5 essential kitchen tools every chef has in their knife roll

Whether you're a professional chef or an enthusiastic home cook, the tools you work with can make a difference in your cooking experience. While chefs rely on many gadgets in the kitchen, these are five essential tools you'll find in every chef’s knife roll. These tools ensure precision, efficiency, and safety, allowing you to create dishes with confidence and consistency. 

1. Chef’s knife

A sharp, comfortable chef’s knife is the foundation of every chef’s toolkit. A high-quality chef's knife will be well-balanced, sharp, and durable, making it an indispensable tool. It can accomplish approximately 90% of kitchen tasks, making it the most versatile knife in any chef's collection. While there are hundreds of variations available, each with different blade materials, shapes, and handle designs, the standard 8- to 10-inch chef's knife is the go-to tool for most chefs. In addition to the staple chef’s knife, many chefs personalize their toolkits with additional specialized knives, such as a paring knife for detailed work or a bread knife with serrated edges. 

Click here to learn more about how to select your chef’s knife. When selecting a chef's knife, focus on comfort. The knife should feel like a natural extension of your hand, with the right balance between blade and handle. Investing in a high-quality knife is worth it, as it will last a lifetime if properly maintained.

2. Microplane

The microplane is another essential tool in the roll, a fine grater that’s particularly useful for grating hard cheeses, zesting citrus fruits, or finely grating spices like nutmeg. The microplane gives chefs the ability to add a fine, aromatic layer of ingredients to their dishes. Whether it’s adding a final touch of freshly grated Parmesan over pasta or zesting a lemon to brighten up a sauce or dessert, its small size and precision make it a favorite for both professional and home chefs. After using it, be sure to clean and dry the microplane immediately to prevent build-up between the fine teeth and keep it sharp.

3. Ceramic Honing Rod

A ceramic honing rod is essential for keeping your knives sharp and safe to use. A dull knife is not only frustrating, but dangerous. Kitchen accidents involving knives often happen because the blade isn’t sharp enough to make clean cuts, increasing the likelihood of slipping. While sharpening is necessary, honing regularly helps to maintain the sharp edge by realigning the blade between sharpening sessions. Regular honing ensures that each cut is clean and efficient, and it can significantly extend the sharpness of your knife. To hone your knife, hold the honing rod vertically and run the blade at a 20-degree angle down both sides of the rod a few times before each use. Though honing won’t replace sharpening, it will prolong the time between sharpening sessions. My favorite is from the brand Idahone.

4. Small Rubber Spatula

A small rubber spatula may seem like a simple tool, but it’s incredibly versatile and efficient for a wide range of kitchen tasks. From scraping out the last bit of sauce from a container to folding delicate batters, this tool reduces waste and ensures precision. Its flexible edge is perfect for scraping bowls clean, folding ingredients without deflating them, and even stirring ingredients over low heat. Rubber spatulas are also heat-resistant, making them safe for various cooking tasks. Having a few sizes on hand is helpful, with smaller spatulas great for precise tasks and larger ones better for bigger jobs like folding meringue or scraping batter from a mixing bowl.

5. Tweezers

Finally, tweezers may initially seem unnecessary outside of a Michelin-star restaurant, but they are incredibly helpful for handling delicate tasks with precision. Tweezers allow chefs to pick up small ingredients like herbs or edible flowers and place them carefully on a plate. They can also be used to remove small impurities, such as fishing a tiny shell out of an egg or a seed from freshly squeezed juice. For chefs who prioritize both presentation and efficiency, tweezers are an invaluable tool that helps elevate the plating and precision of dishes. Stainless steel tweezers are a durable option, and even if you’re not working in a high-end restaurant, they can help ensure your dishes are as refined as possible.

Conclusion

When cooking large quantities of food, every second counts. The tools you use can be fundamental in ensuring you are working quickly, efficiently, and safely. Many of these tools are available online, but you will often find the best prices from specialty restaurant supply stores.