{"id":43831,"date":"2015-09-24T11:15:34","date_gmt":"2015-09-24T15:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=43831"},"modified":"2016-07-14T16:04:38","modified_gmt":"2016-07-14T20:04:38","slug":"best-kitchen-tools-healthy-cooking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/health\/best-kitchen-tools-healthy-cooking\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"9
Photos: Pond5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spoiler alert: You don\u2019t need a kitchen that\u2019s as fully stocked as the one on Chopped<\/em> if you want (read: need) to start cooking. Because what\u2019s really required of you just a bit of patience, a great meal plan<\/a> and these essential kitchen tools. But with dozens of gadgets, tons of trinkets and other buys that claim to change your cooking skills, it can be difficult to resist purchasing Every. Single. One. Instead, we asked a few experts to spill the secrets on what we should stock in our kitchen cabinets.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 12 Brilliant Meal Prep Ideas to Free Up Your Time<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMy go-to gadgets are things that make dinnertime as easy as possible,\u201d says Molly Siegler, the Culinary Content Coordinator for WholeFoodsMarket.com<\/a>. After a day at the office, the cooking process should be as fuss-free as possible \u2014 otherwise it\u2019s admittedly difficult to resist takeout. And she\u2019s on to something: Recent research<\/a> from shows that people who spend more time preparing and cooking meals are more likely to have healthy diets than those who don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Plus, there are tools that can help keep your waistline in check \u2014 if you use them well (and with healthy foods, of course). Miranda Hammer, R.D. and founder of The Crunchy Radish<\/a>, swears by kitchen tools that help boost the flavor and texture of healthy meals like soups, salad dressings or roasted vegetables. These light yet high-flavor options can be saviors in the kitchen, especially for weeknight dinners.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 19 Ways to Add Flavor for 10 Calories or Less<\/a><\/p>\n

9 Kitchen Tools\u00a0to Make You a Home Cook Hero<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Food Processor
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It: <\/strong>A mini- or regular-sized food processor will make quick work of any herbs or vegetables<\/a> that need you chopped in no time flat. Plus, most models come with attachments that vary the preparation, <\/strong>says Siegler. This can help keep you inspired to switch up your menu so you\u2019re never bored \u2014 even yes, when everything is healthy.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor<\/a> ($35; cuisinart.com)
\nThe Splurge: <\/strong>Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor<\/a> ($400; breville.com)<\/p>\n

\"Sheet
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Sheet Pan
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> While these are usually associated with whipping up a batch of cookies<\/a>, they\u2019re also indispensable for roasting vegetables. It\u2019s an essential to have on hand when you\u2019re planning a week\u2019s worth of meals in advance, not to mention a great way to use up any given CSA haul. (Think of all the omelets<\/a>, salads<\/a> and chicken breasts that now have new BFFs.) Hammer\u2019s pro tip: Line your pan with unbleached parchment paper for quick and easy clean up next time you prep produce like this.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 3-Piece<\/a> ($10; farberware.com)
\nThe Splurge:<\/strong> Vollrath Wear-Ever Standard Duty Half Size Sheet Pan<\/a> ($16; vollrath.com)<\/p>\n

3. Rubber Spatula
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> When you\u2019ve got something blended in your processor, a spatula works far better than a spoon to scrape healthy brownie batter<\/a> or black bean hummus<\/a>. It\u2019s also great for flipping flapjacks<\/a> or meat, but make sure you replace yours as it as soon as you see signs of breaks in the rubber, Siegler says. Usually after a few years<\/a> of use, you could risk small pieces of the tool breaking off into your food.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Good Cook Set of 4 Silicone Spatulas with Bamboo Handles<\/a> ($8; goodcook.com)
\nThe Splurge:<\/strong> Bekith Sillicone Spatulas, Set of 4<\/a> ($10; bekith.com)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Cooking for One? 9 Tricks to Kill It in the Kitchen<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Microplane\"
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Microplane
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> Grating ginger, hard cheeses and citrus is child\u2019s play when you\u2019ve got a microplane on hand. Hammer likes using hers to add citrus zest to dressings, sauces and dishes and add a world of flavor. Forget the heavy, sugar- and fat-laden sauces of yesterday \u2014 using a microplane proves there are plenty of ways to please your taste buds without doubling down on calories<\/a>. And with great flavor comes great, healthy meals, right?
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Microplane 40020 Classic Zester<\/a> ($6; microplane.com)
\nThe Splurge:<\/strong> Sur La Table Microplane Soft-Handle Zester Grater<\/a> ($15; surlatable.com)<\/p>\n

