What are your favorite kitchen tools?

Question

The ones you find you can't do without, like your balloon whisk or your electric mixer ... or favorite knife...(I've been watching Martha Stewart and am curious about what others have in their kitchens.especially less expensive items!)

P.S.
Does anyone know where to buy one of those ice cube trays that has separate plastic "bins" just the same size as any ice cube, but they sit on a tray that holds them all together in the freezer? Thank you

Answer 1

George Formen Grill.

Answer 2

I have an 'Atlas' brand, brass pepper mill/grinder that is the best. It cost around $50.00, but over the last 20 years I've probably bought 10 cheaper mills that are long gone. This one will last a lifetime. It is made of brass and the grinding gears and mechanisms are made of steel, so no plastic parts to wear out. It has a crank handle that is used to grind the pepper, which is 100% better than mills where you have to twist the top to grind. The crank handle gives better leverage and is easier on the wrist, especially if your needing to grind more than just a slight amount. I actually have two, one with black pepper corns, and the other with white pepper corns.

I also agree with the person who answered about the coffee grinders. I use one for coffee beans, (I think there is a big difference in fresh ground beans), and one for spices. Although you can buy more expensive models, mine cost around $10.00 - $15.00.

On another note, I have a "Brita' water filtering pitcher. I use filtered water for cooking and anything we drink, including coffee, tea, etc. You probably don't notice the taste of your tap water, (unless it's really bad), but if you do a side-by-side taste test of a glass of filtered water and tap water, you'll notice the difference. I think I paid around $30.00 for the pitcher and the refill filtering cartriges are around $5.00. I change the cartridge about every 6-8 weeks, but this will depend on how much you use it. There are newer models that actually have a feature that records how much water has been filtered, so you know when to change the filter cartridge.

Answer 3

I love to use the silicone utensils whenever possible...spoonulas are fantastic!! I have spoonulas, spatulas and tongs so they don't ruin any surface and they are heat resistant up to like 500 degrees.

I love my food processor...I have a medium sized one because I don't have a lot of counter space and it wasn't expensive...maybe around $30.

I do have a small George Foreman grill and that comes in handy a lot during the winter especially.

I really REALLY want to get a mandoline...I've been looking at them.

Oh...baking sheets...I have Air-Bake baking sheets and I use them for tons and tons of stuff...I couldn't like without them. I suggest spending a little extra in this area so you don't have to replace them too often. The cheaper ones don't seem to last as long due to warping and not getting clean.

Answer 4

Kitchen aid stand mixer
microplane
mandoline
10" chef's knife
wooden spoon
a rather large stoneware bowl (great for mixing stuffing for Thanksgiving/other large gatherings or rising bread dough)
George Forman grill
Cast iron skillet, well seasoned
Le Crueset French Oven
Really good omlete pan
flexible turner/spatula
good Metal dry measuring cups and spoons

Answer 5

I can't function in the kitchen without my favorite paring knife, and a larger knife for cutting vegatables. So I have 2 favorites knives, and that's about it

My mixer I got at Walmart comes in handy and wasn't expensive. Can't live without my toaster oven either.

Try the website below for basic kitchen tools and basic pantry list

Answer 6

I think the spatula is my favorite, well I do like my cheese grinder too, I get alot of my items from the dollar store, I've had my cheese grinder for years, and I use it for everything. Also you can check the dollar section at Target for items too, I found a tomato, and lettuce slicer there, and many other items.

Answer 7

I discovered the immersion blender a couple of years ago and LOVE it! When making sauces, dips, soups, drinks, etc. it is wonderful. You don't have to cook your dish, transfer it into a blender or food processor to blend it to a creamy consistency. You simply insert the immersion blender and you have instant creaminess!

I also love my coffee grinder. I use one for coffee and one for grinding herbs and spices.

I seem to use my grill pan skillet at least 3-4x a week. It keeps the food slightly up off direct heat.

Answer 8

if you have been watching martha.. she will tell you the same as mine.. a mandelin.. i love them.. i cant cook a meal barely without mine.. its so easy and spoils us for chopping shredding or slicing.. but becareful i almost took a finger when i was really learning the different stuff it did.. also.. i got the good one.. its like 100.00 with its own stand.. and different blades.. there are cheaper ones.. but i went thru 3 of them til i discovered this stainless steel one with all the perks.. definately try this one.. it rocksssssss

Answer 9

My cast iron skillets and dutch ovens, my whisk, my favorite little paring knife and my pepper mill.

Answer 10

My crock pot and my rice cooker. I use them both on a regular basis.