A Wolf range, a Sub-Zero double-door refrigerator, an almost-silent Bosch dishwasher—sure, all of those might be on your “Dream Kitchen” wish list, but you don’t necessarily need top-of-the-line appliances to be a five-star home chef (though, they surely wouldn’t hurt!) If investing in restaurant-quality, crème-de-la-crème machines isn’t exactly on the horizon, don’t fear. All you need is to arm your chef’s tool belt (and cabinets and drawers) with can’t-cook-without gizmos and instruments that’ll have you preparing food with pizazz (and maybe talking to an imaginary camera and audience…it’s ok, we all do it.)
Pfister Elevate EXT Kitchen Faucet, lowes.com
Maneuverability in a faucet is key, especially for ease with big pots. The Elevate fixture is ideal for the active cook, because it adjusts heights. Have a tall stockpot to fill up? No problem; just adjust the faucet up, and back down when you’re done.
Curtis Stone Bump & Grind Ceramic, curtisstone.com
Mortar and pestle’s are great for grinding spices, herbs, pestos, marinades, and the likes, but they usually weigh a ton! We love Curtis Stone’s updated version, with it’s contemporary shape, and white ceramic finish.
Rösle Garlic Press, surlatable.com
When recipes call for “finely chopped garlic”, do you cringe just a little bit? It’s sticky, it’s semi-round, and it leaves lingering aromas on your fingers. Enter the amazing garlic press. Just place a few garlic cloves (even unpeeled!), press down, and voila, finely chopped garlic.
Le Creuset 8 Qt. Oval French Oven, cookware.lecreuset.com
Once you employ one of these in your cooking, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. We promise.
Crate & Barrel Walnut Adjustable Pepper Mill, crateandbarrel.com
Fresh pepper does wonders for all food, ask any chef. The walnut finish on this grinder is handsome, and it has adjustable ranges for coarse through fine grinds.
All-Clad Copper Core 10-Piece Cookware Set, macys.com
Simply put, All-Clad makes some of the best cookware on the market. Their copper core conducts heat evenly, which is key for delicate and fussy dishes.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional “S” 18-Piece Knife Block Set,williams-sonoma.com
Just like a fresh pepper grinder, a good set of knives is paramount, and J.A. Henckels’ cutlery has thick, balanced blades that stay sharp.
Glass & Stainless-Steel Cookbook Holder, williams-sonoma.com
Say goodbye to sticky, stained cookbook pages with this holder. It props up your books for easy reading, but has a glass shield to protect your pages, as well as a handy conversion chart.
Calphalon Simply Calphalon Nonstick Double Burner Grill,calphalon.com
Having a built-in range grill might be every home chef’s dream (at least it’s ours), but a well-made grill pan is a good runner-up. Calphalon makes durable, high-performing nonstick pans, and their double burner version is the perfect size for skewers.
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My hubby gave me a glorious pan set for Christmas just like the ones pictured above…I have used them every day since 🙂