Kitchen Essentials I Can’t Live Without

As a professional and home-cook, I have come to appreciate the following utensils and appliances – they make life in the kitchen so much more convenient, and help to save time.

Swissmar Peeler

Around 6$
I’m coocoo over this Swissmar Peeler that never seems to wear out! If you’ve had a bad vegetable peeler then you know the frustration and hard work it makes of taking the peel off a carrot or potato! This gem of a toll comes in different colors and is the perfect gift for anyone, from the occasional home cook to the seasoned chef. Buy at Amazon »

KitchenAid Immersion Blender

Around $90
I use my KitchenAid Immersion Blender to blend healthy creamy soup right in the pot just like they do in top restaurants! Make smooth homemade tomato sauce and creamy sauce with a push of a button. This model also comes with attachment s that double as a mini-chopper and electric whisk. The bottom part detaches and pops right in the dishwasher for super simple clean-up. Buy at Amazon »

Cuisinart Food Processor

Around $100
Pizza doughs, homemade breads, and pie crusts are a snap with this workhorse Cuisineart Food Processor that should have a permanent spot on your counter. Chopping and grating veggies for your favorite healthy meals including stews, salads, and snacks. Mine has seen some wear after 8 years of constant use and is still going strong! Buy at Amazon »

Magic Bullet Blender

Around $70
Want to make mess-free healthy smoothies to get into better shape? Then check out the Magic Bullet Blender! After you use it once, it will find a permanent home on your counter top, because it had powerful blades that can even chop ice. Place the cups and the blade into the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Buy at Amazon »

Small Offset Spatula

Around $7
A Small Offset Spatula really comes in handy for icing cupcakes and spreading filling in between layer cakes. This one has a nice price and is dishwasher safe. It will soon become your favorite tool for making PB&J. Buy at Amazon »

Mini Strainer

Around $7
This tiny Mini Strainer is great for catching lemon seeds and dusting cakes with powdered sugar. It’s easy to store in a utensil drawer and fits easily into canvas bag for cooking on the go. Since this strainer is stainless steel place it in your dishwasher for easy clean-up. Buy at Amazon »

Wooden Cutting Board

Around $ 23
I love this brand of “No Slip” Cutting Boards that is also made of high quality wood. Hand wash to keep the wood from cracking, and to protect its beautiful marbled wood finish. Buy at Amazon »

Electronic Kitchen Scale

Around $50
Worried about guessing when it comes to portion size? You’re worries are over once you arm yourself with this handy and highly accurate Electronic Kitchen Scale. It goes from ounces to grams with a touch of a button so when you wonder how big a 2-ounce portion of your favorite snack is, the answer is just a weigh away! Buy at Amazon »

Wüsthof Knives

Around $40-80 each
Great, strong knives that I used in culinary school and during my time working in restaurants. They last forever and are definitely worth the extra investment. I suggest the 8-Inch Cook’s Knife, depending on the size of your hands, as well as the 10-Inch Bread Knife, and the Paring Knife

Ceramic Santoku Knife

Around $60
The Santoku Knife blade is made from ceramic materials with an ultra sharp blade. Besides having a soft spot for the pink handle, this knife glides through the most delicate herbs, veggies, and boneless meats. The size is perfect for small hands like mine and makes prep work a breeze! Just be careful with the blade, no banging or dropping little pinky, or using her on meat bones – her blade can chip but if you take care you will get many, many years of use from her. Buy it!

L’Econome Paring Knife

Around $7
I like to have a bunch of paring knives and these inexpensive dandies have a thin, sharp blade. They keep their sharp edge, and since they have a nice price they make excellent gifts.

Sharpening Whetstones

Around $20
Sharpening Whetstone are a must for any true foodies that uses their knifes on a daily basis. Inexpensive and easy to use, whetstone need to soak for one hour before you start to sharpen your knives. Air dry completely before storing to prevent the stone from cracking. Buy at Amazon »

Brieto Chef’s Knife

Around $170
If you want to splurge and buy one knife or really treat the chef in your life, the Brieto Knive is the way to go. Top quality forging, made of stain-Resistant Steel Brieto last a lifetime and are easy to sharpen when you use a Japanese whetstone. Buy at Amazon »

Serrated Bread Knife

Around $50
Serrated Knives are great for slicing bread and cutting up large melons and squashes because their edge grips the food like a saw. Hand wash your new serrated knife to protect the handle and keep it in top shape. Buy at Amazon »

Disclosure of Material Connection: The links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”