Listmania!
Essentials for the Efficient Kitchen
By an Amazon.com customer
Preserve Small Colander, GreenPreserve Small Colander, Green
Buy new: $9.99
A small colander perfect for straining single servings of pasta, washing berries, etc.
Preserve Large Cutting Board, GreenPreserve Large Cutting Board, Green
Buy new: $12.98
A thick plastic cutting board that works well for large cutting tasks. Environmentally friendly recycled plastic. Will last forever and is easy on knives.
Preserve Cutting Board - Small - Apple Green (Pack of 3)Preserve Cutting Board - Small - Apple Green (Pack of 3)
Buy new: $31.99
Not sure why Amazon doesn't carry these individually packaged. One will endure years of daily use. This is my day to day cutting board. Similar to larger Preserve board, but perfectly sized for smaller cutting tasks when making sandwiches, salads, omelets, etc. Easy to clean in a small sink.
J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 2-Piece Hollow Edge Santoku SetJ.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 2-Piece Hollow Edge Santoku Set
Buy new: $19.99
I usually reach for a santoku when I need to slice or dice. These two knives will take care of 95% of cutting tasks. While they are at the low end of the Henckels line, they have served me well. I use the 5 inch knife 80% of the time. Keep sharp with the Accusharp and they will be the best twenty dollars you've spent on your kitchen.
Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife with Large HandleVictorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife with Large Handle
Buy new: $5.99
The other essential knife for every kitchen. This particular paring knife bested much more expensive competitors in testing by Cooks Illustrated. You can't go wrong for seven bucks.
AccuSharp 001 Knife SharpenerAccuSharp 001 Knife Sharpener
Buy new: $9.94
Dull knives equal injuries. This is the best and most inexpensive way to keep your knives slicing and dicing safely. Foolproof and easy to use.
Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red MeasurementsPyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Measurements
Buy new: $6.99
An absolute classic. Every kitchen should have one of these. Perfect for any liquid measuring task. Microwaveable.
Chef'n Palm Peeler PP CDUChef'n Palm Peeler PP CDU
Buy used from: $6.00
Most innovative and intuitive peeler design. Makes peeling potatoes, cucumbers, and carrots a breeze.
Oxo Good Grips 9-Inch WhiskOxo Good Grips 9-Inch Whisk
Buy new: $8.99
Well made whisk by OXO. Perfect for whipping up a few eggs for an omelet. Comfortable rubber handle.
Microplane Grater/ZesterMicroplane Grater/Zester
Buy new: $11.07
Best all purpose grater available. Sharp unlike any other. High quality typical of the brand.
Amco Swing-A-Way 407WH Portable Can Opener, WhiteAmco Swing-A-Way 407WH Portable Can Opener, White
Buy new: $8.99
Every kitchen needs one. Basic and does the job.
Circulon 2 Hard-Anodized Aluminum 3 Quart Nonstick Saucepot with LidCirculon 2 Hard-Anodized Aluminum 3 Quart Nonstick Saucepot with Lid
Buy new: $39.99
Basic pot for all your pasta, soup, etc. needs.
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with CoverCuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Cover
Buy new: $19.95
Perfect for heating pasta sauce.
Chef'n SleekStor Veggie Steam Silicone Steamer, CherryChef'n SleekStor Veggie Steam Silicone Steamer, Cherry
Buy new: $9.86
Use in 3 quart pot for steaming cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, etc. Works well, won't scratch the inside of your pot.
Oxo Good Grips Large Wooden SpoonOxo Good Grips Large Wooden Spoon
Buy new: $4.99
Perfect for pasta.
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Stainless 8-Inch Open SkilletCuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Stainless 8-Inch Open Skillet
Buy new: $24.99
An excellent skillet. Fits three eggs perfectly.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless 10-Inch Open SkilletCuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless 10-Inch Open Skillet
Buy new: $39.75 / Used from: $36.99
Excellent for tasks requiring a larger skillet.
SoftWorks Little Salad and Herb SpinnerSoftWorks Little Salad and Herb Spinner
Buy new: $24.99 / Used from: $12.99
Spins enough leafy greens for two.
Braun WK200W Aqua Express Electric Water Kettle, WhiteBraun WK200W Aqua Express Electric Water Kettle, White
Mine is still going strong after four years of daily use.
RSVP Spice Measuring Spoon, Set of 6RSVP Spice Measuring Spoon, Set of 6
Buy new: $18.46
Fit well in the small openings to spice containers.
Trudeau 5-Piece Measuring-Cup SetTrudeau 5-Piece Measuring-Cup Set
Buy new: $4.99
Inexpensive set for dry measure.
Vic Firth French Rolling PinVic Firth French Rolling Pin
Buy new: $13.95
Manufactured by a renowned maker of drumsticks, this rolling pin is well made, simple, and easy to use. No moving parts, tapered ends allow for some finesse when rolling out finicky doughs.
Oxo Good Grips Dough BlenderOxo Good Grips Dough Blender
Buy new: $7.99
An essential for pie crust.
OXO Good Grips 1169600 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, Blue/Green/YellowOXO Good Grips 1169600 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, Blue/Green/Yellow
Buy new: $24.99
Well designed set of three plastic mixing bowls. Work well for mixing salads, baking, etc. Rubber bottoms prevent slippage on small kitchen workspaces.