Tap Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Lets pretend that you had a horrible kitchen accident and your whole kitchen went down the drain.(Some of you may have to really pretend hard that this is a horrible thing and not the answer to a prayer LOL ) What 5 (or so) things would you replace without hesitation and why? Are they favorites? Well honed tools? Perfect left hand can opener? Melon baller that you found only after buying 19 different versions to get the exact, perfect one that you now own? No limits, it can be the $1 plastic handle paring knife or the $5,000 stove...what ever makes your heart pitter patter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamzanne Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Pure Komachi knives, especially the fuschia chef's knife and the orange bread knife: these are lightweight but sturdy. They rival the super expensive knives in quality and usefulness but are very inexpensive. A cuisinart immersion blender: I love this for pureeing sauces and soups, making milkshakes and blizzards, and even salsa. It is great to take camping. Okay, the kind of camping where you have an outlet! :laugh: Le Creuset (or other enameled cast iron) cookware. I have both Le Creuset and the much cheaper Lodge and love them both. I use my Le Creuset dutch oven for baking No Knead Bread. They are in use nearly every day. Good quality spatulas and wooden spoons. I like to have at least three of each on hand. I am really pleased with these Le Creuset spatulas and Mario Batali wooden spoons my mom gave me for Christmas. A smallish non-stick omelette pan for cooking eggs. I use mine daily. I'm not crazy about non-stick so I'm careful to not scratch it and I would toss it if it got scratched. Then I would replace it. A bench scraper. I love this tool for cutting dough, scraping wet dough off the counter, cleaning up stuck on messes, and lifting chopped veg to the pot. I would also replace my Kitchenaid Mixer and Cuisinart Food Processor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 My Wusthof Classic knife set. I suppose if I had to pick one, it would be the chef's knife. This flexible stainless spatula. I really should go ahead and buy a second one. http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Flexible-Spatula/dp/B00004OCL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367749675&sr=8-1&keywords=oxo+metal+spatula A cast iron frying pan. On top of frying pan duties, I bake bread in mine and flip it over and use the underside for baking pizza. My Vitamix. A bunch of canning jars in different sizes. I use them for everything. Storing dry goods, leftovers, freezing soup, drinking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 The most used items in our kitchen and what I'd replace are 1) An excellent set of knives. We have Zwilling. I'd go with the chef's knife first and then a pairing knife. There's nothing worse than trying to work with blunt knives. 2) Thick based saute pan. This is the item that gets used most in our kitchen. 3) Cast iron dish - I have only one Le Creuset Dutch oven that gets used casseroles, roasting, bread, etc. 4) Microwave rice steamer - Cooks rice without me having to worry about it burning on the stove. 5) A hand blender - now that its winter and we're making lots of soup this gets used daily. ETA: A cheep item that we use a lot as well is a microwave egg poacher. If I had an unlimited budget I'd love a bean-to-cup coffee machine a thermomix! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 My top 5 instant replacements: Cast Iron Dutch Oven Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Quality Knives Vitamix Bamboo Spoons and Spatulas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 William Sonoma narrow measuring spoons http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/narrow-measuring-spoons/?pkey=cmeasuring-cups-spoons& Set of vintage Revereware pots and pans, including 8 quart. I always coveted having Calphalon someday and when I finally found a good set at a price I could afford, I wound up hating them and went back to the old stainless. Zac Happy Spoons - I originally bought one of these because it was whimsical, but it's become my go-to spoon for cooking. I like the long handle, the size and shape of the bowl, and it's sturdy enough to hold up when handmixing cookie dough. I have several in bright colors and appreciate that it brings a little sense of fun into my kitchen. http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Happy-Spoon-Zak-Designs/dp/B001GBFRKA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367756285&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=zac+happy+spoon USA cookie sheet--I just got one of these as a gift and it's the first non-stick bakeware that I've had that truly is non-stick. Cookies slide right off this sheet. http://www.amazon.com/USA-Pans-Aluminized-Cookie-Americoat/dp/B00282JLDK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1367756597&sr=1-1&keywords=usa+cookie+sheet Calphalon Commercial Non-stick brownie pan-- http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Commercial-Nonstick-Bakeware-13-Inch/dp/B0002808AM Microplane zester Set of 3 bar sized, dishwasher safe cutting boards. http://www.amazon.com/Architec-Gripper-Barboard-7-Inch-Yellow/dp/B000I1UOWA Cuisinart cutting board--this picture doesn't show it well, but the edges are curved to keep liquids from running off http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-BA-1113-PrepBoard-Protector-Rectangular/dp/B0001LO5EA/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1367757429&sr=1-1&keywords=cuisinart+cutting+board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Not pretending :) When we moved from TX to BR I packed very few kitchen items, only those things that I absolutely could not bear to be without if we couldn't find a suitable replacement once