Is your wooden spoon cracked and burnt on the edges? Is your vegetable peeler blade dull from 20 years of use? Are you still using that plastic spatula that is melted on one edge? We all have a collection of kitchen spoons, spatulas, whisks and more, but how do we know when it is time to replace them?
With proper care, most kitchen tools and gadgets will last you a very long time. But are you enduring the cracked and burnt edges, dull blades, and melted edges when you don’t really need to? Clearly, if something stops functioning properly it’s time to replace it.
The Basics
So, which kitchen tools do you need in your kitchen? According to John White, business director- housewares for Robinson Home Products Inc., “Every at-home chef needs a suite of tools including a solid spoon, slotted spoon, slotted turner, ladle), silicone spatula’s, tongs, peeler, can opener, cutlery, cutting boards, colanders, mixing bowls.”
Your kitchen tool needs are related to how you cook, but items these are the basics, and when you have them on hand, they make cooking much easier. “There are certainly niche items out there,” he adds, “but the basics can get you through any culinary challenge.”
If you are looking to re-new your collection of kitchen tools and wondering what to take into consideration, be sure to focus on quality, material, comfort and style. “Buy a decent quality tool so it lasts,” White explains, adding “The material you choose should be based on your cookware.” For instance, if you cook with stainless steel, then stainless steel tools make most sense. If you cook with nonstick cookware, silicone, nylon or wood are best. “Remember, you have to use these tools, so make sure they are comfortable and fit your personal style,” he adds.
There are a few other things to consider when choosing kitchen tools. As White mentioned, if you cook with nonstick cookware, silicone, nylon or wood is best. But even within each of these categories, there are differences. “Silicone is better than nylon because of its higher heat resistance,” White explains. “Wood is also a great choice for cooking in nonstick cookware, but remember it’s not recommended for the dishwasher and the choices in functions are limited.” The Bottom Line: Get to know your options and pair them with the way you cook.
Style and Substance
And when choosing new replacement tools, it is all about personal style and preference. But you might ask, “Isn’t a spoon a spoon?”
Tools we use today resemble those used ages ago. But what makes them exciting, is that they have become much more stylish through the years. Tools and gadgets are typically impulse purchases, however with new design trends for the home, consumers are seeking out tools and gadgets that offer a bit of design element to their kitchens.
In particular, White points to the Farmhouse/Industrial trend, which continues to grow in home furnishings, and is influencing design elements in tools and gadgets. He also notes that marble, wood and metallic and matte finishes are also trending.
Caring for your Collection
With any new purchase, even if you have used that tool before, it is a good idea to read the packaging to determine how best to care for the item. If you toss everything in the dishwasher, wooden tools won’t hold up as long. If you are using nylon tools, remember they are heat resistant up to a certain point, so don’t be using them on the grill!
A lot of this may sound basic, but sometimes I think I take my kitchen tools for granted, treating them like workhorses rather than taking care of them as I would if they were Andalusian horses. Now that I find myself seeking out a new kitchen tool collection, I vow to take better care of them!
Studio Cuisine™ from Robinson Home offers an unique design effortlessly combines the stylish look consumers are seeking with functionality that ensures cooking success. The first collection, called ‘Naturals” features realistic wood grain finish that beings the added value of being dishwasher safe. Each piece is unique in its finish and the wood-grain look is a nod to the natural trend that is increasingly popular in the kitchen.
The wood-grain line, features durable ABS handles and a soft TPR coating for a comfortable grip. The line includes thirty-two unique tool and gadget items, ranging in price from $3.99 to $12.99. For more information on the Studio Cuisine collection, visit here.
