Recommended Kitchen Tools

A well-organised kitchen starts with the right tools. Explore my recommendations for preparing, cooking, and plating, with practical advice to help you choose what suits your kitchen.

Essential Kitchen Knives

Three useful knives for everyday preparation, from chopping herbs to peeling vegetables and slicing bread.

Chef’s Knife

For chopping herbs, slicing vegetables, and everyday preparation. Choose a knife that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand.

Paring Knife

For peeling, trimming, and detailed preparation. A small blade gives you control when working with fruit and vegetables.

For slicing crusty bread without crushing the soft centre. A serrated blade also works well for ripe tomatoes.

Bread Knife

Paring knife for detailed kitchen prep work

Serrated bread knife for clean precise cuts

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Essential Cooking Pans

Three useful pans for different cooking tasks, from searing and making sauces to gently cooking delicate ingredients.

Cast Iron Pan

For searing meat and building a golden crust. Cast iron holds heat well; allow it time to warm up before cooking.

Stainless-Steel Pan

For browning meat, sautéing vegetables, and making pan sauces. The browned juices left in the pan help build flavour when you deglaze.

For Fish, eggs, pancakes, and delicate ingredients that tend to stick. Use gentle to moderate heat and utensils that protect the coating.

Non-Stick Pan

Stainless steel pan for precise heat control and sauce making

Non-stick pan for delicate cooking such as eggs and fish

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Essential Prep Tools

Three practical tools for everyday preparation, from chopping ingredients to turning food and finely grating flavourful finishing touches.

Cutting Board

A stable surface for chopping, slicing, and everyday preparation. Choose a board with enough space to work comfortably and a surface that is easy to clean.

Tongs

For turning, lifting, and serving food with control. Choose tongs with a comfortable grip; silicone tips help protect non-stick cookware.

For finely grating citrus zest, hard cheese, garlic, and nutmeg. A sharp, fine grater adds flavour and delicate finishing touches to your dishes.

Microplane Fine Grater

Tongs Kitchen tongs for handling food with control and precision

Microplane grater for citrus zest and fine finishing touches

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Essential Plating & Finishing Tools

Simple tools for placing sauces, arranging garnishes, and finishing your dishes with care and control.

Sauce Ladle

For portioning and pouring sauces neatly onto the plate. A small ladle helps you serve a consistent amount with control.

Plating spoon for placing sauces and garnishes with control

Squeeze Bottle

For adding controlled dots, lines, and small amounts of sauce. A fine nozzle helps you work neatly and keep portions consistent.

For placing herbs, edible flowers, and delicate garnishes precisely. Fine tips help you position small ingredients without disturbing the rest of the plate.