Kitchen Tools
A cook is like a carpenter in that s/he needs the right tools to create a masterpiece. Which tools you choose will vary depending on your space constraints and how often you actually cook. Avid chefs will want all the best tools on the market. Whether you are buying something for yourself or a present for your favorite home chef, kitchen tools are a great way to go. So check out all there is to offer and let us know if we missed anything important. Also be sure to check out the guides on kitchen knives, kitchen utensils and Gadgets for Specific Foods.
Cutting Boards
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Over-Sink Boards  - Over the sink cutting boards rest on the edges of the sink.
- A nice solution to a lack of counter space in small apartments, offices or dorms.
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Knife Drawer Boards - Some cutting boards have a "secret" knife compartment inside.
- You can have easy access to knives while cutting.
- Needs room.
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Chopping Blocks - Are thicker and heavier than the standard wood cutting board.
- They are not really necessary unless you are planning on butchering a lot of meat.
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Moat Cutting Boards - Cutting board is surrounded by a moat to catch stray liquid that might run onto the counter.
- This feature is good for boards used specifically for meat.
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Non-Slip Cutting Boards - Cutting boards are smooth on one side and has grippers on the other.
- Architec brand has grippers and doesn't dull knives like most synthetic boards.
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Knife Sharpening Tools
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Sharpening Steels - A sharpening steel is used to align the edge of a knife that has been used but is still fairly sharp.
- Prices vary up to $60.
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Sharpening Stones - One of the simplest ways to make your knife much sharper.
- These are also the cheapest of all the sharpening options and they are easy to store.
- Around $20 to $30.
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Electric Knife Sharpeners - Easy to use and quite effective if you are inexperienced at sharpening knives.
- They do cost more and make noise, but they are foolproof and offer as much sharpening as a stone.
- Usually cost between $50 to 100, but can be more.
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Other Vocabulary - Grit
- Also known as the grade, measures the roughness of the stone by judging the size of the particles in the stone.
- Often measured in words like "fine" or "coarse." For a knife, you'll want something fine.
- Stone Fixers
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Kitchen Shears
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A good pair of shears are a kitchen necessity for tasks that require cutting, not chopping. For heavier tasks consider a pair of poultry shears.
- Make sure the model you get comes apart easily for quick and easy cleaning.
- Consider buying two pairs -- one for cooking tasks and another for other daily household tasks.
- This will keep your "kitchen-only" pair sharper longer as well as keeping your home more sanitary.
- Look for an easy-to-sharpen stainless steel model -- you will get more out of your shears if you keep them sharp.
- Look for models with built-in bottle/jar openers.
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Pizza Cutters
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- The classic stainless steel pizza wheel is still popular and easy to use.
- Look for a large, sharp wheel with a replaceable blade.
- For safety, make sure you get a nonslip handle with a built-in thumb guard.
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- This cutter uses a rocking motion to portion out a pizza.
- Can also be used for quickly chopping veggies or other foods.
- Look for one with a handle on top so you don't have to worry about cutting yourself or getting pizza sauce on your fingers.
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- This pizza cutter works just like the classic, but with double the cutting capacity.
- This device quickly and effectively cuts through pizza, bar cookies, fudge or anything else in a shallow dish that needs smooth, even cuts.
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Other Tools
These tools will help with all your cooking needs. Make sure you have enough storage space before you buy too many. Click on each to learn more about its particular function in the buying guide.
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