Cooking is one of life’s greatest joys, however, it can be a bit challenging if you don’t have the right kitchen tools. With dull knives and worn-out pots and pans, cooking can become a chore rather than a creative outlet. Professional chefs, Sabrina Sexton and Lance Nitahara, have shared their recommendations for essential kitchen gadgets that will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
1. Three Knives:
A chef’s knife, a serrated bread knife, and paring knife are essential. Forged knives are higher in quality.
2. Knife Sharpener:
Invest in a knife sharpener to make sure your knives don’t get dull.
3. Cutting Board:
A wooden or plastic cutting board should replace glass or marble ones to prevent dulling of knives. Replace every two years to avoid bacteria buildup.
4. Non-Stick Pan:
One or two non-stick pans are essential, especially if you do a lot of egg cookery.
5. Cast-Iron Pan:
Evenly distributes heat, perfect for caramelizing the surface of meat and poultry. Inexpensive and can last forever if taken care of.
6. Stainless Steel Pots and Pans:
Recommended by both chefs as they have better conduction and last longer.
7. Rondeau Pan or Dutch Oven:
Good for braises and stews.
8. Blender:
A higher quality blender is recommended for making soups and purees.
9. Immersion Blender:
A versatile and inexpensive handheld blender for limited counter space.
10. Food Processor:
Ideal for coarse chopping and grating.
11. Pressure Cooker:
Cuts cooking time by half or more.
12. Digital Thermometer:
Useful for getting the temperature of meat just right.
13. Microplane:
Great for grating things finely like parmesan cheese.
14. Wooden Spoons:
Heat resistant, won’t melt or wear out quickly.
15. Whisk:
Look for ones with thin wires for making emulsions like vinaigrettes.
16. Rubber Spatula:
Uses include getting things unstuck from the bottom of a pan and wiping bowls clean.
17. Salad Spinner:
Useful for drying lettuce and washing herbs and mushrooms.
18. Vegetable Peeler:
Makes peeling vegetables a cinch and can be used for other purposes like shaving chocolate for decoration.
Additional basic necessities include tongs, mixing bowls, a ladle, a slotted spoon, measuring cups and spoons, potholders, baking sheets, a corkscrew, a serving spoon, and a can opener. With these kitchen gadgets, cooking will become more enjoyable and stress-free.



















