593382 Wed Feb 04 07:09:10 -0800 2009 46 41 Cookware 0 4386302 This is to hard, but mine are: 1. Well-seasoned cast iron skillet (s) 2. Huge cast-iron Dutch oven 3. KitchenAid food processor 4. Electric griddle. 5. Microplane and other graters. Epicurious has very few posts on this - figure Chowhounds will do better! Wed Feb 04 07:09:10 -0800 2009 253735 bayoucook 1 4386387 My favorite kitchen things are: a good sharp chef's knife, my big Cuisinart food processor, a coffee grinder, another one for spices, kitchen shears. In fact, I love everything in my kitchen! Wed Feb 04 07:37:26 -0800 2009 4386302 35992 vacationmomma 1 4386473 1. KitchenAid stand mixer (cobalt blue!) 2. Oxo Good Grips peeler (I used to hate to peel vegetables before I had this!) 3. salad mister (for olive oil) 4. Wusthof knife block 5. Gaggia espresso machine I love everything in my kitchen, too...and what "lives" in the sunroom right off of the kitchen since not everything fits. ;) Wed Feb 04 08:04:36 -0800 2009 4386302 249664 kattyeyes 1 4386497 My chefs knives( I have 3 chefs knives with a equally outrageous number of secondary and paring knives) My MC2 12" fry pan My bench knife My coffee pot( I pray to Juan Valdez) My Kitchen-aid mixer PS, This thread might be better suited for cookware forum. Wed Feb 04 08:10:29 -0800 2009 4386302 22220 Kelli2006 1 4386502 Not including a good chef's knife and a good paring knife, which I assume are essential in any kitchen, here are mine, not necessarily in this order: 1. Heatproof rubber scraper/spatula with a slightly concave surface 2. Microplane graters 3. Immersion blender-don't use it often, but am sure glad I have it when I need it 4. A wooden spatula I use for practically any sauteing, frying 5. Tie between my big Le Creuset dutch oven and my large AllClad skillet--use both all the time Honorable mention: Silpat or other stickproof baking sheets, blender, Cuisinart food processor, a gigantic stainless steel mixing bowl, a small cast iron fry pan for toasting nuts, garlic, chiles, spices, etc. Wed Feb 04 08:11:50 -0800 2009 4386302 19003 PAO 1 4386507 immersion blender 8" chef's knife 12" cast iron skillet 8-qt. dutch oven microplane rasp grater Wed Feb 04 08:12:16 -0800 2009 4386302 10788 TheGloaming 1 4386788 1. Enameled Cast Dutch Oven 2. Chef's Knife 3. Salad Spinner 4. Food Processor 5. Big Wood Spoon Wed Feb 04 09:34:28 -0800 2009 4386302 158403 jcattles 1 4386899 1) a wall of floor to ceiling windows looking over my rose garden and with the Smokey Mountains in the distance. (It is the most important part of the kitchen) 2) KitchenAid Mixer 3) Double oven 4) Spoons, etc. hanging in back of the cooktop so I can always find what I need 5) Immersion Blender (thanks to Chowhound) 6) Bread Machine for controlled rising/tie with Exopat Wed Feb 04 09:59:37 -0800 2009 4386302 79896 shallots 2 4387110 Your number 1 item trumps everything I've read (not that it was a contest)--it just sounds gorgeous. :) Mine only overlooks the driveway! But I've seen wild turkeys walk by on occasion! Wed Feb 04 10:53:48 -0800 2009 4386899 249664 kattyeyes 3 4387261 heh my kitchen overlooks the backyard where you can spot the occasional hare. Past the yard is the main road and a big box shopping centre, and the airport on the horizon. Wed Feb 04 11:30:55 -0800 2009 4387110 138472 maplesugar 2 4387296 Wow! That sounds amazing! (And very inspiring.) My kitchen windows overlook the backyard, which does have a lot of critters running through it, including the occasional red fox and coyote. Beyond that used to be a horse farm with rolling hills - and is now a development of $1M homes on rolling hills. Nearly killed me when it first happened - now I'm used to it. Wed Feb 04 11:46:28 -0800 2009 4386899 63569 flourgirl 1 4387049 Chef's knife Wok Cast iron skillet Chopsticks Cutting board Wed Feb 04 10:38:03 -0800 2009 4386302 11583 ipsedixit 1 4387144 1. VitaMix blender that cost more than we thought a blender could possibly be worth and has lasted for over 10 years of heavy heavy use. 2. Heavy duty lemon squeezer -- also gets nearly daily use especially during citrus season. 