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I get it—on the small appliances page, I said a knife and a pan can do wonders, but let’s face it, some tools just make life easier. These utensils are the unsung heroes of any kitchen, whether you’re a home cook or a pro.
Every kitchen needs a reliable thermometer, no exceptions. Any meat you cook should have its temperature checked at least once. The ThermoWorks Thermapen One is the gold standard—no point looking elsewhere. Trust me, it’s worth it.
When I started out in kitchens, tongs felt awkward, but now they’re like an extension of my hand—a heatproof claw, if you will. Go for one with a “heat-resistant” plastic end (to protect your pots) or sturdy metal ends for tougher tasks. Just make sure they lock for easy storage. These OXO Tongs are a fantastic choice, and here’s a larger version for bigger jobs.
Classic, simple, and versatile. They’ll discolor over time, and since wood is porous, they’ll absorb flavors, so I recommend replacing them annually. They’re perfect for stirring, but for delicate items like fish, you’ll want a solid spatula like this Wusthof Spatula.
I suggest at least two spatulas: one offset and one flat. The Ateco Offset Spatula is a pastry chef favorite, while this Large Spreader and Large Offset Spatula are excellent for more significant tasks. For rubber spatulas, you can’t go wrong with the iconic Rubbermaid Spatula. If you want one that won’t melt, try an all-silicone spatula.
Sieves and Strainers
A good sieve set is non-negotiable. For something basic, start with a sturdy colander. Next, grab a reliable plain strainer in multiple sizes. For delicate tasks, the Winco Chinois is a bouillon strainer built to last. And if you need to fish food out of hot oil, a skimmer is a lifesaver.
I didn’t see these in professional kitchens, but for home cooks, they’re a game-changer. They keep oil splatters off your stove and walls while still allowing steam to escape. Look for something big enough for most pans, like this splatter screen.
If you love smooth tomato sauces or fluffy mashed potatoes, a food mill is a must. It’s also great for jams—versatile and highly underrated! I lived in New Jersey, which is well known for its tomatoes. The best thing to do with them is to can or jar them. Now, peeling and deseeding tomatoes is fun if you have to do a few pieces, maybe a few pounds. Anything over that becomes a hassle. That is why we have food mills. They are awesome. The best part is you can use them to make tomato sauce if you want a really uniform and smooth sauce. A food mill is the way to go. It is also great for mashed potatoes.
For chunky mashed potatoes, go for a classic Potato Masher. But if you aspire to achieve the silky perfection of Joel Robuchon’s legendary mashed potatoes, a Potato Ricer is your secret weapon.
When it comes to peeling, it’s all about preference. I’m a proud Kuhn Rikon Y-Peeler loyalist—durable, ergonomic, and versatile. Plus, you can use it for creating thin, even slices.
Graters are indispensable. My go-to is a Microplane Grater —perfect for zesting and hard cheeses, and even for grating garlic. For a wider option, OXO Grater is great. Need a large-hole grater? Check out this one. For an all-in-one solution, the Cuisipro Box Grater is a dream.
If you’re a fan of uniformity, a Rotary Grater is fantastic for cheese and nuts. Just be prepared to cut items to size before grating.
A solid pair of Kitchen Shears is an essential multitool. From trimming poultry to opening packages, these scissors come with built-in features like a nutcracker, bone notch, jar opener, and more.
For juicing, a simple Citrus Reamer does the job. Feeling fancy? Upgrade to this stylish juicer.
If you bake (or even just chop), a Dexter Russell Dough Scraper is a must-have for neat handling and cleaning. I had one that was just a piece of metal with a rounded, folded back. In that tube, dirt could get in, and it was really hard to get it out. Also, make sure there are no markings on them, no matter how cool they look. They will be gone, and you’ll be left wondering if it is in the food or in the sink. Prefer a wooden handle? Try this wooden scraper.
An All-Purpose Whisk isn’t a daily necessity, but when you need one, there’s no substitute. Just avoid coated ones—they tend to wear down over time.
For glazing dough or basting barbecue, a Silicone Pastry Brush is easy to clean and durable (and apparently doubles as a hair dye tool, according to my wife! So I had to get one for myself as well).
If you’re serious about salad, invest in a Salad Spinner. It’s a game-changer for quickly drying greens.