This 36-in-1 Kitchen Multitool Might Be the Last Gadget You Ever Need
📷 Image source: zdnet.com
The Swiss Army Knife of Kitchen Tools
A single gadget that replaces a drawer full of utensils
Imagine opening your kitchen drawer and finding one tool that can peel, slice, grate, open bottles, crack nuts, and even measure spaghetti portions. According to zdnet.com, that’s exactly what the 36-in-1 Multitool delivers—a compact, all-in-one solution designed to declutter your kitchen while handling nearly every basic task you’d need.
This isn’t just another gimmick. The tool’s design borrows from the practicality of a Swiss Army knife, but scaled for culinary needs. It’s made of food-grade stainless steel, folds neatly, and weighs less than a smartphone, making it easy to stash in a drawer or even take camping. For small kitchens or frequent travelers, it’s a game-changer.
What Can It Actually Do?
Breaking down the 36 functions
The zdnet.com review highlights some standout features: a serrated knife for slicing tomatoes, a julienne peeler for zoodles, a bottle opener that doubles as a nutcracker, and even a garlic press. But it’s the less obvious tools—like the herb stripper or the fish scaler—that show how thoroughly the designers thought through kitchen pain points.
Not every function will be a daily necessity, but the versatility is staggering. Need to zest a lemon? There’s a grater for that. Forgot your measuring cups? The tool includes portion guides for pasta and rice. It’s the kind of gadget that makes you wonder why no one combined these functions sooner.
How Does It Stack Up Against Traditional Tools?
Trade-offs between specialization and convenience
A professional chef might still reach for their $200 Japanese nakiri knife or copper measuring cups, but for the average home cook, this multitool could replace a dozen single-purpose items. The trade-off? Some functions require a bit of practice—the zdnet.com reviewer noted that the julienne peeler takes finesse to avoid uneven strips, and the garlic press isn’t as powerful as a standalone model.
Yet, for occasional use, the convenience outweighs the compromises. Think of it like using a smartphone camera instead of a DSLR: it’s not perfect, but it’s good enough for most situations, and you’ll always have it on hand.
The Engineering Behind the Design
How 36 tools fit into a 15 cm frame
The multitool’s secret lies in its nested, rotating components. The main body houses fold-out tools, while the handle twists to reveal hidden functions like a corn stripper or a citrus reamer. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, though the review warns that the hinges can feel stiff at first.
One clever touch: the tools lock into place when open, preventing accidental folds mid-use. It’s a small detail that avoids the frustration of cheaper multitools collapsing while you’re trying to slice an avocado.
Who’s Actually Buying This?
From urban apartment dwellers to outdoor enthusiasts
The obvious market is space-strapped millennials in tiny apartments, but zdnet.com points out broader appeal. Campers love it for its portability—no need to pack a separate peeler, can opener, and knife. College students stuck with dorm kitchens appreciate the all-in-one simplicity. Even parents report using it for quick lunchbox prep.
There’s also a sustainability angle: replacing multiple plastic tools with one durable metal device cuts down on waste. In Indonesia, where kitchen space is often limited and outdoor cooking is common, this could find a ready audience.
Potential Downsides and Quirks
Not every function is a home run
The zdnet.com review flags a few caveats. The egg separator, for instance, is fiddly compared to just using the shell. The included 'spoon' is more of a spork hybrid—fine for tasting, not for serving soup. And while the tool is dishwasher-safe, crumbs can get stuck in the hinges.
Then there’s the learning curve. With 36 functions, you might forget half of them exist unless you keep the cheat sheet handy. Still, these are minor gripes for a tool that costs less than a decent chef’s knife.
The Broader Trend of Multifunctional Gear
Why we’re obsessed with space-saving tools
This multitool taps into a larger movement toward minimalist, multipurpose design. From smartphones that replace cameras and maps to Instant Pots that combine six appliances, consumers increasingly prioritize versatility over specialization.
Part of it’s driven by shrinking living spaces—the average new apartment in Jakarta is under 40 square meters—and part by a backlash against single-use plastics. Tools like this also align with the 'buy it for life' ethos, offering durability that cheap plastic gadgets can’t match.
Should You Buy One?
Weighing cost, utility, and kitchen habits
At around $40 (roughly Rp 600,000), the 36-in-1 Multitool isn’t an impulse buy, but it’s cheaper than replacing all the individual tools it covers. If your kitchen is already well-stocked, this might feel redundant. But for new cooks, frequent travelers, or anyone drowning in junk drawers, it’s a compelling solution.
As zdnet.com puts it: 'This won’t replace your favorite chef’s knife, but it might replace the 15 other tools you barely use.' For that alone, it’s worth a spot in your drawer—or your backpack.
#KitchenGadgets #Multitool #SpaceSaving #CookingEssentials #SustainableLiving
