Gift Guide: Kitchen Guru Gadgets

Anyone who appreciates a well cooked meal appreciates the hands that prepare it. I find that I have grown to truly love my time in the kitchen preparing meals for my family. With a spotlight being shone on our personal healthy so much lately, I have endeavored to stay away from pre-packaged and overly processed foods which contribute to many ailments in our bodies. However, with this goal in mind, I’ve had to do a great deal more prepping for meals. In the course of all this prepping, though, I’ve discovered numerous tools that make my healthy eating journey so much more easy to stick to for me and my family. 

And while I detest unnecessary kitchen gadgets, I’m sharing a few of my favorite Kitchen Guru Gadgets that are must haves in my book. These are great gift ideas for the person in your life who loves to cook and/or bake. Or maybe they’re a great idea for you, something you can pass along on a wishlist or gift yourself.

(Please know, none of the links provided are affiliate links. I only provide the links so that you can see the styles or brands that I prefer.

When it comes to healthy eating, it’s pretty much a given that we should start with vegetables. Salads are an excellent way in which to provide out bodies with nutrient dense, enzyme rich food that will boost our immune systems and get our gut in order. However, if you’re not keen on doing pre-chopped salad in a bag, I’ve discovered another alternative that makes throwing together a quick lunch or dinner salad a snap. 

Salad Spinner

I debated back and forth whether or not to include a salad spinner. I have one. I use it a lot. My only caveat is that it takes up room in my storage area. So, if your kitchen is tiny or storage is tight, a salad spinner could be a bit of a pain. However, I really do appreciate having it especially when I’m prepping lettuce several days out. 

First I chop my lettuce. Ordinarily I go with Romaine and toss in a little spring mix for color, complexity, and nutrients. However, I do love Iceberg. And red leaf and green leaf lettuces are also delicious. Regardless, choose your lettuce and chop it up. Oddly enough, there’s contention on how to chop lettuce. There are those that swear you either tear the lettuce or use a plastic knife in order to prevent the lettuce from browning. But then there is the school of thought that says, chop your lettuce with a metal knife because whether your knife is plastic or metal doesn’t matter; lettuce browns because of oxygen exposure over time. I own to having and using a plastic knife, even though I’ve been assured there’s no scientific basis for doing so. 

Toss your torn or chopped lettuce into the basket of your salad spinner. Rinse it off generously with cold water. Then, put the lid on and depending on which model you get, depress the button or spin the top to get as much of the excess water off the lettuce as possible. This will ensure that your lettuce stays drier while storing, which, in turn, causes it to last longer. 

This salad spinner by MLXG is the style I like most.

Salad Bag

When it comes to making a delicious salad, crispness is the key. The best way to keep your lettuce or leafy greens crisp is to wick the moisture off of it. Our grandparents would most often chop the lettuce, drained it well (or spun it), and the wrapped it in a kitchen towel to store in the icebox. This method still works well. However, a couple years back I discovered a microfiber salad bag and it is a staple in my kitchen. 

Once I’ve washed and spun my lettuce, I dump it in the bag, pull the draw string, and chuck it in the crisper bin in the refrigerator. The lettuce will stay crisp and fresh for at least three days. (That’s the longest that I’ve ever had lettuce in there, so I can’t speak for longer.) 

The bags are washable and help contain the lettuce better than putting it in a kitchen towel. An added bonus is that it helps to store fresh herbs well, too. I often prep cilantro when I bring it home, removing the leaves from the stems to make it easier to apply to the tops of dishes or chuck into a salad. The cilantro leaves store beautifully in the salad bag, as does parsley. 

The salad bag that I prefer is the microfiber salad bag made by Trudeau.

BluApple

Here’s something that’s actually on my wish list. The BluApple is an ethylene gas absorber. Ethylene gas is given off by fruits and vegetables as they ripen. When you place your fruits and veggies in your refrigerator, you’re concentrating them in one location which in turn encourages them to ripen more and more quickly until they spoil. The innovators over at BluApple present this solution: the BlueApple ethylene gas absorber. Place one of these absorbers in your crisper and it will absorb the ethylene gas produced thereby giving longevity to your fresh produce. Bonus, you can use it in your fruit bowls on your counters, too. I’m all about maximizing the longevity of my produce, so this product as piqued my interest. 

