Best Kitchen Items

A true chef needs to expand his or her working surface. The Teak Haus End Grain Cutting Board ($112) is large enough so you can prep and chop a multitude of items. Side handles mean you can slide it around if you need to.

Whip, beat, and mix to your heart's content. When it comes time for dessert, bring out your trusty KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer ($40) and ask friends, "Who wants fresh whipped cream?" They'll be putty in your hands.

A real chef keeps their knives away in a drawer as opposed to the counter. The Sabatier 8-Inch Chef Knife Olivewood ($81) is a supreme tool that any culinary master should have on-hand for chopping fine vegetables. Let friends watch as you dice an onion to perfection.

Here's one that will really cause your guests' jaws to drop. Explain to them that you weigh your ingredients, you don't just measure them. Yes, dry and wet goods can be converted to ounces for precision measurements. Pick up the American Weigh Scales AWS Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale ($40) and see how they react.

You can never have enough good mixing bowls. The Room Essentials Mixing Bowl Set ($13) comes in a range of sizes so you'll be able to measure and prep in multiple bowls simultaneously. A true genius at work.

Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen as people come over. It's an unmistakable scent. The G & S Metal Preferred 10-Piece Bakeware Set ($60) is a smart kit if you're planning to do a lot of baking.

In addition to doing your impressive scale work, you'll also need traditional measuring cups. The Pyrex Measuring Cup Set three piece ($15) is a tried-and-true trio.

True culinary pros are all about their prep work. Whether it's weeks before or just days, you're going to want to chop and mix everything beforehand. That makes day-of cooking a breeze. The Pyrex 18pc Glass Storage Set ($32) is clutch for that kind of work. And, of course, for leftovers.

Stuck up on Room Essentials Medium Canister with Turq PP Lid ($6) for all of your storage needs. Whether it's for sugar, flour, or other dry goods, keep them tightly closed in these long canisters.

Any of your guests interested in post-dinner tea and coffee? Sure, you could turn on the coffee pot, but show off a little with this Hamilton Beach 1.7 L Illuminated Glass Cordless Kettle ($29). Get the water piping hot then ask who's interested in some pour-over decaf.