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Equipment / for the kitchen

Tools we use. Tools we'd buy.

Some of these tools are in our kitchen already. Others are on our list or are things we'd consider if we were starting from scratch. We look for equipment that has a real use, not just another reason to fill a cabinet.

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Cookware in the recipes

What these dishes were cooked in.

The butter-basted chicken and sausage-and-rice melt use a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Mexican-style rice and potato soup use a 5.5-quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven.

These are cookware records from the recipes, not comparative performance tests or purchase requirements. A similarly sized pan may work, but heat and timing can vary.

Lab Equipment / reference

Getting started

A small toolkit for everyday cooking: a skillet, a knife, and tools that make technique easier to repeat.

Lodge 10” Cast Iron Skillet

A practical starting skillet for learning preheating, browning, and everyday bare-cast-iron care.

Mercer Knife

An accessible option for daily chopping and meal preparation.

Etekcity IR Gun

A non-contact infrared thermometer for checking approximate surface temperatures. Reflective surfaces can affect readings.

Fish Spatula

A flexible spatula for lifting delicate foods and turning items cleanly.

Lab Equipment / reference

Temperature & timing

Useful ways to measure what matters. A thermometer is helpful, but it does not replace visual and tactile doneness cues.

Thermapen ONE

A fast-reading probe thermometer for checking the internal temperature of meat and other foods.

Klein Tools IR5

A non-contact thermometer that can help compare surface readings; interpret infrared results with care.

Digital Kitchen Timer

A simple tool for timing preheats, stovetop steps, and cooking rests.

Extra Wide 1 lb Spatula

A broad, heavy spatula intended for tasks such as flattening smash burgers; use pressure thoughtfully.

Lab Equipment / reference

Skillets & surface care

Cookware and maintenance references for people comparing skillet sizes, finishes, and upkeep.

Lodge 12” Skillet

A larger cooking surface for meals that need more space. Consider burner size and skillet weight.

Field 10.25” Skillet

A machined-surface skillet for cooks comparing smooth-finish cast iron. Review size and weight before buying.

Stargazer 12” Skillet

Another machined-finish option for readers researching modern smooth-surface skillets.

Bar Keepers Friend

A household cleaning product with cookware-specific limitations: check material and manufacturer instructions before use.

Lab Equipment / reference

Knives & preparation

Preparation and maintenance tools that make routine kitchen work easier.

Victorinox Knife

A commonly used everyday prep knife. Handle comfort and safe sharpening matter more than branding.

WÜSTHOF Classic 8” Chef’s Knife

A forged chef’s knife option to compare on balance, size, and preferred cutting technique.

Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite

A guided sharpening system for maintaining compatible knife edges at repeatable angles.

Boos Cut-N-Chop 18x12

A wooden cutting surface for everyday prep. Consider maintenance, size, and available counter space.

Get oriented first

Before you buy a skillet.

Still deciding between a smoother machined surface and a textured traditional skillet? Start with the actual differences before looking at price tags.

Read the surface comparison