Top 5 Kitchen Tools That Make You Feel Like a Real Cook

Affordable gear that makes home cooking feel more competent, and none of it needs its own counter or an app.

1. 1

   Thermapen ONE — ThermoWorks

   Reads temperature in a second, ends the cut-it-open-and-check routine for good, and makes every chicken breast juicy.

2. 2

   Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife — Victorinox

   Costs a fraction of the fancy German knives, holds its own against them, and you won't cry the first time you chip it.

3. 3

   Classic Zester — Microplane

   Turns parmesan into snow and lemons into perfume, and once you have it you'll zest things that never needed zesting.

4. 4

   10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet — Lodge

   Sears like a restaurant, goes from stovetop to oven and will probably outlive you if you just keep it oiled.

5. 5

   Good Grips Fish Turner — OXO

   Slotted, thin and flexible, it's the best spatula for everything, and fish is honestly the least of what it does well.