The Right Tools

One of the best ways to simplify your cooking routine is to have the right tools. You can save time and energy – as well as avoid a lot of frustration – if you have the kitchen gadgets you need. I’ve listed the tools I find the most valuable, categorized as inexpensive, moderately priced and expensive. (Note that even in the “expensive” category, you don’t have to buy the most expensive tools to get good quality tools. It’s just that everything in this category is more costly.) If you are just starting out, or re-stocking your kitchen to be more efficient, this list is a good place to start.

Inexpensive

Box grater – A great tool for grating blocks of cheese (like cheddar)

Colander – the perfect tool for draining pasta and vegetables. (Be sure to get the colander’s holes are not so large that your favorite type of spaghetti will drain out with the cooking water!)

Charcoal chimney – With this, you can get the charcoals ready for the grill without using lighter fluid. This is better for the environment and for your health.

Ladle – Particularly useful is a ladle with a silicone cup that you can use to scoop out sauces, soups and more out of cookware with a non-stick surface.

Liquid measuring cups (two) – If you can, get both a 4-cup and a 2-cup (these can be easily nested one inside the other). Liquid measurements are not the same as dry measurements.

Measuring cups (two sets) – You’ll use them a lot, so get cups of high quality metal or plastic. My favorite set has not only ¼, 1/3, ½ and 1 cup measures, but also 2/3 and ¾ cup measures

Measuring spoons (two sets) – You’ll need them over and over again, so get quality. My favorite are made of thick metal that cannot bend, chip or crack. (Unlike earlier sets I had, including one made of thin metal that bent and another of cheap plastic that chipped and cracked).

Microplane zester/grater – As the name implies, you can use this for zesting lemons and other citrus as well as grating cheese. This is perfect for parmesan cheese.

Parchment paper – I use parchment paper for so many recipes: oven roasted potatoes (as well as other roasted vegetables), meatballs and of course for baking. Make sure to have at least a roll of parchment paper on hand at all times.

Pepper Mill – This is the easiest way to have freshly cracked pepper.

Reamer – I have a very inexpensive wooden reamer I use to juice lemons, limes and oranges.

Salad Spinner – The perfect gadget to wash and dry lettuce and some fresh herbs like basil and parsley.

Spaghetti Measure – This hard plastic disc helps you measure the perfect amount of spaghetti for one to four servings.

Strainer – Can be used instead of a colander for smaller tasks.

Tongs – This is the tool you need to turn food, such as pork chops. Get at least one pair of tongs that have silicone tips for use on cookware with a non-stick surface, and one pair of tongs with a long handle for the grill

Spatulas – Get at least two heat-resistant spatulas, a wide one for turning pancakes, French toast and other foods, and a narrower one for other uses.

Vegetable peeler – Use to peel potatoes, apples, carrots and more

Vegetable peeler with serrated blades – Use to peel tomatoes. This is one of my favorite tools of all time.

Wooden spoons – Use these to stir while you cook.

Moderately Priced
Baking dishes (at least in 9 inch x 13 inch and 8 x 8 inch sizes) – I have a set of Pyrex baking dishes I’ve used for decades.

Baking sheets – You will use these over and over again to bake cookies, roast potatoes and other vegetables, and more.

Blender – This is one of the few kitchen gadgets sitting on our counter top at all times.

Coffee Maker – Even if you don’t drink coffee yourself, you need a coffee maker in order to be a good host, because some of your guests do drink coffee. (If you are not a coffee drinker, you can store the coffee maker in an out-of-the-way upper cabinet to keep your counter clear.)

Immersion blender – A great gadget for making sauces and soups

Mixing bowls – My favorite are a set of metal bowls in various sizes. Also good are heavy-duty glass bowls. I suggest you stay away from plastic bowls.

Skillet – Buy a 10 – 12-inch, oven-safe skillet with a lid and a non-stick surface. You will use this to make so many dishes.

Expensive But Worth It
Food processor – I definitely think a food processor is worth it for so many jobs. It will save you time and frustration.

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer – Yes, I do suggest you get this brand. Contrary to rumor, I did not marry Kathleen for her Kitchen Aid mixer (but it didn’t hurt).

Knives – Buy a quality set of sturdy, well-built knives that can be sharpened. This does not mean that you have to buy the most expensive knives on the market. You can buy a good set of knives for the price of a single very expensive knife. In the long run you’re better off buying a quality set than buying a cheap and poorly-made set you’ll wind up replacing. And be sure to keep your knives sharp. Sharp knives not only work more efficiently, they are safer to use.

Panini Press/Grill/Griddle – Yes, you can buy a cheaper panini press, indoor grill, or griddle than one that does all three tasks. But one gadget not only costs less than three, it also takes up less space in your kitchen. Look for one with removable plates that are dishwasher safe.

Pots and pans – Buy a quality set of sturdy, well-built set. This does not mean that you have to buy the most expensive set of pots and pans available. You can buy a good set for the cost of one very expensive pot. I like stainless steel pots and pans with a heavy-duty aluminum bottom. They perform well and are easy to clean so they continue to look great. (Copper pots and pans require much more effort to keep looking great.)