These are just the basic tools we would suggest a kitchen have. Look for our review in a later article. 

But, in the mean time, we would like to know what your favorite kitchen tool is. E-mail us at DinnerPlanner.com and we will post your favorite tool.

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The Kitchen Tool Box

Watch any late night TV and you will quickly see that there are tons of kitchen gadgets available. From pasta pots to slicer/dicers, this constant search for the ideal kitchen tool has been part of our culture and the source of amusement for years. Who could forget the infamous SNL Bass-O-Matic? The fact is that tooling up your kitchen can be as easy or as complicated as you desire. 

At DinnerPlanner, we like simple, versatile tools that are the staple of any kitchen. Here is our recommendation for your kitchen toolbox (pots and pans not included):

Knives - The backbone of any kitchen operation they are used to prepare food for cooking. Get some good ones, they will last longer and perform better. We recommend an 8" chef's knife, a paring knife and a knife with a serrated edge to cut bread or vegetables. Expect to pay over $40.00 for that Chef's knife and then take good care of it. It should last forever.

Cutting Board - Now that you have the knives, make sure you have a good cutting board available. We have used both the traditional wooden board as well as the synthetic composition models. Both have their advantages and that is why we have both. The wooden board is great for slicing bread and making sandwiches. The synthetic is used for chopping onions and raw meats, because it cleans up better.

Measuring tools - Make sure that you have accurate, easy to read measuring cups and measuring spoons. We like the Pyrex measuring cups. They are not only easy to read, but you can use them in the microwave when need be. We also have the plastic measuring cups. These are a little more difficult to read, but this drawback can be remedied by running a black magic marker over the most common measurements (3/4 cup, ½ cup). Have plenty of measuring spoons on hand also.

Mixing Bowls - Get yourself some good heavy ones and in various sizes. We think you should have at least four to work with. That way when you are in the heat of making your dinners you won't have to stop to clean a bowl to finish your job.

Colander - What better way is there to drain pasta or steam veggies. We use ours to clean lettuce and grapes as well. Go for the metal variety. They last longer and are, in our opinion, easier to clean. 

Grater - We have the four-sided version that offers different degrees of "grate". We also suggest looking for one that is large enough that you won't be barking your knuckles on it. Those little ones are a little more difficult to control.

Mixing Spoons - Yes the old fashion wooden spoons are the best. They last forever and because they are wooden they are neutral with acidic foods. Another advantage is that the old wooden spoon makes a great pointer when you are lecturing your children! My mother perfected this technique!

Whisk - Nothing makes you feel more like a pro than the use of a whisk! Get one that is comfortable for you and use it to whip-up everything from eggs to exotic sauces. 

Spatulas - Get a couple of these, especially if you are cooking on many different surfaces. Use a plastic one on your non-stick, Teflon surfaces in order to protect them. Get a sturdy metal one; large enough to flip pancakes for your metal skillets and make sure you have a special one available for the outdoor grill.

Tongs - A definite workhorse in any kitchen. Tongs can be used to serve pasta, mix salads, grab corn on the cob or flip burgers on the grill. Get a metal variety with the locking feature. They are easier to store and will last a long, long time.