My kitchen is full of ingredients, gadgets, and crockery, but I always find myself reaching for that junk drawer for miscellaneous bits and pieces. The star of that drawer has to be my plastic wrap, with parchment paper and foil a close second.
As someone who loves to cook but lives alone, it’s those workhorses that help me portion out meals and keep everything sealed for freshness. But as much as I appreciate my plastic wrap, there’s one thing I really hate: The entire process of actually using it.
I knew there had to be something better than this near-daily battle with my plastic wrap — and I was right
For one, the plastic is always getting caught on the cardboard box. It tears off unevenly, leaving me with strange triangles that are of no use to anyone. The bulky box barely fits into my preferred drawer, which means I constantly waste time trying to wrestle it into place. Sure, none of these things are dealbreakers, but the frustration builds when this happens several times a week.
I knew there had to be something better than this near-daily battle with my plastic wrap — and I was right. It turns out there’s a simple, affordable solution: a Magnetic Plastic Wrap Dispenser, complete with an easy-slide cutter, and it's $19 at Amazon.
How it works
The Refillable Magnetic Plastic Wrap Dispenser With Slide Cutter is designed for use on plastic wrap, parchment paper, and aluminum foil. The material is stored inside the dispenser; to use, simply pull the desired length through the opening and then slide the cutter from one side to the other to separate it from the roll. Since the two-way blade is on the inside of the plastic head, you can use the device confidently without fear of cutting yourself.
A magnetic backing allows the dispenser to attach to the side of a refrigerator or other magnetic surface, or be placed upright on a countertop or in a drawer. It measures 14.92 x 3.39 x 2.72 inches, meaning it is compact enough for even small kitchens. Currently, the product is only available in pure white, but this should be suitable for most homes. The plastic used is BPA-free and non-toxic.
The DriveLink dispenser comes with a roll of plastic wrap, but you can also refill the device with your brand of choice. To switch out the material inside, simply remove the lid by pressing from both ends and then take out the current roll. You will need to make sure you’re inserting a roll that is the right size for the dispenser, but the design ensures that the material doesn’t get bunched up during use once the roll is inserted correctly. DriveLink recommends rolls that are under 2.24 inches in diameter and under 12 inches in length, to ensure that they fit comfortably inside — do check this before purchasing.
Why I love it
This dispenser solves all my usual problems with the plastic wrap containers from the grocery store. Unlike the flexible cardboard box that wouldn’t hold its shape in the drawer, the DriveLink dispenser features a solid plastic shell that protects the roll inside and fits neatly into narrow spaces. The magnetic backing has proven especially useful for maximizing space in my kitchen, since I can now move the dispenser as needed from countertop to fridge to drawer.
With the dispenser’s sharp cutting head, I can guarantee a perfect cut every time
With my old roll of plastic wrap, I would never get a clean cut against the serrated edge of the box. I would usually tear off too-large sheets, knowing that I wouldn’t get a neat rectangle and therefore would need the extra allowance. With the dispenser’s sharp cutting head, I can guarantee a perfect cut every time, so I never find myself wasting excess plastic wrap. The cutting track also makes it easy to keep the ends of the material free and available for use — no more hunting around the outside of the roll for the elusive edge!
I also like that this product works effectively on different kitchen textiles, so I can store everything in a uniform way. And at just under $20, the price is also very right for me to buy multiple dispensers, one for each material. My supply drawer used to be disorganized and it felt cluttered with its different-sized boxes in clashing colors. Now, I can keep the foil, plastic wrap, and parchment paper in matching labelled receptacles and refill them as needed. It’s a small thing, but it makes the daily task of packing up food just a little more pleasant.
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