July is Culinary Arts Month! We're here to give you the 3 best tools for culinary arts students. Whether you're just starting culinary classes or are ready to get your degree, check out our list and see if you own all 3!
1. Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is the most versatile tool in any culinary student’s arsenal. With a blade ranging from 6 to 10 inches, it is small enough to handle easily but large enough to tackle tough vegetables and meat cuts. Whether you’re dicing onions, carrots, and celery for a mirepoix or slicing fat off a chicken breast, a high-quality chef’s knife will give you the advantage in any culinary school kitchen. In fact, our friends at Serious Eats tested 34 chef's knives, evaluating their sharpness and using them to dice onions, slice tomatoes, and more. Their Top 8 Chef's Knife can be found here. Make classes easier with the best kitchen tool you'll ever own - a sharp chef's knife!
2. Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale is often overlooked, but in culinary school you'll find it comes in handy. Many recipes are written in weight because it is a more accurate measurement than volume, especially for baking. Check out Food & Wine's 5 Best Kitchen Scales. Kitchen scales can also help limit the mess in a kitchen, which would instantly make you the teacher's favorite. Measuring by volume involves dirtying a measuring cup, but you can use a scale to measure ingredients directly into a mixing bowl or pot. Before classes start, get familiar with your kitchen scale so you'll be using it like a pro on day one!
3. Bench Scraper
A bench scraper is a great tool for any culinary arts student. It is incredibly versatile, making it a must-have in the kitchen. You can use it to divide dough, gather flour, and even for food prep and cleanup tasks. This tool is not only practical but also affordable, making it accessible for students on a budget. Many chefs and instructors recommend keeping one on your cutting board at all times to make your work more efficient. The less waste the better, and a bench scraper ensures you get all of the ingredients out of your mixing bowl or pot.