3. Immersion blender. It's not even a very good one, but I'm sure glad it's there when I need it. 4. Coffee maker and the husband who ensures that it is full of coffee when I stumble down the stairs. 5. The two teenage boys who love to cook. Wed Feb 04 11:01:38 -0800 2009 4386302 260447 runandeat 1 4387270 Five Faves: my espresso maker (there are days this Mom is powered by caffeine) KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer knives microplanes my laptop :) Wed Feb 04 11:35:00 -0800 2009 4386302 138472 maplesugar 1 4387356 These kinds of questions are so tough for me - I love everything in my kitchen, from my knives, spoons, spatulas, spiders and bench scrapers to my stand mixer and food processor, from my very cool collection of vintage flat-back cookie cutters made by Karen Dunwoody to my vintage seashell chocolate molds hanging on the wall, my collection of functional hand thrown pottery, the enormous maple wood bowl I use for bread dough, (and gigantic tossed salads for a crowd), the perfect little set of nesting lab-type blown glass bowls with pouring spouts that I use for dippers, salad dressing, gravy etc., the awesome lab-type glass beaker/pitcher/measuring cup I found at Marshall's for $4 that I use for everything from OJ to frothing my coffee milk in, my cast iron pans, my all-clad pans, etc. etc. etc. I've collected my stuff over the last 17 years, very slowly and carefully, in terms of price/quality/functionality and aesthetics and the result is a kitchen that I get an enormous amount of pleasure and utility from. We're not rich people and we have a very modest home by US standards, but I think we've done a great job making our home a charming, comfortable place to live in and raise our son in, and our kitchen is both physically and metaphorically the center of our home and we love it. Wed Feb 04 11:59:55 -0800 2009 4386302 63569 flourgirl 2 4388587 Nicely stated, flourgirl. It was fun to visit your kitchen through your description! Please do tell, though--what are spiders? :) It sounds like an accessory rather than something one whacks with a shoe, as I did when I opened the blinds yesterday morning. Wed Feb 04 18:39:47 -0800 2009 4387356 249664 kattyeyes 3 4389246 Hee hee, yes, it's an accessory. They're basically strainers, woven out of metal. Kind of like a small wire basket with a handle. They're great for pulling stuff out of hot liquid, like fried food, dumplings, pasta, veggies, etc. http://www.amazon.com/6-diameter-Bamboo-Skimmer-Strainer/dp/B00012F3U4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1233837540&sr=1-5 Thu Feb 05 04:40:57 -0800 2009 4388587 63569 flourgirl 4 4389361 AHA, yes, I know what you mean now. Those would be handy to have. I didn't know of them as spiders, but it's a pretty accurate description--it looks like one of their webs! Thanks for clarifying. Thu Feb 05 06:02:41 -0800 2009 4389246 249664 kattyeyes 1 4387774 Big knife Small knife Speed peeler Toaster Salad spinner (or maybe the big grater, not the microplane) Wed Feb 04 13:46:24 -0800 2009 4386302 154102 Harters 1 4387823 1) Chef's knife 2) Le Creuset dutch oven 3) Tongs 4) Tea towels 5) Glass of wine or beer Wed Feb 04 14:01:26 -0800 2009 4386302 157056 grandgourmand 1 4387939 1. Dutch oven 2. Panini Maker 3. Electric Pepper Grinder 4. All Clad measuring cups and spoons 5. Chef's knives Wed Feb 04 14:35:45 -0800 2009 4386302 253108 wineos 1 4388077 this is pretty hard, since everything in my kitchen is functional... 