Top 13 kitchen gadgets

Many of you may or may not know, but I own the FreshJunkie restaurant, and though I won’t refer to myself as a chef, technically I guess I am one. Really, I consider myself more of a cook. Semantics I suppose, but chef or not, many people have asked me advice about what gadgets, utensils and other items they absolutely need to have for their kitchen. So, without further ado…

1. A kickass chef’s knife. You don’t have to break the bank, but a solid stainless steel chef’s knife with a sharpening stone should be the backbone of your kitchen. I can use this one knife for everything if I have to. They come in sizes from 6-12 inches long, and bigger is only better if it fits your hand. Global knives are a great choice for women as they lighter and wicked sharp.

2. Micro plane zesters. These come in different grate patterns to prepare everything from cheese to citrus. Start with a normal one and go from there.

3. 12-inch (or larger) nonstick sauté pan. I own Al Clad stainless steel fancy-schmancy pans, but my workhorse is a Sam’s Club, 14-inch nonstick. It was $30 and I can cook most of my meals in it. I love nonstick because it cuts down on the fats and oils you have to use in it. Replace every year or so, as they begin to flake if you aren’t careful with what utensils you use in them.

4. Speaking of utensils, buy a couple different sizes of high-heat spatulas. I use them for just about everything from cooking to getting the last of the peanut butter out of the jar.

5. A big cutting board. I own a 24×30 inch wooden one, but the plastic ones will do just fine. I can’t stand to have one less than 24×18. This is your working station. Go big, spread out. If you can, buy a separate one for meats so you don’t risk cross contamination.

6. Pepper grinder. Pepper should not look like dust or need rice to keep it from sticking. A second one for some good sea salt is also recommended. A salt pig is cool, too; a small ceramic dish of sorts that you keep kosher salt in. You simply reach in for a pinch as needed. Mine is positioned right by the stove.

7. Gas stove. Yes, this may sound like a luxury, but once you have cooked on gas, you will never want to go back. Suck it up and make it your next stove. We found a restaurant-grade floor model Bertazoni that looks like a Viking for a quarter of the price.

8. Cheap, stainless steel restaurant tongs.

9. Stainless steel mixing bowls, all sizes. I say go big. I love these almost as much as the next item on the list.

10. Half-sheet pans. So a sheet pan is like a cookie sheet, but functional, with a one-inch lip and at least 12×16 inches.

11. Pivot peeler. Like a potato peeler on crack.

12. Stick blender. This is one of those little handheld deals that can be bought for as title as $20. Turn sweet potatoes into soup in seconds! Also, great for emulsifying salad dressings.

13. Ziplock bags. I heart Ziplocks. From marinating, to food storage, these are a must-have in my kitchen.