Listmania!
Buy Smart, Cook Smart
By an Amazon.com customer
All-Clad Stainless 3-Quart Saucier PanAll-Clad Stainless 3-Quart Saucier Pan
Buy new: $150.00
The absolute workhorse of my kitchen. I've used this for everything from sauces to baking cornbread. I prefer a saucier to a saucepan, and All Clad makes the best.
Lodge Pro-Logic Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch SkilletLodge Pro-Logic Pre-Seasoned 12-Inch Skillet
Buy new: $27.99
A close 2nd for the rank of favorite kitchen vessel. Treat it well, and it will do anything for you! Try katom.com
Victorinox Cutlery 10-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox HandleVictorinox Cutlery 10-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
Buy new: $26.99
Somebody told you that you need to fork over an entire paycheck for a really great knife? WRONG! Give this one a try - you'll love it!
Victorinox Paring Knife Black Handle (40600FR) Category: Paring KnivesVictorinox Paring Knife Black Handle (40600FR) Category: Paring Knives
Try eBay and cadcutlery.com for great prices if Amazon doesn't carry these anymore.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round French Oven, RedLe Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round French Oven, Red
Buy new: $209.99
Pick the size based on how large a family you're serving. Pick your color based on your attitude! And check eBay for $$ half off or better.
Microplane Grater/ZesterMicroplane Grater/Zester
Buy new: $11.95 / Used from: $10.99
I love this thing for everything from fresh parmesan to nutmeg.
Oxo Good Grips Swivel PeelerOxo Good Grips Swivel Peeler
Buy new: $7.99
Another Cook's Illustrated favorite.
KitchenAid KFP600 11-Cup Ultra Power Food Processor, Empire RedKitchenAid KFP600 11-Cup Ultra Power Food Processor, Empire Red
I LOVE mine - Once you get the knack of what this baby can do, you'll use it for everything. Look for a refurbished model on Amazon.
All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Fry PanAll-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Fry Pan
Buy new: $119.98
Another Cook's Illustrated favorite. I like my Calphalon "everyday" pan too. But I can't do the "flippy thing" with a skillet yet!
All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Nonstick Fry PanAll-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan
Buy new: $160.00
A Cook's Illustrated fave, but I prefer my $15.00 nonstick from a restaurant supply store. Try katom.com
Oxo Good Grips Salad SpinnerOxo Good Grips Salad Spinner
Buy new: $26.46 / Used from: $20.99
Another Cook's Illustrated fave.
Deni MT48 48 Blade Meat TenderizerDeni MT48 48 Blade Meat Tenderizer
Buy new: $29.95
Emeril had this on his show. Nifty little gizmo!
Cook's IllustratedCook's Illustrated
Buy new: $26.95
These guys also have a subscription to their website that's well worth the $$$ http://www.cooksillustrated.com/
Oster 6663 Designer 12-Speed Blender with Glass Jar, WhiteOster 6663 Designer 12-Speed Blender with Glass Jar, White
Buy new: $43.63
Also get a meat thermometer. And if you don't have one, a kitchen timer.
KitchenAid All Purpose Scraper, RedKitchenAid All Purpose Scraper, Red
I use this for everything - scraping off the counter, sectioning dough, even to help lift very soft cookies.
Oxo SteeL 8-Inch StrainerOxo SteeL 8-Inch Strainer
Buy new: $24.99
Rösle 10.6-Inch Egg WhiskRösle 10.6-Inch Egg Whisk
Buy new: $13.95
All-Clad Stainless Roti PanAll-Clad Stainless Roti Pan
Kitchenaid Poly Board Red 11 Inch x 14 InchKitchenaid Poly Board Red 11 Inch x 14 Inch
IMPORTANT - can go in the dishwasher! For anything that CAN'T be eaten raw, as Alton Brown would say!