1. WMF De Luxe ceramic pepper mill 2. Shun 8" chef's knife 3. Faberware vegetable peeler 4. Kaiser "La Forme" 9" springform pan. Really high quality, good nonstick that doesn't scratch, cut, or peel after almost 10 years. 5. Calphalon "Simply Calphalon" 5 qt chili pot and 10" skillet Wed Feb 04 15:21:38 -0800 2009 4386302 74905 jaykayen 1 4388598 My mini food processor My cast iron pans for sure my stove top grill pan my hand chopper for the counter, great for quick chops My atomizer for olive oil Wed Feb 04 18:44:17 -0800 2009 4386302 232829 kchurchill5 2 4388793 What do you use your mini processor for? I have one but never got into the habit of using it. Maybe I need to pull it out again. Wed Feb 04 19:57:53 -0800 2009 4388598 123744 karykat 3 4389679 I use both that and my hand counter chopper. When I need just some chopped garlic or a few nuts or just basil etc I use the counter chopper. Nearly not as good but convenient and quick. My mini chopper I use for 4 or 5 herbs, lots of garlic, nuts, peppercorns, allspice, lots of different things. Sometimes onions, herbs and a little olive oil when I didn't need a tons. Great for a quick dressing. Mix the herbs, onions and nuts then just mix with some olive oil and vinegar in a bowl. I saves alot of chopping in you have a lot to do. Dried fruit is good, many uses. I just don't always need the whole big processor. I was making chopped cranberries for a port wine sauce. Well a pain to chop so ... nuts and cranberries in a small foodprocessor and just blend. Easy and quick. Ive used it for much more. A quick blended 2 eggs for a froth and many many others. Thu Feb 05 08:00:19 -0800 2009 4388793 232829 kchurchill5 3 4398100 Parsley, all herbs, compound butter, salad dressing, small amounts of anything that you don't want to hand chop!! I could go on and on!! If you leave it out on the counter you will use it, along with the larger Cuisinart food processor. On counter always is the only way they will be used!! my five favorite are (very hard to choose five) MAC 85 chef knife Silpat Cuisinart food processor Kitchen Aid mixer microplanes After making the list I realized that the two most important, really, are the knife and my wonderful Boos cutting board!! Sun Feb 08 09:14:05 -0800 2009 4388793 115579 Mother of four 1 4391880 Do I have to use something often for it to be a favorite? Pressure cooker Electric kettle Immersion blender Poultry shears Lots of small bowls I would love to have a good knife, but I'm afraid I'll ruin it. Thu Feb 05 19:44:53 -0800 2009 4386302 246593 harukiri 2 4394597 Buy yourself a good knife. Trust me. You deserve it and you won't ruin it. Fri Feb 06 16:35:40 -0800 2009 4391880 248778 avgolemona 2 4399165 Buy a Forschner 8-inch chef's, they're not very expensive, lightweight but are very functional Sun Feb 08 17:00:22 -0800 2009 4391880 74192 chuckl 1 4391952 I live in acloset nyc studio so myy current favorites reflect things that make my life easier 1. Hammacher Schlemmer bookcase that I use to pots, wine glasses, dried beans, baskets of dried goods and all sorts of things. I could not live without it since I have 16 inches of counterspace which is one cabinet 2. My antique tea cart. The wheels still work and i use it for dessets during Thanksgiving and to hold more stuff on an everyday basis plus it keeps my spirtis up because it reminds me I won't be living like this forever 3. Measuring cups and mason jars I use them to hold all my silverware and cooking utensils 4. My stainless steel pots 5. All my Silicon spatulas for the way they fold egg whites but can go straight into a hot pot. Thu Feb 05 20:18:00 -0800 2009 4386302 171195 kayEx 1 4394056 I have to agree with flourgirl, I do love everything in my kitchen and it is also the heart of our home. So let's see. I'm going to split this up into aesthetics and function, since it is such a beautiful room, that feeds my soul and that we spend so much time in. Function: 1. My Lacanche range!!! 