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Monday, August 17, 2020

Top chefs reveal what they can't live without in the kitchen - including a £90 Le Creuset pot, £1,149 Thermomix and a (more budget-friendly) £10 grater

 

Top chefs reveal what they can't live without in the kitchen - including a £90 Le Creuset pot, £1,149 Thermomix and a (more budget-friendly) £10 grater

  • Eight of the UK's top chefs reveals the one gadget they couldn't go without
  • Jason Atherton said he couldn't work without his beloved Japanese mandolin 
  • Food writer Sabrina Ghayour said her Cuisinart food processor was her go-to
  • James Cochran said his Thermomix was like having his very own sous chef 

By BRIDIE PEARSON-JONES FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: | UPDATED: 

When it comes to creating delicious food in your own kitchen, having the right equipment can make a huge difference to perfecting a dish.

Whether it's a blunt knife, a dodgy pan or an oven that can't get hot enough, having the wrong equipment can make a home-cooked creation go very wrong.

So, what won't the UK's top chefs cook without? Here, eight of the nation's finest cooks reveal to FEMAIL the equipment they regard as essential for getting gourmet food to the table... 

Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred chef and regular on Saturday Kitchen and the Great British Menu, runs the Social Eating House in central London
+10

Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred chef and regular on Saturday Kitchen and the Great British Menu, runs the Social Eating House in central London

Jason says a Japanese mandolin - around £20 - is one of his go-tos for perfect slicing
+10

Jason says a Japanese mandolin - around £20 - is one of his go-tos for perfect slicing

Jason Atherton Head Chef, Social Eating House, London: A good knife

The Michelin-starred Social Eating House maestro has one very simple, traditional item on his must-have list.

He says: 'A good knife is your best friend in the kitchen – I prefer my Florentine's cook knife. 

'But for extra thin slicing, you need a Japanese mandolin. 

'Get wafer thin potatoes for dauphinoise or boulangère. It's great for salads and makes light work of slicing.'

A Japanese mandolin, also known as a vegetable slicer, works by quickly cutting through veggies such as carrots and potatoes in the same way a grater does but only using just a single blade.   

Sabrina Ghayour, Chef and cookery writer: Cuisinart food processor

British-Iranian Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour has dozens of awards to her name and hosts a very popular supper club in London, specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern flavours. 

For her, the most important item in her kitchen is her food processor.

She told FEMAIL: 'I can't live without my Cuisinart food processor. It makes chopping and mixing a doddle in the kitchen. I can live without everything else! This small one is perfect for more snug kitchens too. 

British-Iranian Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour has dozens of awards to her name and hosts a very popular supper club in London, specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern flavours
+10

British-Iranian Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour has dozens of awards to her name and hosts a very popular supper club in London, specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern flavours

Sabrina said her Cuisinart (pictured), which retails at around £120 for the standard size and £50 for the smaller version makes chopping and mixing a doddle in the kitchen
+10

Sabrina said her Cuisinart (pictured), which retails at around £120 for the standard size and £50 for the smaller version makes chopping and mixing a doddle in the kitchen

Tom Booton, Head Chef, The Grill at The Dorchester: Le Creuset pot

Last year, the world-famous Dorchester hotel announced the appointment of their youngest ever head chef in the restaurant’s 88-year history, 26-year-old Tom Booton. 

Tom, who's worked in New York, Copenhagen and Iceland says his essential equipment is a simple - but high quality - pot, which will last a lifetime.

'For me, it has to be a Le Creuset pot,' he told FEMAIL. 

'From being great for slow cooking, roasting and even better for all the new budding sourdough bakers out there, it's multi-purpose and stylish too.' 

Known as a culinary classic and the Rolls Royce of pots and pans, the Le Creuset casserole dish has been loved by cooks across the world for nearly a century. 

Tom Booton, Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester said that his number one item in the kitchen is a £90 Le Creuset pot
+10

Tom Booton, Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester said that his number one item in the kitchen is a £90 Le Creuset pot 

James Cochran, Chef Owner of 12:51 and Around the Cluck Delivery Service: Thermomix

James Cochran, who made his name at the two  Michelin-starred Ledbury, says the famous £1149 Thermomix is his go-to item.

James, who starred in BBC's Great British Menu in 2018, told FEMAIL:  'My favourite tool or piece of equipment would have to be the Thermomix. It's an integral piece of machinery which can do so many things from making soups, to sauces, purées, ice cream bases - but then can be used a water bath and steamer too. It's like your own personal sous chef!'

