A new space means a new start, especially in the kitchen where culinary endeavors are hopefully more and more possible. Whether it be a person’s first place on their own or they’re tying the knot with a partner, a kitchen-related gift can really be a hit or miss. Here, on the forum r/Cooking, a user asked others what small kitchen gadgets were a must, and what could be a good gift for someone wanting to cook in their new space.
Microplane
“A Microplane. Zest was what I thought this was for, and it definitely is. However, it is fantastic for grating cheese on top of your pasta, grating garlic and ginger, or other minor grating tasks. The form factor is so useful and it just makes those types of tasks a lot easier.” Via: heywolfie1015/r/Cooking
Probe Thermometer
“I just visited my sister who does not own a probe thermometer. She roasted a small chicken and before putting it in she declared that it looked like a three-hour bake. After about three hours she took it out, looked it over, wiggled its drumstick, and said that since it wasn’t coming right out, she’d put it back in until the rest of the meal was ready. It was so dry. I’m still grateful for the meal, don’t get me wrong, but she needs one of these (and would feel insulted if I got her one…very touchy).” Via: debbie666/r/Cooking
Fire Exstinguisher
“Fire extinguisher.” said one user WestBrink and another user gave a good pointer. “Tip from my firefighter friend: don’t store it in the kitchen! The fire is most likely to be IN the kitchen. Somewhere outside, but nearby is best.” Via: I_Ron_Butterfly/r/Cooking
Coffee Grinder
“A small coffee grinder/spice mill to grind up whole spices. The flavor is much more intense than buying pre-ground.” Via: fakesaucisse/r/Cooking
Small Tongs
“I’ll add that I prefer small and mini versions of tongs these days. So handy.” Via: MadameMonk/r/Cooking
Cookbook With Corresponding Speciality Ingredients
“I’ve put together theme gifts built around a specific cookbook, with the unique ingredients and tools for that style of cooking that they might not normally have. For example, give one of Yotam Ottolenghi’s books, with some rose water, pomegranate molasses, za’atar, sumac, cardamom, tahini, and harissa. Maybe a mortar & pestle?
Or if you’re focused on the tortilla press, maybe find a good Mexican cookbook and include a molcajete, plus some dried chilis and beans, masa flour, good Mexican chocolate, corn husks for tamales… ?” Via: cynmyn/r/Cooking
Kitchen Essentials
“Not super exciting, but the things I’m always happy to have when needed… cheesecloth, cooking twine, and toothpicks/wooden skewers.” Via: Existing-Sreaker-513/r/Cooking
Bench Scraper
“Bench scraper. Everyone has their own needs but my bench scraper gets more use than everything else listed here.” Via: ducksfan9972/r/Cooking
Immersion
“Others have mentioned an immersion blender, and nearly everyone can get good use out of one of those.” Via: downpourbluey/r/Cooking
Grill Gloves
“Grill gloves for moving hot pans. I like them so much more than oven mitts. I feel like I have more control and they handle higher temperatures.” Via: udbrky/r/Cooking
Vintage Can Opner
“Don’t mess around with new can openers. They all stink and they all break. Get a vintage 70’s or 80’s Swing-A-Way manual can opener. You can find them at thrift shops pretty often and lasts forever. I’ve had the same one for many years, my mother-in-law has the same one she’s had since the 80’s, and my grandmother has one from the 70’s. I struggled with bad can openers for years and finally picked one up from Goodwill a few years back. Best $5 I’ve ever spent.” Via: poopmoney/r/Cooking