What kitchen tools do you really need?

Influencer and foodie cultures can make anyone feel like they’re lagging in the kitchen equipment department. That $400 4-quart Staub La Cocotte and $40 Williams Sonoma gold cooling rack sure would look good in your chef’s kitchen, wouldn’t it? I know I’d love to have them!

The question is, what do you need in your kitchen? Form is beautiful, function is essential. So, let’s focus on that and start with the ways to save you money.

Knives

Santoku

The Santoku knife is Japan’s take on a Chef’s knife.

No Need

There are some things that simply aren’t needed in a kitchen. They may serve a function, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. Save the space in your cabinets for more essential items.

Double Boiler

In all my years working on in restaurant kitchens, I’ve never once seen a double boiler. Boil water in an appropriately sized sauce pan and a stainless steel mixing bowl (hold onto it with a bar towel) and you’re good to go.

Egg Separator

You have hands with fingers that separate. That’s all you need.

Specialty Slicers/Mincers/Electric Grinders

You don’t need a special tool for slicing a fruit, mincing garlic, or grinding salt. Alton Brown calls these unitaskers. Take the money you’d spend on those items and put them towards a knife made from a high-quality steel. Then use that knife to cut and mince those things!

Single-Purpose Cooking Devices

Items that fall under this category include a Bread Baker, Electric Kettle, Popcorn Maker, Milk Frother, and more. Unless you don’t have a stove with an oven, there is no need for any of these. I’m skeptical of any site telling you to buy them and question if they’re just making money off affiliate links.