why didn't you do that simple thing ?

[@tiacho2893]

@@Zalwalloo I had a Japanese one and currently use a Brön almost identical to the one above. Everyone I know that has one has cut themselves at least once. But then again, I know people have done stupid things with sharp knives.

[@yotaruvegeta]

In terms of Dan’s delivery of 90’s terms, I would give him a 5/5.

[@priyashreiya1080]

Only people who are obsessed with this series know that he first was Dan Farmosa, then he became Dan Mimosa and now as Danimal 😂 I love him & his witty words and amazing knowledge about gadgets 👑❤️

[@kyrab7914]

When was Dan mimosa?

[@priyashreiya1080]

@@kyrab7914 Watch 5 Brunch gadgets episode. In the manual fruit juicer segment he said "What do you all think about changing my name to Dan Mimosa ? " 😂 It's iconic ✨🍹

[@kyrab7914]

@@priyashreiya1080 Much thanks!

[@priyashreiya1080]

@@kyrab7914 No mention 💜

[@BlankMoments]

His hands were less moisturized this episode, but still a great episode.

[@midnightrain9801]

w-what

[@Zalwalloo]

@@midnightrain9801 oil

[@midnightrain9801]

@@Zalwalloo okay kinda makes sense but still wtf

[@emmym563]

The salad blaster unlocked a memory file for me. I'm guessing my mom got it in the 90s, and I found in the cabinet one day and thought it was cool for some reason. I specifically remember making little salads just so I could press the button.

[@lilia3944]

I work with kids, and this does seem like a gadget to get some of them to eat their salad - fun to use, as little effort as possible (no seperate containters to fiddle with) without it getting soggy, etc. If you wanna get someone to eat their greens, making the effort required as little and as cool as possible is usually the way to go.

[@dawnsmith1871]

I have the Salsa Master, I use it in the semi truck, I have limited power wattage when the truck isn’t idling. It works well for me. I like it.

[@kbsanders]

I'm surprised the safety can opener didn't get higher marks. It seemed like it did the job well.

[@johnr797]

I know someone who sliced a huge gash into the base of her thumb trying to pull the top off of a can like he did with the second can opener, precisely because of the uneven cut it leaves. Her hand had reduced movement for months. The safety opener has its place.

[@p-aranger9174]

Having used a safety can opener in the late nineties personally, I will say that they are really good. Ours was slightly better. The ergonomics were a bit better (probably a more expensive model).

[@CreativeGPX]

I have a safety can opener. No complaints. Never even knew there was a whole debate over it or that it was anything notably different from "traditional" can openers until I saw videos on KZbin where people act like their world has been flipped upside down by it.

[@fisheyme47]

My family had a safety can, and it was very nice compared to the old metal can opener that could cut your hand or the electric can opener that you couldn't ever clean. That said, I have a new OXO can opener that does the same safe cut with better ergonomics.

[@y09i_]

I've only recenly heard about safety can openers from the channel called Technology Connections and got one. I don't understand why they even still produce the old one. It is straight up the superior can opener.

[@buffettboy2003]

I find it interesting when comparing this episode to the retro old fashioned era episode. Seeing those designs and how they still worked but aren't around versus these designs and how they don't work and aren't around is almost a testament to how quality has evolved. The old devices worked and were very sturdy but you don't see them today because of all the metal pieces. These items you don't see today because they look cheap and just didn't do their job so they disappeared because they don't have a use in a room where space matters. Fun to watch as always, Dan! Thanks for designing for people.

[@eem09]

I can't adequately explain how much I enjoy these videos. During my darkest days, I watched all of the available videos on repeat, and they helped so much. Thank you, Dan and Epicurious!

[@codykonior]

Same! Life is hard, hang in there 🌈

[@wiinga]

Salad Blaster: I think he missed the point. Chop salad the night before, add toppers, add dressing to cup, into the fridge. Next morning, one piece to transport to work, into the office fridge, lunch time, drop the dressing and enjoy a crunchy salad. When you get home give it a rinse, fill halfway with hot water , squirt of dish soap and shake the heck out of it, drain, rinse and you are ready to go again. Greens or grains or pasta or veg--the possibilities are infinite. I think the Blaster was given short shrift.

[@wiinga]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the show.

