Listmania!
Necessary Kitchen Tools
By an Amazon.com customer
Microplane Grater/ZesterMicroplane Grater/Zester
Buy new: $11.07
I use this zester/grater all the time! It's the perfect tool for getting zest from citrus fruit, grating parmesan, hard cheeses, nutmeg or fresh ginger. Indispensable!
Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned SkilletLodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Buy new: $20.69 / Used from: $16.99
My 12-inch cast iron skillet is always in use. Once a cast iron skillet is well seasoned, it is almost as good as a non-stick skillet: browns things perfectly, easy to clean, and can go from the stove top to the oven safely.
Kitchenaid Silicone Spatula Set RED KM429ERKitchenaid Silicone Spatula Set RED KM429ER
Buy new: $19.99
These rubber spatula's are durable, easy to clean, very flexible, and heat resistant to 500 degrees so they can even be used to stir hot liquids. The most versatile tool in my kitchen.
Totally Bamboo Hana Cutting BoardTotally Bamboo Hana Cutting Board
Buy new: $12.99
Bamboo cutting boards are made from sustainable wood and therefore better for the environment but they are also attractive, easy to maintain, and very durable.
Joyce Chen Pro-Chef 14-Inch Round Bottom Wok with Wood HandlesJoyce Chen Pro-Chef 14-Inch Round Bottom Wok with Wood Handles
I use this wok all the time. It can be used to deep fry wontons, simmer soup or broth, steam veggies or cook up a large stir fry. When well seasoned it's almost as good as a cast-iron skillet.
Oxo Good Grips Swivel PeelerOxo Good Grips Swivel Peeler
Buy new: $7.99
The most comfortable peeler I've ever held and also has a very sharp, wide blade to get the job done fast.
Oxo Good Grips Salad SpinnerOxo Good Grips Salad Spinner
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $17.98
I not only use this to rinse and crisp salads, but also store the cleaned salad in the spinner with a little water on the bottom. It keeps salad fresh for a long time. This spinner works very smoothly and easily even after years of use.
Oxo Good Grips Garlic PressOxo Good Grips Garlic Press
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $13.99
I cook with fresh garlic almost daily so I need one that works quickly and efficiently. I've found presses with rubber handles are the easiest to use and surprisingly durable too.
Joyce Chen Burnished Bamboo 5-Piece Utensil SetJoyce Chen Burnished Bamboo 5-Piece Utensil Set
Buy new: $11.95
You can't beat bamboo spoons for beauty, durability and comfort of use. I have several and I sometimes end up using them all.
Oxo Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs with Nylon HeadsOxo Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs with Nylon Heads
Buy new: $11.50
I only have one pair of these tongs but am seriously considering buy another pair. I use them to serve pasta, turn meat while cooking, remove blanched vegetables from hot water, and much more. The locking mechanism on these is easy to use so that they store flat but easily stay open during use.
Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn PopperBack to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $7.75
This bowl has been a lifesaver for me! I love freshly popped popcorn, but didn't have room to store a cumbersome popcorn popper. This bowl takes up little space in the cabinet and turns out perfectly popped corn from the microwave without having to resort to pre-flavored, over-salted bagged popcorn.
Anchor Hocking 10-Piece Mixing Bowl Value SetAnchor Hocking 10-Piece Mixing Bowl Value Set
Buy new: $39.99
I have a set of mixing bowls similar to these and find the various sizes to be so handy. I also like that they nest together to save on cabinet space.
Pyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red MeasurementsPyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Measurements
Buy new: $4.79
I love these new measuring cups that allow you to accurately measure liquids without having to bend over. This one also has a handy plastic lid if you need to store batter or other goodies in it.
Norpro 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Whisk SetNorpro 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Whisk Set
Buy new: $19.99
I think it is necessary to have at least 3 different sizes of whisks in a well-stocked kitchen. Sometimes you just need to whip up one egg, but at other times you may want a longer handle to whisk a custard or other hot liquid on the stove.
Scandicrafts Ceramic Measuring Spoons, Set of 4Scandicrafts Ceramic Measuring Spoons, Set of 4
A good set of measuring spoons is definitely a kitchen necessity and these ones are attractive as well as useful!
Oxo Good Grips 3-Inch Mini StrainerOxo Good Grips 3-Inch Mini Strainer
Buy new: $7.99
Most of us have a large strainer in our kitchen, for draining pasta or rinsing fruit, but I've found it's also useful to have this 3-inch one for smaller tasks. Also, the tight mesh sometimes really comes in handy.