By Chef Andrew

If you have a home cook on your shopping list, or if you are looking to expand your own culinary horizons, here are ten items that will elevate the average kitchen into a gourmet playground. No matter what your budget, this list has something for pocketbooks of all sizes.

Under $25

Kitchen Scale

I am amazed how many home cooks I know who don’t have a kitchen scale.  This inexpensive tool is key to getting dough ratios right, tracking nutrition and portion control, and gives more accurate results than measuring cups for volume measurements. I use mine every day.  

Instant Read Meat Thermometer

This is a great tool to make sure meats are cooked to perfection, oil temperatures are just right for frying, and to prevent food borne illness. There are (much) more expensive varieties but I have found them to be only nominally better from a speed and accuracy standpoint and to be prone to breaking and/or perpetually needing new battery covers. When a $100 thermometer goes down it is upsetting; when a $17 version craps out you hardly even sweat it. Buy two for backup and still be under a total cost of $40.

Plating Tools

Plate decorating is one of the most overlooked parts of home cooking. Experts agree that the visual presentation of food is as significant a part of the culinary experience as the food itself. A basic set of decorating spoons, tweezers, and an offset spatula will run about $25. For another $25 add in a set of food molds. These are great for creating plate segments, shaping rice and potatoes, and adding some height to your presentations. These simple tools can make even a beginner look like a pro. 

Under $50

Spice Grinder

Grinding whole spices as needed instead of buying them pre-ground provides fresh, bold flavor while reducing the costs of these often pricey ingredients.  What more could a gourmet ask for?

Kitchen Torch

The blowtorch is a tool that is often overlooked in the home kitchen.  It can be used to prep poultry, char vegetables, toast bread, and to caramelize sugar.  Did somebody say “crème brûlée”? The list of uses for this handy tool is endless and it’s kind of fun to use as well. Essential? Maybe not, but a great gift for that cook that already seems to have everything.  

Under $100

Food Vacuum Sealer

This is a fantastic tool for those who like to cook in bulk, butcher their own meat, or who just want to maximize their freezer space. Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn, helps food maintain its taste and texture, and makes food last much longer. It also prevents bacteria buildup that can cause food borne illness. In the long run, these puppies pay for themselves.  

Hydroponic Garden

These are great for the city cook who does not have a garden of their own. These indoor gardens are compact, easy to use, and add fresh herbs and veggies to really make recipes pop.

Under $250

Pasta Roller and Cutter Set

What’s better than homemade pasta?  Combined with a stand up mixer these tools take the hassle out of pasta making and easily turn pasta night into gourmet night! Basic sets include a pasta roller plus fettuccine and spaghetti cutters.  For some extra fun, add in a pasta press for bucatini, fusilli, rigatoni, and macaroni.

Under $500

Standing Mixer

This is a critical tool for the home cook who wants to make their own breads, pasta, and pastries.  With a standing mixer fresh baked goods can easily become an every day event! Add in the pasta and meat grinder attachments to maximize this versatile tool’s capabilities.

Over $500

Wood Smoker

Cooking food at low temperatures for long periods of time can transform even the largest and toughest cuts of meat into incredibly juicy and tender barbecue imbued with delicious smoky flavor. Great for making jerky and long term food preservation too. These come in a wide range of types and prices with a slew of different features.  So do some real research before purchasing.