Iron Stef Approved Gifts: Kitchen Gadgets

My first gift guide covered my favorite cookbooks. For my second, check out some kitchen tools that I think are essential for home cooks. I really have this stuff, and I really use it! What good is a gift if it isn't useful, right?



Stone (Granite) Mortar and Pestle, 7 in, 2+ cup capacity
Grind spices together for rubs, pulverize garlic or ginger, make guacamole, make classic aioli... also great for stress relief!


OXO Good Grips Pepper Grinder
There are prettier pepper grinders out there (and I want them all), but I like my little utilitarian one. It works well and lets you pick from several grind sizes. I love fresh pepper. I would get a tattoo of peppercorns, but I haven't figured out how to do that without them just looking like moles.


Amco 3-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing bowl
Great for so many things. Get a couple of the same size so you can do the awesome garlic peeling trick!


Norpro Silicone Mini Pinch Bowls, 4 Piece Set
What an awesome hostess or housewarming gift. Cute and really helpful for mise en place.


Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater
For cheese, zesting citrus, grating nutmeg, etc. etc. etc. A Must-have!!


Le Creuset Stoneware Garlic Keeper, Dune
2 of a cook's favorite things... garlic and Le Creuset!


Orka All-Silicone Spatula, Red
I can't stand 2 piece spatulas because I can't help but think of all the gunk that gets caught up between the head and the handle. One piece spatulas are fantastic, clean and the silicon ones are great multi-taskers.

Victorinox 47521 10-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
Sure I have a fancy expensive chef's knife, but this baby is my go-to. A great knife for a great price. I'm told they are used in professional kitchens alot. A corporate chef friend turned me on to them. The pairing knife is also essential.


Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 5-inch Spider Strainer
SPIDER! good for all kinds of fishing things out of stuff. :)

What are your kitchen essentials?!