Owned by German company Vorwerk, the Thermomix is a 20-in-1 device that sous-vides, ferments, acts as rice cooker, and carameliser - and even cleans itself. 

James Cochran, who made his name at the two Michelin-starred Ledbury, says the famous Thermomix (pictured) is his go-to item - but it'll set you back around £1,149
+10

James Cochran, who made his name at the two Michelin-starred Ledbury, says the famous Thermomix (pictured) is his go-to item - but it'll set you back around £1,149

Alex Claridge, Chef Owner, The Wilderness, Birmingham: Stick blender

Alex says a Bamix (pictured) is his go-to stick blender of choice - costing around £150
+10

Alex says a Bamix (pictured) is his go-to stick blender of choice - costing around £150

Alex Claridge, the chef owner of modern British fine dining establishment The Wilderness, warns that home cooks shouldn't be fooled into buying too many on-trend items for the kitchen.  

He says: 'Don't be fooled into buying lots of gadgets, Lakeland is not your friend. 

'Good cookery needs very little in terms of equipment; when I first started I had a few hobs and my knives. 

'Invest in a great stick blender (Bamix is my choice), and if you're a baking enthusiast, a KitchenAid – which, if you look after it, will look after you for years to come. 

'Most importantly though, make sure you have great chefs' knives – they are more important than any dehydrator, bread machine or waffle maker.'

Tom Brown, Chef Owner: Cornerstone, Hackney: Microplane

Chef Tom Brown, who runs the Cornerstone in east London told Femail: 'A good gadget to have in the kitchen which instantly upgrades dishes is a microplane - essentially a hand-held grater, which retails at around £10.

'It's perfect for finely zesting citrus for baking and dressings and mincing garlic, so you don't have great big chunks. And even adding a 'cheffy' dusting of parmesan or truffle!'

Chef Tom Brown, who runs the Cornerstone in east London told Femail his go-to gadget is a microplane, he is pictured holding chickens
+10

Chef Tom Brown, who runs the Cornerstone in east London told Femail his go-to gadget is a microplane, he is pictured holding chickens

Tom Aikens:  Head Chef, Muse, Mayfair: KitchenAid

Tom Aikens, one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs,  became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars aged just 26.  

He told FEMAIL: 'I think, given so many of us - myself included - have been baking like crazy at the moment, it'll have to be my KitchenAid!  I've got a few, but my go-to is the Kitchen Aid 9 speed hand mixer. 

Tom Aikens, one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs, became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars aged just 26
+10

Tom Aikens, one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs, became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars aged just 26

'The higher speeds mix heavy doughs and thick batters, and it also whips the perfect still egg whites too. 

'If you fancy making a bit of an investment though, I would recommend the stand mixer.

'This machine can handle anything! It can be used for baking, breads, meringues, and also has an attachment for a juice extractor, vegetable sheet peeler and more. It's so useful and multipurpose!'

Toms aid his go-to was the Kitchen Aid hand mixer (pictured)
Tom said he also like the more expensive stand Kitchen Aid for baking, breads, meringues, also has an attachment for a juice extractor, vegetable sheet peeler. The kitchen equipment starts from £299

Toms aid his go-to was the Kitchen Aid hand mixer (left) but those splashing out could get the £729 stand mixer (right)

Hus Vedat, Head Chef, Barboun Shoreditch and Yosma: Speed peeler

British-Turkish chef Hus Vedat started his career working at his family's butcher shop before training as a chef working in various top hotels.

He now runs Yosma, a Turkish tavern in Soho. He told FEMAIL:  'Well, aside from your tongue – the most important tool in the kitchen, I would say, is my speed peeler. 

British-Turkish chef Hus Vedat, started his career working at his family's butcher shop before training as a chef working in various top hotels, he now runs Yosma in central London
+10

British-Turkish chef Hus Vedat, started his career working at his family's butcher shop before training as a chef working in various top hotels, he now runs Yosma in central London 

'It makes peeling carrots and potatoes take just minutes without accidentally removing too much and it's a non-expensive gadget to help improve every kitchen. 

'I would recommend buying quite a number though – I always end up throwing mine away with the peelings or losing them! 

