A Chef’s Toolkit: Kitchen Essentials Professional Chefs Can’t Live Without

Courtesy of Benringer

Like an artist with a favorite brush or an IT tech with a preferred screwdriver, chefs have their own must-have tools for creating culinary masterpieces. You may be surprised by their choices.

A Spatula With a Heart

Williams-Sonoma No Kid Hungry Tools for Change Silicone Spatulas

Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

A simple spatula is essential for every kitchen. In addition to tasks such as mixing and spreading, it helps remove every last bit from a bowl, saving food and money. Featuring artwork by famous chefs and food experts, this collection gives 30 percent of proceeds to help feed children in need.

From $14.95

The Most Useful Knife

Misen Chef’s Knife

Courtesy of Misen

If limited to only one knife in the kitchen, many chefs would choose a chef’s knife for its versatility. This hybrid option has a German-style full tang and a Japanese-style, narrow, 15-degree edge angle for maximum sharpness, making it well-suited for jobs from chopping vegetables to slicing fish, pork, and beef.

$75.00

Keep an Eye on the Heat

ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer

Courtesy of ThermoWorks

One key to the perfect flavor and texture of any dish is cooking at the correct temperature. This probe thermometer will prevent dried-out chops and steaks—and food-induced sickness from undercooked poultry. Set it to the desired temperature, and it will beep to let you know when it’s done.

$45.00

A Timeless Kitchen Workhorse

Butter Pat Industries Joan Cast-Iron Skillet

Courtesy of Butter Pat Industries

Inspired by and improving upon classic designs, this skillet is hand-cast in the firm’s own foundry in Pennsylvania and finished to a smooth polish, ready to fry, roast, broast, or bake using the glass cover. It’s made to be thinner and lighter than most skillets, yet sturdy for years of everyday use.

$295

Does Everything But the Dishes

Thermomix® TM6®

Courtesy of Thermomix

A blender makes fast work of chopping and mixing, but this “smart blender” goes far beyond that. It can blend, slow cook, frappe, whisk, sauté, emulsify, stir, brown, knead, and grind. The 6.8-inch color screen provides guided menus.

$1,499

Surgically Precise Slices

Benriner Mandoline Slicer

Courtesy of Benringer

A mandoline is a better choice than a knife for precise slicing tasks. Four interchangeable blades with an adjustable thickness allow for cuts from paper-thin slices to chunky strips. It’s designed to be easier and safer to use than a knife when working with fruits and vegetables.

$79.83