Buy new: $534.39
Lovely but overpriced. If I were to buy another hard-anodized set, I would go with the Commercial line, which is just as good and 1/3 the price.
A fantastic deal (I paid $32 at Bed Bath and Beyond) for US-made nonstick Calphalon pans.
My desert island pan, since I mostly stir-fry. I just wish it came with a lid; I use one from another pot.
Buy new:
$174.94
/ Used from:
$131.01
A pot and a workout in one. Superb heat distribution. I have a few different sizes (6.75 qt oval, 7.25 qt round, 4.5 qt oval, and this one.) They really brighten up an otherwise drab kitchen.
Buy new: $312.12
Short of a Viking or Hobart, which I can't afford, the best mixer I've found. The colors are either blah or ugly, but can't beat 575 Watts of power.
It's gotten mixed reviews, but I'm quite fond of mine. I use it to turn regular granulated sugar into superfine sugar, grind nuts, etc. Still, for most things, you're better off with a knife.
Buy new: $10.99
Never thought I'd need them, but I've used them every day since I bought them. Also have a nylon-head version for nonstick pans.
Buy new: $25.00
Strainers are useful. Obviously they strain, but can also be used as sifters and decorating tools (e.g., to sift confectioner's sugar over chocolate cakes).
Buy new: $34.95
It's looks good, it really does make egg whites beat fluffier, and it is a royal pain in the *--* to keep untarnished.
Buy new: $15.99
A great invention if you bake a lot. Cookie sheet liner, work surface for rolling out pastry doughs, even to make candy on. Not so great for baking bread, though.
Buy new: $49.99
A very handy thing for soups. I use it mostly for whipping ganaches for chocolate truffles.
Buy new:
$7.99
/ Used from:
$6.99
My old-fashioned zester hasn't been touched since I bought this. I got it before the version with the handle came out, though--get that one if you're buying a new one.
Buy new:
$49.95
/ Used from:
$35.00
Not the best ice cream maker, but decent. Be sure to pre-freeze everything, including your mixture, no matter what your recipe or the operating manual says.
I got one exactly like this at the local Chinese market for about $6. I prefer a narrower bowl; a wide, shallow bowl leaves you chasing peppercorns around the bowl instead of actually smashing them.
Buy new: $7.99
My current favorite spatula, because the silicone head goes halfway up the handle so food doesn't get stuck in it. Edge could be sharper for scraping, though.
Buy new:
$9.99
/ Used from:
$7.98
Great styling, easy on arthritic hands, and very, very sharp. A great peeler.
Outrageously expensive, but *so* cool. As one of my friends put it, "How many bottles of wine do you have to drink to justify owning something like that?!"
I have a pitiful excuse for a kitchen, with a total of (no joke) 14" of counter space. Two of these, and now I have both a counter and a pastry work station. They're heavy as all heck, though.
Buy new: $8.99
Indispensible pastry/ bread tool. Love that handle. The Forschner version has a sharper blade, but then who really uses this to chop? Get a knife.
Fantastic, intelligent design. My other two pizza wheels are now officially retired.
Buy new: $32.59
Each type of cookware material has its purpose. I make a lot of desserts with lemons, so my aluminum Calphalon set is out of luck. For lemons, go with stainless steel.
Buy new: $15.77
My first cast iron pan. The 'pre-seasoning' is a joke, and the handle is tiny and hard to grab, esp given how heavy this is. Despite that, still a good pan, esp in the oven.
Buy new: $22.99
I'm a carnivore. I'd much rather eat raw beef (steak tartare!) than raw veggies, or any veggies, for that matter. Since buying this spinner, I have one less excuse for not eating salads.
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