We were sick of the all the poorly thought-out and low quality options available for cooking sets. They might have an attractive price tag but you will soon find yourself throwing most of it away or wondering why you have three frying pans that can't fry. We took a radical approach to solve the problem by only including quality cooking tools that perform the job they were designed to do. If you want a cooking set that can actually cook then look no further.
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Cookware
10" Non-Stick Frying Pan with Cover $35 value
If your frying pan is poorly designed it will develop spots in the pan that are at much higher temperatures than the rest of the pan (hot spots). This burns food and we don't like that! A well-designed, heavy duty aluminum frying pan is the most cost effective solution to eliminating hot spots. I was extremely impressed by the performance of this frying pan and when I saw the price it was the clear winner.
This frying pan is constructed out of 1/8" thick aluminum (this is the standard for restaurants), which aids in even heat distribution. When its concave bottom is heated it expands to create a flat cooking surface further reducing hot spots. You can instantly tell that an aluminum frying pan is poorly designed if it does not have a concave bottom. It also has a commercial grade three layer Teflon non-stick that stays where it should, on the surface of the pan. You don't have to worry about the stay cool handle breaking off because three massive rivets hold it in place. We also included a lid to help with all those cook and cover recipes.
If your frying pan is poorly designed it will develop spots in the pan that are at much higher temperatures than the rest of the pan (hot spots). This burns food and we don't like that! A well-designed, heavy duty aluminum frying pan is the most cost effective solution to eliminating hot spots. I was extremely impressed by the performance of this frying pan and when I saw the price it was the clear winner.
This frying pan is constructed out of 1/8" thick aluminum (this is the standard for restaurants), which aids in even heat distribution. When its concave bottom is heated it expands to create a flat cooking surface further reducing hot spots. You can instantly tell that an aluminum frying pan is poorly designed if it does not have a concave bottom. It also has a commercial grade three layer Teflon non-stick that stays where it should, on the surface of the pan. You don't have to worry about the stay cool handle breaking off because three massive rivets hold it in place. We also included a lid to help with all those cook and cover recipes.
2 Quart Non-Stick Saucepan with Cover $28 value
Why a 2 quart? If you own a 1qt, 2qt and 3qt saucepan you will find that anything you cook in the 1qt will cook just fine in the 2qt and anything that requires a 3qt you can cook in the 6qt stock pot. So don't waste your money buying three pans when all you really need is one well-made 2qt saucepan. Aluminum will give you the best cooking qualities for the price but the cooking surface must not be bare aluminum! Why are rivets used with aluminum cookware? Because you can't weld a steel handle to an aluminum base.
This saucepan is a delight to cook with. It is constructed out of heavy gauge aluminum, which stops hot spots that could damage a more delicate sauce. It also has a durable non-stick interior. This is important because if an acidic sauce (ex. spaghetti sauce) makes contact with bare aluminum it will react and ruin the sauce. An added bonus to this pan is its hard anodized exterior. Anodizing the aluminum makes the outside layer extremely tough so it will not ding or scratch. The stay cool, easy grip handle is firmly riveted on.
Why a 2 quart? If you own a 1qt, 2qt and 3qt saucepan you will find that anything you cook in the 1qt will cook just fine in the 2qt and anything that requires a 3qt you can cook in the 6qt stock pot. So don't waste your money buying three pans when all you really need is one well-made 2qt saucepan. Aluminum will give you the best cooking qualities for the price but the cooking surface must not be bare aluminum! Why are rivets used with aluminum cookware? Because you can't weld a steel handle to an aluminum base.
This saucepan is a delight to cook with. It is constructed out of heavy gauge aluminum, which stops hot spots that could damage a more delicate sauce. It also has a durable non-stick interior. This is important because if an acidic sauce (ex. spaghetti sauce) makes contact with bare aluminum it will react and ruin the sauce. An added bonus to this pan is its hard anodized exterior. Anodizing the aluminum makes the outside layer extremely tough so it will not ding or scratch. The stay cool, easy grip handle is firmly riveted on.
