Kitchen accomplished

That frying pan from college and one really sharp knife aren’t going to, uh, cut it for whipping up a Top Chef–caliber meal. We asked Christopher Koetke, dean at the School of Culinary Arts of Kendall College, to tell us what tools no kitchen should be without.

One item that’s worth splurging on is a set of knives. “[You should get] the best quality knives you can afford,” Koetke says. “The choice of which style of knife is really a personal thing, and it’s best to go to a store with many options and give them a test drive.” But Koetke says all kitchens should have the following: an eight- or ten-inch chef’s knife, boning knife or utility knife, (1) paring knife ($5 at Bed Bath & Beyond) and serrated knife.

Bi-metal pots and pans—they’re stainless on the outside, and the inside has an aluminum core. “The idea behind metal combos is the aluminum distributes the heat while the stainless doesn’t react with the food and looks great,” Koetke says. “I recommend a small and medium saucepan and an (2) eight-inch sauté pan ($13 at TJ Maxx).”

“(3) Pressure cookers ($179 at Northwestern Cutlery) are terribly underutilized,” he says. “They’re also great for cooking healthy foods such as grains and less expensive and tougher (and more flavorful) meats in a fraction of the time usually required.”

Three appliances: heavy-duty mixer, (4) food processor ($40 at Bed Bath & Beyond) and blender. “These each have a critical role in a kitchen and make many preparations much easier, and frankly, doable.”

“(5) Silicon spatulas ($8–$14 at Northwestern Cutlery) are so absolutely versatile and perfect for scraping out bowls, mixing and folding,” Koetke says. He adds that the spatulas can handle high heat, so they’re also great with nonstick cookware.

“These (6) silicon baking pans ($10 at Bed Bath & Beyond) and (7) cookie sheets ($19 at Northwestern Cutlery) are perfectly nonstick. Once they’re dirty, simply wipe off under hot water and they’re ready to use again. Nothing sticks to them!”

You also need a sturdy (8) wooden spoon ($5 at Bed Bath & Beyond). “It’s old-fashioned, but so useful in a wide range of common kitchen activities,” Koetke says.

Recipes for success

Find the best cooking deals at these stores…

Bed Bath & Beyond (530 N State St, 312-755-9890)
TJ Maxx (11 N State St, 312-553-0515)
Northwestern Cutlery (810 W Lake St, 312-421-3666)
Crate & Barrel Outlet (1864 N Clybourn Ave, 312-787-4775)
Target (locations around the city)
Marshalls (locations around the city)
Overstock.com

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