Comments: We try not to be too bossy in the kitchen. But one hard-and-fast rule we have is never to allow anyone to reach into a garbage disposal. We have always been happy using a good pair of tongs to retrieve our dropped spoon/ring/artichoke heart. But the Alligetter includes a tiny flashlight that makes finding objects in the dark recesses of the disposal much easier. The battery, which can be replaced, should last for 6 hours, which is a lot of retrieval time.

The jaws have serrated teeth for a firm grip. The handle folds flat with the jaws in the closed position for tighter storage. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher once you remove the light. It also includes a "flap spreader," or little plastic ring, that holds open the rubber flaps at the mouth of many disposals, and which may well be the Alligetter's most complicated component (i.e., it takes a few moments to assemble correctly).

You may also turn to the Alligetter for retrieving objects that have fallen into other spaces that may not be dangerous, but are frustrating nonetheless.