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These are a few of my favorite things….
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Knives
Here is a page from the Reluctant Gourment on Choosing a Knife.
Here is another article from eGullet on Knives that explores the Carbon vs. Stainless Steel debate. .
These are the top knife choices from CookingCache.com, and a list of reviews.
And if you want to totally geek out reading about knife materials, check out this article
from Z knives. ..
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8 inch Chef’s Knives
The 8 inch chef’s knife is my choice for most tasks, especially chopping larger quantities. I prefer the western/German style, but many others like the thinner Japanese blade. ..
The Introductory–Victorinox Forschner
An inexpensive choice with decent balance. In 2007 it was rated first in a Cook’s Illustrated test of ‘best improvements’, above all of the German and Japanese knives! I used them in the deli for many years.
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The Workhorse–Wusthof Trident Grand Prix II
So many knives out there…how to choose? I learned on the Trident knives, so I’ve grown to love the feel of the heavier German style as opposed to the thinner Japanese style—especially when I need to put the hurt on 40 pounds of carrots. I have the original Grand Prix, but the Grand Prix II is similar. The Classics have an old-style handle, same blade.
Wusthof Trident Icon
I would also recommend the Icon series—it has a thinner heel, or vertical edge, which will allow you to sharpen that baby forever (unlike the others).
It’s a very personal choice, and may depend on the size of your hands as well as the style of your cooking.
Go to stores and test drive the merchandise. Ask to hold the knives, some stores may let you actually chop something.
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The Premium–Bob Kramer
Damascus by Shun and Carbon Steel by Zwilling J.A. Henckels
Bob Kramer is the only certified Master Bladesmith who is also a chef and specializes in kitchen cutlery. You may not be able to get a handmade knife from the one-and-only Bob Kramer since his sales are now done by lottery, but these are the next best thing. It is his design, made by other people’s hands. Exquisite feel and balance.
This is a link to the Carbon steel knives at Sur la Table, but the picture is of a Damascus folded steel, also available at Sur la Table. You can’t go wrong with either one!
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6 inch Chef’s Knives
For household cooking I often use the 6 inch chef’s knife—a little more versatile, zippy, sporty. I have heard from my friends of smaller stature that they find the 6 inch easier to manage.
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The Introductory–Victorinox Forschner
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The Workhorse—Wusthof Trident
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The Premium—Bob Kramer
Damascus by Shun and Carbon Steel by Zwilling J.A. Henckels
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Paring Knives
A staple for every kitchen.
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The Introductory–Victorinox Forschner
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The Workhorse– Wusthof Grand Prix II 3.5 inch
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The Premium—Bob Kramer
Damascus by Shun and Carbon Steel by Zwilling J.A. Henckels
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Check out Bob Kramer’s site for tips on Sharpening
Diamond Sharpening Steel 10 inch Oval
Use a diamond steel if you have stainless steel knives.
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Ceramic Sharpening Steel
Ceramic is great for the final hone.
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Store your knife buddies on a magnet, not jumbled in a drawer!
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Wusthof 12 inch Magnetic Knife Holder
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Bamboo Covered Magnetic Knife Holder
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Set of Knife Guards
Knife Guards—when you travel or have to store them in a drawer
8 inch Chef’s Knife Guard
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Food Taxi
I use this every day, scooping up chopped vegetables and transporting them neatly to the bowl or cooking pot.
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. .Citrus Zester
Lemon and Orange zest add so much life to dishes—let it be easy.
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. . . .9 inch OXO Tongs
This has become an extension of my arm!
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12 inch OXO tongs
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Flexible Spatulas
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9 ” Spoonula
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Spoon Spatula
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Small Silicone Spatula
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Medium Silicone Spatula
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Revolution Silicone Spatula
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Revolution Medium Spatula
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Pressure Cookers
These pressure cookers are not like the old days! Very safe, very easy to use.
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My Favorite food processor
For home use I love the old KitchenAid 11 cup processor. It was simple, easy to clean, with decent power. They have now changed to a more complicated top, which I find difficult to clean.
What to do? For household use, I would probably still recommend the Kitchen Aid 700 series, even though people have a few gripes about the lid and the short blade shaft.
Introductory—Kitchen Aid
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Light Industrial—Robot Coupe R100—made in Georgia, United States!!
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Industrial—Robot Coupe R2—made in Georgia—the Industry Standard
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Pans
This is a huge topic, I’ll tackle this later!
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