The Ultimate Chef's Toolkit

A kitchen that is stocked well goes beyond having a pantry full of canned goods. A well-equipped kitchen has all the tools to turn out tasty and creative meals. A chef requires all the necessary tools in order to put together an appetizing meal, much in the same way that a carpenter requires more tools than just a hammer and screwdriver in order to custom build magnificent cabinets.

A good start is to invest in an impressive knife set. As well as having a good feel when you hold them, quality knives should be sharp and well balanced. It is important to stock a variety of sizes, from a small paring knife to a large chef's knife, as each serves a specific purpose.

The next most important pieces of equipment are pans, which should also be in a range of sizes. The pans should be weighted in such a way that they sit firmly on the burner. Pans constructed with copper or aluminum bottoms are best to transmit heat and react to changes in heat quickly. The handle must stay safely cool.

A food processor is necessary for every kitchen. I use my 14 cup processor constantly. It is a great help in the kitchen as it slices, chops, grates, and mixes. But since some foods are too small, you also need a mini-food processor. In just a few seconds you can mince a few cloves of garlic with the tiny processor. It's just right when you need to chop only a small amount of something. The perfect kitchen should contain both food processor sizes.

Small and large mixers are needed just as you need small and large food processors. Two batches of cookies can easily be mixed in the stand mixer without stressing the motor. It will be strong enough to easily mix stiff bread dough too. Accessories for a variety of functions are available for some models, such as a meat grinders or even an ice cream maker. A stand mixer is necessary, but a smaller hand-held mixer is just as essential. The hand mixer is perfect for removing lumps from gravies and sauces, beating eggs for that perfect French toast breakfast, or preparing some home made whipped cream to top off a delectable dessert. If the amount of food is small, use smaller tools.

You might be tempted to assume that two food processors and two mixers would satisfy all of your mixing needs, but you would be wrong. You also need to have the official "blender" in your kitchen. A blender with a tight-fitting lid is indeed a wonderful tool, as it keeps liquefied contents contained and ready for use in a matter of seconds. Also use blenders to chop ice, as this will save your food processor blade. One word is enough to justify the purchase of a blender: margarita!

These are the primary tools needed in the kitchen. There are numerous other small, miscellaneous tools, which you might find helpful in your kitchen tool arsenal. You may find that you need an instant read thermometer, a silicone spatula set, and a digital timer, just to mention a few. A chef is indeed happy when he finds a new gadget to add to his prized collection.