So, if you have someone in your life that’s an avid salad eater, perhaps a gifts of a salad spinner, a salad bag, and a BluApple could be a lovely addition to their kitchen routine. You can read more about the science of this unique kitchen gadget as well as purchase one at BluApple.

As I wrote in my post Kitchen Basics, a good, sharp kitchen knife is an absolute essential. Regardless whether a cook, gourmand, or chef has a knife already, a well apportioned knife is always an appreciated gift.

Now, knives get pricey. Depending on which brand you choose to go with, you can spend quite the pretty penny. Two well-known brands that deliver a quality product with variable price points are Wüsthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. However, there is an every increasing variety of good quality steel being used in different cutlery companies. 

New West Knife Works

If money is no object and you wish to gift someone with a knife that is in possession of both beautiful form as well as function, than I suggest you looked at New West Knife Works. When my husband and I traveled to Jackson Hole to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary, we gifted ourselves with a beautiful knife from this local, American owned company. It is an excellent piece of cutlery and is truly a thing of beauty, which we all know is a joy forever. Even if you’re not in the market to buy a knife like this now, I highly recommend checking out their website as their workmanship is superb.

Cutco

Another American owned and operated cutlery company that I have found to be exemplary is Cutco. Located in Olean, New York, Cutco produces an excellent product. Their price point is fair and affordable. Furthermore, they stand by the quality of their product, offering a Forever Guarantee which includes free sharpening of your blades. Recently, my husband gifted me with their 3” Paring Knife, which has fast become one of my all purpose go to knives in the kitchen. I believe it was for Valentine’s Day last year that he gave me the Petite Chef knife with a red handle and custom made plastic sheath to protect the blade. 

If purchasing a cutlery of this kind is not within your budget, you can still provide a sharp gift for your gourmand friends or family. Every cook needs a sharp knife and regardless of how sharp your knife may be when you first unsheath it, normal wear and tear on the blade with dull it. A sharpener is always a good gift item for the cook in your life. There are a variety of sharpeners out there, too. For a small stocking stuffer, there’s this one by Smith’s that I grab with frequency. However, if you prefer a sharpening rod, there are any number of brands that make an excellent quality sharpener. From diamond carbon steel to ceramic, there are many to choose from.

I love to bake. Breads, cakes, cookies, pies. I just enjoy the whole process. Over the years, I’ve come across several kitchen baking items that have become staples in my kitchen. Any one of these items would be a lovely gift for the baker in your life. I’ve also tried to provide a variety of price ranges, too.

Danish Dough Whisk

If you’ve never seen a Danish dough whisk, or a brodpisker, then you might be in for a surprise. It looks nothing like the traditional wire whisks that we use for scrambled eggs, custards, and a plethora of other concoctions. Rather, it’s flat- a wire loop with two smaller loop positioned in the middle of that; they look a rather eccentric monocle framed in loops of wire. Regardless of how outlandish the tool looks, I will attest that it is a really wonderful addition to my kitchen utensils. I use it every time that I mix up different bread doughs, pancakes, waffles, or any other sort of batter. It is truly remarkable how quickly this tool pulls a dough together. Furthermore, because there is little surface area, the dough doesn’t stick to much like it does when I use a wooden spoon. So, it makes cleaning up a breeze, too. This is the Danish Dough Whisk that I have and love.

Silicone Baking Mat

There are actually two ways you can go with this one. The first is a silicone baking mat that is the perfect thing to use on your counter top to roll out doughs and knead breads. I believe that are differentiated by calling them pastry mats. I have one that was a gift years and years ago made by Pampered Chef. It was one of the first ones out there. Thankfully for the budget conscious, there are numerous options available today. Here are two that I have eyed as replacements for my well worn mat. This is the Pampered Chef Pastry Mat that I have. But, if you’re looking for something less expensive, I would recommend this Silicone Pastry Mat by Kitzini.

The second silicone baking mat is the one that you use in place of parchment paper on your cookie sheets. I do not have these, but they are currently on my wishlist of things I would like to have in my kitchen. I have several friends who have silicone baking mats and they love them. So, while I can’t recommend them personally, I do want them myself, so I figure that other bakers out there may be in the same boat. These are the silicone baking mats on my wish list, but keep in mind, they come in different sizes to accommodate different cookie sheets.

