It’s time to assess your kitchen tools! If you’re still relying on outdated cutting boards and inexpensive knives, consider upgrading. To assist you, professional chefs Lance Nitahara and Sabrina Sexton share their recommendations for essential kitchen tools that every home cook, regardless of skill level, should have.
Must-Have Knives and Cutting Tools
1. Three Knives: Chef’s knife, serrated bread knife, and paring knife (forged for durability).
2. Knife Sharpener: Keep knives sharp; use a ceramic sharpener for ease.
3. Cutting Board: Wood or plastic is recommended; replace every few years.
Essential Cookware
4. Nonstick Pan: Invest in one quality pan for eggs; consider Tramontina.
5. Cast-Iron Pan: Great for searing; requires seasoning.
6. Stainless Steel Cookware: Opt for heavy-gauge for durability and heat conduction.
7. Rondeau Pan or Dutch Oven: Versatile for braising and stews; choose an enameled cast iron option.
Handy Kitchen Gadgets
8. Professional-Quality Blender: Invest in a good-quality blender like the Vitamix E310 for soups and purées.
9. Immersion Blender: Handy for smoothies and chopping; space-saving and affordable.
10. Food Processor: Essential for chopping and mixing; Hamilton Beach offers a great budget option.
11. Pressure Cooker: Cooks meals quickly; wild rice takes 20 minutes instead of over an hour.
Precision and Prep Tools
12. Digital Thermometer: Useful for precise cooking; a must-have for roasting meats.
13. Microplane Grater: Ideal for finely grating cheese; features sharp stainless steel blades and a non-slip base.
14. Wooden Spoon: Best for stirring over heat; look for a spoon with a flat side for scraping.
15. Whisk: Choose one with thin wires for emulsifying sauces and dressings.
16. Rubber Spatulas: Heat-resistant up to 600°F; ideal for nonstick cookware.
Miscellaneous Essentials
17. Salad Spinner: Versatile for drying greens and herbs; effective for washing mushrooms too.
18. Vegetable Peeler: A Y-shaped peeler offers better grip; look for a rust-resistant blade.
