becky
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Like all chefs, I have my favorite staple ingredients, my favorite general kitchen tools, and my favorite things for breadmaking or cookie decorating.
In addition to these must-haves, there are quite a few other things that come in handy in the kitchen. They might not fit comfortably into any specific category, but they definitely make cooking easier, more efficient, and much more comfortable.
Below are some of the “kitchen-adjacent” items I love:
Kitchen Shoes
Buy Now → Reduce foot pain and protect yourself from slips, stumbles, and errant chef’s knives with a good pair of kitchen clogs.
Standing Mat
Buy Now → A standing mat provides cushioning and support, reducing fatigue and discomfort while cooking for extended periods.
Water Bottle
Buy Now → Kitchens are hot and steamy spaces! Avoid headaches and fatigue by staying well-hydrated with a lidded water bottle. I prefer a bottle with a straw, to avoid fumbling with a lid while cooking.
Knife Bag
Buy Now → As you build a collection of tools, treat yourself to a sturdy knife bag to keep everything organized. Also buy a good lock—you’ll need it to safely transport knives from one place to another.
Audiobooks
Buy Now → Audiobooks are my constant companion in the kitchen. I recommend an Audible subscription, as well as a Libby membership through your local library.
Clear Bag
Buy Now → At Le Cordon Bleu, we were required to keep our tools in clear bags. It’s nice to be able to see exactly what you have and locate it quickly in your bag.
Tea Towels
Buy Now → Tea towels are versatile cooking tools, serving as a grip for hot dishes, a handy way to dry or wipe hands, and a protective barrier when sitting hot pots and pans on delicate countertops.
Lidded Cup
Buy Now → Sometimes I like to sip a hot beverage as I work, especially while decorating cookies. But it only took one “dip the dirty paintbrush in my coffee mug” mistake before switching to a lidded, insulated mug!
Apron
Buy Now → I wear a chef’s jacket in a professional kitchen, but when developing recipes at home I stick with a bib-style apron. Wearing an apron helps protect clothing from spills and stains and provides a convenient place to hold towels, a notebook, and a pen.
Rebecca Frey is a freelance recipe developer, food writer, photographer, stylist, and pastry chef. She earned the Diplôme de Pâtisserie (French Pastry Techniques Diploma) from Le Cordon Bleu London in 2020 and an MSc in Culinary Innovation from Birkbeck, University of London in 2022, where she focused her dissertation research on Pennsylvania Dutch recipes. She also holds a Professional Chocolatier’s Certificate from Ecole Chocolat. Rebecca has developed recipes for websites including Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, Wine Enthusiast, and others. Follow her on Instagram @bastecutfold.