2. My 8" Kramer Chef's knife 3. immersion blender. 4. Le Crueset dutch oven (I use them ALL the time!) Aesthetics 1. My Lacanche range! 2. The view of our wooded back yard through the wall of windows. 3. The Blue Ridge and Jerusalem pottery I have hanging on the walls. 4. The shelves for all our cookbooks (it's an addiction). 5. Our beautiful cherry counters (which could also go under functional because they are tough! Although I do not cut on them.) Fri Feb 06 13:28:27 -0800 2009 4386302 245314 VACluny 2 4394591 I have to do that too (actually architecture plus gear), because great gear in a bad space, or bad gear in a great space, would not be the same. There is some overlap: Architecture: The view of the pond and waterfall. The high ceilings. The many cabinets and all the counter space. The slide-out shelves in lower cabinets. The pot rack. Gear: Knives Gas stove (nothing fancy, but it's GAS) Microplanes Electric kettle (how did I ever live without this?) Cuisinart Fri Feb 06 16:32:31 -0800 2009 4394056 248778 avgolemona 3 4394813 are you guys purposely trying to make us closet dwellers jealous with your fantastic views. *Goes off in huff to ponder where young life went so wrong* Fri Feb 06 17:57:50 -0800 2009 4394591 171195 kayEx 4 4394907 My original view was roughly 5,000 square feet of rocks and weeds on top of landfill. So I made my own better view by building a pond and landscaping. Come to flyover country, young kay. Real estate is cheap (my mortgage is $700/mo). And we have real kitchens. Fri Feb 06 18:35:25 -0800 2009 4394813 248778 avgolemona 5 4395564 FL, rent 1,000 no view, just the parking lot. Kitchen barely no counter room to put a toaster. Work my but off but, reality is where we live. I would love a real kitchen. My favorite items have to fit in drawers or in tupperware containers under the bed. Sat Feb 07 06:05:37 -0800 2009 4394907 232829 kchurchill5 3 4395757 I forgot something that has nothing to do with cooking, really, but makes it more enjoyable anyway: the combination phone/radio that is mounted under the cabinet next to the stove. I can listen to NPR and answer the phone while cooking, without moving a single step. Sat Feb 07 08:12:52 -0800 2009 4394591 248778 avgolemona 1 4394058 Whoops! Forgot number 5 under functional! 5. My wonderful, old wooden spoons..... Fri Feb 06 13:29:12 -0800 2009 4386302 245314 VACluny 1 4394411 1. Kitchen tongs I got from IKEA 2. Silicon spatulas (got on sale from Crate & Barrel cuz they had seasonal decorations) 3. Bodum french press (it does one thing, but it does it well) 4. Cheapo chef's knife I got for free with some Omaha's Steaks (it's really light in a good way and as long as I hone it every time, works better than anything I tried) 5. My red devil oven mitts (reach up to the elbow: I haven't burned myself since I got them a year ago, and I used to burn myself A LOT) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19961305 Fri Feb 06 15:15:45 -0800 2009 4386302 71070 StrawbrryF 1 4394433 Such well planned, well stocked kitchens! My fast five for making menu prep a breeze: Electric grinder for spices (buy em whole, grind em fresh!) Whole Nutmeg mill Stainless steel slicer (for eggs, beets, olives, u name it) Electric juicer Bamboo steamer Fri Feb 06 15:27:51 -0800 2009 4386302 36312 HillJ 1 4394559 1. My pot hanger over my kitchen peninsula that keeps everything within easy reach. 