Great cooking starts with confidence—and the right tools can make all the difference. While you don’t need a professional-grade kitchen to cook like a chef, a few thoughtfully chosen items can help you move more efficiently, cook more creatively, and take pleasure in every slice, stir, and sear.
Below are ten tools that blur the line between function and inspiration. They’re practical enough for everyday use but powerful enough to elevate your cooking game. Plus, we’ll show you how to save on several of these with cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta.
- Japanese Santoku or Chef’s Knife
A high-quality knife transforms your prep experience. A sharp, well-balanced Santoku or chef’s knife glides through produce, proteins, and herbs with ease. Look for brands like:
- Shun or Global for Japanese precision
- Wüsthof or Victorinox for Western classics
- Digital Scale
Stop guessing and start measuring like a pro. Especially important for baking, a digital scale ensures consistency. Bonus: it also simplifies cleanup and portioning.
Look for scales with:
- Tare function
- Gram/ounce switch
- Slim profile for easy storage
- Mandoline Slicer
Achieve paper-thin slices, matchsticks, or perfect waffle cuts. A mandoline brings visual and textural finesse to salads, gratins, and garnishes.
Use it for:
- Shaved fennel or radishes
- Perfectly sliced potatoes
- Julienned carrots and cucumbers
Safety tip: Always use the guard or a cut-resistant glove.
- Immersion Blender
Blitz soups, sauces, and vinaigrettes directly in the pot or bowl. No more transferring hot liquids to a blender.
Try it in:
- Creamy tomato basil soup
- Homemade aioli
- Whipped sweet potatoes
Recommended brands: Breville, Cuisinart, KitchenAid
Rakuten Tip: Shop at Best Buy for cashback on appliances.
- Cast Iron Skillet
A kitchen workhorse that sears like a dream and transitions from stovetop to oven seamlessly. Use it for:
- Crispy-skinned chicken thighs
- Sourdough skillet cornbread
- Deep-dish shakshuka
Brands like Lodge offer excellent value, while Finex or Le Creuset provide heirloom appeal.
- Microplane Zester
Unlock citrus oils, nutmeg warmth, and fluffy Parmesan ribbons with a single swipe. This underrated tool adds brightness and depth instantly.
Use it for:
- Lemon zest in vinaigrettes
- Grated garlic in marinades
- Chocolate over tiramisu
- Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Take the guesswork out of meat and fish by cooking sous vide-style. You’ll get restaurant-quality texture, every time.
Best with:
- Steak (medium-rare perfection)
- Salmon (silky and tender)
- Poached eggs
Try Anova or Breville Joule models.
- Silicone Spatulas and Baking Mats
Flexible, durable, and heat-resistant, silicone tools are indispensable. Use baking mats for:
- Even cookie baking
- Roasting without foil
- Chocolate work or caramel
Spatulas shine when scraping every last drop from bowls or folding delicate batters.
- High-Speed Blender
A power blender like Vitamix or Blendtec emulsifies sauces, grinds nut butters, and handles frozen fruits with ease.
Recipes to try:
- Cashew cream sauce
- Green smoothies
- Tomato soup from scratch
- Tongs That Actually Grip
You don’t know what you’re missing until you have tongs that grip securely and don’t bend under pressure. Ideal for:
- Flipping meats
- Plating pasta
- Tossing salads with finesse
Opt for stainless steel with silicone tips and locking handles.
Final Tip: Stack Your Savings
Many of these tools are long-term investments. To maximize value:
- Get Fluz Gift Cards
- Stack with rewards programs and credit card offers
