Chef Dan’s Best Picks List:

BEST KNIFE

PAUDIN N1 8 inch Kitchen Knife

This knife set is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It includes all of the knives you’ll need for your daily tasks.

With its easy-to-grip handle composed of real wood, this is meant to provide convenience. These knives are neither too heavy nor too light, making them easy to control. And the German steel blade makes it great for handling a lot of work in the kitchen- from dicing onion to breaking down a butternut squash.

The handle and blade are both nicely balanced, however, some reviews claim the blade isn’t always sharp out of the box.

BEST Frying pans

Calphalon 2 Piece Classic Nonstick Frying Pan Set

These non-stick pans are great for everyday cooking. They’re hard-anodized and nonstick. In other words, these pans are perfect for home cooking!

Why? Because these pans can’t handle VERY high heat (like you see in professional kitchens). Otherwise, from making sauces to sweating vegetables, and more, these pans will last you years.

These pans are nonstick meaning you should wash them by hand and avoid exposing them to high heat. But these pans are nonstick and much easier to clean especially with daily use.

BEST Blender

Ninja BL480D Nutri

Yes, this blender is ideal for making smoothies but also the powerful motor allows you do much more. The 1000 watt motor has the power to crush whole fruits, vegetables and ice in seconds. That means you’re able to make incredibly smooth sauces and soups in addition to smoothies.

Not to mention, you’re get two cup sizes (the 18 ounce and the 24 ounce). Personally, I enjoy having the blades attached from the top, making it easier to clean. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about digging through your food to remove the blades, which does happen with other food processors/blenders.

BEST Vegetable Chopper

Fullstar Vegetable Chopper

Featured to the right are the spiralizer blades showing how useful this chopper is!

Not only can you easily make chips and zoodles with this tool.. but also you’re able to slice and dice. And do so MUCH safer than using a mandolin (the most dangerous kitchen tool out there today).

This vegetable chopper saves you the time of using your knife to slice and dice by cutting your vegetables the same shape and size every time. And your hands won’t ache after using it since it’s on quick press on the top and you’re done.

BEST Strainer

Winco CCB-8R Stainless Steel Reinforced Bouillon Strainer

A strainer is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen. From draining pasta, to draining beans and smoothing sauces or soups, a strainer is essential.

Having a reinforced strainer will last you years and will be big enough to handle any and all projects you can think of! Not to mention, since it’s so large you can easily rest it in a pot or near your sink to avoid getting splashed by any boiling liquids.