6 Quart Non-Stick Stockpot with Cover $25 value
From above you know why we picked aluminum. Stockpots are largely used to boil water with something in it (spaghetti, potatoes, etc.). A neat little fact about boiling water is it stays at a constant temperature of 212 degrees F. So hot spots don't plague stockpots in the same way they do frying pans. What does this mean? You can buy a pot that has thinner walls, which means you save money!
This aluminum stockpot has a non-stick interior and exterior. See 2qt saucepan for the explanation of why non-stick on the interior of an aluminum pot is crucial for everyday cooking. Non-stick on the outside is a bonus because it's easier to clean! The stay-cool handles aren't going anywhere because they are held in place using a combination of screws and rivets.
From above you know why we picked aluminum. Stockpots are largely used to boil water with something in it (spaghetti, potatoes, etc.). A neat little fact about boiling water is it stays at a constant temperature of 212 degrees F. So hot spots don't plague stockpots in the same way they do frying pans. What does this mean? You can buy a pot that has thinner walls, which means you save money!
This aluminum stockpot has a non-stick interior and exterior. See 2qt saucepan for the explanation of why non-stick on the interior of an aluminum pot is crucial for everyday cooking. Non-stick on the outside is a bonus because it's easier to clean! The stay-cool handles aren't going anywhere because they are held in place using a combination of screws and rivets.
12" x 18" Non-Stick Cookie Sheet $10 value
10" x 14" Non-Stick Cake Pan $10 value
We have all owned cheap baking pans that turn into a taco in the oven. It's time to put a stop to them! The main function of any pan in an oven is to protect what you are baking from thermal radiation created by the heating element (in an electric oven the glowing wire). What is thermal radiation? Put your hand near a hot pan and you can "feel" it. The explanation is pretty boring but if your pan can't control the radiation it will burn instead of cook and we don't like burning! A sturdy non-stick steel baking pan is the most cost effective solution to produce great baked goods.
The non-stick steel pans we chose are thick enough to give you golden brown treats but are light enough to manage with one hand. A commercial cookie sheet might cook just a little bit better but they are so heavy you run the risk of breaking your wrist when trying to remove them from the oven. We have also found these pans to be versatile and work great for making square pizza, roasting potatoes or just baking.
10" x 14" Non-Stick Cake Pan $10 value
We have all owned cheap baking pans that turn into a taco in the oven. It's time to put a stop to them! The main function of any pan in an oven is to protect what you are baking from thermal radiation created by the heating element (in an electric oven the glowing wire). What is thermal radiation? Put your hand near a hot pan and you can "feel" it. The explanation is pretty boring but if your pan can't control the radiation it will burn instead of cook and we don't like burning! A sturdy non-stick steel baking pan is the most cost effective solution to produce great baked goods.
The non-stick steel pans we chose are thick enough to give you golden brown treats but are light enough to manage with one hand. A commercial cookie sheet might cook just a little bit better but they are so heavy you run the risk of breaking your wrist when trying to remove them from the oven. We have also found these pans to be versatile and work great for making square pizza, roasting potatoes or just baking.
Cutlery
7" Santoku Knife $10 value
Stamped vs forged? (This is simplified but gives you an idea of what's involved.) A stamped blade is stamped from a sheet of stainless steel (SS) and the edge is sharpened. It is a very cost effective way to make a quality knife. A forged knife starts with a chunk of SS and it is heated and hammered into the correct shape. Then a full taper grind is applied. This is an expensive process and produces a better knife. Better meaning balanced and needs to be resharpened about 20% less than a stamped blade (ex: a forged blade will need resharpening every 3 years vs. 2.5 years for a stamped blade). Forged knifes have their place but are not needed in an everyday kitchen. Most restaurants prefer stamped knifes because the value vs. price they offer.
This Santoku knife was recommended to me by a local kitchen store. They said they had hundreds of satisfied customers. We tested it out and bam, for the price, what an amazing knife! Its lightweight design and soft grip handle make it excellent for slicing and dicing without fatiguing your wrist. Its blade is produced from high quality stainless steel and has an impressive Rockwell hardness number (this number tells you how hard something is, the higher the number the longer it stays sharp). To top it off, the blade is hollow ground, which creates air pockets that help prevent food from sticking to the blade while cutting.