we arrived. My items were: -6 qt crock pot -well seasoned/much loved/used Pampered Chef round pizza stone (the large one) -Pampered Chef can opener -Pampered Chef ice cream scoop That's all. What I have missed since then, and will buy asap when we are next in the US, is the Pampered Chef garlic press. Had one, gave it away because I never used fresh garlic. Got here, jars of garlic are too $$$ so I use fresh. If I were leaving here tomorrow, I'd take my pizza stone, the PC can opener, PC ice cream scoop, probably still the crock pot, and my coffee maker. Love my coffee maker. It has a hot water reservoir separate from the coffee maker part, which I love for making hot tea in the afternoons/evenings. The rest is replaceable, any brand will do type stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aoife Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 1) Bosch universal mixer 2) blendtec 3) Keurig 4) Cast iron dutch oven 5) my chef's knife Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 My cast iron cookware, my knives, my Electrolux kitchen assistant, my food processor, my stainless bakeware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Silpats - I love these for baking, nothing sticks to them Keurig - I like fresh coffee, one cup at a time Kitchen aid stand mixer - Electric griddle - I use it at least 5 times a week veggie peeler that my brother bought me for Christmas - after 20 years in the kitchen it is the best peeler I've ever had Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Bosch Universal Keurig Pampered Chef pizza stone Good knives (I have a small set of Cutco) Crock Pot and/or toaster oven (It'd be a hard call between these 2 - we use both very often) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 #1 - Ninja Master Prep Blender - use it every day for smoothies #2 - Pampered Chef garlic press #3 - Pampered Chef oven mitts - These are actually so good that my dh caught one on fire on our gas stove and didn't feel it. He figured out that it was smoldering by the smell. #4 - Swingline manual can opener #5 - Rival crock pot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 I'm going to answer without reading replies first. 1. Metal, flat bottomed, wooden handled spoon...great for stirring puddings or soups. 2. Cast iron skillet. I have a 10 inch that gets used every day and a smaller 6 inch that gets used a lot. 3. My purple enameled cast iron pot and lid. Perfect size for us and it's purple. I would also replace the much larger red one I have, too. 4. Good, heavy bottomed stainless pots. 5. Good knives for chopping, boning, and slicing. 6. My stand mixer and bowls. We use it a lot. Off to read every one else's replies now. (Can anyone tell me why I can't insert a paragraph break in my replies? PM me if you know how I can fix this.) MetM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmith Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Lodge cast iron cookware Calphalon pots and pans Good set of knives poultry shears Kitchen Aid stand mixer I also must have parchment paper at all times. I go nuts when I run out of parchment paper! It was really hard to narrow it down to 5 favorites! I also use the immersion blender all the time, as well as the hand mixer. The bread machine gets quite a bit of use, as well as our various pieces of bake ware. I estimate about 30 different things that I would have a really hard time doing without in my kitchen. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 This is really tough because it depends a lot on what you like to do. There are also solid basics that are necessities outside of your favorites. Solid basics for me: good 6-8" chefs knife and paring knife 10-12" cast iron skillet 3-4 qt calphalon pot pasta dishes (wide but shallow dishes) a jelly roll pan and a flat sided baking sheet Favorites (I'm a baker): stand mixer silicon mats, I prefer cheap brands that go up to 500F/Silpat doesn't and mine unraveled from the high temps (crispy homemade pizza or quick cookie clean up) oven stone instant read thermometer adjustable measuring spoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 1. cast iron skillet 2. microplane grater 3. big, plastic bucket with markings for making bread dough kitchen scale with taring function 4. sharp, hefty chef's knife 5. little ceramic bowls for my mise Sentimental pick: 99 cent paring knife I bought at Wegmans 25 years ago; it's cheap and ugly, but its wobbly blade actually fits places other knives won't. Plus it reminds me of making awful slice-and-bake cookies in my dorm room microwave. Love that thing. ETA: upon further reflection, I've decided I can't cook without a scale for measuring flour, portioning meat, and all manner of tasks. I hate to give up my bucket, but the scale is more important. Sorry, Bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 My Bosch mixer, with a food processor attachment an electric tea kettle a good sharp knife measuring cup measuring spoons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Kitchen-Aid stand mixer Cast iron griddle A good set of knives Crockpot A good skillet with a lid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandymom Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Kitchenaid Mixer with attachments pressure canner Lodge dutch oven 16" skillet with a lid and it's a tossup for the last item....I am a kitchen gadget junkie, and there are quite a few that I adore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Crockpot Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Kitchenaid immersion blender Electric Griddle Pyrex glass storage bowls with rubber lids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 A ceramic coated pan, like my aeturnum. A rice cooker. Good knives. A coffee pot. Spatulas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Vitamix Wusthof knive set Le Creuset pots/pans Zojirushi