French Pin

A good rolling pin is a must for any baker. Whether you’re making a pie or quiche crust or a cookie dough, you’re gonna want a rolling pin. For years, I had a silicone pin. I loved it. So much so that when it rolled off the counter and snapped on half, I replaced it with the same one again. However when it broke in the same manner again, I opted for a wooden rolling pin. After a lot of research, I decided on a French rolling pin.

The history is rather vague as to why this particular style of rolling pin came to be called a French rolling pin, but if you were to poll a handful of French pastry chefs, a large majority would cite this pin as their preference. The French rolling pin is typically made of wood. It has no handles and the ends are tapered. While it does come inside variety of lengths, the most common is eighteen inches. The reason I prefer this pin to the traditional rolling pin is because I can get a good sense of the dough as I roll it out and the pin is easy to manipulate to control how the dough is rolled out. I find this particularly useful when I’m making different flatbreads, such as Bazlama or Na’an. 

While there are more expensive options out there, as as French pins made of marble, I prefer the lightness and ease of a wooden pin. They are easily cared for and cleaned- just a gentle sponging with warm water and soap and air drying. And, a wooden French pin is relatively inexpensive, so it’s easy on one’s pocket, too. This is the French pin that I have personally, but there are different models out there at different price points.

Below are a list of different gift ideas that fill a number of functions within the kitchen. Each of these items can be used stove top or transferred to the oven. The versatility of each of these items is what fits them perfectly within the ‘catch-all’ category. Furthermore, each one of the items I have listed have the added bonus of being non-toxic. A lot of cookware today contains a variety of toxic elements in their coatings and whatnot. The ones I’ve listed and linked to do not.

Enamaled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

If you read my post about Baking Bread, then you know that one of my go-to bread recipes requires the use of a Dutch Oven. However, I use my Dutch ovens for so much more than baking bread. I have an oval 5 qt Dutch oven and an oval 8qt Dutch oven. The 5qt I use predominantly for baking my bread- though I have been known to use it for a homemade baked Mac and cheese. The 8qt Dutch oven has been used for soups, casseroles, making pasta, even sautéing on the odd occasion. A Dutch oven is a versatile kitchen pot. The cast iron of which it is made is an excellent conductor, so it heats well and holds its temperature well, too. 

While La Creuset may seem to have cornered the market on Dutch ovens, there are many brands out there that work just as well. I personally have Rachel Ray Dutch ovens that I have used for more than a decade. The Pioneer Woman makes quite a lovely one. Tramontina is also a good option at a good price point. And, if you’re out and about, check out your local Marshals, Home Goods, or T.J. Max; I’ve run across great find there for Dutch ovens, too. If I were going to buy a new Dutch oven for myself, I would look for one at Lodge. All their products are American made.

A Skillet

It doesn’t get more basic than this: every kitchen needs a good a skillet. I have three recommendations here- all of which are in my kitchen and used with frequency:

Cast Iron Skillet

Every Southern woman has a well seasoned cast iron skillet in her kitchen. In England, a girl entering society may be presented to the queen, but in the Southern states, every debutante is given a cast iron skillet. It’s that intrinsic to a southern kitchen. Seasoned properly and maintained with care, a cast iron skillet can be handed down for generations.

Cast iron skillets transition from stovetop to oven and from oven to stovetop. They can bake your biscuits or make your sausage gravy. However, due to the nature of the seasoning, you’ll want to avoid making anything too acidic in it as it will wear away your well-earned seasoning.  

What are cast iron skillets ideal for? Well, if you want to grill a great burger (turkey, chicken, beef, or bison), cast iron. If you want to do yourself a chicken fried steak, cast iron. If you want to bake a berry cobbler, cast iron. (That little cadence there reminds me of the part in The Help when Minnie Jackson is teaching Celia Foote about the wonders of Crisco.) Lodge is a great resource for a new cast iron skillet. They come seasoned, so that’s helpful. However, if you enjoy exploring antique shops, there’s a good chance that you could come across a cast iron skillet there for a good price.

Carbon steel skillet

Carbon steel is very similar to cast iron. However, as cast iron skillets are made in a mold, their surface is pocked and can pull at delicate cuts of meat or fish should you wish to make them in a skillet. Due to the manner in which a carbon steel skillet is constructed- sheets of steel are heated to malleability and then formed into the shape of a skillet- their sides and surfaces ultra-smooth. This affords a more even cooking temperature.

