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Of all the weird things… Why on Earth would anyone want a cooking tool that sings opera?

The Al Dente Pasta Timer is, essentially, useful - at least for easily distracted people. A simple timer which makes some sort of noise at set intervals (7, 9 and 11 minutes in this case) is a good idea when making pasta.

But when the noise is actually opera music… coming from a tiny speaker… one can’t help but wonder who came up with the idea and, even more important, who would buy the gizmo. Especially at almost $30. Please, give me a reasonable explanation.

And, since I know you’re curious… the tunes are the “Triumphal March” from Aida, the “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco and 11 minutes “La Donna é mobile” from Rigoletto.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.95 on Solutions.com.

Via bookofjoe

The kitchen wasn’t made for lazy people. Unfortunately, they (*ahem* we) need to eat too. Microwave food is faster to prepare, but not as healthy… However, lazy people who don’t mind spending some money can turn chores into kitchen fun.

Really, how cool is it to use a complex electronic device to peel a potato? The Rotato Express looks like something from an old SF movie, but it’s not an alien probe; all it does it peel fruits and vegetable.

It only takes three easy steps: skewer the future food on the bottom spike, lower the top spike, push a button and watch. (Emphasis on “watch”, as in “not make an effort”.)

Of course, it’s overkill. It’s just a potato. But after eating frozen fries for years just because you can’t be bothered to peel fresh ones… it might be worth it.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly: $29.88 on TaylorGifts.com.

Via Coolest Gadgets

I have no idea why a regular Jane like me would need a 5-in-1 Egg Slicer, but damn, I want it.

It’s just fascinating: one kitchen gadget that can cut eggs, not in one or two shapes, but in five! It can slice, dice, pierce, wedge and halve in just one movement (not all at the same time, naturally), but how useful is it?

If you have a restaurant or a catering company, the answer is “pretty useful”. At least it’s faster than doing it manually.

Otherwise… just another gizmo you’ll use twice a year, at the Christmas and New Year’s parties.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on ChefsCatalog.com.

Via bookofjoe

Is talking about ice cream inappropriate at the end of autumn?

Hmmm… nah, there’s no such thing as a bad time for ice cream. And, even when it gets cold outside, it’s rarely cold enough to stop it from melting… so the Zak Ice Cream Tubbies come in handy all year round.

So, how do you keep 1 pint of ice cream cold for 1 hour even during summer? Simple (or not): you make a container with foam-core insulation nestled between double-walls of durable plastic, then add a freezable gel lid to top it off.

Now, is this someone would need on a regular basis? Probably not. But surprising the boyfriend on his lunch break with some home made ice cream is priceless.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $12.99 on LaPrimaShops.com.

Via Gizmodo

As far as a gadget is concerned, it doesn’t always need to be useful. Sometimes the “wow” factor alone is worth it… but it has to be real wow-worthy.

Unfortunately, the Plasma Mug fails on both counts. First, what it is: a double walled cup placed on a special coaster with colorful lights that “follow” your finger if you touch it. For someone who’s never seen plasma gadgets, it might be exciting; but since plasma globes are (or at least used to be) common, you’d have to have lived under a rock for years to not see one.

As for useful… it’s an overpriced mug. Seriously, why? You can’t even drink while enjoying the light show, since it needs the coaster to work. I’ll pass on this one.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.

Via Ubergizmo

If the mug on your table goes “moo”, go see a doctor. If it has udders… that’s not something to worry about. It’s just the Calf and Half Jug, one of those things that no one needs, but everyone wants.

Ok, that some people want. People in love with cows. No, not like that!

Anyway, a simple jug was transformed into a piece of whimsical kitchen art with the help of an internal chamber shaped like cow’s udders. When it’s empty, it will look ordinary at a glance, but when you pour something (preferably milk) in it you’ll get a surprise.

Of course, since it’s artsy and funky, it costs a lot more than a regular jug. Is it worth it? I’d be inclined to say “yes”, based simply on the “wow” factor. Impressing guests is a fun sport.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $23 on Firebox.com.

A trip to KFC will mean (beside a bellyful of something that might be chicken) a lot of greasy fingers. Everywhere around you.

Some like it because it makes it socially accepted to be dirty; some hate it because it hinders other activity (can you answer the phone if your fingers are coated in grease?).

For the latter, the answer is called Trongs. It sounds like a race of aliens from Star Trek, but it’s actually an utensil designed to make wings or ribs less messy. Dubbed “chopsticks on steroids”, the Trongs serve as a sort of glove for three fingers… but they don’t look exactly comfortable to use.

Bottom line: like with chopsticks, what’s simple for a person might be difficult for others. You might look silly using them in a fast-food, but if clean hands are more important, who cares. And they’re dirt cheap, so even if you decide they’re not for you, the loss will be insignificant.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $4.99 for 6 pairs on Trongs.com.

Via bookofjoe

Ctrl+Alt+Del is one of the funniest webcomics for geeks out there, and if you haven’t read it you should point your browser in that direction as soon as you get a couple of free days (the archive is big and you need time to browse it in order to fully appreciate the story).

When you’re done (or if you already know it), you’ll want one of these Ctrl+Alt+Del mugs. Three to pick from, one with each main character: Ethan, Lucas and Lilah. Each comes with a quote about coffee… a disturbing quote about coffee, one might say.

But that’s part of the charm… And who isn’t slightly homicidal first thing in the morning?

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.99 on SplitReason.com.

I’ve seen the signs. Years ago, a race of fruit-eating aliens landed on Earth and are now hiding among us. And since they can only survive on fruit, they need to preserve it perfectly. Why else would things like the Banana Bunker or Banana Holder exist?

They don’t exclusively eat bananas, though; avocado is also on the menu, and the Avo Saver is indispensable. To preserve the fruit for your extraterrestrial needs you just need to place it against the plastic base and secure it with the strap and it will be perfect for eating the following day.

Looking forward to the apple, orange or cherry saver devices…

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $4.99 on TheHomeMarketplace.com.

Via bookofjoe

PAC-MAN will never die. He’s 28, which is ancient in computer game years, but still going strong and entertaining new generations, so it’s no wonder cool merchandise keeps popping up.

One perfect example is the PAC-MAN Collectors’ Shot Glass Set, which can be the hit of any party populated by old gamers. It might not be as exciting as the newest shooter, but it’s a piece of history… and celebrating a historical event is as good an excuse as any for getting drunk.

The set has six glasses, each with a distinctive 8-bit picture of PAC-MAN, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Pokey and Bonus Cherries (who knew the ghosts had names?). Naturally, imaginative boozers can devise a some complex drinking games starting from this setup.

P.S. Limited edition, so they won’t be around for very long!

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 on ClubNAMCO.com.

Via BoingBoing