[@stone5against1]

Yeah he really went hard on this episode's gadgets, some of them seem pretty good and useful but he hardly gave anything a good buy rating despite them having their uses

[@johnr797]

@@stone5against1 not to mention anyone who's ever made a salad knows throwing a dressing in that big tupperware container and shaking it for 13 seconds is NOT gonna spread that dressing.

[@purplehues001]

Yes the can opener was really good.. don’t know why he gave it such a poor rating

[@medes5597]

There's an article on his blog that predates this video about how much he dislikes it. He understands its utility and functionality. He just thinks its a pointless unitasker that will end up cluttering cupboards when the novelty wears off.

[@unscenegamers]

Typically a curved blade allows the blade to hit the food with only a small section initially so more force can be applied, then expand to increase the area of blade contact to be more than possible on a straight edge.

[@hayleyhayward2745]

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best shows on the internet.

[@Unfinished80]

Agreed!

[@heynunya5986]

Ikr. I enjoy the other topics too such as how to slice fish etc.

[@skym821]

I feel like I'm spending time with a cool uncle when I watch this

[@chellarose4272]

Dan's dry delivery of his jokes is EVERYTHING! Yes, Dan!

[@LeaveItAMemory]

I am simple. I see a video with this guy, I click. He's so wholesome and entertaining and honest about the products

[@user-yo4gt1wn5s]

This "historical" episode reminded me of something I've been getting a kick out of recently: the concept of a similar show but like in early 1900s, and the gadgets in question are something that we now use every say. Say a toaster: "It did what it was supposed to do, now let's see how it performs compared to the good old cast iron. In terms of effectiveness I would give this a three. It works, but doesn't provide the same spectrum of function as things that you already have at home". "In terms of usability I would give this a one, the buttons are fiddly and I don't feel safe at all bringing electricity to the kitchen". "In terms of a buy rating I would give this a two. It's a fun party trick, but it's too bulky to store for just a single function, and you can get the same, if not better, results with things you already have in your kitchen"

[@kusokk]

hahaha, that would be an amazing show to watch!

[@nuca9087]

I love Dan so much ☺️🍰we need more of this amazing man, maybe he can show us some of his own gadgets?

[@Deathcoreqt]

Dan is literally the best!

[@kyrab7914]

He has a website where you can see some actually. Unsurprisingly, Dan has designed an entire line of accessibility/disability oriented kitchen gadgets among other things. And with over 40 years of exp, he's been around long enough that some of his ideas were with early computers as well.

[@arcaderat1613]

I'm not going to lie, I actually want the salad blaster. It's not useful to just have at home but would be really convenient when you need to bring your lunch with you. I can see a lot of people who would use it.

[@baadlyrics8705]

Thats what tupperware is being used for tho, so its nothing new really. Put salad in big tupperware container and then put dressing in a small container that you put in the big container with the salad.

[@arcaderat1613]

@@baadlyrics8705 It doesn't have the same convenience though. Something like this would be great for a situation like a road trip or if you're not going to be able to sit down with a big tupperware container.

[@peggedyourdad9560]

@@arcaderat1613 There are Tupperware containers of different sizes and shapes though.

[@headerahelix]

@@arcaderat1613 Yeah but you can use normal containers for anything, this salad thing will be in the back of your cupboard

[@arcaderat1613]

You guys really miss the point. You can technically just put everything in plastic baggies and there's no need for any kind of solid container, but I'm sure that all of you use various size containers, some for specific purposes, or containers that are separated for multiple items, etc. It's a container that has a specific purpose and for that purpose, it is effective. If you eat salads on the go a lot, it's a good item. You just press a button, shake and you're good to go, you don't have to get out multiple containers, set them out, worry about losing multiple lids, etc.

[@anonymousunknown4811]

Wait, 2 well equipped episodes in 2 weeks?! We're blessed

[@jasonwilliams1713]

My wife's grandparents currently have ALL of these still. Their whole house is As Seen on TV.

[@ArtamStudio]

I'm so sorry.

[@ColombianLNP]

But can it open up a can of whoop *** LOL. WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT DAN IS THE MAN HAHAHAH. another awesome video!

[@violetbunches5438]

Dan from Epicurious is my new Claire from the Bon Appetite test kitchen

[@NaliaDanger]

I definitely had a "salsa master" chopper that I bought at the state fair in my early 20s. Used it maybe twice? The biggest draw of it was that at the time, I lived in a studio apartment with a tiny kitchen, so there wasn't any extra counter space for small plug-in appliances.

