Time is required for the construction of an adequately equipped and efficiently run kitchen. A particular piece of kitchen equipment that many of us replace and update as we progress in our culinary careers is a good example. If you’re ready to ditch that old cast-iron skillet or discolored plastic cutting board in favor of something more stylish and high-quality, we’re here to assist you.
We looked into the products offered by the leading companies and compiled a list based on our own experience at home and in the testing kitchen. Our top priorities in every area were quality materials and workmanship, brand reputation, performance, and long-term durability. This high-end equipment, which includes anything from a roasting pan fit for a centerpiece to a blender used by professional chefs in their kitchens, is well worth the investment. Here is a list of the greatest kitchen gadgets that any serious chef should have in their arsenal.
- Vitamix 5200
You should consider purchasing a high-powered blender if you prepare a lot of pureed soups and sauces from scratch or if you want to have a morning smoothie. There are less expensive alternatives, but a professional-grade Vitamix works faster and more efficiently than almost any other blender and produces a smoother consistency than almost any other blender on the market. Naturally, it’s the brand that the vast majority of American cooks use in their personal and professional kitchens, and for good reason.
2. Le Creuset
A Dutch oven may be used to cook just about anything, whether it’s a large pot of soup, a loaf of no-knead bread, or a braised chicken leg or legs of lamb. This kind of enameled cast iron pot is available from a variety of manufacturers (and at a variety of price ranges), but Le Creuset is considered to be the finest.
While it is unquestionably an investment, this Dutch oven is beautiful, exceptionally well-made, and will last a lifetime; it’s no surprise that it is a favorite option for wedding registries and large-ticket presents. The 7.25-quart capacity is sufficient for the majority of tasks without taking up excessive counter space in your kitchen. Additionally, round and oval forms as well as a variety of additional colors and sizes are available, ranging from 2 quarts to 13.25 quarts.
3. Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup
A lot of people worry about whether they need both a blender and a food processor, but the truth is that they are utilized for completely different tasks. Preparing a large amount of stuffing or five pie crusts becomes a snap with the help of a food processor. It is most effective when used to speed any job that would normally need the use of a knife. With a 13-cup bowl and an inner 4-cup nested work bowl, this well-built machine from Cuisinart can handle both big and small amounts, whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner for twenty or just enough pesto for two people. A stainless steel dicing disc, an adjust-a-slicing disc, a reversible shredding disc, big and small chopping blades, as well as a dough blade, are included as well as a convenient storage container for all of the attachments you’ll need to complete almost any job.
4. Mauviel Copper Roaster
If you’re the person in your family who usually celebrates Thanksgiving or who loves to wow your guests with a mouth-watering roast, then a high-quality roasting pan is a must-have item in your kitchen. Designed by the French family-owned business Mauviel, this copper beauty will undoubtedly become a family legacy. The thick copper and stainless steel walls transmit heat evenly, allowing it to be used on any burner or in the oven without losing its heat distribution properties. A smooth transfer from oven to table is made possible by the easy-to-grip handles, which serve as a beautiful centerpiece for any meal.
5. Boos Reversible Walnut Cutting Board
A robust hardwood cutting board is a need in any kitchen. The boos blocks are hefty and robust, and they have handles on the sides that make them simple to lift and move about. These boards will last a lifetime if they are hand-washed and oiled regularly. Aside from that, they look stunning on a kitchen countertop and are ideal for serving big cheese or charcuterie spreads. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the best cutting boards for every budget.
6. Shun Hikari 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
There is no kitchen item more important than a chef’s knife, and it is well worth your money to get a high-quality one. There have been many articles published about this extremely sharp Japanese-style knife from Shun, but that is just due to its exceptional quality. We use this knife in our kitchens as well as in our test kitchen, and it has shown to be durable under extreme conditions. In addition, the edge of the forged steel blade lasts longer than that of a European-style blade. Despite its toughness, this knife does need some particular attention to keep it in good condition.
7. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
An electric stand mixer is not required for every home chef, but once you have one, you will be unable to fathom your life without it. It’s no coincidence that the name KitchenAid is practically synonymous with the word stand mixer. The traditional model of the brand makes baking large amounts of cookies and cake batter a breeze, and the several extra attachments (we’re looking at you, pasta roller!) provide almost limitless versatility. Even your first purchase contains a flat beater, a wire whisk, and a dough hook, which are all necessary for performing the most basic mixing activities.