We’re definitely anti-clutter. We don’t like extra unnecessary stuff in our drawers. And these tools might seem extra or unnecessary, but we think they are kitchen superstars.
We love sticking to the basics and will be the first to admit that you don’t need to over accessorize your kitchen. Yes, an amazing garlic press is essential. So are your liquid measuring cups and a great set of dry measuring cups/spoons are too. Great knives also top the list.
But then there are the interesting tools. The ones that aren’t in every drawer. The ones that not everyone knows just how useful they are. And the ones that we all agree: these do not take up unnecessary space. Rather, we find ourselves reaching for them again and again.
The Pasta Scoop, here
If you serve pasta often (house of small, picky children?) you will reach for this again and again. Besides for it being the only functional way to scoop up long-stringy pasta like fettuccine and spaghetti (don’t serve fettuccine without this!), it’s simply neater and easier for scooping up all types of pasta.
The Gravy Ladle, here
This “mini” ladle is a little smaller than a soup ladle, but the perfect size for so much else! We use it to serve cholent, to scoop up any sauce, and to serve grains like rice. It works so much better than a spoon (no drips!).
The Kugel Server (aka Lasagna Server), here
A Lasagna Server is the perfect tool to use for slicing and serving kugel. You can do both with one tool, and the result is a much neater slice vs. using a spoon.
Sugar Tongs, here
We use the little sugar tongs on Shabbos on both the cold cuts and fish platters. Standard size tongs are a great addition to charcuterie platters, or any other platter/board where people tend to grab with their hands. They’re also great for adding to the ice bucket!
Want to learn about another super useful tool we love? See all the ways we use this colander/scoop over here.
2 other items I discovered recently and not sure how I lived without: This mini colander (sold in grocery stores where I live for a few dollars). I kept seeing it and finally got one and it’s amazing, I use it for so many things. BH my household is much smaller than it used to be, so this is perfect to strain 1-2 servings of pasta, a small amount of grapes, and so much more. Just wish it came in different colours. https://amzn.to/4ayNU89
Another item is a soup strainer. I have always used a slotted spoon to get off the scum from chicken soup, and it’s fine for during the year. But on Pesach when I make soup in a huge pot, it took forever. One day in the housewares store I noticed the soup strainer and decided to try it. Game changer! I loved it so much I took it for year round and bought another for the next Pesach. Although I don’t like having too many utensils, this one is worth it, it really makes an icky job much easier and neater. I see it’s officially called a “skimmer spoon”.
Ice cream scooper is a unnecessary but totally necessary
I personally prefer the Norpro short slotted turner over the others. It’s a bit shorter which makes it the perfect size for cutting perfect slices of kugel etc. No kitchen should be without it! I love to gift it to people who don’t own one yet..and am constantly being thanked! And KITCHEN SHEARS! A must in the kitchen. Don’t know how I ever prepared chicken and meats without it.
Can you post link?
See on Amazon the reviews say that it’s thicker so not as good, wonder if you have an old one? And yeah sheers is a must!
Ordered the norplo based on your review and it’s a game changer!!! Thanks tons!
I use the mini ladle for making crepes on pesach
It’s the perfect size!
I find the silicone tipped tongs amazing!