Creativity and functionality live in the kitchen, and let’s be honest, we can really benefit from having the right tools (especially when it comes to our kitchens). Imagine zesting a lemon with a plain old knife? Frustrating, right? Kitchen gadgets are beautiful because they let us easily do the work we hate to do and that would otherwise drive us crazy.
While some gadgets end up at the back of a drawer, others earn their keep by being irreplaceable day after day. These tools are just completely an extension of your hand and are the ones you’ll grab without batting an eye. So, let’s see some of these culinary MVPs.
Garlic Press
The garlic press gets so little credit for itself. You could chop garlic by hand, but this thing does the job faster, keeps your hands from stinking of garlic for hours, and provides a consistent mince each time. This is the tiny time saver you’ll be grateful for, it may be cooking up some spaghetti sauce or mixing garlic butter for bread.
Cast Iron Skillet
A cast-iron skillet is not just a pan; it’s a workhorse and a family heirloom. This bad boy evenly distributes heat and fits right in with whatever you’re searing, be it steak or baking cornbread. Also, it gets better and better with age. What kitchen gadget could boast about the same?
Microplane
Have you ever attempted to zest a lime or grate fresh Parmesan with a box grater? Not the same, is it? The microplane is a precision kitchen tool. In the case where you need to get those fine, fluffy shreds of cheese or a quick dusting of nutmeg, it’s perfect.
Food Processor
If it’s taco night and you need salsa, guacamole, or shredded cheese at the speed of light, the food processor is your ticket. It is versatile, powerful, and reduces the prep time to a fraction. Food processors have become a modern-day necessity in the kitchen, cutting prep work.
Silicone Spatula
If you’re looking for a tool to get every last bit of brownie batter out of the bowl, there is truly nothing better than a silicone spatula. Overheating isn’t an issue, as silicone is heat-resistant, and it’s flexible and durable enough to work with heavy mixing. It’s the multi-tool of baking and cooking, and will be rarely out of reach.
Immersion Blender
This handheld blender gracefully handles soups, smoothies, or sauces. Rather than boiling hot soup and trying to transfer it to a blender and making a mess, you can blend it right in your pot. Plus, clean-up is a breeze. Every home cook should have one—it’s a game-changer.
Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven, sturdy, versatile, and built to last, is the kitchen equivalent of a best friend. It’s the tool you’ll use time and time again, whether you’re slow-cooking chili or baking bread. Fans swear by the durability of the iconic version that Le Creuset is known for, but it’s going to cost you a pretty penny.
Stand Mixer
If you’re one for baking, then a stand mixer is your sous chef in the kitchen. Dough? Handled. Whipped cream? Effortless. It’s hard to come up with something as versatile and powerful. According to a study by Statista, many home bakers consider their stand mixer their most valued kitchen appliance.
Mandoline
It’s fine to slice veggies by hand until you have a handful of potatoes to prep for scalloped potatoes. The mandoline juliennes, slices, and shreds with laser-like precision. Don’t forget the hand guard, though, unless you’re okay with cooking adventures that include a Band-Aid.
Digital Kitchen Scale
Digital kitchen scales are perfect for baking or meal prep, so you can throw away your measuring cups. The secret to great recipes is consistency, and this tool provides that level of precision that no other tool can. Using a scale isn’t just for professionals; it’s for anyone who wants consistently reliable results.
Salad Spinner
Washing and drying greens without a salad spinner is like trying to dry clothes without a dryer. It’s possible, but unnecessarily tedious. This gadget gets rid of excess water, which means your vinaigrette sticks rather than sliding off.
Instant-Read Thermometer
So how do you know your steak is medium rare, your chicken is cooked through? An instant-read thermometer removes the guesswork from cooking meat. Using a thermometer is as practical as it is convenient: the USDA reports that it reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