Stamped vs forged? (This is simplified but gives you an idea of what's involved.) A stamped blade is stamped from a sheet of stainless steel (SS) and the edge is sharpened. It is a very cost effective way to make a quality knife. A forged knife starts with a chunk of SS and it is heated and hammered into the correct shape. Then a full taper grind is applied. This is an expensive process and produces a better knife. Better meaning balanced and needs to be resharpened about 20% less than a stamped blade (ex: a forged blade will need resharpening every 3 years vs. 2.5 years for a stamped blade). Forged knifes have their place but are not needed in an everyday kitchen. Most restaurants prefer stamped knifes because the value vs. price they offer.
This Santoku knife was recommended to me by a local kitchen store. They said they had hundreds of satisfied customers. We tested it out and bam, for the price, what an amazing knife! Its lightweight design and soft grip handle make it excellent for slicing and dicing without fatiguing your wrist. Its blade is produced from high quality stainless steel and has an impressive Rockwell hardness number (this number tells you how hard something is, the higher the number the longer it stays sharp). To top it off, the blade is hollow ground, which creates air pockets that help prevent food from sticking to the blade while cutting.
9" Bread Knife $10 value
"A bread knife is not a necessity." That's what someone who has never owned a quality bread knife would say. Part of cooking is presentation and hacking your way through bread with a small knife just isn't right. A good bread knife needs to be at least 9" long so it can effortlessly slice through the various sizes of bread. We found in testing the type of serrated edge a knife has can also greatly effect the quality of the cut it produces.
Our goal was to find a well-made 9" bread knife and we hit it dead on with this one. It has a precision stainless steel blade and an ergonomically shaped handle that give this knife superior balance. The edge has a mild serrated pattern that consistently makes clean cuts. The offset handle keeps your knuckles off the cutting board so you can get a clean, full cut through the tallest sandwiches or plain old bagels.
"A bread knife is not a necessity." That's what someone who has never owned a quality bread knife would say. Part of cooking is presentation and hacking your way through bread with a small knife just isn't right. A good bread knife needs to be at least 9" long so it can effortlessly slice through the various sizes of bread. We found in testing the type of serrated edge a knife has can also greatly effect the quality of the cut it produces.
Our goal was to find a well-made 9" bread knife and we hit it dead on with this one. It has a precision stainless steel blade and an ergonomically shaped handle that give this knife superior balance. The edge has a mild serrated pattern that consistently makes clean cuts. The offset handle keeps your knuckles off the cutting board so you can get a clean, full cut through the tallest sandwiches or plain old bagels.
Polyethylene Cutting Board 12" x 18" x 1/2" $10 value
Wood or plastic? Both sides have positives and negatives. Polyethylene cutting boards cost less and are easier to care for. We like easy! It is important to pick one with enough weight behind it so it will not slide while cutting. A moving cutting board is an accident waiting to happen.
This multi-purpose cutting board makes chopping a delight. It has plenty of room to cut numerous items and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Unlike the competition, its generous size and weight help maintain its position on the counter and prevent dangerous sliding.
Wood or plastic? Both sides have positives and negatives. Polyethylene cutting boards cost less and are easier to care for. We like easy! It is important to pick one with enough weight behind it so it will not slide while cutting. A moving cutting board is an accident waiting to happen.
This multi-purpose cutting board makes chopping a delight. It has plenty of room to cut numerous items and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Unlike the competition, its generous size and weight help maintain its position on the counter and prevent dangerous sliding.
4" Pizza Cutter $8 value
I love pizza but who doesn't? This means sometimes I get carried away with the toppings and build pizzas almost 2" high. A simple law in physics states a wheel will only roll over something if its radius (1/2 the diameter) is larger than the object you are trying to roll over (ex. 2" high pizza, 3" cutting wheel, radius 1.5": no pizza will be cut!). To insure your pizza cutter will roll over your craziest pizza creation, it needs to have a 4" wheel. We also found in testing if the wheel is not held on with a screw and Teflon nut, wheel jamming problems will occur.
