Professional cooks rely on a few key tools to streamline their work, and these aren’t always the expensive gadgets you might expect. Here’s what top food editors recommend, and why they make a difference.
The Versatile Potato Masher
A humble potato masher isn’t just for mashed potatoes. According to Kristina Razon, Deputy Food Editor, it’s a multi-purpose tool: mashing beans, avocados for guacamole, and even breaking up ground beef. Its versatility saves time and reduces the need for extra equipment. Christine Gallary, a Senior Recipe Editor, uses hers for bananas when making banana bread.
This highlights how simple tools can be adapted for a wider range of tasks.
The Mini Offset Spatula: Frosting and Beyond
Forget butter knives for frosting. A mini offset spatula (available for as little as $7) provides a cleaner, more professional finish. Patty Catalano, Food Editor, also uses it to remove baked goods from muffin tins, loosen edges, and even flip pancakes. It’s a small investment that drastically improves presentation and efficiency.
The Microplane Zester: A Grating Game-Changer
The Microplane Premium Classic Zester isn’t just hype. It’s a favorite among pros for zesting citrus, grating cheese, and even handling frozen butter for flaky biscuits. Lindsay Funston, Editor-in-Chief, considers it indispensable. Its convenience and ease of cleaning (dishwasher-safe) make it a clear winner over bulky box graters.
The Bench Scraper: A Kitchen Life-Saver
Lindsay Funston calls it “life-changing.” Christine Gallary uses plastic curved scrapers for scooping dough out of bowls and flat metal ones for cutting and moving dough. They also protect knives by preventing them from scraping against cutting boards when transferring food. Both types are available for under $10.
This demonstrates how a simple tool can improve workflow and protect more expensive equipment.
The Condiment Spreader: Efficiency in Every Swipe
For spreading condiments, nut butter, jam, and more, a dedicated spreader beats a butter knife every time. Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn, Food Editor, explains it’s about surface area : spreaders pick up more product in one go, reducing trips back for refills. At just $5, it’s an inexpensive upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.
“Work smarter, not harder,” as Andrea puts it.
These tools prove that professional kitchens aren’t about extravagance. They’re about efficiency, versatility, and choosing the right tool for the job, no matter how simple it may seem. By investing in these essentials, anyone can elevate their cooking experience.