[@stone5against1]

I have a similar thing at home, mostly use it to make cole slaw, toss everything in it, a size spins and its done, much less hassle than cutting everything and mixing it up in a bowl, and easy enough to clean.

[@oopsididamaterialism8113]

I think the Kitchen Wizard has another pretty obvious flaw: it seems to promote unsafe food handling habits. Using the same utensil for raw and cooked food can be seriously dangerous.

[@baadlyrics8705]

How would that be the utensils fault for how people misuse it tho

[@SupersonicGirl]

@@baadlyrics8705 after you whisk the egg, you still have that raw eggy residue on the tool. Now whatever else you touch or flip will be contaminated. You can get salmonella poisoning.

[@michealpersicko9531]

@@baadlyrics8705 Because it was most definitely advertised as being the only cooking utensiol you need and you can throw away that draw full of old broken whisks and spatuals or some other informercial BS jargon.

[@snailmailmagic1133]

Would like to understand the danger of using the danger of using same utensil for cooked and raw food.

[@loreenasings]

@@snailmailmagic1133 cross contamination of bacteria that cause infection. Think raw chicken and salmonella, you don’t put raw chicken on your salad, and you wouldn’t wipe the chicken on the lettuce for your salad. So you shouldn’t use the same knife to chop raw chicken as you use to chop salad without washing in between

[@kayseeponton5598]

love this series. dan is such a treasure and the crew has made a great set and editing each episode. ive enjoyed each one thats uploaded.

[@DuelScreen]

I've used the Kitchen Wizard multitool before. It worked as a whisk but that was about it. The wire was too flexible to be a good spatula for anything with any weight and the tong feature similarly suffered from being too flexible. I also have a version of the Salsa Slicer. Mine has 2 blades and I use it all the time to chop up bell peppers and onions for soups and stews. It's basically a manual food processor. We don't have an electric food processor. In addition to filling that particular need I like being able to control how finely chopped the ingredients get. One buzz too far on an electric and you get onion soup. Cleaning is a breeze in the dishwasher. Dan is correct about having to hold the top with your other hand but I've gotten used to it.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

My mother has a pair of spatulas that click together to form tongs, in a way similar to the kitchen wizard. Just easier to clean since they come apart, and much more solid. Which I guess means they're not also useful as a wisk. :P

[@ZenzoSezSo]

Me, born in the 90s, feeling personally attacked when Dan told one of the gadgets "you are old enough to take that sort of criticism in stride" 😩

[@dodge10P1N]

Dan is seriously a gem.

[@KyleBaran90]

The editors must have had a blast with this episode

[@doctorsuave]

The “wazzzzzup” got me nostalgic immediately. What a throwback! My friend had the salad blaster! Love this video.

[@alextownley9388]

I imagine Dan being the coolest grandpa ever lol

[@xxPenjoxx]

10 seconds in to this video and I can't stop smiling. Wicked show, Danimal! Loved the super rad gadgets

[@patbolan8928]

Dan making me feel old when I realize I got all his 90s refences, and then remembering how long ago the 90s were haha. Love the review though! Keep them coming!

[@Tam_Eiki]

I must confess my love for the salsa master, it chops onions very well without causing me to cry. Guess I could try to make salsa one of these days. 😅

[@thorpizzle]

I think the can opener deserved a higher rating. That was the one that worked the best, even if the handle was a bad design.

[@darioschottlender]

"It appears that I'm ready to drink my salad" I almost spat my drink

[@dean345678]

I'm a left-handed disabled person with the updated version of that can opener. It holds the lid in the opener once it's removed so you can just have it drop it into a bin and I find it much better that the other kinds that I would also seem to break

[@franciacolmenarez2897]

I hit the like button when he introduced himself as "Danimal" holy mother of God how can you not like this man.

[@seriliaykilel]

He makes me incredibly happy - always glad to see a new episode up!

[@aciyaiona]

He said “you trippin if you think you comin home with me” 😂😂😂😂 that just took me out 😭

[@fulustko3954]

i love this series, it’s the only thing i watch on this channel and i am always excited when i see there’s been a new one uploaded 😅😅

[@blahhhblahhblahblah]

Always a joy to watch these episodes!

