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Equipment

My Top 4 Favorite Kitchen Utensils

My colleagues and I have done extensive testing to find the very best utensils. Here are a few of my favorites.
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Published Mar. 21, 2023.

My Top 4 Favorite Kitchen Utensils

We’ve reviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of kitchen utensils over the years—silicone spatulas, wooden spoons, whisks, rasp-style graters, tongs, pastry brushes, ladles, and more. Every utensil has been thoroughly tested by our editors, and we’ve named at least one favorite in the category. 

Since I started working at America’s Test Kitchen seven years ago, I’ve purchased many of our top-rated utensils. They all sit in a utensil crock next to my stove, so they’re within easy reach.

Here are the top four kitchen tools that I reach for over and over again. 

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1. OXO Good Grips 11" Balloon Whisk

I reach for the OXO Good Grips 11" Balloon Whisk to mix dry ingredients, beat together eggs and vanilla, and whip cream. Its lightweight, grippy, comfortable handle means I feel less fatigue during long periods of whisking. 

2. OXO Good Grips Everyday Silicone Spatula

Silicone spatulas are my most-used utensil in the kitchen. I employ them for cooking scrambled eggs, stirring puddings and custards, sautéing vegetables, folding chocolate chips or raisins into cookie dough—the list goes on. The OXO Good Grips Everyday Silicone Spatula is flexible enough to cleanly scrape out bowls but rigid enough to handle mixing heavy dough.

Equipment Review

Utensil Crocks

Utensil holders keep our kitchen tools organized and close at hand. What features make some models better than others?
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3. J.A. Henckels International Take-Apart Kitchen Shears

I snip herbs, twine, and pie dough easily with this pair of kitchen shears from J.A. Henckels International. These shears are comfortable to use and I always feel like I have a secure grip. Plus, I like that they come apart for easy cleaning.

4. Rösle Wire Skimmer

Spider skimmers have a larger capacity than slotted spoons and a more open basket for faster draining. I use our favorite skimmer from Rösle all the time when deep-frying french fries, blanching green beans, or boiling ravioli

It has a long stainless steel handle that keeps my hands protected from hot oil or water. Plus, its wire basket is strong enough to pick up heavier items like pieces of chicken, but delicate enough not to break open delicate ravioli. 

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