We tested lots of pizza cutters! Probably more than we needed to, since we got to eat what we cut. We ended up picking a beauty. This pizza cutter has a 4" stainless steel double tapered blade, attached with a sturdy screw and Teflon nut. Most other pizza cutters have only a single taper. Testing proved the double taper clearly cuts better. It also has a molded grip with flanged edges to protect your fingers while cutting.
I love pizza but who doesn't? This means sometimes I get carried away with the toppings and build pizzas almost 2" high. A simple law in physics states a wheel will only roll over something if its radius (1/2 the diameter) is larger than the object you are trying to roll over (ex. 2" high pizza, 3" cutting wheel, radius 1.5": no pizza will be cut!). To insure your pizza cutter will roll over your craziest pizza creation, it needs to have a 4" wheel. We also found in testing if the wheel is not held on with a screw and Teflon nut, wheel jamming problems will occur.
We tested lots of pizza cutters! Probably more than we needed to, since we got to eat what we cut. We ended up picking a beauty. This pizza cutter has a 4" stainless steel double tapered blade, attached with a sturdy screw and Teflon nut. Most other pizza cutters have only a single taper. Testing proved the double taper clearly cuts better. It also has a molded grip with flanged edges to protect your fingers while cutting.
4" Serrated Utility Knife $7 value
The neatest thing about a serrated knife is that it will stay sharp for a much longer period of time than a non-serrated knife. Why? The majority of the cutting edge is protected from surfaces that will dull it. A utility style knife is so useful around the kitchen you will find it in your hand the most. So to keep it cutting like it's brand new, our utility knife had to have a serrated edge.
The shape of the soft grip naturally makes this knife feel good in your hand. The high-quality, serrated stainless steel blade, allows for precision cutting and control. The blade also has a double taper, which allows you to guide a cut in any direction. If the blade only has a single taper you are locked into the cutting angle you started at. This means instead of perfect little round slices you get those wedge shaped pieces and that's not classy. It also comes with a protective sheath so you can bring it along on your next picnic!
The neatest thing about a serrated knife is that it will stay sharp for a much longer period of time than a non-serrated knife. Why? The majority of the cutting edge is protected from surfaces that will dull it. A utility style knife is so useful around the kitchen you will find it in your hand the most. So to keep it cutting like it's brand new, our utility knife had to have a serrated edge.
The shape of the soft grip naturally makes this knife feel good in your hand. The high-quality, serrated stainless steel blade, allows for precision cutting and control. The blade also has a double taper, which allows you to guide a cut in any direction. If the blade only has a single taper you are locked into the cutting angle you started at. This means instead of perfect little round slices you get those wedge shaped pieces and that's not classy. It also comes with a protective sheath so you can bring it along on your next picnic!
All Purpose Scissors $5 value
Sometimes there are tasks in the kitchen where knives just don't cut it. That is where an all purpose scissors can really be handy. We reviewed both break apart (the halves come apart for cleaning) and fixed scissors (the halves are permanently attached). We went with a fixed scissors. We found repeatedly during testing that if you pick up a break apart scissors by one side they will fall apart unintentionally. Luckily your foot is right in the way, so the floor will not get damaged. But you will get to meet the nice people at the ER.
An all purpose scissors of this caliber is a kitchen essential. Its heavy-duty stainless steel blades manage the biggest cutting chores. The handle also has a built-in nutcracker/bottle opener to further assist you in the kitchen.
Sometimes there are tasks in the kitchen where knives just don't cut it. That is where an all purpose scissors can really be handy. We reviewed both break apart (the halves come apart for cleaning) and fixed scissors (the halves are permanently attached). We went with a fixed scissors. We found repeatedly during testing that if you pick up a break apart scissors by one side they will fall apart unintentionally. Luckily your foot is right in the way, so the floor will not get damaged. But you will get to meet the nice people at the ER.
An all purpose scissors of this caliber is a kitchen essential. Its heavy-duty stainless steel blades manage the biggest cutting chores. The handle also has a built-in nutcracker/bottle opener to further assist you in the kitchen.
Tools
Cookbook, Betty Crocker Cooking Basics $20 value
I was looking for a cookbook that was informative and didn't assume you where a professional chef. I also wanted easy recipes. We can all appreciate those, no matter what your cooking experience. There are a lot of books that meet these criteria but Cooking Basics surpassed all my expectations.
