RainyDayGiftGuide 2013 : Kitchen Gear

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Wan Chi Lau in RainyDayGiftGuide // 0 Comments

Yesterday we posted a collection of gadget gift suggestions for the kitchen. Today we continue the kitchen-based list with some gear. Some of the items made the list because we have found them to be excellent tools for those who love to cook. Others got the nod because they are innovative, have great design, and promise to make cooking more enjoyable. Either way, we are excited about the choices and are sure that you will find them so as well.

Waring Pro Induction Cooktop – Latest cooking technology, fits anywhere

Induction cooking technology is amazing. Induction cooking uses magnetic fields to cause the cooking vessel to heat up, as opposed to using heat transfer from electrical coils or burning gas as with a traditional cooking stove. It is more efficient, much safer than electric coils and gas, and is the future. And it is now available as a double burner cooktop with push-button controls from Waring Pro. Amazon has it at $250 (48% off list)

Joseph Joseph Elevate 100 utensils – Designed to improve hygiene and minimize the mess. Weighted handle with an integrated tool-rest ensures the head is raised off the work surface to reduce contamination. Amazon has it at $150.
Shun knives – 33 layers of steel, Pakkawood handles, 10º edge. Unbelievably sharp. Our favorite knives hands down. 3-piece boxed set is $280 from Amazon.
Boos Prep Master III cutting board – Maple, 24×18, reversible, integrated removable juice tray. Big enough to handle a good size turkey or a roast. Rock solid construction. Beautifully crafted. A joy to use. Amazon has it at $200 (30% off list)

Stoneware Pickling Crocks – Great for making sauerkraut or pickles. Food-safe high-fired durable glazing. Doubles as a beautiful container when not using it for pickling stuff. Get the complete kit (lid, weights, crock) at 1, 3, or 5 gallon sizes from Gardener’s Supply Company.

Le Creuset Screwpull Vertical Lever Wine Opener – Silky-smooth lever action that works on real or synthetic corks the first time every time. We have never damaged a cork in the six years that we have been using ours, and visitors to RainyDay always think it’s cool. Amazon has it for $215 (28% off list)
Sodastream Source Soda Maker – We have been fans of Sodastream since Edition 1. It is great to see this company continue to improve and innovate every year. For 2013, we are happy to recommend the Sodastream Source. The unit is sleek, compact, and available in some very nice colors. Amazon has it for $100 (30% off list)

Coffee is one of those things we are extremely passionate about. We love the taste, the effect it has on us, and the fact that somebody is always creating better gear for making the perfect cup. Every holiday, the crew goes in search of a new machine with more features, brew options, or an automated this or that.

For 2013, we found something that may have us re-think how we will enjoy our favorite bean. The machine is the ROK manual espresso maker. We love everything about the ROK unit. It looks awesome, built like a tank, and is guaranteed for 10 years. Oh yeah, the whole thing comes packaged in an amazing oval tin. This machine may be our coolest find for 2013. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but there is already talk of getting rid of our fancy automatic machines now that this unit is in the office. Just sayin’. Amazon has it for $200. Pair it with the Cuisinart Tazzaccino milk frother for foamy delicious drinks in less than a minute.