Michael Symon's 4 Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfect Cooking Every Time

The Power of Simplicity in the Kitchen

Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when exploring new kitchen gadgets. However, according to renowned chef Michael Symon, many of these tools are unnecessary. In an exclusive interview, Symon shared his perspective on the kitchen essentials he relies on, emphasizing that simplicity often leads to better results.

Michael Symon's Must-Have Tools

Symon revealed that his four essential tools are a chef knife, a bench scraper, a rasp, and a spoon. He believes that with these items, you can create almost any dish. "There's nothing that you can't make with those things," he said. This philosophy reflects a broader trend in modern cooking, where chefs are moving away from the idea of having too many specialized tools.

Embracing Versatility

One of the key points Symon highlights is the importance of versatility. Instead of using each tool for a single purpose, he advocates for finding multiple uses for one item. For example, a rasp can be used for zesting, grating spices, and even cheese. This approach not only saves space but also reduces the number of dishes you need to clean.

Ina Garten, another well-known figure in the culinary world, also favors the versatility of a rasp, which underscores its value as a multi-purpose tool.

Benefits of Simplifying Your Kitchen

Using fewer tools can lead to a more streamlined cooking process. It minimizes the number of dirty dishes and makes it easier to manage your kitchen space. If you enjoy cooking while traveling, having just a few essential tools means you can easily pack them and bring them along without worrying about excess baggage.

Additionally, considering the space available in your kitchen is crucial. Symon mentioned that in his early restaurants, the kitchens were small, so they couldn’t afford to have extra gadgets like juicers or other specialty tools.

Investing in Quality

While some tools don’t require a significant investment, others should be chosen carefully. Symon emphasizes the importance of quality, particularly when it comes to knives. He suggests spending money on a great chef knife rather than buying a set where you might only use one or two.

He recommends brands like Middleton Made Knives for their premium quality and Wüsthof knives as a more affordable option. For instance, a Wüsthof Santoku Five-Inch Knife costs around $50, while the Eight-Inch Chef’s Knife is priced at $100. The difference between a santoku and a chef’s knife affects the price, as each has unique features suited for different tasks.

Practical Choices for Everyday Use

Not every kitchen tool needs to be expensive. For example, a simple spoon can be used for various purposes, though Symon prefers Chef Kunz Spoons because they are larger and make stirring more efficient. When it comes to the bench scraper, he opts for affordable plastic versions. The Surdoca Bench Scrapers are a popular choice on Amazon, available in a pack of three for just $7.

By focusing on quality and versatility, you can build a functional and efficient kitchen that meets your needs without overwhelming you with unnecessary gadgets. This approach not only simplifies your cooking routine but also helps you make the most of the tools you already have.