Pro Chef-Approved Kitchen Tools for Weeknight Dinners

No matter the season, finding convenient ways to dish up dinner can feel like a never-ending quest. Many of us crave the ease of one-pot meals and quick sheet-pan dinners, especially when the couch beckons. To lighten the load during these busy evenings, I consulted professional chefs about the kitchen tools that revolutionize their meal prep. The answers were enlightening, revealing some must-have gadgets that could change your weeknight cooking experience.

Global 7-Inch Hollow Ground Vegetable Knife

A high-quality knife can be a game changer for meal prep, transforming the chore of chopping into a breeze. The Global 7-Inch Hollow Ground Vegetable Knife is shaped for optimal slicing. Chef Chuck Hayworth emphasizes its versatility: “I love this set that is a favorite in professional kitchens as well as the homes of my foodie clients.” This particular knife excels at handling everything from winter squashes to melons, making it a necessity in any kitchen.

Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

If a traditional western chef’s knife is more your style, the Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Chef’s Knife comes highly recommended by chefs like Alexandra Shytsman. Boasting a German steel blade, this knife won’t chip or bend easily. Its grippy handle prevents slips during use—a crucial feature when speed matters. According to Shytsman, having a sharp chef’s knife drastically speeds up cooking: “Chopping goes a lot quicker and is less physically taxing.”

Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer

For those evenings when you want to whip up a meal without the fuss of oven preheating, an air fryer can be a lifesaver. The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer offers multiple cooking options for quick meal prep. Cadry Nelson from Cadry’s Kitchen swears by its efficiency: “You can throw in frozen appetizers or veggies while your entrée is cooking on the stove.” This appliance not only saves time but also offers a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods.

GreenPan Rio Ceramic Nonstick 10-Inch Frying Pan Skillet

Cookware can make or break the cooking experience. Nelson recommends the GreenPan Rio Ceramic Nonstick Pan for its even heating and effortless cleanup. “Having a couple of ceramic nonstick pans makes cooking a joy,” she states. Quick sautéing or browning becomes so much easier, allowing you to enjoy the cooking process rather than dread the cleanup.

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester

Elevating your meals with a touch of flavor can often be achieved with minimal effort. Enter the Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester, a versatile tool for zesting lemons, grating garlic, and even shredding cheese. Chef Karishma Pradhan loves its compact design and easy cleanup, emphasizing its utility in creating quick flavor enhancements for weeknight dinners.

LinkChef Food Processor

Dreading the time-consuming process of chopping? The LinkChef Food Processor offers a great solution. This 10-cup processor quickly handles vegetables, fruits, and even purées. Chef Hayworth appreciates this model for its durability and efficiency, noting its stainless steel construction as a great feature for those who are health-conscious.

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner

When it comes to flipping delicate foods, the OXO Good Grips Fish Turner is invaluable. Chef Nelson Serrano-Bahri counts it among his essentials, claiming that it’s perfect for everything from fish to overcome-easy eggs. The thin edge of the spatula ensures better flipping without damaging your food.

Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain

For one-pot pasta lovers, the Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain is a nifty tool that attaches right to your pot, allowing for easy draining without juggling multiple dishes. It’s versatile enough to be used for veggies or hard-boiled eggs, streamlining the cooking process with no mess.

Farberware Classic Sauce Pot with Steamer Insert

Looking for multi-purpose cookware? The Farberware Classic Sauce Pot comes complete with a steamer insert. This combo is not only handy for boiling pasta but also excels at steaming veggies. “Great for steaming a vegetable like broccoli while boiling pasta in the same pot,” Nelson highlights, making it a two-in-one wonder.

Zulay Kitchen Handheld Milk Frother

This small gadget, the Zulay Kitchen Handheld Milk Frother, packs a punch in enhancing weeknight meals. While it’s known for frothing coffee, it also streamlines the kitchen process by quickly mixing eggs or emulsifying sauces. Serrano-Bahri calls it his “weeknight ‘cheat code whisk’,” showcasing its versatility in creating uniform dishes seamlessly.

Sistema Easy Eggs Microwave Egg Cooker

Need to whip up a quick egg dish? The Sistema Easy Eggs Microwave Egg Cooker is perfect for poaching or scrambling without dirtying multiple pans. Just crack your egg inside and microwave it—simple and efficient. According to Serrano-Bahri, it allows for quick meal additions, elevating simple dishes with minimal effort.

Ziruma Glass Food Storage Container Set

Meal prep can drastically reduce the stress of weeknight dinners, and investing in quality food storage like the Ziruma Glass Container Set can inspire you to cook ahead. Hayworth stresses the importance of airtight containers for keeping meals fresh. This set ranges in sizes and offers durability, ensuring your prepped meals stay safe and delicious.

With these pro chef-approved tools in your kitchen, whipping up effortless weeknight dinners can transform from a chore into a delight. From knives to gadgets, investing in the right equipment doesn’t just streamline cooking; it can significantly enhance your culinary experience.