Whether you are wondering how to turn on the stove or have just finished caramelizing the Creme Brulee, Betty Crocker Cooking Basics will increase your abilities and confidence in the kitchen. Inside, you will find user friendly instructions with ample photos on topics such as: how to choose vegetables, food preparation, chopping, cooking, grilling, and baking. There are over 110 tasty, simple recipes. Each recipe has easy step-by-step directions, a full page color picture of the recipe, nutritional information, preparation time, serving size and useful cooking tips.
I was looking for a cookbook that was informative and didn't assume you where a professional chef. I also wanted easy recipes. We can all appreciate those, no matter what your cooking experience. There are a lot of books that meet these criteria but Cooking Basics surpassed all my expectations.
Whether you are wondering how to turn on the stove or have just finished caramelizing the Creme Brulee, Betty Crocker Cooking Basics will increase your abilities and confidence in the kitchen. Inside, you will find user friendly instructions with ample photos on topics such as: how to choose vegetables, food preparation, chopping, cooking, grilling, and baking. There are over 110 tasty, simple recipes. Each recipe has easy step-by-step directions, a full page color picture of the recipe, nutritional information, preparation time, serving size and useful cooking tips.
3 and 8 Quart Mixing Bowls $15 value
Mixing bowls are the workhorses of the kitchen. You will find mixing bowls made out of every material known to mankind. However the most durable, cost effective solution is a nice stainless steel bowl. What we found is that the size you pick can really dictate how useful it will be to you.
The bowls we picked are made from durable stainless steel but are still light enough to handle with ease. The 3 qt bowl is perfect for beating eggs or mixing cookie dough. The 8 qt bowl can hold a whole bag of pasta or be used to serve a large salad.
Mixing bowls are the workhorses of the kitchen. You will find mixing bowls made out of every material known to mankind. However the most durable, cost effective solution is a nice stainless steel bowl. What we found is that the size you pick can really dictate how useful it will be to you.
The bowls we picked are made from durable stainless steel but are still light enough to handle with ease. The 3 qt bowl is perfect for beating eggs or mixing cookie dough. The 8 qt bowl can hold a whole bag of pasta or be used to serve a large salad.
5 Quart Colander $10 value
If salad or pasta shows up in your diet a good colander will soon become your best friend. Colanders are made for washing or draining food. Plastic ones, accidently set on a hot stove, end up with a large drain hole in the bottom. A sturdy stainless steel colander will prevent such accidents.
We found a colander made completely out of stainless steel. It and has a sturdy 360 degree base that prevents it from tipping over. It has large, easy-to-grip handles welded to the sides and a uniform hole pattern that allows liquids to drain quickly.
If salad or pasta shows up in your diet a good colander will soon become your best friend. Colanders are made for washing or draining food. Plastic ones, accidently set on a hot stove, end up with a large drain hole in the bottom. A sturdy stainless steel colander will prevent such accidents.
We found a colander made completely out of stainless steel. It and has a sturdy 360 degree base that prevents it from tipping over. It has large, easy-to-grip handles welded to the sides and a uniform hole pattern that allows liquids to drain quickly.
Garlic Press $12 value
Many people debate if you need a garlic press or not. I say let them keep debating while in seconds you can have fresh crushed garlic. The act of pressing garlic through little holes puts a lot of strain on a garlic press. If it is poorly designed, it hurts your hand or will break sooner rather than later. Also a good press will be able to crush unpeeled cloves of garlic.
Zyliss pioneered the iconic hinged garlic press of the 1970s and hasn't looked back since. The Susi 2 is the latest addition to its legacy of garlic crushing implements and comes with a 5 year warranty. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand and will easily press multiple unpeeled cloves. It has a non-stick surface and custom nodules that help speed cleaning. I mean this thing is just fun to use!
Many people debate if you need a garlic press or not. I say let them keep debating while in seconds you can have fresh crushed garlic. The act of pressing garlic through little holes puts a lot of strain on a garlic press. If it is poorly designed, it hurts your hand or will break sooner rather than later. Also a good press will be able to crush unpeeled cloves of garlic.