rice maker Ipad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 first priority - vitamix - borner v-slicer - best mandolin ever - pressure cooker - 6qt - cast iron skillet - large mortar and pestle second priority - silicone spoon/spatula and wood spatulas - kitchen aid stand mixer, the large one - Perfect Beaker liquid measuring cup - william sonoma measuring cups and spoons, an older set - thermopen - instant thermometer - weston vacuum sealer - pressure canner/water bath canner - excaliur dehydrator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I am going to do this as if I had to replace things and only the things I know I would replace exactly without doing research. Knife set - we have Henckels and just gave our son his first one- the 8 inch chef's knife. He loves to cook and lives alone. OUr chef's knife is about 27 years old and still going well. Kitchenaid Mixer- I don't even have to guess I would want to replace this. Little cookie scooper- maybe made by Pampered Chef- Anyway, it is small and exactly the size I like to make cookies. An enameled braising pot I got this Christmas My vegetable peeler- it is one for arthritics and one of the few things I have upgraded to help my arthritis and it does help I didn't say pots because I don't like most of my pots or skillets. My cast iron frying pans (I have three sizes) are great but heavy and not so good for my arthritis. The non stick is awful and I want to replace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemongoose Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Only 5? That's hard! 1. Zo Bread Machine 2. Vitamix 3. KA stand mixer 4. Le creuset pots/pans (I dont actually have these...I just wish) 5. A set of nice knives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Henckels knives Breville One-Touch Tea Maker Cuisinart Food Processor Strawberry Huller My homemade salad bar (a painstakingly selected configuration of containers that stack on a tray that fits perfectly on one fridge shelf) Microplane zester (I use this for garlic too.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Electric kettle Stove Microwave Pots Knifes That is assuming the kitchen is burnt down/damaged by earthquake and has to be rebuilt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Crock pot Pasta pot, medium pot, frying pan (lids for each) Plastic stuck food scraper Coffee maker (I have a Keurig now, sent for a graduation gift a year ago) Set of cooking spoons, spatulas, pasta stirrer (yea, I know) a casserole dish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koerarmoca Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Crockpot Good knives and cutting board Electric griddle The 99 cent mini ikea flipper (looks like it belongs to a kids kitchen but I love it) Toaster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree Frog Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I always coveted having Calphalon someday and when I finally found a good set at a price I could afford, I wound up hating them and went back to the old stainless. I found a whole display of new set of Calphalon pots and pans for $15 about 10 years ago. Someone had mismarked them--they should have been $150. I argued with the manager to give me the price marked on the box (he gave in, but only for one set). I took them home, tried them, and returned them. Even for the steep discount, I didn't like them, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 1) vintage revereware tea kettle 2) Forlife Q teapot 3) cast iron pans 4) Pampered Chef stash (I like and use everything I have from PC) 5) toaster oven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 A fantastic set of cookware. Tupperware storage bowls A rice cooker A great set of knives A microwave oven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 1. Good knives 2. Kitchen aid mixer 3. Food processor 4. Pampered chef spatulas 5. Pressure cooker regular stove top (I can use the pot as a regular pot when not cooking under pressure) I am assuming middle of the line oven/stove and refrigerator would be a given. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleEJ Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Oh my goodness! I have a slight obsession with kitchen gadgets :-) But if I had to pick five... 1. My Cutco. Best knives ever, also their scissors and veg peeler. 2. My Le Creuset Dutch ovens. They have sentimental value plus they are used constantly. 3. Kitchen aid stand mixer 4. Cuisenart food processor 5. Plain half-sheet and quart-sheet pans. Handy for everything. Man that is hard! We recently moved from AK to TX and I'm pretty sure over half the trailer was my kitchen stuff lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniBlondes Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 1. Magic Bullet or Vitamix (I use one or both of these every single day) 2. pressure cooker 3. Good set of knives 4. Cast iron frying pan 5. Stainless steel stockpot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 When I go on vaca I take 1) Good quality chef's knife (and nothing-special cutting board) 2) Big non-stick Calphalon "everyday pan" - a large frying pan with high sides, perfect for skillet meals 3) My zjourshi (sp?) rice cooker with steamer basket 4) Really nice deep ceramic bowls perfect for things cooked in 2 or 3. I also like my Cuisinart stick blender, my mini food processor, my Colori (sp?) paring knife, my microplane extra-coarse grater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Henkel's knives Kitchen Aid stand mixer All Clad pots & pans set Good Grips hand held cheese grater Glass mixing bowl set - pyrex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyinva Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Please tell me more about this!! My homemade salad bar (a painstakingly selected configuration of containers that stack on a tray that fits