The one difference I see between a cast iron skillet and a carbon steel skillet is that while they both retain their heat well, carbon steel adjusts its temperature more readily which allows you to sear a delicate meat like a chicken breast then reduce the heat to a more controlled temperature to prevent overcooking. Cast iron holds its heat but does not adjust that readily which makes it more appropriate for grilling meats.

Furthermore, because of the smoothness of the surface of carbon steel, it’s more ideal for cooking delicate things like eggs or fish or scallops.

Keep in mind that like cast iron, carbon steel does not do well with acidic foods. The good news with both cast iron and carbon steel is that if you do happen to compromise your seasoning, you can re-season your pans. It is a process that does take time and effort on your part, but the reward of a well-seasoned pan that is non-stick is well worth it all. I have two beautiful pans from DeBuyer, and they are both excellent.

Side note- if you plan to store your carbon steel or cast iron skillets for any length of time, it is a good idea to just wipe them down with a little oil to prevent any rust. Both types of skillets are resistant to corrosion and rust, but there is a process that helps keep them at their optimal. I use both my carbon steel and my cast iron so often that I have never had to resort to that sort of storage, but I’ve read it’s the wise way to go if you do.

Another side note- because a carbon steel skillet is made with a combination of iron and tiny bit of carbon, when you cook your food, a small amount of iron can secretes from pan to food which is beneficial for your health.

Stainless Steel

What’s the best thing about a stainless steel skillet? I does not rust at all. Put it away and don’t touch it for six months and when you do, there will be nary a speck of rust or corrosion on the surface.

And, want to make a quick tomato sauce of some pasta? Chuck those tomatoes in a stainless steel skillet and have not a single worry or care. Stainless steel is non-reactive to acidic foods.

Stainless steel pans do not need to be seasoned, but they are also not non-stick, so avoid cooking eggs in them. If you’ve made a stir-fry and bits and pieces of food are stuck to the bottom of you pan, deglazing will go a long ways to helping you when you have to clean them.

When you’re looking for a stainless steel pan, make sure to check for either a layer of copper or aluminum sandwich between layers of stainless steel. Why? Because stainless steel on it’s own is not a good conductor of heat. By adding a layer of conductive metal like copper or aluminum, you’re ensuring an even heating of the pan. This process of adding a layer of conductive metal is often referred to as all-clad. There is also a brand called All-Clad that brags about its conductive stainless steel pans. Why? Because they’re really good. I have two All-Clad stainless steel skillets and I use each one often.

We all have those odd gifts that we need to get each year. Whether it’s a Secret Santa or something small for a newly acquired relative or friends, we have an obligation to give a small gift that is something generally everyone finds useful. When it comes to kitchen gadgets, there are safe bets that nearly everyone is happy to get because they are used a lot and from time to time need to be replaced.

Spatulas

I’m including a video from Weird Al Yankovic’s film UHF about Spatula City just so we can all have a little laugh. What this video points to is that spatulas are used often in everyone’s kitchen. You have spatulas from flipping pancakes and eggs and you have spatulas for scrapping down the sides of bowls while you’re concocting baking creations. Both are utilized in kitchens the world over. At Christmas time it’s not uncommon to find ones with holiday themes, too. Here’s a link to a variety of Holiday themed spatula sets found on Amazon.

Kitchen Towels

Whether decorative towels with cute sayings or designs on them or utilitarian towels like flour sack towels, kitchen towels are always a good gift. I happen to really love flour sack towels because they are very absorbent and easily laundered. They comes in handy for drying dishes and hands to wiping down counters and stove tops at the end of the day. Flour sack towels are not expensive, either. While they may sound like a plain gift, they are a really usable one. Here’s a link to Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels where you will find a variety of flour sack towels that could make lovely gifts.

Wooden Utensils

Wooden utensils are my favorite utensils to cook with. I use a wooden spoon for nearly everything. If you frequent places like T.J. Maxx or Home Good, you can find a bundle of wooden utensils that have different shapes. That’s where I got mine and I use them all. They are well loved. Here’s a link to a variety of different wooden utensils that are available on Amazon. However, I would encourage you to explore other options locally as wooden utensils are common and local businesses can always use your business.

Now, I’m sure that there are a variety of different tools out there that I have overlooked. The ones I’ve written about today are ones that I know first hand have been greatly used and appreciated in my kitchen. I hope that this post has gotten you percolating with all sorts of ideas for gifts.

Is there any kitchen tool or implement that you think I should have included? Please drop a note in the comment section to let me know.