Here's a question from reader Katharine on the next best tool for her new kitchen.
I'm moving into a new apartment, and my friend offered to buy me a housewarming gift, and obviously I want something for my kitchen.
She's working on a budget so whatever I ask for has to be less than $50. And I already have all the standard appliances/gadgets I could think of - waffle maker, George Foreman grill, blender, toaster, microwave, plates, silverware, knives (i.e, everything i need on a day to day basis).
I could ask for a good cutting board (right now I only have plastic ones), or perhaps a good rolling pin, but I am unsure how often I would use something like that. Any suggestions?
Katharine, we are very much in favor of a large wooden cutting board. We use ours all the time - for chopping, cutting and carving, obviously, but also for serving. We like to serve a roasted chicken or freshly baked bread right on the board, as well as chopped vegetables.
If you're in a very small kitchen, think about the Williams-Sonoma version above, with a built-in colander. This lets you rinse and chop right over the sink - making extra space in counter-handicapped kitchens.
• Williams-Sonoma Colander Cutting Board, $49
Or just another large wooden cutting board, sans colander. We really like the feel and look of real wood, and if you don't own one of these yet it's a good and lasting gift.
More thoughts for Katharine?
(Image: Williams-Sonoma)
I agree with the wood cutting board. Wood is better for your knives than plastic, so it's a good thing to have around. I use mine almost everyday, but I can easily go a month without using my rolling pin.
view Nougat's profile
A microplane grater, if you don't have one already. Someone gave me one for a housewarming gift, and we use it almost daily. This will also be a good gift from your friend's perspective, since she is on a budget.
view Susmita's profile
I'm worried the cutting boards might be asking too much, I'll pitch that and the graters, which look awesome, and I don't have any graters at all right now, so that would be... great ;)
view ktoth04's profile
I think a cutting board is a great idea, but that one with the colander might be a little one-use. Bamboo ones are made from sustainable materials, long lasting, and very attractive for table use as well. The ones from Totally Bamboo (check Amazon) also got a Cook's Illustrated best buy recommendation. They come in a lot of different sizes. I have the 'Congo,' and I love it. It's easy on knives, too.
view Peggasus's profile
How about practical cannisters for your sugar and flour? I use really wide cylinders from Rubbermaid that hold a five-pound bag of flour or sugar. The wide top makes scooping out of them really easy and the same goes for re-filling them.
Or, you could go a little less practical and get a 5 kilogram block of Callebaut chocolate.
view Tomorrow Never Knows's profile
I really like the totally bamboo boards!
haha, now i'm probably going to end up buying stuff i never knew i 'needed'
lol
view ktoth04's profile
Does your kitchen have a window with a sill? A little herb container garden might be nice.
view Julie's profile
Our kitchen doesn't have a window, but we just bought things for making one in our dining room :)
Our kitchen is really small >.>
view ktoth04's profile
ditto on microplane grater
view wetsocks's profile
Another vote for the microplane grater. Alternatively, a mortar and pestle, instant read thermometer, potato ricer or olive oil can with a long spout. Consider something luxurious that you mightn't buy for yourself.
view mikeinkansascity's profile
Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone! I think I just might send my friend the thread... lol :)
view ktoth04's profile
http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=484
I am totally buying this cutting board, it's been in my bookmarks for a while and you just reminded me. It's pretty much the best idea ever, and...hello- $39! Score!
view Tiffany's profile
I like the idea of a herb garden- we recieved one as a birthday gift.
For a small kitchen how about one of the magnetic knife strips. It's good for the blades and takes up less room.
view http://badhuman.wordpress.com's profile
microplaners are great, but a good wooden cutting board doesn't have to cost $50. i think ours cost about $16. i like the idea of asking for something you will use regularly, so that you think fondly of your friend as you cook (and not guiltily of the nutmeg grinder languishing in your cupboard). i love the set of silicon utensils (a couple of spatulas and especially the little basting brush) i got as a gift a while back. also: a kitchen timer or a kettle if you don't have those.
view SweetTea's profile
Sorry... but I'm going to throw cold water on the bamboo cutting board idea... I bought one... thinking... great! sustainable and beautiful. Well... I found I needed to sharpen my knives more often. They are a hard wood... maybe too hard. I've since purchased a large rectangular maple board and I've never been happier. I use it all the time. It leans against the backsplash in the corner where it's handy. The bamboo board is still around. It's great for serving cheese.
view burrda2000's profile
How about attractive (re-usable) containers for your dishsoap, handsoap on your counter (instead of plastic bottles - and then you can buy in bulk).
Or attractive olive oil bottles or vinegar bottles (with those cool pourer tops).
I'm personally into indian cooking so a spice-grinder would be welcome by me. I have a mortar-pestle which I've used a lot more than I thought I would and might be fun to have, too.
I could also always use inexpensive wine glasses. I always seem to break one every 4-months.
Gee - maybe someone needs to give ME some gifts!!! ;)
view JenPDX's profile
hi,
i just came by although you have discussed all this a long time ago...i was googling for cutting boards and this one showed up and i fainted with joy. went to the william sonoma site and guess what, this one does not even show. they have some plastic stuff with expandables..but wood is wood....
can someone tell me where this particular one is available?
i also liked Tiffany's suggestion of Miller's. nice one too. have bookmarked it and wish to see if the above pic is for real ;)
so tell me pls?
view meera's profile