Don’t Waste Money On These Pointless Kitchen Appliances

Pie Bird, $4 - $24

If you haven't had the chance to use a pie bird, you might be unfamiliar with this quirky device. Also referred to as a pie vent, a pie bird is a ceramic tool designed to aerate a pie, ensuring that the filling remains contained within the crust and doesn't bubble over. Despite their existence since Victorian times, the majority of experienced pie makers opt not to use them at all.

Have you noticed those decorative wavy edges on pie crusts? That's a technique known as pie fluting, where bakers create ornate patterns in the crust to allow steam to escape. It not only looks more elegant than using a pie bird but also doesn't come with the price tag of $24.