Chefs are known for their strong opinions when it comes to the tools and equipment they use in their kitchens. In his famous memoir "Kitchen Confidential," the late Anthony Bourdain famously criticized the garlic press, advising against using it and instead recommending smashing garlic with a knife blade. To get the best product recommendations, we reached out to expert chefs from around the country to share their insights on kitchen tools worth buying and those to avoid.
Chef-Recommended Kitchen Tools
Here are some chef-recommended kitchen tools that you should consider adding to your collection:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Hot Handle Holder, 12-Inch – Price: $30
- OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer – Price: $22
- Wüsthof 8-Inch Gourmet Chef’s Knife – Price: $80 (originally $100)
- Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dinner Spoons, Pack of 12 – Price: $16
- Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – Price: $130
- OXO Good Grips Salt and Pepper Grinder Set – Price: $49 (originally $55)
Don’t Buy: Nonstick Pans
Chef Jorge Mas from Kuba Cabana in Miami suggests avoiding flimsy nonstick pans that wear out quickly and can be more harmful than helpful. Instead, he recommends investing in a quality cast iron skillet like the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Hot Handle Holder, which is versatile, durable, and lasts for generations.
Don’t Buy: Vegetable Spiralizers
Chef Richard Sandoval of Richard Sandoval Hospitality advises against buying niche gadgets like vegetable spiralizers that often end up collecting dust. Instead, he suggests opting for a high-quality mandoline slicer like the OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer, which is versatile and allows for precise slicing of vegetables.
Don’t Buy: Herb Scissors
Chefs Amy Casey and Tom Papia both discourage the use of herb scissors and garlic presses, recommending sharpening your knife skills instead. They suggest investing in a good chef’s knife like the Wüsthof 8-Inch Gourmet Chef’s Knife, which is durable and perfect for various kitchen tasks.
Don’t Buy: Honey Dippers
According to Chef Amy Casey, honey dippers can be messy and difficult to clean. Instead, she recommends using a regular kitchen spoon to drizzle honey. Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dinner Spoons, Pack of 12, are a practical alternative for serving honey and other foods.
In conclusion, by heeding the advice of expert chefs and investing in quality kitchen tools, you can elevate your cooking experience and create delicious meals with ease. Are you tired of investing in kitchen gadgets that promise to make your cooking experience easier, only to end up disappointed with the results? It’s time to reconsider your approach to kitchen tools and focus on quality over quantity. Instead of wasting money on trendy gadgets that may damage delicate produce or take forever to use, invest in high-quality essentials that will truly enhance your culinary skills.
One item that you can skip buying is a vegetable chopper. Despite their online popularity, some chefs recommend steering clear of kitchen tools that are very fruit- and vegetable-specific, as they can often damage delicate produce. Executive Chef Greg Garrison from Repeal 33 in Savannah, Georgia, advises investing in a quality knife instead. Professional knives are essential tools in any kitchen, allowing you to precisely cut and slice a variety of ingredients. Gigi Gaggero, former Academic Director at Le Cordon Bleu, recommends the Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife for its superior quality and performance.
Another gadget that you can do without is an electric spice grinder. Private chef Christopher Hensel expresses his frustration with battery-powered grinders, highlighting the inconvenience of dealing with dead batteries or slow grinding mechanisms. Instead, opt for a classic set of salt and pepper shakers like the OXO Good Grips Salt and Pepper Grinder Set. With five grind settings to control the coarseness of your spices, easy refill options, and mess-free dispensing, this manual shaker set provides a simple and efficient way to season your dishes.
In conclusion, when it comes to kitchen tools, it’s important to focus on functionality and quality. By investing in essential items like high-quality knives and manual salt and pepper shakers, you can elevate your cooking experience without the hassle of trendy gadgets that may not deliver on their promises. Choose wisely and prioritize tools that will truly enhance your culinary skills and make cooking a more enjoyable and efficient process.
