Outset Dachshund Corn Holders Review: A BBQ Must-Have?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on July 29, 2025
Introduction
The smell of charcoal was in the air, my meticulously curated playlist was setting the mood, and the first guests were trickling into my backyard for my inaugural "First BBQ of Summer" party. I had the burgers, the fancy craft beer, the ridiculously oversized Jenga set... but I felt like something was missing. I was looking for that one little thing. That small, unexpected detail that makes people smile and say, "Where did you get that?"
As I was scrolling online for last-minute supplies, I saw them: a set of corn-on-the-cob holders shaped like little dachshunds. Now, as the proud dad to a stubborn but lovable wiener dog named Frank, it felt like a sign from the BBQ gods. Were they completely unnecessary? Absolutely. Did I need to buy them immediately? You bet I did.
My mission was simple: find out if these quirky little dogs were just a novelty item destined for the back of the junk drawer, or if they were the secret ingredient to a more memorable cookout. If you're wondering the same thing, you've come to the right place. This is the only review you'll need to decide if these Outset Dachshund Corn Holders are right for your next party.
Outset Dachshund Corn Holders Review: A BBQ Must-Have?
Are the Outset Dachshund corn holders just a cute gimmick? Our hands-on review reveals if these dog-themed tools are the perfect BBQ accessory.
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
- Who Should Buy This? BBQ hosts with a sense of humor, dachshund lovers, or anyone looking for a unique and affordable housewarming or hostess gift that’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
- Who Should Skip This? The pure pragmatist who only wants ultra-ergonomic, function-first kitchen tools, or someone who strictly needs dishwasher-safe everything.
My Final Score: 8.5/10✨✨✨✨✨✨
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
- Unbeatable Charm and Cuteness: These things are just plain delightful. They are impeccably designed to look like little wiener dogs, turning a simple side dish into a fun experience.
- Why this matters to you: They serve as an instant ice-breaker and a memorable detail at any social gathering.
- I can't tell you how many people at my BBQ picked them up just to laugh and say how clever they were. My friend's seven-year-old, who usually refuses to touch corn on the cob, suddenly couldn't wait to eat it.
- Surprisingly Sturdy and Functional: The "dog" part is made of a solid-feeling plastic, but the business end features sharp, stainless steel prongs that sink into the cob securely.
- Why this matters to you: This isn't just a flimsy gimmick. They actually do their job of holding corn tightly, preventing buttery fingers.
- I was half-expecting these to feel cheap, but the prongs held a hot, heavy ear of corn with zero wobbling or bending. They passed the "real-world BBQ" test with flying colors.
- Perfectly Giftable: They come in a simple, clear package and are priced accessibly, making them an ideal "little something" for a host, a dog-loving friend, or a white elephant exchange.
- Why this matters to you: It’s an easy, no-brainer gift that feels more personal and fun than a bottle of wine.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
- A Bit Small for Larger Hands: While the long dachshund body provides a decent grip, a few users (and one of my friends at the party) with very large hands found them a bit dainty.
- Why this matters to you: If you prefer a chunky, oversized grip on your utensils, these might feel a little awkward.
- Honestly, my buddy Dave, who has hands like a grizzly bear, mentioned he wished they were a bit thicker. I found them perfectly fine, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have big mitts.
- Hand-Wash Recommended: The manufacturer suggests hand-washing to preserve the design and materials.
- Why this matters to you: If you live by the "if it can't go in the dishwasher, I don't own it" rule, this is a definite drawback for cleanup.
Feature Deep Dive: It's Not Just a Pretty Face
The biggest question I had, and the one I saw echoed in dozens of user reviews, was "Are they just cute, or do they actually work?" The magic is in the balance.
The "Dachshund" body isn't just for show; its elongated shape provides a natural and surprisingly comfortable handle. Your fingers rest along the dog's back, which is more intuitive than you'd think. The real stars, though, are the two stainless steel prongs on each end. They are sharp enough to pierce a tough cob with minimal effort but not so sharp that you feel like you're handling a weapon.
During my BBQ, I watched kids and adults use them. The prongs sank in, held tight even through vigorous buttering and salting, and made the whole process cleaner and, frankly, more fun. The design is the function here, and Outset nailed it.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
- For the Pure Pragmatist: OXO Good Grips Corn Holders
If you couldn't care less about cute dogs and just want peak performance, the OXO Good Grips are your answer. They feature thick, soft, non-slip handles and interlock for safe, tidy storage. They are the sensible sedan to Outset's quirky convertible. - For a Different Flavor of Fun: RSVP International Spurtle Corn Holders
If you like the novelty idea but aren't a dog person, there are other options. These sword-shaped "Spurtle" holders are another fun take on the classic tool, bringing a bit of medieval flair to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How many pairs are in one set?
You get a set of 4 pairs, for a total of 8 individual pieces. This is enough for four people to each have a full ear of corn. - Are they dishwasher safe?
It is officially recommended to hand-wash them to ensure the plastic body and design last as long as possible. - Are the prongs sharp enough for kids to use safely?
The prongs are sharp enough to work effectively, so adult supervision is recommended for young children, just as with any pointed utensil. That said, they aren't knife-sharp. - What are they made of?
The handles are made from a durable plastic (polyresin), and the prongs are made of stainless steel.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
So, did these little wiener dogs elevate my first big BBQ of the summer? You bet they did. They didn't grill the burgers for me or make the potato salad, but they accomplished their mission perfectly: they made people smile. They turned a simple side dish into a moment of shared amusement.
These aren't an essential kitchen tool you can't live without. But if you're the kind of person who believes the little details matter, who loves bringing a bit of joy and personality to a gathering, or if you just really, really love dogs, then yes, you should absolutely buy these. They're functional, fun, and a fantastic value for the amount of joy they bring to the table.
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We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:
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- 10 Unique Host & Hostess Gifts Under $30 That People Actually Want
- The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Stress-Free Summer BBQ
Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.
