Five Affordable Kitchen Must-Haves

We've all experienced the frustration of using subpar kitchen tools that just don't cut it.

That's why I am letting you on the secret tools ALL chefs have and use regularly.

Having the right tools in the kitchen is crucial for novice and experienced cooks alike.

These 5 kitchen essentials can streamline your cooking process, to get you in and out of the kitchen and on with your day.

Now let's dive into the nitty gritty of why I love these 5 items and never cook without them.

Top 5 Kitchen Essentials:

1. Mandoline

2. Microplane: Zester

3. Box Grater

4. Swiss Vegetable Peeler

5. Microplane: Ribbon Grater

1. Mandoline: Precision Slicing Made Easy

I know these have a scary reputation, but trust me your fingers will be fine, and if you're nervous wear a cut glove.

This may not be the flashiest model on the market, but it is thee mandoline we use in all professional kitchens. (I've been in a lot of them and I've never seen another brand prefered to this one)

I whip mine out for thin sliced cucumbers, shaving zucchini longwise for lasana zoodles, slicing even discs of eggplant for eggplant parm, carrots and radish for salad etc.

Benriner Japanese Vegetable Slicer

• Durability and Precision: Crafted from handcrafted Japanese stainless steel blades and BPA-free plastic, this mandoline is built to last.

  
  

  Don't put this through the dishwasher and your blade will stay SHARP!

  
  

• Versatility at Your Fingertips: It comes equipped with one fixed straight blade and three interchangeable blades - coarse, medium, and fine tooth. This range allows for wide slices, chunky cuts, and exceptionally narrow julienne strips, catering to all your culinary needs.

  
  

• Customizable Options: Available in 3 sizes classic, super slicer, and extra wide as well as their old version

This mandoline is not just a tool; it's a gateway to elevating your culinary creations, ensuring every slice is a testament to precision and care.

2. Microplane: Zest and Grate with Ease

Trust me you need this in your kitchen.

The microplane has a slim design so don't worry about it crowding your precious drawer space.

I wouldn't even consider testing an alternative brand, this product is built to last. I've been heavily using mine for over a decade and it is just now reaching the point of needing replacing. (And mind you I am a professional chef, and use mine far more than the common house cook)

A microplane is ideal for grating parmesan, zesting citrus, mincing ginger, garlic and turmeric, or sprinkling nutmeg onto a cup of coffee.

Microplane Premium Classic Series

• Unmatched Sharpness: Crafted in the USA from surgical-grade stainless steel, this microplane promises exceptional durability and rust-resistance. Its blades maintain their keen edge, ensuring precision in every zest and grate.

• Ease of Cleaning: While it stands up to the dishwasher, I advocate for hand washing to preserve the blade's sharpness longer. A gentle scrub under warm water does the trick, keeping it ready for its next use.

Incorporating the microplane into your culinary routine can significantly enhance the flavors and textures of your dishes. Its reliability for consistent results makes it an invaluable tool for cooks aiming to elevate their kitchen craft.

3. Box Grater: For More Than Just Cheese

Efficiency in the kitchen often comes down to having the right tools for the job, and the box grater stands out as a must-have for any cook. Its simplicity belies its versatility, making it a go-to for grating cheese, carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and more. When faced with smaller tasks that don't warrant the setup of a food processor, the box grater offers a hassle-free alternative.

Featuring four versatile sides - coarse, medium, and fine graters, plus a slicer - this tool caters to a variety of needs. Though I find myself primarily using the coarse and medium settings for most of my culinary projects, I reserve zesting and slicing for the microplane and mandoline, respectively. This strategic division of labor among my kitchen tools maximizes efficiency and outcome.

Cheese Box Grater

• Economic Efficiency: Priced at just $12.99, this box grater is a testament to the idea that you don't need to spend a lot to get a lot. It's capable of handling nearly all your grating and slicing requirements without breaking the bank.

• Thoughtful Design: Designed with the user in mind, it features a contoured handle and a broad base that make grating even a dense block of cheese feel effortless. Additionally, the inclusion of a removable rubber bottom ensures stability on the countertop and keeps your grated ingredients contained.

• Versatile: Featuring four sides - coarse, medium, and fine graters, plus a slicer - this tool caters to a variety of needs.

This Box Grater has been a valuable tool one of my top used tools in my kitchen since 2018. The design not only stands as a testament to functional, economical kitchen design but also underscores the importance of simplicity and effectiveness in cooking tools. It proves that even the most basic utensils can have a significant impact on your cooking efficiency and enjoyment.

4.  The only vegetable peeler you need

This is thee peeler you will find in all restaurant kitchens. The simple y design comes in a 3 pack, cause chefs are notorious for misplacing or lending out their peeler on the line.

At home it's always a good idea to have more than one peeler so you can rope in others to help out in the kitchen.

But the magic of a good peeler doesn't stop at just potatoes and carrots. Its versatility extends far beyond what one might expect.

Have you ever considered using a peeler for slicing hard cheeses, like parmesan, directly over a Caesar salad? Or effortlessly removing the peel from a mango, the tough exterior of a butternut squash, or crafting delicate carrot ribbons? The possibilities are endless.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler: 3 pack

All-Purpose Design: The Y peeler configuration is meticulously designed to handle both hard and soft fruits and vegetables, making it a versatile tool for any peeling task.

Razor-Sharp Efficiency: Equipped with carbon steel blades, this peeler ensures maximum smoothness in peeling with minimal waste, embodying efficiency in every swipe.

Maintenance Made Simple: Although dishwasher safe, hand washing this peeler with warm, soapy water is recommended to preserve its sharpness and longevity.

5. Microplane Ribbon Grater: Perfect for parmesan or chocolate

Expanding on the capabilities of the traditional microplane zester, the Microplane Ribbon Grater is ideal for garnishing a dish.

Aside from shaving parmesan this tool makes shaving garlic, a breeze. You can easily get away with only one zester but this one is ideal when you want more than powered snow in a dish.

Microplane Gourmet Series Ribbon Grater

• Optimal for a Range of Ingredients: Creates a ribbon-like textures that add an extra layer of complexity to any dish.

• Precision and Durability: Proudly made in the USA, the ultra-sharp blades are crafted from high-grade US stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and effortless grating.

• Thoughtful Design: Featuring a non-slip base and frame, the grater guarantees stability during use. The ergonomic soft handle provides comfort, making the grating process a breeze.

• Maintenance Made Easy: While it is dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to maintain the blade's sharpness over time, ensuring that your grater remains a key player in your kitchen arsenal for years to come.

Conclusion: 5 Must have kitchen tools for slicing, grating, and zesting

Using the right tool for the job is a saying in and out of the kitchen

Each tool, with its unique capabilities, ensures that precision, ease, and versatility are at your fingertips, making meal preparation not just simpler but also more enjoyable.

Mush love,

Mikaela