20 Kitchen Tools That Professional Chefs Actually Use
A list of essential kitchen tools that professional chefs use to create culinary masterpieces.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Professional chefs rely on specific kitchen tools that make their cooking fast and precise. These tools are their secret weapons in transforming every dish into a culinary adventure. Whether you’re a home cook or an aspiring chef, these tools will take your kitchen game to the next level.
1. High-Quality Chef’s Knife
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A sharp, durable chef’s knife is the most essential tool for any professional chef. If you give them a mediocre knife, they might end up frustrated, resulting in uneven cuts, slower prep time, and a greater risk of accidents. Invest in a high-quality knife for smoother, safer slicing, chopping, and dicing.
2. Flexible Spatula
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A flexible spatula helps flipping delicate foods like fish, pancakes, or scrambled eggs. It ensures that foods don’t break apart and can be used for cooking and serving.
3. Nonstick Frying Pan
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Nonstick pans are a must-have for delicate dishes like eggs, fish, and crepes, where sticking could ruin everything. These pans usually need a small amount of oil, which could be a healthier choice. They also have a scratch-resistance feature to withstand regular use without losing effectiveness.
4. Cast Iron Skillet
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A cast-iron skillet is prized for its superior heat retention and even cooking, which is ideal for searing meats and vegetables. It’s a kitchen multitasker that can be transitioned from stovetop to oven to finish dishes under broil or bake. Over time, cast-iron skillets develop a natural nonstick surface.
5. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Stainless steel mixing bowls are a chef’s go-to for their unmatched durability, lightweight feel, and resistance to stains and odors. They are available in multiple sizes, ideal for whisking sauces to tossing salads, and even safe for use with electric mixers.
6. Vegetable Peeler
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A sharp vegetable peeler is essential for quick, efficient peeling, which helps achieve smooth, even pieces for consistent cooking. It also minimizes food waste by removing only the skin without removing much flesh. Many peelers also come with ergonomic handles to reduce hand strain when peeling fruits and vegetables.
7. Box Grater
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A box grater is a tool with multiple grating surfaces for fine zesting, coarse shredding, and more. Chefs rely on it to shred cheese for melting, grate vegetables for salads, and zest citrus for added brightness in recipes. It’s easy to handle and can be used widely with various ingredients.
8. Wooden Cutting Board
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A sturdy wooden cutting board is ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing without dulling knife blades. Its large surface provides room for prep, and wood’s natural antibacterial properties make it a hygienic choice in the kitchen.
9. Whisk
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A whisk is essential for mixing smooth ingredients smoothly and incorporating air into recipes. This is perfect for whipping cream and fluffy scrambled eggs. Look for a stainless-steel version for durability and ease of cleaning.
10. Kitchen Tongs
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Kitchen tongs give chefs a safe, efficient way to flip and maneuver food without direct contact. They are used for grilling, sauteing, and serving and provide a secure grip and precise control.
11. Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Precise measurements are crucial in professional cooking, especially in baking. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy in liquid and dry ingredients to help chefs achieve consistent flavors and textures. Choose stainless steel or glass for durability and ease of cleaning.
12. Colander
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A colander is essential for draining pasta, washing vegetables, and rinsing grains. Its perforated design allows for fast, thorough draining, making it a time-saving tool for any chef. Look for a stainless-steel colander for durability and rust resistance.
13. Baking Sheet
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A baking sheet is not just for cookies; it’s ideal for roasting vegetables, baking pastries, and preparing sheet-pan dinners. Its flat, durable surface ensures even cooking, while a nonstick coating facilitates food release and cleanup.
14. Fine-Mesh Strainer
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A fine-mesh strainer is versatile. It is used for sifting flour, rinsing grains, and straining sauces to achieve smooth textures. Its small, tightly woven holes catch even the tiniest particles, making it perfect for recipe prep and finishing touches.
15. Digital Kitchen Scale
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A digital kitchen scale is essential for precision in professional cooking, especially when measuring ingredients by weight. It provides accurate measurements, ensuring recipe consistency and minimizing waste, making it a must-have tool for any serious chef.
16. Mortar and Pestle
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A mortar and pestle is a traditional tool for grinding herbs and spices to their natural oils and enhance flavor. It’s ideal for making fresh pastes, spice blends, and marinades, adding an authentic touch to dishes that pre-ground spices can’t achieve.
17. Kitchen Timer
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A kitchen timer is crucial for precisely tracking cook times, especially for time-sensitive recipes. While many chefs use built-in timers on appliances, a dedicated kitchen timer offers the flexibility to monitor multiple tasks simultaneously.
18. Oven Mitts
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Oven mitts protect chefs from burns when handling hot cookware and bakeware. A good pair should offer a firm grip, heat resistance, and flexibility, making it easier and safer to manage hot dishes straight from the oven or stovetop.
19. Meat Thermometer
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A meat thermometer ensures that proteins are cooked to the perfect internal temperature, which enhances safety and taste. This tool is handy for meats like poultry, where precise doneness is critical to avoid under- or overcooking.
20. Garlic Press
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A garlic press quickly minces garlic with minimal effort, releasing its full flavor without the mess of manual chopping. It’s a time-saver in professional kitchens, ensuring finely crushed garlic in seconds, ideal for enhancing sauces, marinades, and savory dishes.