2. Stainless steel French press for great coffee that stays hot. 3. Le Creuset dutch oven for lots of wonderful comfort food. 4. Electric breadmaker for easy homemade bread 5. KitchenAid stand mixer for too many things to mention Fri Feb 06 16:17:35 -0800 2009 4386302 135310 BelleJo 2 4395062 My cast iron Coffee maker I cannot live without, but I don't grind because I hate the noise Nesting glass bowls--from huge to tiny Wooden spoons Silicon mitts, spatulas and brushes. Don't like the cutting "boards" or baking pans, though Magnet knife holder. And I have some pretty good knives, too Marble cutting board that I made from buying a tile and putting rubber feet on it. My daughter's beautiful art work on my fridge DISHWASHER Pretty low tech. Fri Feb 06 19:55:39 -0800 2009 4394559 189528 Whosyerkitty 1 4395860 Silicone utensils, mainly the spatula and the basting brush, especially the brush it was a real omg moment. Coffee maker Digital thermometer / timer, my Thanksgiving turkey was never this moist before I owned one. Good knife and my knife sharpener. My bf, we have a I cook he cleans arrangement, but I think he would then immediately point to our less than a year old dishwasher. Sat Feb 07 09:14:26 -0800 2009 4386302 11327 lizzy 1 4397567 My knives, my pots, my pans, my hands, my cooktop. Did you mean Singular items? Good Lord... OK, this has nothing to do with how often I use something: 1 My Flint icing spatula that I use for cookie removal (since I was a kid! My folks had one). I just like the flex in it. 2 My scraper, the one with the rolled top and fits perfectly in my apron pocket, like it was a holster. 3 My 8" Ed. Wusthof cooks knife; I've had it since '82, its had more time in my hand than any other. These days I use a 10" and I feel like I've abandoned the tool that made me. :-( 4 My KitchenAid Mixer. Is it really a kitchen without one? 5 My spiral bound Joy of Cooking. New in '82 I'm the only one who has worn out it's pages. There's over 300 things, er, 'tools' (ahem): calling out five favorites is almost mean. Sun Feb 08 01:36:52 -0800 2009 4386302 264226 toomanypots 1 4398542 I hate my kitchen, alas, but haven't managed to come up with money to fix it. But when I do, I'll come to CH first for ideas. Ditto on most other posters' favorite things. Two things I can't do without are (1) My Solingen kitchen shears, for cutting everything, and going strong 15 years without a sharpening, and (2) my teakettle that has a mellow train-whistle sound instead of screaming at me! Sun Feb 08 12:49:44 -0800 2009 4386302 45208 somervilleoldtimer 1 4400934 I'm a young guy just moving out, so I'm trying to get a lot of the basic type things. But, my favorites are: 1) My knives (Shun Chef's knife and MAC Santoku, mainly) - I use one or both every day. 2) Lodge cast iron skillet and enameled dutch oven - Love the dutch for stews, short ribs, etc...I'm still seasoning the skillet. 3) Spice cabinet - Inspiration everywhere...also used every day. 4) Book shelf - I have ~10 cookbooks and I like to try a new recipe every week. 5) Mini-food processor - I need to get a big one...that's probably my next kitchen purchase. Mon Feb 09 10:55:19 -0800 2009 4386302 150060 BigE 1 4413734 1. Bertazzoni range 2. Espresso machine (6yr old Le'lit) 3. Rocky coffee grinder 4. collection of well seasoned cast iron 5. my dogs...patiently waiting for me to drop something good Fri Feb 13 07:21:12 -0800 2009 4386302 140993 RedHouse 1 4414859 Seems to me that my answers are not what is being looked for.... 1) Indoor plumbing 2) Refrigerator 3) Freezer 4) Oven with temp settings 5) Burner's/Cooktop with temp settings My mother remembers when they replaced the icebox with a refrigerator, my grandmother talked about stoking a wood burning stove, and my great grandmother used to have to go to the backyard pump for water. Perhaps I am taking the question too literally. Fri Feb 13 12:08:18 -0800 2009 4386302 57890 KaimukiMan