Virtual Table’s Amazon Favorites
As we all know, Amazon offers EVERYTHING - from books to kitchen essentials, we are grateful to have all essential kitchen equipment at our fingertips. That said, we gathered our team of professional chefs to discuss what our favorite kitchen essentials are to share with all of you!
Chef Leevan’s Pick - Carbon Steel Wok
Chef Leevan, also known as the Wok Master, uses a wok on the daily. Considering woks are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware, they’re a must have in the Virtual Table office. When he’s in the kitchen, Chef Leevan is cooking up all of his meals for our staff in a wok…why? Well, simply put, woks deliver quality flavor and reach high temperatures. If you don’t have one, Chef Leevan recommends this carbon steel wok with wooden handles.
Chef Miggy’s Pick - Le Creuset Stoneware Salt Crock
Salt Crocks are more helpful than you’d think, as they’re truly the only salt container that allows you to get a perfect “chefs pinch” of salt. Forget the salt shaker, it’s 2022 folks - the salt crock is in.
Chef Christine’s Pick - Microplane Classic Zester/Grater
Microplanes are many chef’s favorites, including Chef Christine, because of their versatility and usefulness in the kitchen. Whether you’re grating parmesan cheese, lemon zest, nutmeg, or whatever else it may be, you will never feel like you wasted your money on this kitchen tool. In fact, they’re so helpful, you will find a microplane if most Chefs’ knife bags!
Chef Aaron - Stainless Steel Mini Kitchen Tongs
Chef Aaron loves these tongs, as they are a bang for the buck. Priced at $11.98 for a 3-pack of tongs, they have all of the features - a lock for home chefs, a nice seated edge if you need to make a quick cut in a pinch, clam shell tips so you can use them as a spoon, and stainless steel material to prevent from rusting in the dishwasher. As Chef Aaron says, “BIIIIIG versatility.”
Chef Brent - Ateco Bowl/Bench Scrapers
Another universal chef favorite - the classic bench scraper. These are extra versatile, as they have a rounded top, making them useful for scraping every last bit out of your bowl. We oftentimes discuss the importance of bench scrapers in our classes, so make sure to get yourself a couple - you truly won’t regret it.
Chef Chonghai - SHI BA ZI ZUO Chef Knife
When asked what his essential kitchen tool was, Chef Chonghai took 5 seconds to respond, as he didn’t even need to think twice about this knife. Having a chef knife is absolutely essential if you plan on using your kitchen; but what many don’t realize is that having a sharp chef knife is even more essential. This SHI BA ZI ZUO chef knife is versatile for all chopping, as it is durable and very sharp. Whether you’re cutting vegetables, meat, or anything else, you’ll be happy you have a chef knife in your toolkit.
Chef Robby - Wood Cutting Boards
As you know, if you have a sharp knife, it’s essential you have a good cutting board. Chef Robby prefers these bamboo cutting boards, as they are less likely to dull your knives quickly. Plus, they’re sturdy and aren’t as susceptible to staining, like the ever-so-popular plastic cutting boards.
Chef Zoe - Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Chef Zoe likes to say, “you don’t realize how important mixing bowls are until you don’t have any.” Mixing bowls, especially stainless steel ones, are crucial in almost all kitchen prep. From marinating, to mixing salads, to making cookies, you will need bowls in all instances. Stainless steel bowls are extra wonderful, since they can adjust to temperatures quickly. So if you’re in a pinch and need to cool something down, you can chill your bowl before placing something in it and it will help bring the temperature down quickly.