'I also love my falafel scoop – essential for me, though I imagine not for everyone…'

Chefs reveal the one piece of equipment they couldn't live without

 

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Top chefs reveal what they can't lihttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-8380939/Chefs-reveal-one-piece-equipment-live-without.htmlve without in the kitchen - including a £90 Le Creuset pot, £1,149 Thermomix and a (more budget-friendly) £10 grater

  • Eight of the UK's top chefs reveals the one gadget they couldn't go without
  • Jason Atherton said he couldn't work without his beloved Japanese mandolin 
  • Food writer Sabrina Ghayour said her Cuisinart food processor was her go-to
  • James Cochran said his Thermomix was like having his very own sous chef 

By BRIDIE PEARSON-JONES FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: | UPDATED: 

When it comes to creating delicious food in your own kitchen, having the right equipment can make a huge difference to perfecting a dish.

Whether it's a blunt knife, a dodgy pan or an oven that can't get hot enough, having the wrong equipment can make a home-cooked creation go very wrong.

So, what won't the UK's top chefs cook without? Here, eight of the nation's finest cooks reveal to FEMAIL the equipment they regard as essential for getting gourmet food to the table... 

Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred chef and regular on Saturday Kitchen and the Great British Menu, runs the Social Eating House in central London
+10

Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred chef and regular on Saturday Kitchen and the Great British Menu, runs the Social Eating House in central London

Jason says a Japanese mandolin - around £20 - is one of his go-tos for perfect slicing
+10

Jason says a Japanese mandolin - around £20 - is one of his go-tos for perfect slicing

Jason Atherton Head Chef, Social Eating House, London: A good knife

The Michelin-starred Social Eating House maestro has one very simple, traditional item on his must-have list.

He says: 'A good knife is your best friend in the kitchen – I prefer my Florentine's cook knife. 

'But for extra thin slicing, you need a Japanese mandolin. 

'Get wafer thin potatoes for dauphinoise or boulangère. It's great for salads and makes light work of slicing.'

A Japanese mandolin, also known as a vegetable slicer, works by quickly cutting through veggies such as carrots and potatoes in the same way a grater does but only using just a single blade.   

Sabrina Ghayour, Chef and cookery writer: Cuisinart food processor

British-Iranian Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour has dozens of awards to her name and hosts a very popular supper club in London, specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern flavours. 

For her, the most important item in her kitchen is her food processor.

She told FEMAIL: 'I can't live without my Cuisinart food processor. It makes chopping and mixing a doddle in the kitchen. I can live without everything else! This small one is perfect for more snug kitchens too. 

British-Iranian Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour has dozens of awards to her name and hosts a very popular supper club in London, specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern flavours
+10

British-Iranian Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour has dozens of awards to her name and hosts a very popular supper club in London, specialising in Persian and Middle Eastern flavours

Sabrina said her Cuisinart (pictured), which retails at around £120 for the standard size and £50 for the smaller version makes chopping and mixing a doddle in the kitchen
+10

Sabrina said her Cuisinart (pictured), which retails at around £120 for the standard size and £50 for the smaller version makes chopping and mixing a doddle in the kitchen

Tom Booton, Head Chef, The Grill at The Dorchester: Le Creuset pot

Last year, the world-famous Dorchester hotel announced the appointment of their youngest ever head chef in the restaurant’s 88-year history, 26-year-old Tom Booton. 

Tom, who's worked in New York, Copenhagen and Iceland says his essential equipment is a simple - but high quality - pot, which will last a lifetime.

'For me, it has to be a Le Creuset pot,' he told FEMAIL. 

'From being great for slow cooking, roasting and even better for all the new budding sourdough bakers out there, it's multi-purpose and stylish too.' 

Known as a culinary classic and the Rolls Royce of pots and pans, the Le Creuset casserole dish has been loved by cooks across the world for nearly a century. 

Tom Booton, Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester said that his number one item in the kitchen is a £90 Le Creuset pot
+10

Tom Booton, Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester said that his number one item in the kitchen is a £90 Le Creuset pot 

James Cochran, Chef Owner of 12:51 and Around the Cluck Delivery Service: Thermomix

James Cochran, who made his name at the two  Michelin-starred Ledbury, says the famous £1149 Thermomix is his go-to item.

James, who starred in BBC's Great British Menu in 2018, told FEMAIL:  'My favourite tool or piece of equipment would have to be the Thermomix. It's an integral piece of machinery which can do so many things from making soups, to sauces, purées, ice cream bases - but then can be used a water bath and steamer too. It's like your own personal sous chef!'

