20 Kitchen Tools Professional Chefs Say Are Actually Worth It

A kitchen won’t be complete without the right tools. If you’re unsure which gadget to purchase for your home kitchen, this article is for you. Discover 20 of the best kitchen tools to have according to the master chefs themselves.

1. Chef’s Knife

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A chef’s knife is the chef’s best friend. Its sharp blade allows you to quickly chop, slice, and dice. We recommend investing in the best brands of knives, such as Shun and Wüsthof, for extra durable and sharp blades.

2. Cast Iron Skillet

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Cast iron skillets are robust tools ideal for multiple cooking methods, such as searing, roasting, and baking. They’re also known for being highly durable and for superb heat distribution. If you season them correctly, a cast iron skillet will last you a lifetime.

3. Microplane Zester

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This small tool can make a significant impact on the flavor of your dish. With the microplane zester, you can finely grate citrus zest, hard cheeses, and various spices. If you want to add a touch of finesse to your food, this tool is what you’ll need.

4. Instant-Read Thermometer

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A thermometer ensures your meats or baked goods are cooked perfectly. An instant-read thermometer provides accurate readings in seconds.

5. Immersion Blender

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This tool is a total game changer. With the immersion blender, you can blend soups, sauces, and smoothies inside the pot. It can save time and reduce the mess you need to clean up.

6. Mandoline Slicer

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The mandoline slicer is your best friend for achieving perfectly uniform slices. This tool will save you a lot of time and always provide you with a restaurant-quality presentation. From slicing potatoes for gratin to vegetables for salads, the mandoline is unmatched.

7. Digital Scale

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Being precise in the kitchen is vital, as it can make or break your dish. This is why every kitchen needs a digital scale to ensure accuracy, especially when baking.

8. Pasta Maker

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Freshly made pasta is still superior to those you can buy in the store. With a pasta maker, you can roll out dough and cut it to your desired thickness, bringing Italian restaurant quality straight to your kitchen.

9. Bench Scraper

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The bench scraper is a versatile and affordable tool an aspiring home chef needs. It can cut dough, move chopped ingredients, and even clean the kitchen counter. It can save you time and effort.

10. Silicone Spatula

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Thanks to its flexibility, a silicone spatula is perfect for folding batter and scraping bowls. It’s also highly heat resistant, making it worthwhile to cook food without worrying about it melting.

11. Mortar and Pestle

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A mortar and pestle are crucial to elevating your dish. Grinding herbs and spices releases oils and aromas that can brighten up your dish. 

12. Fish Spatula

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Often, flipping food in a pan can cause slight irritation because you’re not able to do it. This is why having the right tool is vital. The fish spatula, with its thin and flexible blade, is the perfect tool.

13. High-Speed Blender

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A high-speed blender is highly useful. It can blend soups and smoothies with ease. Thanks to its motor, it can also handle more challenging ingredients, like nuts, ice, and vegetables.

14. Wooden Cutting Board

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A cutting board is essential when prepping your ingredients. However, a wooden one is much better because it is gentle on knives and offers more stability. To ensure longevity, treat it regularly with oil.

15. Rolling Pin

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A rolling pin is an essential tool for bakers. In addition to rolling out dough, you can use it to smash nuts or spices.

16. Dutch Oven

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A Dutch oven is a multi-functional pot that can instantly go from stovetop to oven, making it suitable for soups, stews, and braises. It is also quite robust, which means it can be used for a long time.

17. Tongs

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It’s often said that tongs are an extension of a chef’s hand. They can help you flip meat, toss salad, and plate food, offering you another level of control over your food. 

18. Non-Stick Pan

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Nothing beats a non-stick pan when you’re looking to reduce the amount of oil you use. It’s the ideal tool for cooking eggs and pancakes. A non-stick pan is also perfect for sautéing delicate foods since, as its name suggests, it doesn’t let food stick to the pan.

19. Salad Spinner

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Washing your greens isn’t the only thing to do when making salads; it’s crucial to dry them thoroughly as well. That’s where the salad spinner comes in. With this tool, you can quickly dry your leafy greens, extending the freshness of your salad and helping the dressing adhere better.

20. Serrated Knife

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A serrated knife, with its toothlike blade, is used for slicing bread without squashing it. It is also useful for tough vegetables and delicate fruits, making it a handy tool to have in your kitchen.

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• Kitchen
• Tools
• Cooking
• Chefs
• Essentials