You already know that obsessive type of love that utterly takes over your life and exhibits up in all your desires? Nicely, that’s how I really feel about consuming meals. Fortunately for me, I used to be capable of convert my spectacular urge for food right into a profession as a recipe tester and developer within the Dotdash Meredith Meals Studios the place I acquired paid to feast each single day. As an precise job. For actual cash.
Once I moved to a brand new state final summer season, I immediately needed to do the entire identical work, however in my dwelling kitchen: a tiny house severely missing in state-of-the-art ovens and walk-in fridges. Whereas it’s actually not as spectacular to have a look at, I can confidently say that it’s simply as efficient as a result of I’ve stocked it with the merchandise I must cook dinner like a professional. From stackable mixing bowls to long-lasting tongs, these 10 kitchen instruments have made all of the distinction. And, each single certainly one of them is beneath $100.
Finest Recipe Developer-Liked Kitchen Instruments Below $100
- Microplane Zester and Grater, $18
- Materials The Air Whisk, $25
- Hotec Stainless Metal Tongs, $10
- Kizen On the spot Learn Meat Thermometer, $13 (initially $18)
- OXO Kitchen Scale, $55
- OXO Measuring Stainless Metal Measuring Cups & Spoons, $33
- Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3-Piece Set, $22 (initially $26)
- Misen 8-inch Chef’s Knife, $94
- Luminarc Glass 10-Piece Stackable Bowl Set, $49
- OXO Chopping Board, $20
Microplane Zester and Grater
I’ve sampled many a rasp-style grater in my day, however nothing can compete with Microplane. It simply breaks down garlic, turmeric, nutmeg, lemons, and Parmesan cheese, and has by no means misplaced its edge within the near-decade I’ve owned it. It’s so good, I purchased it thrice. Our testers additionally love this zester for its sharp enamel and cozy grip.
Materials The Air Whisk
I acquired this whisk solely 8 months in the past, nevertheless it has already develop into certainly one of my all-time favourite kitchen instruments. Its slim loops make for simpler storage, and its flat backside, which permits it to face upright in between whisking periods, eliminates any drippy messes. Whereas it’s dearer than the common whisk you’ll discover at Amazon, its versatility and effectivity are definitely worth the barely increased value level.
Hotec Stainless Metal Tongs
I’ve advisable these tongs earlier than, however I’ll do it once more right here as a result of their simplicity belies their significance in a kitchen. I purchased this two-pack again in 2020, after which once more lower than a yr later once I lastly wised as much as how helpful they’re. The 12-inch tongs are perfect for grilling season, whereas I take advantage of the 9-inch tongs most frequently to toss chilly salads and flip scorching hen thighs.
Kizen On the spot Learn Meat Thermometer
You possibly can spend so much on a meat thermometer, or you may spend slightly. I choose the latter, and so do the over 40,000 Amazon consumers who gave this mannequin a 5-star score. It stories the temperature rapidly and precisely, is backlit for readability, and folds into itself so I by no means by chance get poked within the eye.
OXO Kitchen Scale
I grew to become a extra constant and environment friendly cook dinner once I started utilizing a meals scale. I believe we will all agree these are necessary attributes for somebody who writes recipes for a dwelling, however for these folks whose job doesn’t essentially depend on your skill to weigh flour accurately, it’s nonetheless a great tool to personal. I’ve used many various scales since I began cooking professionally, however this one is my favourite due to its giant pull-out show, fast unit conversion capabilities, and 11-pound weight restrict.
OXO Measuring Stainless Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons
Good measuring cups and spoons are vital for any cook dinner. These, with their magnetic handles for straightforward separation and storage, are my go-to choose. Consumers likewise advocate this set for its sturdy stainless-steel development, non-slip grip, and user-friendly design.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3-Piece Set
Liquid measuring cups are simply as necessary as their dry counterparts, and this pack of three completely different sizes presents one of the best worth on your cash. They’re product of Pyrex glass, to allow them to go from the dishwasher to the microwave with out cracking, they usually’re designed to nest inside each other for straightforward storage.
Misen 8-inch Chef’s Knife
Just like the whisk, this newer addition to my kitchen has rapidly develop into invaluable to me. The thick deal with suits comfortably in my hand, and the sharp blade simply cuts by an entire spaghetti squash. The sturdy design sits someplace in between Japanese- and Western-style knives. Consumers love this 8-inch Misen masterpiece, calling it “practical” and “unbeatable.”
Luminarc Glass 10-Piece Stackable Bowl Set
If you happen to’ve ever begun cooking your manner by a recipe with out first getting ready your mise en place, you recognize the horror of grating cheese whereas concurrently boiling pasta and sautéeing onions. Gathering and measuring all components earlier than any cooking begins is completely essential to success within the kitchen, and entry to sufficient containers is step one. I rely closely on this 10-piece set in my home, which comes with the whole lot from pinch bowls to giant mixing bowls. They’re sturdy, stackable, and dishwasher-safe.
OXO Chopping Board
This slicing board has lived with me in three completely different residences, withstood a whole bunch of dishwasher cycles, and has by no means as soon as dulled any of my knives. It’s giant sufficient to accommodate carving a whole hen, and has a helpful groove across the periphery to catch juice whereas chopping. I take advantage of one facet for veggies and the opposite facet for meat.