Crossword puzzles can be a fun mental exercise, but they get challenging when common kitchen gadgets pop up as clues. Some of these terms may seem familiar, yet their puzzle variations can be elusive. Let’s dive into 10 tricky kitchen gadget clues that crossword enthusiasts often encounter, along with tips for spotting them in the grid!
1. “Egg Beater”
This gadget clue often appears in varied forms:
- Hint Variants: Whisk, Mixer, Stirrer
- Tip: Look out for clues with hints like “froth” or “blend.” The word “beat” can point toward this gadget, especially in shorter puzzles.
Egg beaters may show up as “frother” or “stirrer,” so keep a lookout for synonyms of mixing!
2. “Mandoline”
The mandoline is an iconic slicer, but not always a straightforward clue.
- Hint Variants: Slicer, Cutter, Thin slices
- Tip: This gadget is often hinted at with words related to “thin” or “slice.”
Mandolines are often used for achieving fine slices. If you see “thin slices” or “fine cuts,” this gadget might be the answer.
3. “Colander”
An indispensable tool for draining, the colander pops up in crosswords with a twist.
- Hint Variants: Strainer, Drain, Rinse
- Tip: The clue could suggest something that “drains” or “sieves.”
This kitchen essential can be cleverly disguised with terms associated with straining. If you encounter “drain” in the clues, think colander.
4. “Zester”
Small but mighty, a zester can have some unusual hints.
- Hint Variants: Grate, Rind, Lemon
- Tip: Zesters are often linked to lemons or citrus, so clues around citrus can lead to this tool.
The zester clue can be deceiving as it may only mention “rind.” But if citrus or lemon is involved, this gadget is worth considering.
5. “Peeler”
The humble peeler is essential, and it comes with a variety of clues.
- Hint Variants: Skin, Shave, Potato
- Tip: Look for terms like “skin” or “shave” in clues as indicators.
Potato or fruit references could also mean “peeler.” If the clue mentions removing “skin” or “peeling,” this tool is likely the answer.
6. “Mortar and Pestle”
The mortar and pestle are iconic in both cooking and crossword puzzles.
- Hint Variants: Grind, Crush, Spice
- Tip: Clues often mention crushing or grinding spices or herbs.
This classic tool appears in crosswords as “crusher” or “grinder.” Look for words related to breaking down ingredients, especially spices.
7. “Tongs”
Tongs are a straightforward tool, but their clues may be vague.
- Hint Variants: Grab, Grip, Serve
- Tip: Clues might involve grabbing or holding food.
Since tongs are used for serving or handling hot foods, you might see clues like “grab” or “serve” leading to tongs as the answer.
8. “Measuring Cup”
Measuring cups often show up with measurement-related hints.
- Hint Variants: Measure, Portion, Liquid
- Tip: Clues might mention “portion” or “exact amount.”
If a clue involves accurate portions or liquid measurements, a measuring cup could be the answer.
9. “Blender”
Blenders are multi-functional, and clues can vary widely.
- Hint Variants: Puree, Smoothie, Crush
- Tip: Words like “puree” or “smoothie” often hint at a blender.
Blenders can be tricky since their functions overlap with other gadgets. “Puree” and “smooth” are keywords that can point toward this kitchen favorite.
10. “Rolling Pin”
Rolling pins appear with clues about flattening dough.
- Hint Variants: Flatten, Dough, Pastry
- Tip: Any clue that hints at “flattening” dough might refer to a rolling pin.
If a clue hints at “rolling” or “dough preparation,” a rolling pin might be your answer.
Summary Checklist: Kitchen Gadget Clue Tips
- Egg Beater: Froth, Mix, Stir
- Mandoline: Thin, Slice, Cut
- Colander: Drain, Strain, Rinse
- Zester: Citrus, Rind, Lemon
- Peeler: Skin, Shave, Potato
- Mortar and Pestle: Grind, Crush, Spice
- Tongs: Grab, Serve, Hold
- Measuring Cup: Portion, Measure, Liquid
- Blender: Puree, Smooth, Crush
- Rolling Pin: Flatten, Dough, Roll