Thanks so much for your well wishes for my Grandpa this morning! I will be sure to pass along your kind words. Oh were the tears flowing when my mom read through the comments…she was very touched.
I thought it would be fun to change it up a little today and show you some of my most-used kitchen tools. They are tried, tested, and true and I find myself using most of them on a daily basis, or just about. All of the following items have been purchased by myself or were gifts from family members, just in case you were wondering if this was some kind of sketchy product placement or something!
My Most-Used Kitchen Tools
1) The Cookbook Stand.
I don’t know how I ever got by without my cookbook stand! I would say that 90% of the cookbooks I own do not lay flat on the counter, making this stand very helpful when following a recipe. For many years I used to wedge my cookbooks under heavy objects only to have them come flying up and close on me. Then I discovered that I could buy a cookbook stand for about $6 and it would not only hold my book upright, but it would also protect the pages from stains. Score. There are a wide array of cookbook stands on the market to suit every budget and need. I think I purchased this at Benix & Co., but you can also find nice Bamboo ones at Indigo, among other places.
2) Spurtle
I’ve been kicking it old school with my awesome Spurtle. A spurtle is a Scottish stirring stick often used for stirring oatmeal, porridge, and soup. I have grown quite fond of using it when I make oatmeal! You can find this Spurtle at Lee Valley for under $5.
3) Bamboo Spoon
I use my Bamboo spoon the most when making soups, stews, sauces, and chili. I purchased this Bamboo spoon at Crate & Barrel. For some odd reason, I find it very comforting.
4) Pink Spatula
I use this spatula every single day in my kitchen. It is highly flexible, durable, and great for scraping down the side of a bowl. I got it at Goulda’s Kitchen.
5) Microplane Zester
I tend to zest a lot of citrus fruits and the Microplane zester never lets me down. It has a super long blade that grates in both directions for quick zesting and it is also useful for shaving chocolate, spices (like cinnamon sticks or nutmeg), and cheese too.
6) My Cookbook Collection
My favourite cookbooks are never far from reach and I often find myself leafing through the pages on the couch at night or whenever I am looking for recipe inspiration. I hope to do a post on my favourite cookbooks in the near future too.
7) Spoon Stand
First the cookbooks need a stand and now the damn spoon too?! Why, yes they do. If you happen to bake with a lot of sticky or syrupy liquids (think- brown rice syrup), a spoon stand is very helpful for containing the mess. I use my spoon stand everyday in the bakery. You can purchase this one at Benix & Co.
8.) The Vita-Mix
I’ve often said that I have two children: Sketchie and my Vita-Mix.
Actually, I never say that, but I think I might start.
After 2 years of Green Monster making, I finally saved up enough to buy myself a Vita-Mix. The price tag surely hurts, but I didn’t regret my purchase for a minute and I use it 6-7 days a week. I also occasionally bring it for walks in the backyard.
I was also happy to find that it *just* fit underneath my cabinet…
9) Mixing Bowls
Pretty mixing bowls make me one happy baker. I am very fond of the large mixing bowl on the right that was originally Eric’s grandma’s bowl. I buy bright and colourful kitchen tools whenever possible because they really do make the experience more enjoyable!
10) Bodum Loose Leaf Tea Pot
I have gushed about my love for this Bodum Loose Leaf tea pot many times and my love for it continues to grow. It represents a calming daily ritual in my life. The Rudolph cup, from Whole Foods, gets an honourable mention too. It will carry me through until Spring!
11) A Chef’s Mat
A gift from my mother-in-law, this Chef’s Mat has eliminated the horrible heel pain that I used to suffer from after spending long hours on the slate floor. The Chef’s mat is very soft with a gel-like interior and I always make sure to stand on it whenever I am spending long days in the kitchen. You can find this Chef’s mat at Costco.
12) Silpat
I received this Silpat at Christmas and it has quickly become one of my favourite kitchen tools that I own. It is amazing for a non-stick surface when rolling dough or lining a baking sheet.
13) Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
The Kitchenaid stand mixer lives up to its stellar reputation and more. I even polished off the flour just for this photo shoot!
14) Water & Vinegar and Eco-cleaners
One of my goals last year was to stop buying cleaners filled with harsh chemicals. I have been testing a bunch of eco-friendly products and I really enjoy not having to breathe in a bunch of chemicals when I clean. I am very fond of water and vinegar too. It is the only thing I use to clean my hardwood floors.
15) Mason/Bell Jars
Mason jars are cropping up just about everywhere these days and for a good reason- they are highly functional and country chic. I love filling my jars with nuts, chia seeds, and granola, using them for smoothies, foodie gifts, and even as pen holders at my desk. The options are endless! Mason jars are also a great way to cut back on all that plastic. I purchased a dozen one-litre jars for about $10 at Canadian Tire.
16) Wusthof knives
My heart went all a flutter for these Wusthof knives- a 20cm Chef’s knife and a 9cm paring knife have made my life much easier.
You are probably surprised not to see any measuring cups on my list. While I use measuring cups daily, I am still on a quest for the perfect set of measuring cups. Any suggestions?
What are your favourite kitchen tools? Anything on your wish list?
Hi, Angela. I really enjoyed this post. Maybe because I like lists in general (and am constantly making them myself!) and maybe because I love to see the behind-the-scenes tools that you rely on most to create the incredible kitchen creations you do. Or, it could be a combination of both! I must admit a little envy for your beautiful kitchen! I look forward to a post on your favorite cookbooks.
Have a great evening!
Thanks for your feedback Audrey :)
I loved this post! I always enjoy seeing what others use a lot in their kitchens. My favorite/most-used kitchen tool is probably my Vitamix right now. I just got it for Christmas and have used it multiple times a week since then!
My husband jokes that the Vita-Mix is so powerful I could take it on the freeway. You’re lucky, mine doesn’t fit under the cabinet so it takes up more room. It’s soooo worth it though, I use mine at least 2 times a day!
on the freeway…love it!
On the hunt for the perfect measuring cups: these don’t have any fancy features, but my sister got them for me for Christmas and they’re adorable!! They’re those matroishka nesting dolls, but measuring cups! They come in 1, 3/4, 2/3, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 sizes and all stack neatly and cutely on the counter when you’re done with them. I’m in love :)
http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Cup-Measuring-Matroyshkas-Cups/dp/B002L162FS
wow, i’ve never even heard of a couple of these things! i think i’m most intrigued by the teapot!
Love this post. I have *never* heard of a spurtle before but it looks like such a great idea!!
My Kitchen Aid stand mixer is a hand-me-down from my mom who originally received it as a wedding gift from my grandmother. It’s older than I am! You would never know it though since it’s in perfect condition and works like it’s brand new.
wow that is incredible!
Thanks for this post. It seemed so honest and revealing to get a back stage pass into your cooking process. I’m impressed by what great shape everything is in. Kudos.
Great post! I like using the mason jars for soup. The steamy broth makes a pretty good seal after it cools. Keeps forever.
I think my Henckel knives are at the top of my list of favourite things. Good knives make all the difference!
Happy New Year Angela!
I recommend the measuring cups from Lee Valley. My mom gave them to me for Christmas several years ago and they are still awesome!!!! http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=47392&cat=2,40733,44734,47392
Wishing positive thoughts for your grandpa!
Thanks Jennifer! These look awesome…I might have to buy them. Pouring spouts and can be put in the oven to melt butter?! Amazing
LOVE your big mixing bowls, and bodum tea pot.
Anything colourful in the kitchen makes me smile :)
I’m looking to buy a healthy vegetarian, possibly vegan recipe book? What’s your top pick/suggestion?
thanks!
I want a Vita-Mix!!! I love all of your unique kitchen tools and I really want to try the spool thing? My favorite kitchen gadget right now is my food processor! :)
Okay, I absolutely need a spurtle in my life. That spoonstand is nifty, too.
