Professional-grade equipment can make you a better cook

  • By Kim Cook Associated Press
  • Monday, April 12, 2010 3:32pm
  • Life

You don’t have to be a kitchen snob to want appliances and tools that bona fide chefs would be happy to use.

In fact, the trend is toward commercial quality and style in housewares and appliances. While the merits of varying brands are debated in Web forums like Cooks Illustrated, no one disputes that having the right gear eases preparation and makes precise, satisfactory results more likely.

My husband once gave me an industrial-strength hand mixer, and I loved it. Potatoes, turnips, even dough succumbed to its powerful little motor in mere minutes. When it finally died just before Thanksgiving one year, he replaced it with a regular version. Even the children, tasked with whipping cream, noticed its shortcomings. We’d driven the high-performance model, and there was no going back.

These days, Americans are staying in, cooking and entertaining more. Food channels run 24 hours. And retailers and manufacturers are offering many new products that straddle professional and home kitchens: things like multifunction cooktops and ovens, and thoughtfully designed gadgets.

Kitchenaid, one of the first to offer a commercial grade stand mixer, has launched the Commercial Series appliance line, which includes a cooktop with dual flames for searing or simmering, an easy-clean chrome griddle, and a “steam-assist” oven.

Serious cooks would appreciate that last feature — it eliminates the need to spritz, baste, even use a bain-marie. If none of those terms are familiar, you probably don’t need one. But for frequent bread bakers, roasting aficionados and dessert makers, the feature’s a welcome addition.

This year, Jenn-Air introduced a new wall oven designed with the help of professional chefs. Billed as “the industry’s most powerful convection system,” it features an interactive “culinary center” — basically an onboard computer. The user-friendly control panel provides detailed visuals and interactive guidance.

As for smaller tools, many culinary experts like a good pair of shears for various kitchen tasks. Specialty shears for seafood and poultry are available. A food mill turns cooked soup ingredients, baby food and boiled potatoes into smooth heaven. And a microplane is the grater of choice; Williams Sonoma carries a box version that’s highly rated.

Rollo McDonald, a Canadian culinary arts teacher for 30 years and a longtime foodie, recommends “rectangular stainless steel pans. Most chefs agree that a set of these is invaluable. You can cook, freeze and reheat in them, they’re durable, and they stack and store more efficiently than round pans.”

A high quality chef’s knife is like an artist’s paintbrush. Japanese makers Global and Sun, and American maker Mac all have super sharp, well-balanced tools used by celebrity and pro chefs; Victorinox and Wusthof are also well-known.

Test the heft and grip of your knife in the store before you buy. You don’t want something too heavy or large.

Restaurateur and chef Raymond Blanc once dismissed microwave cookery as “an act of hate.” Pros generally aren’t big fans, though some like the microwave for reheating small quantities, drying herbs or melting chocolate.

Homeowners, however, love them. What was a gimmicky fringe appliance 30 years ago is now a central player in the home kitchen, surveys consistently show. Choose a model that’s substantial enough to hold a large glass pan.

As for dishwashers, go for big, energy-efficient and quiet. Or, if you really want to work like a pro, take your lead from French chef Jacques Pepin. Once, when asked who did the dishes in his house, he answered, “I have no idea!”

Sourcebook

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.