We're not just talking about craft tools here, we're talking about kitchen items that are essential in every home. Take a look around your kitchen right now and you'll see what I mean. You'll find all sorts of spoons, forks, and even some strange kitchen gadgets that you've never even heard of. Let's take a closer look at each of these items and why you need to own them.
Scoppers
You won't need a reason to own scoops, these days. Everyone uses them and they're a dime a dozen, so it's not like you'll ever run out of them. What is important is making the right choice and knowing what kind of scoops you should avoid like the plague. Sometimes cheaper is not always better, and in this case, it really isn't. If you are looking to buy a cheap Chinese made scooper, then you better put down the tongs because these babies are shit compared to the ones made in America. Don't bother trying to use a Chinese made scooper for anything more than sweeping popcorn, as the plastic and metal are bound to warp after just a couple of use-cases. Even the warranty won't help you if the company you purchased it from goes belly-up. Don't even get me started on the brand name issues with those types of scoopers…
A good solid scooper is made of thick metal and has a good strong handle that is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. Check out these beauties and see why they were created in the first place:
- Scooper
- Stainless steel
- 16 inches
- Solid steel
- Heavy-duty nylon belt
- Made in the USA
scissors and spatulas
If you've ever cooked or baked anything even mildly delicate, then you know the value of a good spatula. Everyone has one at the ready in their kitchen and it's almost certain that you've used one at least once. What are they good for? Baking, of course, but you can also use them to mix, stir, or fold dressings and such. You'll find many different sizes and styles of spatulas and it's important to know which one you need for the task at hand.
As with the previous item, there are some absolute junk ones that you should avoid like the plague. The cheapest ones won't even make it to your kitchen, due to the lack of quality control and the fact that they're probably made in China. The best bet is going to be a durable good quality brand that you can use for years and years of heavy duty use. If you are in the market for a new spatula, then take a look at these options:
- 8 inches
- 10 inches
- 8 inch steel
- 16 inches
- 10 inches thick
- Stainless steel
- Basket-weave pattern
Tongs
We all use tongs all the time, but we don't always know it. You'll find them at the supermarket, the gas station, even some of the coffee shops around town. What are they used for? Well, to start with, you can remove chicken breasts from a roasting pan, simply by grasping them with the tongs and pulling away. Or, if you're a little less ambitious, you can use them to remove meat from a grill. There, now you know why you needed them in the first place. Now, let's take a look at some of the reasons why you shouldn't own tongs.
- Microwaves generally have a limited temperature range, so if you put food in it and turn it on, it can only heat so high before the plastic begins to melt.
- Tongs made of plastic are almost always inferior to metal ones, as they'll break after just a couple of uses
- Most metal tongs are designed for specific purposes and can be used for other tasks as well, such as stirring, mixing, or kneading dough
You'll want to invest in a good set of tongs if you plan on using them often, as they can really become dull and unusable with constant heavy use. If you need a new set of tongs, then take a look at these options:
- 18 inches
- Stainless steel
- Pellet-tip pattern
- Made in the USA
- Basket-weave pattern
Rings
You'll find these items in the form of either a flat wire ring or a thick metal ring. We're not talking about those cheesy, plastic looking rings that people wear on their pinky and such, but the real deal, the kind attached to a glove or the handlebars of a bike. Rings are mainly used for decoration and as a final touch on a bouquet or an arrangement. They can also be attached to various items, such as pans, for decorative purposes.
What is important is having a decent ring and knowing what it is used for. Some people use the flat wire rings to decorate their cakes and pastries, for example. But you'll mostly see thicker rings attached to bike handlebars. When purchasing a ring, make sure that its size is appropriate for the task at hand and that the material is strong enough for the amount of use that you'll put it through.
Decent rings can be found cheaply and cheaply, but it's important to know the difference. If you need a new ring, then take a look at these options:
- 10 inches
- Tungsten
- 14Karat gold
- 7-8 inchers
- 18 inches
- 21 inches
Pizza Cutter
We all know what pizza cutters are used for, but sometimes we don't really think about it. That is, cutting the pizza into slices. This tool is definitely one of the most essential kitchen gadgets there is and you'll want to own at least two of them. As with the previous item, let's take a look at some of the reasons why you need a pizza cutter and why you shouldn't own one.
- To cut large quantities of pizza in a short amount of time
- To ensure even slices (this can be a challenge when you're using an unevenly sized cutting surface)
- For those who like their pizza on the crispy side
- To make sure that the cheese is melty and fully covers the crust (this is especially important if you're using low-quality mozzarella)
It's always a challenge to get every bit of pizza out of the box without having some remain, especially when you're using an inefficient knife or a dull one at that. Also, what is the point in having a nice, sharp knife, if you're not going to use it? Owning a pizza cutter is all the more important if you're a pizza enthusiast who really, really likes to eat their pie piping hot and crispy. If you're looking for a new pizza cutter, then take a look at these options:
- 9 inches
- 5 inches
- Tungsten carbide
- Made in Japan
Grater
You'll find many different types of graters in the kitchen and you'll surely have used most of them. What are they used for? Well, to start with, you can use a grater to grate cheese or other soft, creamy foods. You'll also find some handy for removing the excess crunch from potato chips or carrots, as well as for quickly and easily slicing bread in advance, so when it comes time to eat, it's already done.
What is important is knowing which one to purchase and which one to avoid. You'll find that there are some gimmicky, cheap models that will quickly lose their appeal after you've used them just a few times. Also, ensure that the material is strong enough to withstand the continuous strain that you'll place on it and that it's sharp enough to cut through whatever you're grating or slicing.