The spurtle is so cute! I’ve never heard of that/seen one before! How big is it? It looks huge in the picture, but I’m guessing it’s not! :)
I would die without my Bosch mixer for making bread. I also LOVE my silpat.
I now have a cookbook stand on my wishlist. :)
Here it is: http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/page.aspx?c=&p=58550&cat=4,104,53214&ap=1
in all its glory!
I really really like Williams Sonoma’s measuring cups 18/10 stainless steel. They are really nice and absolutely no bending of handles or anything!
Thanks I will check them out!
Great post. I HAVE to get one of those mats! I’m going to have to say the kitchen aid stand mixer is my most used but my favorite tool might be a garlic press because I hate chopping garlic!
alright, i’m convinced i need a chef’s mat now! i have to say, i have pretty much all of those other utensils and they are amazing indeed. but a chef’s mat could totally rock my world!
Ive done a kitchen tools post before and on my list of go to’s are:
good knives (henckles or wusthof)
Vita, cutting boards, mixing bowls, coffee maker (and espresso maker and french press…i love my coffee)
I dont use my juicer, blendtec, dehydrator or 99% of the gadgets I have very often, if ever.
I have lots of those same cookbooks you have, but dont use those either…I wing it :) Which is why youre clearly a much better cook than i am :)
I would like a kitchen aid stand mixer. I just bought a new DSLR with 2 lenses. That’s enough for now…for this month at least :) Except the pink spatula and spoon stand, I think I am ordering those…now….
LOVE THE LIST!
I rarely use my juicer anymore :( It got put away and I guess it wasnt worth the effort to take it back out?? lol
I am swooning over all of your kitchen gadgets! I, too, have my favorite spoons, cook books and equipment. Everyone knows the kitchen is MINE =)
What a fun post!! I’ve been using vinegar based cleaners for almost a year now. I just add half vinegar + half water and essential oil drops. I absolutely love how well it works!! I need that fancy oatmeal stirrer!!!! And yes, there is something comforting about a big wooden spoon. :)
What essential oils do you like the best? I have been thinking of using some!
I love your list. That pink spatula is so cute!! I think I need one. I have been saving for one, praying, asking at birthdays/christmas’s for a VitaMix. One day one will show up in my kitchen…I have faith :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CVTQBE/ref=oss_product
I just bought these measuring cups and love them. They stick together with magnets, they’re shaped to pour easily, and they sit flat and don’t topple no matter what weird stuff you put in them. Hope that helps, let me know if you like them. :)
thanks Rhonda!
I love my flat rubber spatula! So nifty :) My food processor is pretty awesome too.
I REALLY wish I had a Vita Mix!!
Great post Angela! I definitely couldn’t live without my food processor and the tofu press has saved me from washing a bunch of dish towels on a regular basis. I’m pretty excited about my new ice cream maker. Just made a batch of hemp milk banana chocolate chip ice cream. Will definitely be using this appliance regularly. Looking forward to the cookbook post!
I’ve never heard of a spurtle! What a fun word!
I love my bamboo cutting boards, coffee maker (except it’s my roommate’s!), mandolin, Kitchenaid food processor.
Fantastic list! I’m surprised that you just got a silpat. My mom and I have been using them for quite a while and they’re perfect for roasting veggies on. The black marks just scrape away in two seconds!
mmm I would have never thought to use it for roasting veggies!
What’s funny is that I don’t use a lot of cookbooks, but I do love to use recipes from online, so my bf got me an iPad stand, so I can prop up my iPad in the kitchen when I want to try something new. :D
I have no idea what a silpat is…even still.
You’re kitchen gear is pretty much my dream kitchen gear. Sigh. I really want a food processor. A silpat would probably be nice too. And my cookbook collection probably needs a good vamping up.
I don’t know what I’d do without my hand blender. It’s the easiest way to whip up a GM and a breeze to clean :) I could probably do with a stand mixer, though!
