10 Kitchen Tools to Buy at The Hardware Store
By Katherine Sacks
Kitchen supply stores are great and all, but the hardware store is the OG culinary shopping stop. In fact, the indispensable Microplane got its start as a rasp, a woodworker’s tool meant for shaping and smoothing. While today’s adapted version of the Microplane is much better suited to your kitchen needs, you can find a lot of things at the hardware store that are super helpful when you’re putting together dinner. Even better? A lot of these options are actually much cheaper than their fancy cooking store counterparts. So next time you’re picking up nails, throw these tools in the cart as well.
PAINT BRUSHES AKA PASTRY BRUSHES
Remember how important we said pastry brushes are? They’re a must for egg wash, wiping up flour, coating cakes in sugar syrup, and coating meats in marinades. The ones at the hardware store are just as good as brushes designed for pastry, and you’ll often find them in multiple sizes in these shops. Grab the ones with soft bristles, and you’re good to go.
RUBBER MALLET AKA MEAT TENDERIZER
Want more power from your meat mallet? The hardware store’s giant rubber mallet is meant for banging on wood and metal, and will handle meat with ease. Just make sure to cover the meat with a layer of plastic wrap before using the mallet.
SMOOTHING TOOL AKA BENCH SCRAPER
These flat plastic tools come in many shapes and sizes and are meant to smooth out wallpaper. Their flat edge and handle-like side make them just as ideal as a bench scraper. Use them to pick up ingredients, clear off work surfaces, and cut dough evenly.
SOLDERING TORCH AKA KITCHEN TORCH
They may be hyped as “professional kitchen torches,” but hand any chefs the tiny little torches sold in cooking shops, and they’ll likely laugh out loud. The larger-than-life ones they carry at hardware stores are much more handy for any serious amount of flaming. Use this to finish off crème brûlée, add nice char to halved citrus or stone fruit, or caramelize marshmallows and meringue. It’s also a great way to remove bubbles from custard or flan before baking—just zap them with the torch briefly before placing in the oven.
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PALETTE KNIFE AKA SPATULA
The hard, flat side of a palette knife is usually used for smoothing out spackle or caulk and spreading or removing adhesive. We also think it’s a great thing to have in the kitchen. Use them for picking up cookies, moving slices of cake, loosening the sides of baked goods away from the pan, and spreading condiments.
NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS AKA HERB SCISSORS
The tiny edges of these pliers can be used to reach small spaces and to cut through wire and thin metal. Grab a second pair for the kitchen, and you’ll be ready to trim your herbs and do other delicate cutting jobs.
GARDEN SHEARS AKA KITCHEN SHEARS
The giant shears you’ll find in hardware stores are great for clipping grass, cutting branches, and other landscaping tasks. A smaller size is key in the kitchen. Use them to butcher chickens, trim vegetables, and cut up dried fruit. You can often find kitchen-style shears at the hardware store, but any heavy duty pair will work.
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MEASURING TAPE AKA MEASURING TAPE
They’re great for building projects, but did you know a tape measure is also a key tool in the kitchen? Whenever a recipe specifies a measurement for pans or cuts, whip this out and make sure you’re accurately baking, cutting, and cooking. (Size can really affect how quickly/slowly something cooks!) Any measuring tape or ruler will do but we like these little guys because they don’t take up much space.
NOTCHED SPREADER AKA CAKE ICER
The notched edges of this tool help flatten wallpaper and other materials in tight corners. In the kitchen, we use it to add flair to an iced cake—run the edges along the outside coating of icing, you’ll have a professional-looking job in no time.
TWINE AKA KITCHEN TWINE
Handymen use twine to tie up or connect materials, and in the kitchen you can do the same. Use it to secure chickens tightly before roasting, tie together herbs you want to remove later, and tie up herbs for drying. Just make sure to get the 100 percent natural cotton twine.
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PHOTOS: CHELSEA KYLE, FOOD STYLING BY KATHERINE SACKS