Zyliss pioneered the iconic hinged garlic press of the 1970s and hasn't looked back since. The Susi 2 is the latest addition to its legacy of garlic crushing implements and comes with a 5 year warranty. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand and will easily press multiple unpeeled cloves. It has a non-stick surface and custom nodules that help speed cleaning. I mean this thing is just fun to use!
Can Opener $8 value
There are many can openers. However there is only one can opener made by Swing-A-Way and they have been making it for 70 years. I can't say enough about the quality for price Swing-A-way offers. They are still made in the USA to maintain quality control.
Look in your mother or grandmothers' kitchen, and you will most likely find their original Swing-A-Way can opener. The comfortable, rubber handle grips, smooth gear-driven operation, and hardened cutting wheel allow you to open lids effortlessly.
There are many can openers. However there is only one can opener made by Swing-A-Way and they have been making it for 70 years. I can't say enough about the quality for price Swing-A-way offers. They are still made in the USA to maintain quality control.
Look in your mother or grandmothers' kitchen, and you will most likely find their original Swing-A-Way can opener. The comfortable, rubber handle grips, smooth gear-driven operation, and hardened cutting wheel allow you to open lids effortlessly.
Corkscrew $8 value
Wine or cooking, it's kind of like the chicken or the egg but what opener gets wine in your glass every time? There are two basic types of corkscrews: the waiter's or winged. The waiter's corkscrew is affordable. However if you don't quite understand how they work you can wreak havoc on the cork. A winged corkscrew will always get the job done despite who is using it or how much wine has been drunk. A good corkscrew will use a spiral screw which reduces the chance of breaking the cork when it's pulled out.
Swing-A-Way (see can opener for how amazing I think they are) was all business when designing this winged corkscrew and gave it a 5 year warranty to prove it. Unlike a waiter's corkscrew, this lever-assisted design uses a Teflon-coated, five-turn spiral that hits dead center and removes the cork without breaking it. The Teflon coating reduces friction so it's easier to turn into the cork.
Wine or cooking, it's kind of like the chicken or the egg but what opener gets wine in your glass every time? There are two basic types of corkscrews: the waiter's or winged. The waiter's corkscrew is affordable. However if you don't quite understand how they work you can wreak havoc on the cork. A winged corkscrew will always get the job done despite who is using it or how much wine has been drunk. A good corkscrew will use a spiral screw which reduces the chance of breaking the cork when it's pulled out.
Swing-A-Way (see can opener for how amazing I think they are) was all business when designing this winged corkscrew and gave it a 5 year warranty to prove it. Unlike a waiter's corkscrew, this lever-assisted design uses a Teflon-coated, five-turn spiral that hits dead center and removes the cork without breaking it. The Teflon coating reduces friction so it's easier to turn into the cork.
Box Grater $8 value
Of course you can buy pre-shredded cheese but it limits your choices and freshly grated cheese tastes better. There are all kinds of devices that are good at grating cheese but for the price the box grater is invaluable whether you are grating cheese, lemon peels or vegetables.
We found a great box grater. Its 9" stance and stainless steel construction lets you efficiently grate what ever you choose. It has two grating surfaces that shred different thicknesses, a rasplike surface to crumble, and a surface with slits that produces slices.
Of course you can buy pre-shredded cheese but it limits your choices and freshly grated cheese tastes better. There are all kinds of devices that are good at grating cheese but for the price the box grater is invaluable whether you are grating cheese, lemon peels or vegetables.
We found a great box grater. Its 9" stance and stainless steel construction lets you efficiently grate what ever you choose. It has two grating surfaces that shred different thicknesses, a rasplike surface to crumble, and a surface with slits that produces slices.
Measuring Spoon Set $6 value
If you ever use recipes you will need some kind of measuring spoons. You don't need anything to crazy. Be careful of thin metal spoons because they will get bent up in the kitchen drawer and not measure correctly.
