Saint Laurent
The Kitchen Equipment to Invest In
Feature: Quick Read
Words by Emilie Dock
It’s time to live out your best Michelin-starred fantasies. Perhaps you’ll start with a warm winter salad of blood range, radicchio, Brussels and blackberries. Or maybe you’ll attempt the ultimate tarte tatin. Whichever culinary endeavour you choose, make sure you’ve kitted out your kitchen with the best cookware possible. From cutting-edge kitchen appliances to casserole dishes that will last you a lifetime, your road to chefdom starts here.
The Best Kitchen Appliances
The Stand Mixer
Think of your Smeg stand mixer as a pair of big, strong, indefatigable arms that’ll mix, whisk and knead your cooking endeavours to absolute perfection. A true kitchen workhouse, especially when you add all of the extra attachments.
The Blender
Thirty years of silky-smooth smoothies, soups and cocktails in under a minute – that’s what you’re buying with the Magimix Blender Power 5XL, thanks to the 30-year motor guarantee. It can chop and grind too, plus the two-litre jug is perfect for feeding large families.
The Food Processor
Introducing your new, all-singing, all-dancing best friend by KitchenAid. Never again will you slice, dice, julienne, grate, shred or emulsify. That’s right, say goodbye to thankless food preparation and hello to gourmet homemade delights.
The Sunshine Smoothie Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 small blood oranges, peeled
½ mango, peeled and cubed
1 cup mixed strawberries and raspberries
Thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup coconut water
A few ice cubes
1 tsp honey (optional)
Method
Combine all ingredients and blend for a minute until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add honey if desired. Pulse to combine, then pour into two glasses and enjoy chilled.
TOP TIP: BLENDERS
"For a seamless blend, always place liquids closest to the blades, then follow with soft ingredients and finish with hard, heavy or frozen items."
The Best Pots & Pans
The Cast Iron Pot
Casserole dish, Dutch oven, cocotte – call it what you will, a cast-iron pot is a must for cooking dishes that require heavy searing or gentle, even cooking. Fit for the oven, hob, induction or grill, Le Creuset is the go-to brand.
The Pressure Cooker
What can you make with a pressure cooker? Anything from stews and soups to rice and beans – in up to 70% less time, using 20-50% less energy. We like German brand Fissler, which celebrates 70 years of the pressure cooker in 2023.
The Stainless-Steel Skillet
Every kitchen needs a skillet – and this stainless-steel Hestan model, handmade in Italy using a tri-ply body and ProCore aluminium, is virtually indestructible. Quick to heat and lightweight, it can go from stovetop to oven to dishwasher.
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The Unsung Kitchen Heroes
The Non-Stick Pan
For flipping pancakes and cooking eggs, you can’t beat this Danish-made Scanpan frying pan. The non-stick lining uses non-toxic PFOAs, it’s super-easy to clean AND you can use metal utensils. Triple win.
The Chopping Board
Chop, chop! Set the stage for years of gourmet cooking with this large, reversible Zwilling bamboo board. It’s durable yet pliable, therefore easy on your knives; smooth but not slippery; and large enough to accommodate all of your food preparation.
The Kettle
Especially useful for pour-over coffee drinkers, the Fellow Stagg gooseneck kettle gives you great control over water flow, helping you extract the best flavours from your brew. It also allows you to set the temperature and looks elegant in your kitchen.
TOP TIP: WOODEN CHOPPING BOARDS
"Oil your board on a regular basis and it will never warp or crack. Start by cleaning and drying the board, then use a soft cloth or paper towel to apply a food-grade oil all over the surface. Leave to soak overnight and remove the excess in the morning."
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