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Sandy Cooper

The Scoop on Balance

My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets for the Home Chef

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Looking for that perfect gift for that special home chef in your life?

Maybe YOU are that home chef in your life and you need some inspiration for your own Christmas Wish List?

I’ve got you, girl.

Here are my absolute favorite kitchen gadgets and tools. I literally use these every single day. Some of them, I needed to remove from the dishwasher to photograph because I literally just used them. Literally.

I’ve arranged them according to price…least expensive to most expensive. So, you can find something at any price point to fit your budget.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for sending you there at absolutely no extra cost to you. It’s one small way you can support what I do. Thank you so much.

I didn’t even know how much I needed a bench scraper until I bought one. Instead of scooping up chopped vegetables with my bare hands or with the back of my knife, I now scoop them up with this and toss them into the pan for cooking. I use this every single day.
Bench Scraper $11.39
Does it drive you crazy that your measuring spoons don’t fit into a spice jar? ME TOO! I don’t know why it took the measuring spoon inventors so long to figure this out. But I’m glad they did.
Narrow Measuring Spoons $11.97

It’s so fun to have a pretty apron to protect your pretty clothes (though this headless mannequin is nekked under there.)
I have several aprons I love, but I’ve got my eye on this one.
A Pretty Apron with Pockets and Extra Long Ties $12.99
Once upon a time, my sweet husband used my vegetable brush to scrub the mildew off the outdoor lawn furniture. And that is when I bought this. A brush that is clearly marked for its intended use. The end.
Vegetable Brush $13.99

Oven mitts get gross pretty quickly and most of us are too practical to replace them or buy ourselves something this cute. Also, it would make a great gift companion to one of those knives I suggest down there. ⤵
Just sayin’.
Cute Oven Mitt $14.99
Yes, I know my pantry looks like a grocery store. I like it that way. I especially like the little shelves that look like miniature choir risers. (Resisting the urge to make a “Spice Girls” joke…) They help me see everything without having to move a bunch of stuff around.

Pantry Organizational Shelves
for Spices and Cans $18.97
This is another thing I never knew I needed until I bought it: a giant mixing bowl. I have several regular sized mixing bowls, but they are never big enough and I make a huge mess on my counter. Not any longer. The one pictured is from IKEA. But I linked one from Amazon that is similar.
Giant Mixing Bowl
$22.80
Cutting boards are another thing that I just assumed would be too small and force me (yes, FORCE ME!) to make a mess and get frustrated. Enter: a giant cutting board that allows me to cut things without spilling them all over the counter. And also a regular-sized one with measurements on it so you don’t have to wonder what the recipe means by “small dice.”
Precision Cutting Board $24.99
Large Cutting Board with Hook $37.49
When I attended culinary school, learning how to properly stir fry was one of my favorite things. Now my family asks for stir fry on the weekly because it’s so freaking delicious. You’ll notice that my wok has developed a nice patina. That means it is well-seasoned. Which means I use it often.
Carbon Steel Wok
$27.59
Do you want to feel like you are on a cooking show? Prep your ingredients in these glass bowls.
Glass Mise en Place Bowls
$38.99 for a set of 9
(Food not included)
This is not an gadget I use daily, but it’s something I love to look at. It’s just so pretty. I bought mine at Target, I think. But here is a similar one!
Tea Kettle $44.95
After you make those delicious meals, you’ll need a way to store the leftovers. These glass bowls are my favorite. I bought mine at Costco years ago, but here is a set that is similar.
Glass Storage Bowls with Snap-on Lids
35-Piece Set $69.99
If I could recommend ONE ITEM for your kitchen, it would be a good knife.
I think most people get frustrated with cooking because they are using crappy knives.
These are the actual knives I use and love.

5″ Serated Utility Knife $79.09
7″ Chef’s Knife $69.95
5.5″ Ceramic Knife $64.99
4.5″ Ceramic Knife $29.95
Knife Covers Full Set $20.42
My family bought me this book years ago for my birthday. It is a cooking manual. It will teach you how to cook anything. Yes, I know we have Google and YouTube. But there is nothing like getting out a nicely organized book with beautiful photos.
The Professional Chef $49.49
If I could name one appliance that I use every single day without exception, it is my Vitamix. I’ll bet you that I use it at least twice a day. Usually more. It is so wonderful. I bought this at Costco years ago and it’s still running strong.
Vitamix
Price varies. This one is currently $349.94
Another high-end appliance that I adore (but don’t use it nearly as often as the Vitamix) is my Kitchen Aid Mixer. This thing is so solid. It can mix just about anything.
Here I am pretending to be mixing something.
Kitchen Aid Mixer
(not an affiliate link)
Price varies depending on model
This link is to the Kitchen Aid store where you can see everything they have to offer.

On my personal wish list

For a simple and healthy meal, nothing beats Charcuterie. You don’t have to load it up with salty meats and fatty cheeses (unless you’re into that sort of thing.) I do cut up fruits, veggies, hummus, pita bread, olives, nuts, and seeds.
Plus, I just like to say “charcuterie.”
Extra Large Charcuterie Board $64.49
Dear Santa: Please bring me this. I promise to make you delicious meals with it.
I have been a very, very good girl this year.
Breville Air Fryer/Toaster Oven $399.95

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