perfectly on one fridge shelf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Please tell me more about this!! I got the idea for making my own salad bar after my millionth time joking that if I ever won the lottery, I would have someone maintain a salad bar in my home. That's never going to happen... Anyway, I pretty much went paleo and realized that the biggest challenge was making sure everything was at the ready. I measured a shelf in the refrigerator, then started searching for the perfect tray (found mine at Target, a simple white plastic tray). After I found a tray that fit perfectly, I took it to The Container Store and practically killed the kids while I took forever and a day to figure out the proper mix of sizes that would stack evenly. :tongue_smilie: I bought a bunch of different sizes of their TellFresh containers (5 900ML short rectangles, 2 1.88L tall rectangles, 1 1.75L tall square, 3 500ML short squares, and 4 500ML rectangles). Stacked up perfectly, those are all about the same height. I also got a giant TellFresh tub for my lettuce, but I have to keep that on another shelf. I keep them full of different things at different times and can pull out the salad bar tray any time and make a salad. The kids are eating more salad this way too. http://www.containerstore.com/shop?showDS=true&Ns=default&Ntt=Tellfresh&submit=GO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSDCY Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I am really enjoying this thread. My five items are: KitchenAid Stand Mixer Le Creuset Dutch Oven Tatung Rice Cooker Kitchen Timer Vitamix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylou Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Bosch Universal Chef's knife I've had forever and use for most everything Cast iron skillet (ditto) Rada vegetable peeler My new love: ($20 from garage sale last week) Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 a good knife a deep cast iron pan vitamix blender good can opener veg peeler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildiris Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 If I had to start again and had nothing, these would be the first things I would find. Everything else is a luxury. A gas oven and stove that work, i.e., the oven door shuts and all the burners go on. Large cast iron skillet. It works on the stove and in the oven. Knife Spatula with slots. Med. size pot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myeightkiddies Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Most of mine have already been listed. But I do have one to add. It's a Kitchenaid Mini Food Chopper. They come in 3 and 3.5 cup size. It has just one pulse button. No fuss. Easy to use. My family loves onions and garlic but only if cooked soft and small. This will quickly pulverize it to tiny pieces. I just scoop out and sautee, which is done quickly due to the small size. I also will chop carrots (and other veggies) to add to dishes for my non-veggie eater. This is used almost daily. I do have a regular food processor, but I don't want to drag it out just to chop a few carrots, an onion, or a few cloves of garlic. It'll do most nuts, tomato, celery, etc. If mine dies, I'll buy another the next day (I have used it daily for years so I don't expect it to die any time soon). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolyn in Ohio Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Kitchen Aid Mixer 12 inch All Clad skillet kitchen scale large baking stone enameled cast iron dutch oven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 7 qt le creuset dutch oven Baking stone Kitchen aid mixer Blendtec Nice set of knives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I got the idea for making my own salad bar after my millionth time joking that if I ever won the lottery, I would have someone maintain a salad bar in my home. That's never going to happen... Anyway, I pretty much went paleo and realized that the biggest challenge was making sure everything was at the ready. I measured a shelf in the refrigerator, then started searching for the perfect tray (found mine at Target, a simple white plastic tray). After I found a tray that fit perfectly, I took it to The Container Store and practically killed the kids while I took forever and a day to figure out the proper mix of sizes that would stack evenly. :tongue_smilie: I bought a bunch of different sizes of their TellFresh containers (5 900ML short rectangles, 2 1.88L tall rectangles, 1 1.75L tall square, 3 500ML short squares, and 4 500ML rectangles). Stacked up perfectly, those are all about the same height. I also got a giant TellFresh tub for my lettuce, but I have to keep that on another shelf. I keep them full of different things at different times and can pull out the salad bar tray any time and make a salad. The kids are eating more salad this way too. http://www.container...fresh&submit=GO Kristina, You always have the best ideas!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Canning jar plastic storage lids 14" nonstick skillet (I'd go with cast iron, but I've never had one that could be used to cook eggs decently) Kitchen scissors Harsch 10 liter fermenting crock Wall-mounted broom/mop holder http://www.amazon.com/Wall-Mounted-Tool-Rack-Broom-Holder/dp/B0001ZL6J8 My banana holder/fruit basket http://www.amazon.com/Taymor-Nickel-Basket-Banana-Holder/dp/B005DTYQ6C/ref=sr_1_9?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1367936460&sr=1-9&keywords=banana+hook+fruit+basket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paintedlady Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Keurig coffee maker Taste of Home potato peeler Lodge cast iron deep skillet w/ lid Cuisinart immersion blender Kitchen Aid mixer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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