\"Wooden
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Wooden Spoon
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> A savvy steal by nature, this carefully chosen basic is great for whipping up sides, soups, stews and stir-frys. Especially when it comes to garlicky soups or fragrant curries<\/a>, since wooden spoons won\u2019t absorb food odors. You can also use these babies to stir rice without scraping or damaging your pot. Siegler recommends rubbing your wooden spoons with beeswax once or twice a year, which will help seal them<\/a> and prevent cracks.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Chef Craft Maple Wooden Spoon Set in Brown<\/a> ($5; chefcraft.com)
\nThe Splurge:<\/strong> OXO Good Grips Wooden Spoon Set, 3-Piece<\/a> ($12; oxo.com)<\/p>\n

\"Salad
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Salad Spinner
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> A thorough cleaning of produce can help reduce your risk of contamination, whether you choose organic <\/a>or not. And when it comes to actual<\/em> clean eating, a spinner is a must for giving your greens (or other produce) a rinse. You\u2019ll be able to dry leaves quickly without wasting loads of paper towels, says Hammer. And anything that helps the environment gets a check plus in our book.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Ikea Tokig Salad Spinner<\/a> ($11; ikea.com)
\nThe Splurge: <\/strong>Rosle Salad Spinner<\/a> ($99; rosleusa.com)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 13 Quick and Easy Protein Shake Recipes<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Enamel Cast Iron Skillet
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> While this item tends to fall in the expensive range of kitchenware, Siegler notes that they last forever<\/em> and won\u2019t require as much upkeep as traditional cast irons, which need to be meticulously seasoned<\/a> and cleaned after every use. From searing tuna steaks<\/a> to whipping up a quick weeknight stir-fry<\/a>, an enamel cast iron skillet functions as a stovetop must-have for any (and maybe every) meal.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Le Chef Enamel Cast Iron Blue Deep Skillet 10\u201d<\/a> ($33; lechefcookware.com)
\nThe Splurge<\/strong>: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Deep Skillet 12\u201d<\/a> ($200; lecreuset.com)<\/p>\n

\"Slow
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Slow Cooker
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> During pretty much any season, a slow cooker can lend a helping hand for novice chefs: it\u2019s low on effort (think: mix, set the temp and go) and high on the taste returns. All you need to do is pop ingredients into the gadget in the a.m., head out the office, and come home to some Thai spaghetti squash<\/a>. Or, prep breakfast like this honey-vanilla multigrain hot cereal<\/a> the night before, and you\u2019ll be able to jumpstart your day without lifting a finger.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6-Quart Slow Cooker<\/a> ($24; hamiltonbeach.com)
\nThe Splurge:<\/strong> KitchenAid Stainless Steel Slow Cooker<\/a> ($89; kitchenaid.com)<\/p>\n

9. High-Speed Blender
\n<\/strong>Why You Need It:<\/strong> Today\u2019s high-speed blenders are nothing like the 1950s models you saw in your grandmother\u2019s kitchen. In fact, not only are they advanced technologically, but Siegler loves high-speed blenders for their versatility, too. \u201cNot only are [blenders] awesome for smoothies<\/a>, but they [can also] make super fast sauces and soups,\u201d she says. \u201cDepending on the speed of the blend, you can make things feel creamier,\u201d she notes, which means you can leave out extra oil or cream and still enjoy comfort-esque treats, like this\u00a0dairy-free but totally delicious Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup<\/a>.
\nThe Steal:<\/strong> Ninja Professional Blender<\/a> ($106; ninjakitchen.com)
\nThe Splurge:<\/strong> The Vitamix 5300 Series<\/a> ($492; vitamix.com)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Disclosure: All products featured on our site are hand-picked by our editorial team in the hopes of getting you closer to your health and fitness goals. We only recommend products we love and believe that you will, too. If you come across an affiliate link on our site, that means we receive\u00a0a small commission should you decide to make a purchase.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Want to be a home-cook hero? Start with these nine kitchen tools to make healthy cooking a no-brainer. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":43861,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,7,11],"tags":[294,204,71,341,381],"class_list":["post-43831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diet-nutrition","category-health","category-health-hacks","tag-baking","tag-cooking","tag-nutrition","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2low-carb-diets"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43831"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43831\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}