The secret to the perfect kitchen: knowing when to splurge. A solid chef’s knife, a dependable coffee machine — some workhorses warrant the investment. That said, there are many unsung heroes of the kitchen, most of which cost less than $20 a pop. Some haven’t changed in decades. Others are new-and-improved versions of the classics. But they all share the same trait: they work. (Already have your perfect kitchen? Then learn how to use it.)
Spatula by Winco $5
Long-Probe Cooking Thermometers by Harbor $7
Original Swiss Peeler by Kuhn Rikon $7
All-Purpose Beechwood Spoon by Sur La Table $8
Narrow Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons by CEK Choice $10
11-Inch Balloon Whisk by OXO Good Grips $10
4-Quart Rimmed Mixing Bowl by Pyrex $10
Swiss Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife by Victorinox $10
Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Barker’s Half Sheet by Nordic Ware $11
Cotton Classic Kitchen Towels by Royal $12
Classic Zester and Grater by Microplane $12
Deluxe Can Opener by EZ-DUZ-IT $13
12-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs by OXO Good Grips $13
Susi 3-Garlic Press by Zyliss $14
Gray Kunz Perforated Spoon by JB Prince $13
Prepworks Cutting Board by Progressive $15
Kitchen Shears by J.A. Henckels $16
10.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet by Lodge $16
Micro-perforated Stainless Steel 5-quart Colander by Bellemain $17
Lemon Squeezer by A&A Home $19