You learn something new every day and today I have learnt what a spurtle is. After reading this post, I feel like leaving work to go home and bake!
My fav is this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61885760/quotes-measuring-spoons?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=measuring+spoons&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade
However, duck measuring spoons are also for a good laugh ;) http://www.etsy.com/listing/65348315/duck-measuring-spoons?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_query=measuring+spoons&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade
LOL! awesomeness
I want a Spurtle!
It has a fun name and it’s useful!
i can see that your fav granola is half gone! :)
There is no way in hell it is lasting its shelf life
Great post! I’ve been working on mine for some time now, need to finish it! There’s definitely a few I didn’t know about, like the spoon stand and mats.
x sabine
i loved seeing your favourite kitchen tools, angela! reminds me of oprah and her “what i love” lists!
cleaning with vinegar is the best! i use it on our hardwood, too, and in the bathroom, kitchen…cleans so well and i love the pure smell!
haha, i have FOUR sets of measuring cups and only love and use ONE. but it has no markings as to brand…i’m betting they were tupperware from about 15 years ago?!
I didn’t realize there was such a thing as a cookbook holder! This is a great list.
I just used those knifes and they are amazing.
I love my cookbook stand! Sometimes the book is too thick, though, and the pages turn themselves;) I have spoon holders that hold the spoon flat, not vertical, and they are a wee bit messy! I need to get a standing one, STAT
Love this list; thank you! It’s a great starting point for aspiring cooks like myself :) I have yet to find a good set of measuring spoons as well. I did get a set of Crate & Barrel spoons for Christmas, however, that I have yet to take for a spin – I’ll let you know if they fit the bill!
I loved reading your recommendations- you definitely cook a lot, so you must give good advice :) My must-have is my kitchen scale (fewer measuring cups!)…and when my old lab was still alive, he was indispensable for licking up messes on the floor!
I love my Bullet! It’s perfect to make my green smoothies and it’s easy clean up. I can just take the cup with me which also eliminates extra waste. Plus I love my “spoonulas” courtesy of Rachel Ray :)
I really enjoyed this post! :-)
love this! i really could use a cookbook stand and spoon stand :) i love my silpat, vita, electric mixer, and bamboo mixing spoons! i always wanted a looseleaf pot- its so beautiful!
I love love love these Matroyshkas measuring cups from Fred & Friends. They are super cute, durable, easy to clean and store, and so functional: http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Cup-Measuring-Matroyshkas-Cups/dp/B002L162FS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1294751300&sr=8-2
I love this list! I need a cookbook stand and the Silpat. I also love how you refer to your Vita-mix as your 2nd child :)
I adore your pink spatula! And call me a bad Scot, but I had no idea what a spurtle was until today! I think my favourite kitchen gadget is my blender/food processor that I got for Christmas (Cuisinart), ‘my’ knife, my sandwich press, and the dishwasher (if that counts as a gadget) because my time spent in the kitchen would be far less enjoyable if I had to do all the washing myself!
mmm I want a sandwich press but I think Eric would kill me if I got another appliance. I may have to get rid of one first..heh
I had never heard of a spurtle before! I use my knives the most…with my coffee makers (yes, plural…haha) coming in a close second.
My favorite kitchen appliance is the Kitchen Aid stand mixer. It’s something that everyone needs in their kitchen!
On my wish list is a Vitamix, although realistically in the short term I’m thinking of getting an immersion blender. The vitamix just isnt in my med student budget, but some day…
I love my little blender like that, so perfect for soups.
I have these measuring cups from Pier One and I’m obsessed with them! They are so cute!
http://www.pier1.com/catalog/browse/0400.dining/tabid/493/CategoryID/111/List/0/catpagesize/25/Level/a/ProductID/6333/ProductName/Floral-Measuring-Cups–Set-of-4/Default.aspx
These are all great tools! I can not live without my williams sonoma silica spatula, my food processor, global knives or whisk!!
xo