If you’ve seen one of those extreme cooking shows, you know that a good chef can often pull something great together under even the most challenging conditions. Having the right tools in the kitchen really makes your life easier though. You generally don’t need any expensive single-purpose gadgets, but do invest in some quality core items that will serve you well in the kitchen for years to come.
I’ve got a pretty small kitchen, but here’s what I’ve found important enough to keep around:
Pots & Pans
- stainless steel saute pans (5.5 & 3.5 quarts)
- stainless steel sauce pans (3 & 1.5 quarts)
- 8 qt stock pot (AKA a “dutch oven”)
- nonstick skillets (12″ & 8″)
- stainless steel skillet (10″)
- lids for all of the above
- grease splatter shield
- pyrex baking dishes
- muffin tin
- bread pans
Slicing & Dicing
- knife block (including 8″ chefs, 6″ utility, bread, paring)
- cutting boards (plastic)
- box grater
- Microplane grater
- mandolin
Ingredient Prep
- little ingredient bowls
- mortar & pestle
- measuring cups (dry)
- measuring cup (liquid)
- measuring spoons
Mixing & Straining
- immersion blender
- potato masher
- whisk
- mixing bowls (12″ & 9″ stainless steel)
- collander – 11″ stainless steel
- fine mesh sieve
- frying strainer
- fat separator
- chinois
Jar O’ Spoons
- wooden spoons (lots)
- serving spoons (1 slotted, 1 not)
- ladle (1/2 cup)
- spatulas
- tongs
Gadget Drawer
- can opener
- veggie peeler
- garlic press
- instant read thermometer
- basting brush
- culinary torch
Something to Drink
- waiter’s corkscrew
- wine vacuum preserver
- cocktail shaker
- French press
Finally, you may be surprised by my most versatile kitchen tool. It’s… dish towels. Not only do they dry dishes & hands and help keep your workspace clean as you cook, but you can prep stuff on them and use them to squeeze moisture out of ingredients. They also work just fine as pot holders (but only when dry, otherwise you can burn yourself). So pick up, like, a dozen – for yourself or a chef you know.
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