Once upon a time, I was on a work crew building a new house. Our resident master carpenter told me, “Good tools and knowing how to use them is what separates you and me.” He was so right. As I got into cooking, I knew I was on to a good thing because there was a whole new set of tools to learn about, buy, and use. It’s a guy-thing, maybe. I almost always do a look-see at America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) product reviews when thinking about a new tool.
Dad’s Favorites
These tools are my must-haves and used regularly in my kitchen. There’s a story behind each choice—usually involving research, trials and errors, and price-checking. The links below will take you to Amazon. Note that the photos here may not be of the exact item I’m recommending. Click a link for a more complete description of any tool and even buy one if you’re so inclined. We are Amazon Associates so we get a reward if you buy based on our links. Good shopping!
| Silicon spatula — My old rubber spatulas are still going strong, but this model is super: indestructible, nice stiff handle, perfect shape to get the last bit of batter out of a bowl. And it comes in colors! |  |
| Wooden spoon — I love tools designed to last a lifetime, like wooden spoons and spatulas. There’s something about the feel and workability of a wooden spoon, and it’s impervious to everything but an open flame. I also use my wooden spatula all the time when I’m frying. The squared-off front edge is really handy in the pan. |  |
| Whisks — I once deemed this too fancy for the likes of me, but now I know whisks are a better way of mixing. Great for all but the goopiest chores. There are balloon whisks and whips for fluffing egg whites. |  |
| Cast iron skillet — You just can’t go wrong with an everyday tool that lasts a lifetime and may cost as little as $24.99 at your local hardware store. I like my 10″ does-everything model or its 12″ big brother. |  |
| Chef’s knife — Find an 8 or 9-incher that feels great in your hand. I’m still using a knife we got as a wedding present even though it never makes the “cut” in TV tests. The one I’m choosing to recommend is inexpensive and a great choice. |  |
| Paring knife — I splurged on a top-end German model and haven’t regretted it one Euro. But this one is a best-buy winner. |  |
| Bread slicer — I put up with a lousy serrated bread slicer for years until I actually did my First Loaf of yeasty bread. Now, I couldn’t be happier with my new slicer. |  |
| Silicone mat — These make any pan non-stick and are really worth it when you bake or oven-roast for easier cleanup. Some may think these mats are an extravagance, but I’m a believer. |  |
| Digital thermometer — A game changer. Take the guessing out of guesswork. I use my digital thermometer for meat, bread, you-name-it. Goodbye to dried out burgers. I usually recommend low-cost options here, but this item is always rated #1 and has worked perfectly for me. I mean winning the accuracy test is what it’s all about for a thermometer, right? |  |
| Digital scale — When I started baking a lot during the pandemic, I began weighing the flour, etc. because everyone said that baking is a precise process. The ounces or grams really make a difference. Can’t argue with the results. The scale I got is easy to use, accurate, and durable. Don’t forget to change the battery every few years. |  |
| Graters — I use a Microplane grater for citrus zest and finely-grated parmesan. Watch those knuckles. Also, a box grater is really handy for coarser grating and other tasks. |  |
| Dutch oven — Everything they said was true. My big orange pot from France, pictured here, is fantastic and after about 10 years of use, it is an old friend. It was worth the price. HOWEVER, if you’re getting your first Dutch oven, you may very well want to try one of the much lower-priced models available today. America’s Test Kitchen still ranks Le Creuset the best, but it’s hard to overlook a savings of more than $300(!) on one of the less expensive pots. Read the reviews and tests before you commit. |  |
| Citrus juicer — All the rage a few years ago when they came out, mine is still squeezing away at lemons, limes, or oranges. I use the middle-sized lemon juicer for everything. |  |
| Loaf pans — I have made lots of quick bread, probably trying to re-create “tea-time” with grandma. But quick breads are a real treat, fast and easy to make with a little practice, and highly modifiable. Check out my banana bread and raisin bread recipes. After going through several brands of pans over the years making breads and meat loaves, I happily recommend USA Pans, the non-stickiest I’ve ever used. |  |
| Metal spatula — The Pioneer Woman put me on to this great spatula. It’s totally versatile—don’t be fooled by “fish” in the name. I use it much more often than the plastic types I have. |  |
| Chaffle Maker — We have come to love these little guys — both the chaffles and the makers. Chaffles are a real treat. With two makers, we can whip up chaffles-for-two in no time. Here’s our favorite Keto waffle recipe. |  |
| Egg separator — Here’s a bonus to make a point. I appreciate versatility and agree with Alton Brown about avoiding one-purpose gadgets. So, here’s a tool you have with you all the time, does lots of tasks, and costs nothing. Use your fingers to carefully separate egg whites from egg yolks into two bowls, just like the pros do. |  |