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Kitchen Essentials
By an Amazon.com customer
Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox HandleVictorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $27.99
In kitchen tests, this knife bested brands that cost four times as much. Blade is nicely curved and sharp. Molded plastic handle is comfortable and remains secure, even when hands are wet or greasy. Sturdy and well balanced.
Architec The Gripper 11-by-14-Inch Non-Slip Cutting Board, White/GraphiteArchitec The Gripper 11-by-14-Inch Non-Slip Cutting Board, White/Graphite
Buy new: $14.95
Equipped with dozens of counter-gripping rubber feet, this board stays anchored to the counter.
Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 12-Inch Omelet PanCalphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 12-Inch Omelet Pan
Buy new: $95.00
"Really shines when it heats up for heavy searing and browning. Onions and crêpes, both cooked at moderate heat, were a tad pale but still acceptable. Easy to lift and maneuver." For a cheaper alternative search for "Wolfgang Puck Bistro 12-Inch Open Omelet Pan."
Lodge Logic 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned SkilletLodge Logic 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Buy new: $13.76
"This heavy pan creates a great crust on steaks and corn bread, and with a few uses it will become almost as good as nonstick, so you can scramble or fry eggs with ease. Wash with hot water (no soap or scrubbers), dry thoroughly, and rub with oil to keep rusting at bay."
CookwareCookware
"Because of its sleek lines and nimble performance, testers likened this pan to a sports car. The comfortable squared handle and internal measurement markings were big hits. Even though this pan is relatively light, a thicker-than-usual bottom ensured even cooking."
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Stainless 8-Quart Stock Pot with CoverCuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Stainless 8-Quart Stock Pot with Cover
"This nice pot with decent heft was easy to use, and the thick bottom prevented food—even chili—from scorching in our kitchen tests."
Lincoln Foodservice 5314 12-7/8-by-17-3/4-Inch Heavy-Duty Sheet PanLincoln Foodservice 5314 12-7/8-by-17-3/4-Inch Heavy-Duty Sheet Pan
Buy new: $16.19
“Perfect” cookies, oven fries, and jellyroll in this “flawless” pan. Pork produced “lots of fat but no worries about spilling—pan is solid as a rock.” Jellyroll browned and released perfectly. Pan can’t be twisted, did not warp. “The search is over.”