10 Kitchen Must Haves Under $100

We all have our staples in the kitchen with some more common than others. Every item is different based on what is commonly cooked by the ‘chef’ (which is why it’s so darn hard to cook in someone else’s kitchen).

For many, it’s just about the basics as they start out on their culinary journey. And, of course, if you are a foodie like me, the must- haves can change on the regular.

Let me tell you, it was hard to narrow it down to 10 so I’m sure I’ll be posted other items that include some of my favorite gadgets.

Here are some of my “must-haves’ in the kitchen under $100.

 

Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker, Copper $20- $100

You wont find me in a kitchen without this wonder. Now, I sort of cheated with this one as it’s a bit pricey.  I have had cheaper versions (under $20) but, I assure you,  spend a little bit more money for zero pasta-making pain.  You can opt to go as low as $20 to as high as $200.  This one you can find for $100 US.

Cuisinart Immersion Blender, Brushed Chrome  $35

Everyone should have an immersion blender.  This handy little hand tool is small enough for those with no storage and can replace a blender (if needed).  It’s perfect for pureeing soups and sauces without having to transfer food into another container. I use this bad boy on the weekly.

Camry Digital Kitchen Food Scale with Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl $20 – $50

Oddly enough, I never had a scale until I left the show. I was a terrible baker and even after, what I thought, following the recipe to-a-tee, my baking never ended up being edible. Having a scale changed that.  Weighing my ingredients makes me have perfect baked goods every time. It also helps with making your portions even so your beautfiul batches come out just as that. Beautiful.  You can find ones for as little as $20 and it’ll be worth every penny.

 

JB Chef Refillable Cooking Kitchen Blow Torch  $85

Playing with fire? Heck ya! This is a foodie tool to the extreme.   The Blow Torch is good for brule or giving you a little char flavor. These bad boys can be purchased for as little as $30 but this is the one I have and it’s fabulous!

 

 

Cuisinart CTG-00-3MS Set of 3 Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers $30

I can’t say enough about these strainers. I used them almost every day.  This ensures whatever you puree becomes smooth and silky.  Use the little guy to dust icing sugar of your favorite baked goods. Strain your beans, pasta, or get the brown bits out of your brown butter sauce. It’s affordable and versatile. Don’t go without.

Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker $90

Ever wonder how someone can braise meat after a 8 hour shift at work? How the heck does one have energy to make such luxuries? I often get asked how I can cook food that takes so long after working all day at the office? Do she even sleep?  Yes, I do. And this pressure cooker helps me do so. “Aren’t you afraid of it exploding?”  Come on guys!   We’ve come a long way since then. It’s not 1950!  Pressure cookers are fool proof and, no, they wont explode.  All you have to do is throw in your desired meat, fill with liquid, close the lid and wait (but not too long).

Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater $15

I use this everyday all day. From grating Parmesan or mincing garlic to zesting limes or lemons, this tool makes it way easier than any other option. Like to bake? Use this to shave chocolate on the top. Yum.

 

iTouchless EZ Faucet PRO Automatic Sensor Faucet Adapter for Any Sink $66

Ever wish you had an extra set of hands to turn your tap on but then find yourself messing up the faucet with your sticky hands? You dont have to buy a whole new faucet to get the glamor of having one. This iTouchless EZ Faucet can be connected to any tap and turns on when you place your hands underneath the sensor and turns off as soon as you remove them.

NINESTARS Original Touchless Automatic Trash Can, 13.2 Gal. / 50 L., Stainless Steel  $100

Hands full of garbage? This touchless trash can is a must. My mother had one in her kitchen and I fell in love (with a trashcan? Yes!).  No need to touch the lid, just wave over top of the garbage can and it opens automatically.

 

Chef’s Choice 220 Hybrid Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener

Range from $15 and up.

I saved the best for last. I could NEVER EVER live without a knife sharpener.  Even if you don’t have the best knives, this item will save the day.  Pick you poison as there are many you can choice from.  I even have one designated for trips to friends homes.  You’d be surprised at how many of my friends have no sharpener and attempt to cut with a dull knife (there is nothing worse). So, if you don’t have one of these? do everyone a favor and buy one! Range from $15 and up

There you have it! 10 of my faves in the kitchen. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do in the kitchen.

xo