These heavy duty measuring spoons are ideal for a busy kitchen. The nesting spoons are each made from a single piece of sturdy stainless steel and are held together with a removable ring so they will not get lost in the drawer. Sizes are the standard 1/4, 1/2, and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. Measuring is made easy with the metric conversions stamped on each handle.
If you ever use recipes you will need some kind of measuring spoons. You don't need anything to crazy. Be careful of thin metal spoons because they will get bent up in the kitchen drawer and not measure correctly.
These heavy duty measuring spoons are ideal for a busy kitchen. The nesting spoons are each made from a single piece of sturdy stainless steel and are held together with a removable ring so they will not get lost in the drawer. Sizes are the standard 1/4, 1/2, and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. Measuring is made easy with the metric conversions stamped on each handle.
Measuring Cup Set $5 value
Plastic? Inexpensive metal measuring cups have the handle tack welded on. We found in testing and research that these handles easily break off. You can spend a lot more money getting stronger metal cups or save money and go with plastic. If too much pressure gets applied to the plastic handle it will just bend instead of break. So you can keep measuring for years to come.
This strong, durable and dishwasher safe measuring cup set begs to be used. There are five stackable sizes, 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup with level rims that allow accurate measuring of dry ingredients. The metric and standard capacity of each cup is molded into the handle so they won't rub off.
Plastic? Inexpensive metal measuring cups have the handle tack welded on. We found in testing and research that these handles easily break off. You can spend a lot more money getting stronger metal cups or save money and go with plastic. If too much pressure gets applied to the plastic handle it will just bend instead of break. So you can keep measuring for years to come.
This strong, durable and dishwasher safe measuring cup set begs to be used. There are five stackable sizes, 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup with level rims that allow accurate measuring of dry ingredients. The metric and standard capacity of each cup is molded into the handle so they won't rub off.
Peeler $4 value
Over the years many variations have been made to the humble peeler. It seems like these variations have turned it into a Rube Goldberg machine. A Rube Goldberg machine is a machine that takes a simple task and makes it much more complicated than it needs to be. A good peeler doesn't need to cost $20. It needs to feel comfortable in your hand and remove a thin layer on each pass.
The classic swivel peeler by Swing-A-Way is unbeatable. Its surgical stainless steel, precision ground blade and soft oversized grip allows you to pare smoothly in any direction. It removes only the peel, not the flesh of a vegetable or fruit, preserving crucial vitamins. Note: handle may come in black, white, or red.
Over the years many variations have been made to the humble peeler. It seems like these variations have turned it into a Rube Goldberg machine. A Rube Goldberg machine is a machine that takes a simple task and makes it much more complicated than it needs to be. A good peeler doesn't need to cost $20. It needs to feel comfortable in your hand and remove a thin layer on each pass.
The classic swivel peeler by Swing-A-Way is unbeatable. Its surgical stainless steel, precision ground blade and soft oversized grip allows you to pare smoothly in any direction. It removes only the peel, not the flesh of a vegetable or fruit, preserving crucial vitamins. Note: handle may come in black, white, or red.
Utensils
10" All-Purpose Whisk $8 value
The point of a whisk is to introduce air into what you are mixing and a fork just doesn't cut it. How it feels in your hand is important because whisking can quickly fatigue your wrist. A good study stainless steel whisk is a staple in kitchens.
Few other whisks can match the performance and durability of this all-stainless steel model. It has 12 flexible wires looped in a pear shape and sealed into a well balanced handle. The weighted handle also acts like a flywheel while whisking to reduce strain on your wrist.
The point of a whisk is to introduce air into what you are mixing and a fork just doesn't cut it. How it feels in your hand is important because whisking can quickly fatigue your wrist. A good study stainless steel whisk is a staple in kitchens.
Few other whisks can match the performance and durability of this all-stainless steel model. It has 12 flexible wires looped in a pear shape and sealed into a well balanced handle. The weighted handle also acts like a flywheel while whisking to reduce strain on your wrist.
High Temperature Turner $7 value
If you have a non-stick frying pan then you will need a turner that is safe for coated cookware. The cheapest solution is a nylon turner. However nylon's melting point (turns from a solid into a liquid) is about 400 F. Your frying pan can get hotter than that and it will melt the leading edge of a nylon turner. Melted plastic and food don't mix! Silicon has a higher melting point than nylon so it's your best bet to avoid this problem.
