Not all kitchen gear deserve a spot in your ever-crowded drawers and cabinets. With limited space to work with, career chefs are nothing if not exacting about the kitchen tools they keep on hand, and those they deem unworthy of the space they demand.
The right equipment transforms cooking from a chore into something effortless -- money spent on one great knife is money well spent -- though separating the essentials from expensive clutter isn't straightforward.
We consulted with more than ten professional chefs from around the world to uncover the tools that home cooks and hobbyist bakers consistently miss. These are eight items that belong on your wedding registry, holiday list or in your shopping cart right now.
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8 overlooked kitchen tools that chefs recommend
Microplane 1. Microplane zester Surprisingly, the most common suggestion was the humble yet versatile microplane zester. It effortlessly grinds the rinds of citrus fruits and can also grate garlic, ginger and hard cheeses. "I am always surprised how many people don't have a microplane zester in their kitchen," reveals Christa Csoka, chef and owner of The Artisan's Palate in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I use citrus zest in my recipes to add freshness and brightness to dishes, and a microplane makes it so easy." Brandon Hargett, owner of Salt Lake City's Japanese-inspired Aker, echoes these sentiments. "The microplane's ultra-fine rasp releases bright citrus oils and silky garlic or ginger without the bitterness you get from traditional graters," he says. "It instantly elevates cocktails, dressings, and desserts with a burst of fresh flavor and is small enough to slip into a drawer." $18 at Amazon $18 at Walmart
Fox Run 2. Mortar and pestle It may be one of the world's most straightforward and documented tools, but a mortar and pestle duo is often neglected when it comes to kitchen necessities. "Using a mortar and pestle to grind fresh herbs and spices elevates cooking by unlocking the full depth that dried seasonings don't quite reach," explains Tal Baum, owner of Atrium and Bellina Alimentari at Atlanta's famed Ponce City Market. "The manual grinding process bruises the herbs rather than cuts, releasing subtle layers of flavor and adding more complexity to dishes." "It also allows for more autonomy and control over your texture, whether you like it coarse or fine," she adds. Larger iterations of the instrument, which date back as far as 60,000 years, can also be used to make sauces and dips, such as hummus, guacamole and salsa. $28 at The Home Depot
J.A. Henckels 3. Fish forks While a fish fork may serve a more specific purpose, it is often "one of the most overlooked yet useful tools in the kitchen," at least according to food stylist and chef Marie Haycox. The culinary expert, who has partnered with Season's sustainable tinned fish brand, says that it's designed to pick up delicate sardine and anchovy filets without breaking them apart. It can also serve olives and crumble soft cheeses like feta. $15 at Macy's
Zulay Kitchen 4. Chinoise (bouillon strainer) Otherwise known as a bouillon strainer, this stainless steel, fine-meshed, and conical contraption is often used to yield an ultra-smooth stock, sauce or puree by separating skins, seeds or anything that detracts from a velvety mouthfeel. "The chinoise is one of the most overlooked tools in the kitchen," asserts Ben Bayly, chef, restaurateur and owner of Ahi in Auckland. "We use it not just for refining sauces and stocks, but also when we cook over the fire, which shows how versatile it really is." "For a home kitchen, it's just as useful," he says. "It brings a professional level of finesse without being complicated. And once you have one, you'll find yourself reaching for it all the time." $8 at Amazon
Anova 5. Sous vide precision cooker The art of sous vide cooking shows no signs of slowing down, at least if The Lana in Dubai's Chef de Cuisine Javier Malillos has anything to do with it. "Sous vide cooking is a game-changer because it eliminates the uncertainty of under- or overcooked food," he says of the temperature-controlled, water bath cooking process. "With a little patience, you can cook meat, fish, and vegetables to your desired doneness. It's also perfect for meal prep. Because the food is cooked in vacuum-sealed bags, it stays fresh in the fridge for several days without losing quality." Those looking to elevate sous vide-style cooking even more may want to consider an OCOO machine: a Korean-origin pressure and temperature-controlled cooker. "In recent years, it has become popular as a versatile tool for different preparations," says Paco Perez, chef and founder of Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Perez at Hotel Arts Barcelona. "The most common ones include black garlic and century eggs." The OCOO machine allows for simultaneous vacuum and pressure cooking, achieving "fine-dining results with minimal intervention." "It extracts deep flavors and perfect textures in dishes such as broths, legumes or desserts and is ideal for those seeking healthy, efficient cooking with professional-quality results at home," adds Perez of the device that has also become a star fermenter and pickler. $82 at Best Buy
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