Owned by German company Vorwerk, the Thermomix is a 20-in-1 device that sous-vides, ferments, acts as rice cooker, and carameliser - and even cleans itself. 

James Cochran, who made his name at the two Michelin-starred Ledbury, says the famous Thermomix (pictured) is his go-to item - but it'll set you back around £1,149
+10

James Cochran, who made his name at the two Michelin-starred Ledbury, says the famous Thermomix (pictured) is his go-to item - but it'll set you back around £1,149

Alex Claridge, Chef Owner, The Wilderness, Birmingham: Stick blender

Alex says a Bamix (pictured) is his go-to stick blender of choice - costing around £150
+10

Alex says a Bamix (pictured) is his go-to stick blender of choice - costing around £150

Alex Claridge, the chef owner of modern British fine dining establishment The Wilderness, warns that home cooks shouldn't be fooled into buying too many on-trend items for the kitchen.  

He says: 'Don't be fooled into buying lots of gadgets, Lakeland is not your friend. 

'Good cookery needs very little in terms of equipment; when I first started I had a few hobs and my knives. 

'Invest in a great stick blender (Bamix is my choice), and if you're a baking enthusiast, a KitchenAid – which, if you look after it, will look after you for years to come. 

'Most importantly though, make sure you have great chefs' knives – they are more important than any dehydrator, bread machine or waffle maker.'

Tom Brown, Chef Owner: Cornerstone, Hackney: Microplane

Chef Tom Brown, who runs the Cornerstone in east London told Femail: 'A good gadget to have in the kitchen which instantly upgrades dishes is a microplane - essentially a hand-held grater, which retails at around £10.

'It's perfect for finely zesting citrus for baking and dressings and mincing garlic, so you don't have great big chunks. And even adding a 'cheffy' dusting of parmesan or truffle!'

Chef Tom Brown, who runs the Cornerstone in east London told Femail his go-to gadget is a microplane, he is pictured holding chickens
+10

Chef Tom Brown, who runs the Cornerstone in east London told Femail his go-to gadget is a microplane, he is pictured holding chickens

Tom Aikens:  Head Chef, Muse, Mayfair: KitchenAid

Tom Aikens, one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs,  became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars aged just 26.  

He told FEMAIL: 'I think, given so many of us - myself included - have been baking like crazy at the moment, it'll have to be my KitchenAid!  I've got a few, but my go-to is the Kitchen Aid 9 speed hand mixer. 

Tom Aikens, one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs, became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars aged just 26
+10

Tom Aikens, one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs, became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars aged just 26

'The higher speeds mix heavy doughs and thick batters, and it also whips the perfect still egg whites too. 

'If you fancy making a bit of an investment though, I would recommend the stand mixer.

'This machine can handle anything! It can be used for baking, breads, meringues, and also has an attachment for a juice extractor, vegetable sheet peeler and more. It's so useful and multipurpose!'

Toms aid his go-to was the Kitchen Aid hand mixer (pictured)
Tom said he also like the more expensive stand Kitchen Aid for baking, breads, meringues, also has an attachment for a juice extractor, vegetable sheet peeler. The kitchen equipment starts from £299

Toms aid his go-to was the Kitchen Aid hand mixer (left) but those splashing out could get the £729 stand mixer (right)

Hus Vedat, Head Chef, Barboun Shoreditch and Yosma: Speed peeler

British-Turkish chef Hus Vedat started his career working at his family's butcher shop before training as a chef working in various top hotels.

He now runs Yosma, a Turkish tavern in Soho. He told FEMAIL:  'Well, aside from your tongue – the most important tool in the kitchen, I would say, is my speed peeler. 

British-Turkish chef Hus Vedat, started his career working at his family's butcher shop before training as a chef working in various top hotels, he now runs Yosma in central London
+10

British-Turkish chef Hus Vedat, started his career working at his family's butcher shop before training as a chef working in various top hotels, he now runs Yosma in central London 

'It makes peeling carrots and potatoes take just minutes without accidentally removing too much and it's a non-expensive gadget to help improve every kitchen. 

'I would recommend buying quite a number though – I always end up throwing mine away with the peelings or losing them! 

'I also love my falafel scoop – essential for me, though I imagine not for everyone…'

Chefs reveal the one piece of equipment they couldn't live without

 

Comments 423

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

 What's This?

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

MORE TOP STORIES

Bing
 
  

DON'T MISS

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