In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Chef's knife, followed by Large chopping board and Quality frying pan.
Which kitchen tools are really essential? You don’t need to fill your drawers: with these ten you can cook almost any home recipe.
Do you miss the mandoline, the food processor or the hand blender? Vote below or defend them.
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1. Chef's knife
The number one tool
A good knife of about 20 centimetres, kept sharp, replaces half a drawer of gadgets. It is safer than a blunt one because it doesn't slip.
2. Large chopping board
Wood or polyethylene
The bigger it is, the easier it is to work on. Wood is kinder to your knife's edge; polyethylene is easier to wash. Ideally, have one of each.
3. Quality frying pan
Cast iron, steel or non-stick
A non-stick pan for eggs and omelettes and a cast-iron or steel one for browning meat cover almost everything. Avoid very thin pans that warp.
4. Heavy-based saucepan
Stews, pulses and rice
It spreads heat evenly and doesn't stick. An enamelled cast-iron one lasts a lifetime and also goes in the oven.
5. Pressure cooker
Saves time and energy
Chickpeas, stews and stocks in a fraction of the time. A classic of Spanish kitchens that is still one of the most useful tools.
6. Digital scales
Essential for baking
Weighing instead of measuring in cups is the difference between a perfect sponge and a sunken one. Cheap and very accurate.
7. Air fryer
The revolution of recent years
Chips, roast vegetables and crispy leftovers with very little oil. For small portions it is faster than the oven.
8. Kitchen thermometer
Meat cooked just right, every time
Stop guessing whether the chicken is done or the steak is medium. Small, cheap and one of professional cooks' best tricks.
9. Fine grater
Citrus zest, cheese and garlic
A fine rasp-style grater adds lemon zest, hard cheese or ginger in seconds. A small step, a big difference in flavour.
10. Kitchen tongs
An extension of your hand
For turning meat, serving pasta or taking something out of the oven without burning yourself. Once you use them, you won't go back.
Frequently asked questions
Which kitchen tools are the basics to start with?
A good chef's knife, a large chopping board, a quality frying pan and a saucepan cover most everyday recipes.
Is an air fryer worth it?
Yes, if you often cook for one or two people: it is fast, uses less energy than the oven and needs hardly any oil.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.