Kitchen Deals -> Kitchen tools

We recommend 2 strainers for every kitchen. The first is a solid stainless steel colander (one big enough to wash a lot of lettuce at once). The second strainer is a fine mesh conical strainer (called a chinois) which is a must for any serious sauce or stock making. A chinois is an expensive purchase, but with care it will last many years.

These are the best all purpose bowls for a multitude of applications. Choose a wide range of sizes (be sure to get a large bowl for whipping egg whites and whipped cream). In general, the heavier the bowl, the higher quality.

Shelves or cabinets above the cook top can hold foods that aren't affected by warmth, such as pasta, rice, and cereal. A shelf just below these cabinets but above the cook top can transform the space into a cooking workshop, providing a handy resting place for timers, spices, cooking supplies and implements.