Are you thinking of giving the gift of a great kitchen gadget? It seems as if new cooking tools hit store shelves every year. You might wonder how many new items will have staying power, and if there old favorites any chef would appreciate.
Surprisingly, many of the world’s most famous chefs stick to the basics when it comes to kitchen tools. Rather than insisting on the latest big thing or the fanciest new gadgets, they seek the best of the tools that are used everyday in their kitchens. In some cases well-known chefs have even developed their own line of kitchen tools to match their preferences.
We researched some of the gadgets great chefs recommend, and found that they range from the simplest dish towels and wooden spoons to high BTU ranges and soup or smoothie blenders. Here is a brief list of some of the favorites:
What chef isn’t looking for the perfect peeler? Todd, the Estate Chef at Jordan Vineyard and Winery in Sonoma Valley, California, says the http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Original-4-Inch-Peeler/dp/B000H7O3QKuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, available at Amazon.com for about $5, is “the best one on the market.”
Chef Guy Fieri, who hosts several Food Network shows, enjoys using a pilón, a “gigantic mortar and pestle made out of dense wood.” He purchased one during a recent trip to Puerto Rico. When it comes to Fieri’s favorite kitchen tool, however, Delish.com reports that it’s his high-BTU commercial Viking range. You can check out Viking and other superb kitchen ranges at the showrooms of both Atherton Appliance & Kitchens and BSC Culinary.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun, Chef Mario Batali said, “I'm a big fan of those rasps, those parmesan cheese graters that work out so well.” According to manufacturer Cuisipro, graters in their rasp line have razor-sharp, double-sided, acid-etched blades and are perfect for garnishing with Parmesan, chocolate and other hard cheeses.
Internationally-known Chef Jamie Oliver names a number of what he calls “essential kitchen gadgets” on his website. What’s on his list? A Garlic Slice “n” Press, All Purpose 3-in-1 Peeler, Basting Brush, Pizza Slicer, and Easy Scoop. You can get hungry for everything from pizza to ice cream by just looking through Oliver’s list and imagining the concoctions he would prepare with his choices.
What about renowned British Chef Gordon Ramsey? Ramsey launched his own line of kitchen gadgets last year. The line includes a sandwich griddle, milk frother, and smoothie and soup blender, along with a kettle and toaster.
Rachael Ray insists that must-have kitchen tools needn’t be anything fancy. Her online gallery of seven essential kitchen tools includes a basic kitchen towel, a bench scrape, and a wooden lazy spoon and ladle.
Does your favorite chef care about saving the planet? Eco-friendly kitchen gadgets from Pampered Chef, a business that sells kitchen supplies through home parties, include salad claws and bowls made with earth-friendly bamboo.
What about knives? Every great chef has a preference about knives. About.com’s Gourmet Food section provides a list of
Top 7 Chef’s Knives. Heading the list is an 8-inch Chef’s knife by Japanese knife company Global.
We wouldn’t want to start an argument by trying to figure out which are the “best” pots among the wide range of choices popular among chefs. You’ll just have to do a little fishing on your own about that one, by feeling out your favorite chef’s preferences.
Useful kitchen gadgets are the perfect compliment to any chef’s kitchen. For ideas about displaying or storing new gadgets, stop by one of our showrooms. We have staff members who are experts in kitchen design, and they will be happy to help.