[@MegaFortinbras]

The reason the Cuisinart blades are curved is that the effective length of the blade is greater. It cuts more efficiently than a straight blade.

[@johannaguerrero1790]

I could see how that would be. The curved blade would keep slicing up to the tip as it goes through while the straight blade cuts with its blade coming on all across maybe more of a chop through than a slicing motion

[@MrDuncaroos]

I thought it was also creating a more 'slicing' action as you only have a small portion of the blade hitting the contents at a given time (i.e. increasing the cutting 'pressure').

[@barbarosbozkurt758]

Some Day, We'll see Dan dressed as Christopher Lloyd from Back to the Future

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

I just truly love Dan, more Well Equipped forever!

[@daveotuwa5596]

This is my favourite episode of this series! It has to do with the time in when I was born!

[@kyrab7914]

We made it to over 40 years! Grats Dan, and thanks for testing ridiculous and non ridiculous things for use, and for always having accessibility in mind.

[@Ina_5686]

I love Dan's energy! ❤️

[@nikkiewhite476]

Oh my childhood! My parents had that mock mandolin thing. It did not last long my mother was so mad. The safety can opener was discovered by my older sister and was given as Christmas gifts one year. The whole family lived it and they lasted for ever. We looked at that whisk spatula thing and laughed at it. The salsa maker wasn't even committed as mom had a top of the line electric food processor. Thanks Dan for this trip down memory lane!

[@Amnesianite]

I can't get enough of this guy. His wit is incomparable

[@Griever78]

I agree with all your redesign ideas! Yet another great video with Dan, totally rad, dude!

[@theKRB93]

I love Dan and I need him to continue this series for the rest of his life please

[@nahidelsanto]

I love Dan's videos sooo much.

[@missmarthafawker]

I love my safety can opener. I got it from bed bath and beyond. It’s amazing and I won’t go back to the old ones.

[@Colorfultography]

I get so excited when I see a new Dan video!

[@anasalazar3677]

loveeee how he tries the gadgets with his left hand as well

[@JaceTan-90]

Any day that it’s Dan’s video is a good day. Don’t know why 😆

[@monroerobbins7551]

Yes, Dan plus 90’s stuff gives me joy

[@86245]

Dan!!!! Love his videos, and as a designer, I find them actually very useful as much as entertaining. 5/5

[@skator79]

Dan coming in rockin that saved by the bell shirt 🤣

[@RYN988]

90's packaging is still some of the best I've ever seen. So colorful and wonderful!

[@TeenagePrince72]

the Hobbs and Shaw reference went right over most people's heads 16:29 🤣

[@JH-lo9ut]

Used a similar device as the salsa master when camping this summer. It worked pretty well actually. Maybe it could be re-designed so that you could position the crank at two different spindles. The first with a 1:1 gear ratio, to get some leverage on the big pieces. Then a 1:3 gear ratio, or whatever this thing has, for fast chopping. The bottom of the bowl should be rubberized so that it doesn't slip around on the bench.

[@birdmasterthecaffeinatedowl]

My mom had a super slicer 🤣 was always on the top shelf in the pantry. Might still be there 🤣🤣🤣

[@stone5against1]

"Could give it a 3, but let's be mean and give it a 2 out of 5" Hahaha sure why not

[@ashleyjustice3008]

Oh my goodness, as a 90s kid, I am loving all the 90s references!!

[@Cutondogor]

I had one of those little "salsa maker" things. As a young mum it was a lot easier to use that than drag out the food processor every time I wanted to make mushed food for my son. SO I don't think comparing it to an electric blender is fair - sometimes you only want to chop a little bit of stuff and the smaller tool makes sense.

[@JenniLevenbook]

I inherited a Kitchen Wizard from my father and finally gave it away this year when I upgraded to a Danish Whisk. I had no idea it was supposed to do all that, I just knew that you can rotate one of the sides of the "tongs" 90 degrees to make it a T and then that made a decently effective whisk that would pack flat in the drawer.

[@itschrisstyles4356]

it was the greatest intro in the entire univerese

[@kamarpreet]

Omg!! Danimal, you look super cool 😎 I'm a big fan of all your videos!!!

[@cassieb2813]

Dan is my favorite person on KZbin.

[@raylxh1925]

5:05 Dan for real goes for the SIKE!!! 😎😳☠🗿

[@funky_tree]

💀

[@dewilew2137]

We love you Dan Formosa!!!

