3 Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Getting Back to Basics
You’ve heard of the saying keep it simple? That couldn’t be more on point than in the kitchen. Many of our kitchens are overflowing with kitchen gadgets that we’ve only used once (or even worse–never used at all). Whether you are looking to downsize, get organized, make weeknight dinners more streamlined, or all of the above, it’s time to get back to basics in the kitchen.
That doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of your cast iron pan collection or your Vitamix, but boil it down to the essence of what kitchen gadgets you really need. We turned to some expert chefs in-the-know about what’s really necessary for a well-appointed kitchen.
The Essential Kitchen Gadgets According to the Experts
1. Food Processor
Unitaskers need not apply, a food processor is really all one needs to shred, chop, and blend for most dishes. According to Andrea Nordby, head chef of Purple Carrot, the plant-based meal kit company, “Food processors are one of the best tools to have on hand – especially when experimenting with plant-based foods, sauces, and various ingredients that need to be brought together quickly, easily, and without the hassle and mess.” Instead of wasting money on the latest gadgets, invest in a quality processor like the workhorse Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor.
2. Pressure Cooker
Once only the truly bravest among the home cooks would use a pressure cooker; however, the latest developments in pressure cookers have proven that anyone can use one. Certainly the most versatile and recently insta-famous is the Instant Pot. Pizza Patrón Corporate Chef Andy Wittman, is firmly in the Instant Pot camp. “Fairly inexpensive, this thing is a multitasking powerhouse. Cooks perfect rice and beef stew in 45 minutes, as tender as if it had been simmering all day. Short ribs, marinara, homemade yoghurt, pot roast—this thing can do it all, quickly and safely.” We couldn’t agree more and recommend the 7-in-1 Instant Pot model and a good place to start.
3. A Good Knife
Forget about all those specialty kitchen gadgets designed to slice, chop, julienne, and zoodle vegetables, all you really need is a high-quality chef knife (and YouTube videos to learn some basic techniques). Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, physician, nutritionist, and a certified natural gourmet chef, is a fan of Usaba knives. “Having a good knife is the key and foundation of good cooking. Most people are not aware of an Usuba knife let alone a good knife. Cutting vegetables can be a completely different experience with the right tool. Usuba means thin blade in Japanese and this special knife can cut about any type of veggie with ease and precision.” Give the highly-rated Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife a try.
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