We’re not big on cluttered kitchens here at Goodtaste, which is why we choose to forgo the gadgets and instead invest in tools and equipment that are versatile and will last us for decades to come. From a sturdy stand mixer to an heirloom-worthy Dutch oven, these quality pieces are totally worth the splurge. Find our top kitchen investment pieces below!
Stand Mixer
If you love to bake cakes, make fresh pasta, shred your own veggie noodles or whip up a batch of cookie dough in 5 minutes flat, then a KitchenAid stand mixer is a worthy investment for your kitchen. While they’re a must for avid bakers, they also have an array of attachments to choose from that make this a multi-purpose kitchen tool. Bonus: They come in dozens of beautiful colors, so they look great perched on your kitchen counter. KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer, $349 (on sale from $429!), bedbathandbeyond.com
Dutch Oven
There are unlimited recipes that a Dutch oven can tackle and Le Creuset makes one of our favorites. From serving up mashed potatoes or using it as an impromptu ice bucket—the thick, cast-iron walls are great insulators, so they will keep foods hot (or cold) for hours. The thick enameled walls are also great at dispersing heat, so it’s ideal for low and slow braises, roasts and soups. Plus, with so many gorgeous colors to choose from, you can bring this beauty right to the table and then store it on your stovetop when you’re not using it. We find that the 5.5-quart pot is a great all-purpose size for most families. Le Creuset 5.5-quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Oven, $295, amazon.com
Carbon steel skillets have long been the choice of professional chefs, but they’re recently gaining traction with home cooks in the US. They can sear, simmer, sauté and deep fry like a cast-iron skillet, but in a slimmer, more lightweight package. Plus, they can go right from the stove-top to the oven like your stainless steel, but cost a fraction of the price. Over time, and with good care, they develop a natural nonstick surface, so you can even use them to cook eggs! We have our eye on this stunning hand-forged skillet from Smithey ($275, you can have your name engraved!), but this choice from Misen (from $75) is also a top-performer.
Quality Chef’s Knife
Having a quality, sharp chef’s knife makes cooking a much more enjoyable, and efficient, experience. A good knife should feel balanced and good in your palm, plus have a sharp, lightweight blade that doesn’t dull quickly. Shun is a Japanese-style knifemaker that makes incredibly gorgeous knives that’ll last you a lifetime. Plus, they offer a free knife sharpening service so you can keep your blades in tip-top shape. Shun Hikari 8” Chef’s Knife, $199, williams-sonoma.com
Food Processor
A food processor is the ultimate time saver in the kitchen. Chop, slice, shred, purée, knead—this tool makes quick work out of slaws, soups, sauces, you name it. In our experience, the 8-cup is more than enough space for most every job. Cuisinart Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, $99, amazon.com
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