Most kitchens have a drawer of gadgets that came out once and never again. A few small tools are different: they get used every week and do one job better than a knife or your phone. A good helper saves time, saves fingers and lasts for years. Here are five that earn their place, and how to look after them.
The short answer
- An egg slicer turns boiled eggs, mushrooms and strawberries into even slices with one press.
- A side-cut can opener and a solid bottle opener open tins and bottles cleanly, without sharp edges or struggle.
- A mechanical kitchen timer keeps time without batteries or a phone in floury hands.
Add reusable chopsticks and you have a small toolkit for everyday cooking.
The egg slicer: even slices in one press
A knife often crumbles the yolk of a boiled egg. An egg slicer uses taut wires instead, cutting the egg in one movement while it sits still in the cradle.
- Best for: eggs for salads and sandwiches, mushrooms for pizza, strawberries, kiwi and mozzarella.
- Keep in mind: it is made for soft foods, so leave hard vegetables to your knife.
The Hi Nature® Egg Slicer has ultra-sharp stainless steel wires on a stable aluminium alloy base, so eggs do not get crushed and nothing wobbles. Turn the egg 90 degrees and press again for a fine dice. It is fully dishwasher safe.
Can opener and bottle opener: open without a fight
A classic can opener cuts into the lid and leaves a jagged rim that can cut fingers. A side-cut opener separates the seam along the side, so the lid lifts off cleanly. A bottle opener needs no mechanism at all, just good leverage.
- Best for: tinned tomatoes, beans and fish, and capped bottles at the table or on a picnic.
- Keep in mind: wipe the cutting wheel of a can opener after use so food does not dry on.
The Hi Nature® Can Opener cuts along the side and leaves a smooth, safe edge. Its extra-large turning knob needs less grip strength. The Hi Nature® Bottle Opener is one solid piece of stainless steel that pops a cap in one motion, with no moving parts and no plastic. Both are dishwasher safe.
The kitchen timer: no batteries, no phone
A phone timer is awkward with floury hands. A mechanical timer is simpler: twist, walk away and listen for the ring.
- Best for: boiled eggs, pasta, rice, proving dough and anything in the oven.
- Keep in mind: for short times, wind the dial further first (see the FAQ below).
The Hi Nature® Kitchen Timer is 100% mechanical with a stainless steel body. It times up to 60 minutes and rings loudly enough to hear from the next room. Wipe it with a damp cloth and do not submerge it.
Chopsticks: reusable, with real grip
Wooden chopsticks splinter, absorb odours and end up in the bin. Stainless steel ones are hygienic and last for decades.
- Best for: sushi, ramen, stir-fry, rice dishes and Korean barbecue.
- Keep in mind: dry them before storing to keep the finish spotless.
The Hi Nature® Chopsticks Set holds 5 pairs of lightweight, balanced stainless steel chopsticks with laser-etched non-slip tips. Choose matte black or high-gloss silver. They are dishwasher safe.
Small kitchen helpers at a glance
- Material: all five use stainless steel.
- Power: none of them needs batteries or a plug.
- Cleaning: all are dishwasher safe except the timer, which is wiped clean.
- Storage: all of them fit in one drawer.
Which helper for which job?
- Egg salad or egg sandwiches: egg slicer, then turn and press again for dice.
- Mushrooms for pizza or strawberries for dessert: egg slicer.
- Tinned tomatoes, beans or chickpeas: side-cut can opener.
- Bottles at the table or on a picnic: bottle opener.
- Boiled eggs, pasta and baking: mechanical kitchen timer.
- Noodles, sushi and stir-fry: stainless steel chopsticks.
Care: keep your helpers working
- Rinse the egg slicer wires straight after use, before yolk dries on.
- Wipe and dry the cutting wheel of the can opener after every tin.
- Keep the kitchen timer out of the sink: a damp cloth is all it needs.
- Dry the chopsticks before they go back in the drawer.
- The bottle opener can simply go in the dishwasher.
Frequently asked questions
How do you dice an egg with an egg slicer?
Slice the egg, turn it 90 degrees in the cradle and press again. You get a fine dice for egg salad.
Why use a side-cut can opener?
A side-cut opener separates the seam instead of cutting through the lid. That leaves a smooth edge without a sharp rim, and the lid can go back on as a cover.
How do you set a mechanical kitchen timer for under 10 minutes?
Turn the dial to 30 minutes first to wind the spring, then turn it back to the time you need. For longer times, turn it past 10 minutes and then back.
Are stainless steel chopsticks dishwasher safe?
Yes, Hi Nature® stainless steel chopsticks can go in the dishwasher. Dry them before storing to keep the finish spotless.
Conclusion
A small tool earns its place when it does one job better than anything else. An egg slicer gives even slices, a side-cut can opener and a bottle opener open things without a fight, a mechanical timer keeps time without batteries and steel chopsticks replace disposable wood. Rinse them, dry them and they will serve you for years.
Related Products from Hi Nature®
Find the helpers that fit your kitchen:
1. Egg Slicer
- View the product
- Stainless steel wires on an aluminium alloy base for even slices. Dishwasher safe.
2. Can Opener
- View the product
- Side-cut stainless steel opener with an extra-large knob. Dishwasher safe.
3. Bottle Opener
- View the product
- Compact stainless steel opener with strong leverage. Dishwasher safe.
4. Kitchen Timer
- View the product
- Mechanical timer up to 60 minutes with a loud alarm. No batteries.
5. Chopsticks Set
- View the product
- 5 stainless steel pairs with non-slip tips, black or silver. Dishwasher safe.