[@MrGrimsmith]

I'm defintitely a fan of the ergonomics approach Dan takes. My folks are in their 80s, I'm their carer and have a number of dexterity issues myself. The left handed test? Me on a good day. Electric can openers FTW BTW. Ours is 20 years old, needed fixing a couple of times but so much better for us.

[@johnr797]

I think my mom's electric can opener might be older than I am, and I ain't 20

[@thexgamer8240]

Dan looks extra funky in this video.

[@vadaacervo6557]

Dan remains so iconic

[@nerrickk9024]

How is the super slicer not just a regular mandolin?

[@Zalwalloo]

Salad blaster is useless at home but is perfect for at work or on the road so your salad doesn't get soggy

[@sockpuppetqueen]

But you can just, like... put a little tiny tupperware full of salad dressing, right into the bigger tupperware full of salad, and achieve the exact same thing, in a way more convenient shape.

[@phoenixbellajinx1744]

Also be great for school or college, no space for large Tupperware.

[@phoenixbellajinx1744]

@@sockpuppetqueen not everyone has space for a large Tupperware especially for school or college

[@speedyf40]

Me and my daughter are totally hyped to watch this!!!

[@pqrstsma2011]

15:51 i personally prefer the fin shape over the triangle or the 4-sided one; i think i can get more leverage with the fin

[@peoponi]

I always see this videos way after its posted. But i am always happy :3

[@electricheartpony]

This is one of two shows I watch regularly from this channel.

[@rebeccachambers4701]

The curve blade is like a guilitine it allows to cut less putting more force into the initial part of the cut

[@AlexGMason]

Looked to me like Dan didn't pop the top on the salad blaster using the little tab. Seems odd, he wad pushing up from underneath, but the tab is there to give you some leverage and make it easier with a pulling/prying action.

[@antoniomromo]

My mom loves the salsa master. She makes salsa all the time so she says it saves her a lot of prep. This is especially true for parties.

[@houssemedyn5678]

Wonder where epicurious find these people 😂 little gems all over 😍

[@EngChagas]

That orange 3 1/4 floppy disk just triggered some nostalgia here. Kudos.

[@Charlie_Xmas]

i'm sure he knows how Hilarious he is, it's the combo of the deadpan voice and look, comedy gold

[@vice2792ocl]

I can almost confidently say that Dan formosa is the Ryan George of screenrant for Epicurious.

[@kvolioklips]

“It has me a little bit buggin” 😂

[@seikibrian8641]

I had a Salsa Master, as well as some similar devices with other names like Robot Chef, and I actually liked it. It didn't replace my food processor, but was an adjunct to it. And for use in the galley on a cruising boat it would be great. No electricity required, and keeps the potential mess confined.

[@heruhcanedean]

I miss the plastic wrap from the 90's. That's a kitchen gadget that has gotten worse over the years, but they say it's because they took a bunch of toxic chemicals out. But most cans of soup also told you to cover the bowl you microwave the soup in with it. I bet that's when we got all those good toxins

[@teentitanfreak1]

We STILL have our salsa master and I use it to chop eggs for my egg salad!

[@ZuperZocker]

Never seen him before, absolutely enjoyed this

[@dr.stacey7283]

I still have my Salsa Master that I bought at a State Fair from one of those demos 😂 I love it! It’s great when I’m doing something small and don’t want to break out the electric Cuisinart. Very easy to clean and pop in the dishwasher. Sidenote; I even went back to the State Fair with a dull blade and the demo guy gave me new ones because they were “ Guaranteed for life!” I mean I know it was silly to take a freaking Salsa Blade to the State Fair, but it was funny as hell and he gave me two new sets of blades. Anyways, I like the little gadget.

[@brandyhood285]

Can I just say that seeing vintage and 90's together hurts my feelings a little....

[@tonyarc9455]

70s is vintage. NOT the 90s.

[@andresrincon752]

In the salad blaster defense, I think it's made more so you can bring a salad somewhere and use the dressing later, the comparison with a Tupperware isn't fair. Also that big tab/flange on the side which Dan ignored, looks like it was the correct way to get it open.

[@destinyoneandonly9422]

We have the kitchen wizard and I always wondered why we have it because I’ve never seen my grandma use it and I certainly have not 😂😂😂