This well-balanced, slotted turner was beautifully engineered by Zyliss. It has a tapered silicone edge that slips easily under food and is safe for non-stick surfaces. The edge is also heat resistant to 500 F, which means it will not melt or warp like common turners.
If you have a non-stick frying pan then you will need a turner that is safe for coated cookware. The cheapest solution is a nylon turner. However nylon's melting point (turns from a solid into a liquid) is about 400 F. Your frying pan can get hotter than that and it will melt the leading edge of a nylon turner. Melted plastic and food don't mix! Silicon has a higher melting point than nylon so it's your best bet to avoid this problem.
This well-balanced, slotted turner was beautifully engineered by Zyliss. It has a tapered silicone edge that slips easily under food and is safe for non-stick surfaces. The edge is also heat resistant to 500 F, which means it will not melt or warp like common turners.
12" Heavy Duty Tongs $6 value
Tongs are great because they are like an extension of your hand that can't get burnt. The question is locking or not locking? A locking tongs is more expensive and doesn't fit in the drawer that much better. So save your money. What's more important is that the tong is sturdy and not built out of a flimsy material.
This tongs' ample length and heavy duty 0.8 mm thick stainless steel design keeps your hand far away from the heat while still providing superior control. It can be used for frying, grabbing pasta and even barbequing.
Tongs are great because they are like an extension of your hand that can't get burnt. The question is locking or not locking? A locking tongs is more expensive and doesn't fit in the drawer that much better. So save your money. What's more important is that the tong is sturdy and not built out of a flimsy material.
This tongs' ample length and heavy duty 0.8 mm thick stainless steel design keeps your hand far away from the heat while still providing superior control. It can be used for frying, grabbing pasta and even barbequing.
Solid and Slotted Nylon Spoons $5 value
Large cooking spoons are always handy when you are in the kitchen. Nylon or stainless steel spoons are the most cost effective solution that will meet the challenges of everyday cooking. If you have non-stick cookware then nylon spoons are the way to go.
These spoons are heat resistant up to 410 F yet have a forgiving edge for use with non-stick surfaces. Worried about clean up? Don't be; they are dishwasher safe.
Large cooking spoons are always handy when you are in the kitchen. Nylon or stainless steel spoons are the most cost effective solution that will meet the challenges of everyday cooking. If you have non-stick cookware then nylon spoons are the way to go.
These spoons are heat resistant up to 410 F yet have a forgiving edge for use with non-stick surfaces. Worried about clean up? Don't be; they are dishwasher safe.
High Temperature Spatula $5 value
A silicone spatula truly is an indispensable kitchen tool. Like the turner it should have a heat resistant blade in case it gets used in a frying pan. Some high temperature spatula blades are too stiff and do not function properly.
The spatula head is heat resistant to 500 F and is still flexible enough to scrape the last bit of your most stubborn sauce or batter. The smooth handle has a nice taper insuring a good grip.
A silicone spatula truly is an indispensable kitchen tool. Like the turner it should have a heat resistant blade in case it gets used in a frying pan. Some high temperature spatula blades are too stiff and do not function properly.
The spatula head is heat resistant to 500 F and is still flexible enough to scrape the last bit of your most stubborn sauce or batter. The smooth handle has a nice taper insuring a good grip.
12" Wooden Spoon $4 value
Wooden spoons are useful because they can tackle the heaviest stirring job without bending but are also safe to use on a non-stick surface. This is one of the reasons why cooks favor them.
This classic 12" wooden spoon can be used for all your stirring chores. It is made from a single piece of durable, oiled beech wood to ensure longevity. The 1/2" thick handle and oval head make the comfort and balance of this spoon unparalleled.
Wooden spoons are useful because they can tackle the heaviest stirring job without bending but are also safe to use on a non-stick surface. This is one of the reasons why cooks favor them.
This classic 12" wooden spoon can be used for all your stirring chores. It is made from a single piece of durable, oiled beech wood to ensure longevity. The 1/2" thick handle and oval head make the comfort and balance of this spoon unparalleled.