Hey, everyone!
Following up on my Minimalist Cookware Setup post, I wanted to offer something similar for utensils and tools. I recently moved, and in the process I tried to really parse down my kitchen setup to the bare essentials. This post is a list of the items I brought with me. It’s not a comprehensive overview of every single tool you may ever need in your kitchen. Instead, it’s a list of the most versatile tools that I use on a daily basis. If you’re building up your kitchen from scratch or looking to start swapping out for some higher-quality items, I’d start with these.
As always, feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions!
Myles
Tongs / Tweezers
I used to think that kitchen tweezers were only for pretentious tasting menu establishments. But I’ve come to realize that they’re actually an incredibly useful tool, especially if you get a large/sturdy pair. You get more dexterity and precision than you get with tongs, and they’re more gentle on your food.
I use my tweezers more often than I use my tongs, but it can be helpful to have both. Either work, so just grab whichever you prefer!
My recs: Gutsdoor, Material Kitchen Tongs
Spatula / Edge Turner
The term spatula can be confusing, because it can refer to multiple different types of tools. In doing research for this post I learned that there is also a similar tool called an edge turner, a phrase I had never heard before.
Either way, I personally think it’s useful to have both a slotted fish spatula (again a confusing name, as this is used for much more than just fish) in addition to a non-slotted edge turner.
My recs: Victornox, Smithey, Oxo
Wooden Spoon
A good-quality wooden spoon is essential. I like the ones that have a flat, sloped edge— they’re especially useful for saucework and deglazing pans.
My recs: Made In, Material Kitchen
Silicone Spatula
A silicone spatula is both heat-resistant and flexible, making it a useful part of the repertoire in addition to a wooden spoon.
My rec: GIR
Microplane
I use my microplane all the time. Great for zesting citrus, grating garlic or ginger, and grating hard cheeses.
My rec: Microplane Brand
Big Spoons
I’ve spoken before about my love for big spoons, particularly Gray Kunz and Mercer Culinary spoons. I have both a solid and perforated version, and they come in handy all the time— basting, sauces, poaching eggs, ladling things…you name it.
My recs: Mercer Culinary - Regular / Perforated, Gray Kunz
Y-Peeler
Ask any chef, and they’ll recommend a Y-peeler as the best option. They’re cheap, lightweight, and provide by far the best design for peeling fruits and veg.
My rec: Oxo, Kuhn Rikon
Measuring Cups
I keep literally one measuring cup in my kitchen, and it’s this one.
I personally never use measuring spoons. I find them annoying to clean and totally unnecessary— I eyeball every time a recipe calls for a teaspoon or tablespoon.
My rec: Pyrex
Not Necessary, But Nice to Have
Whisk (I own one, but I use a fork for 90% of the things that call for a whisk)
Fine-mesh strainer (Depends on what you cook, but this comes in handy a lot for me personally)