My Most Essential Kitchen Utensils: Tools That Make Cooking a Joy

Cooking has always been a deep-seated passion of mine. Over the years, I’ve gathered a collection of kitchen utensils that have not only made my time in the kitchen more enjoyable but also more efficient. Today, I want to share my most cherished kitchen tools, ones that I believe every home cook should consider adding to their arsenal. From the essential to the specialized, each item has its unique story and purpose!

1. Potato Ricer: A Game Changer for Mashed Potatoes

My first absolute must-have in the kitchen is my trusty potato ricer. There is a remarkable difference between mashed mash and riced mash. The resulting texture of riced mash is pure heaven! The potato ricer not only creates smooth, velvety mashed potatoes but is also perfect for making gnocchi or vegetable puree. To use it, place your boiled potatoes in the ricer, and squeeze; it’s that simple! (add butter and cream or milk to your taste). You will never regret! It’s also great for making large batches without the risk of lumps, something I’ve had to deal with in my cooking adventures. Shop the full range here

2. Chef's Knife: My Culinary Sword

Every home cook needs a reliable chef's knife, and mine has been with me through thick and thin. This knife is my primary tool for prepping ingredients. Being the primary utensil that it is you are going to want one with a blade made from good quality steel that will hold a sharp edge for as long as possible. When it comes to important utensils like this my rule is to shop at 75% of the price of the more expensive in the range if I can, or as close as possible to that. To keep it sharp and in top condition, I recommend honing when required and ensuring it’s hand-washed (no dishwashers!). Having a good chefs knife makes all the difference adding an edge of precision into your prepping. Shop the full range here

3. Carving Knife and Fork: Elegant Slices for My Dinner Parties

When it comes to serving up a roast or a whole turkey or fillet, my carving knife and fork are my go-to duo. The knife’s long, thin blade glides effortlessly through thin slices of meat, while the fork keeps everything where I need it. A good carving set will contribute eloquence to your plating presentation. These utensils not only make carving easier but also allow me to serve my guests with flair. If you invest in a quality set, you won’t regret it. Here again I would apply the 75% rule. Shop the full range here

4.Corkscrew: Opening Up New Experiences

Wine and cooking often go hand in hand, and my trusty corkscrew is a vital tool in my kitchen. I’ve had many memorable evenings enjoying a glass of wine while preparing meals sometimes adding it to my dish. Take note that you need a corkscrew even if you are not a wine drinker, in my youth I invited family to dinner and they brought along a fine bottle of wine, the stark and horrifying absence of a corkscrew in my kitchen left me a red cheeked host. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration, not having a reliable corkscrew on hand will be a sorely missed item in your arsenal at some stage or another. Shop the full range here

5. Electric Can Opener: Convenient and Quick

For ease of use, my electric can opener has been a major time saver in my kitchen. I remember struggling with manual can openers, often getting frustrated and nicking a finger in the process. A family member gifted me an electric can opener, and my can opening debarkles vanished forever. Mine has extra loft to accommodate larger cans and also boasts a knife sharpener and bottle opener which have proved to be nifty additional features. It’s a must for those who may have difficulty using a traditional can opener. Plus, it's a fun gadget to have! Shop the full range here

6. 5 in 1 Stick Blender: Blending, Chopping, Whisk and Frother

When it comes to finely chopping and even mincing vegetables my stick blender is nothing short of magic. It also always adds that silky finish to my soups and purees. Mine also has a whisk attachment which comes in handy for whipping cream and fluffing up eggs for omelets. For a big batch of soup simply use the stick blender directly in the pot (after removing any bones) This versatile tool is also fantastic for smoothies and sauces, making it a beloved part of my kitchen. Just remember to avoid blending in non-stick pots to keep your tools safe! Shop the full range here

7. Pestle and Mortar: Traditional Meets Modern Cooking

Ok I'm old school, I’ve always had a love for custom flavors, and my pestle and mortar allow me to explore those depths. There’s something special about grinding ratios of fresh herbs and spices into a paste, and this tool lets you harness their full potential. They can also be used to make nut butters and for creating flavoured salts or sugars. The humble pestle and mortar's usefulness extends beyond the culinary and are often used to prepare natural home remedies too. It also adds a delightful old-world charm to my kitchen. Shop the full range here

8. Micro Grater: Zest for Life

A micro grater is an essential tool in my kitchen, perfect for adding bursts of flavor to dishes. Whether I’m zesting lemons for zing in a meal, grating precise amounts of whole spices into food or crafting fine chocolate sprinkles to finish a dessert, this small but mighty tool makes a significant impact on flavour.

Tip: An Austrian friend taught me to freeze a whole lemon and keep it in the freezer. Adding the frozen zest and or grated fruit to virtually any dish enhances base flavours splendidly. I always add it to cooked vegetables, fish, chicken and salads; it's incredibly healthy too.

I would be at a total loss without mine. It’s a handy tool to have, as it opens up a world of flavour enhancement. Shop the full range here

9. Multi Purpose Steak Knives: Cutting & Slicing with Precision

20 years ago I purchased this set of Victorinox Classic tomato and table knife set with matching forks. These little gems have turned out to be the amongst the best money I spent in the kitchen. They are perfect everyday steak knives and do a fantastic job at peeling, cutting and slicing. Have you ever gone through the irritation of making a grand gourmet sandwich and ended up mangling it with a blunt knife? I would say that these are an absolute must for any kitchen, I cannot emphasize enough how useful they have been for me. Shop the full range here

10. Salad Spinner: Crisp Convenience

Last but not least, my salad spinner is an essential for delectable salads. A good salad is all about texture, and I learned over the years that washing and thoroughly drying greens is crucial. My salad spinner allows me to wash big batches of leafy greens, spinning them to remove excess water in mere seconds. With an effortless crisp and dry base of leafy greens to work from the salad world is your oyster! Shop the full range here

These kitchen utensils occupy a warm place in my cooking heart, I chose to highlight them because of the immense difference they have made to me. Each serving a unique purpose and enhancing my culinary creations. Whether you’re a novice cook or seasoned chef, investing in quality tools makes a world of difference. I encourage you to keep exploring the kitchen, and I’d love to hear about your cherished utensils and their stories!

Voila and Happy cooking!