6 Kitchen Items You Should Replace More Often

Spices

Sure, you might think that tarragon has an endless shelf life, but it turns out it doesn’t. “I believe that not replacing kitchen spices is the biggest mistake I see in most kitchens I’ve worked in,” says Colin Smith, owner-chef at Roundabout Catering. “It seems that people believe spices last forever, which couldn’t be further from the truth.”

He shares that most ground spices last approximately two years. “Whole leaf spices last a bit longer, but not much,” he says. “You will lose flavor, aroma, and potency over the years. That’s what spices are for.”

The chef also advises avoiding dried leaf spices like basil, because fresh herbs are a better choice and are readily available at most supermarkets. 

Plastic Food Containers

Whitney Cardosi, cooking class instructor and nutrition coach, says you probably need to replace those plastic food containers more often than you think. If they don’t become clean when washed, are stained, or retain food odors, they need to be thrown out or recycled. Old containers are also less likely to keep your food fresh.

Shopping for a replacement? She advises going with glass food containers because they last longer.

Cutting Boards

Holding onto cutting boards for too long could make them harder to use and clean, according to Bo Counts, Executive Sous Chef at Swissôtel Chicago. “Cutting boards see heavy use in our kitchens, and over time, they become scratched, stained, and grooved, making them harder to clean properly,” he says. “We replace ours annually.”

Wood cutting boards, especially, can decline in quality quickly if they aren’t properly cared for. “For wood cutting boards, you really need a good system to keep them clean and sealed, or you may need to replace them when they start to degrade,” according to Cardosi. Wood can become warped or ruined in the dishwasher, so it’s best to wash your cutting board by hand to ensure they last as long as possible.

Small Appliances

“With high-quality appliances like blenders and coffee makers, they should work until they don’t, and if needed, you can always try to deep clean them to prolong their life,” Cardosi says. If your appliance no longer functions as it once did or has electrical issues, like shorting or smoke coming out of it, it’s time for something new. 

One caveat to keep in mind is if an appliance uses tap water—such as a coffee maker or countertop dishwasher. These appliances require regular descaling, and if you fail to do this, you will significantly shorten their lifespan and you’ll need a replacement sooner than you’d probably prefer.  

Fryer Baskets

Counts says that fryer baskets also take a beating in the kitchen. While it might not seem like a big deal, it can actually be quite dangerous to use worn-out fryer baskets. “Fryer baskets get knocked around a lot, and after a while, the wire mesh can become loose or start to break off, which poses a food safety risk,” Counts says. “We typically replace them every year to year and a half.”

High Heat Rubber Spatulas

“High-heat rubber spatulas, while durable, like many kitchen tools, need to be replaced regularly,” Counts says. He suggests replacing them every six months or so. “Over time, they get nicked, notched, and can start to fray or crack, which affects their performance and hygiene,” he says.