This high-end equipment is worth every penny, from a centerpiece-worthy roasting pan to the blender that every chef has in their kitchen. Here are a few tried-and-true high-end kitchen tools that every professional cook should have.

1. Blender

While exploring the options from True Manufacturing for your restaurant, you should consider how your home kitchen is equipped. A Vitamix should be at the top of your wish list if you're a dedicated cook who prepares a lot of pureed soups, sauces from scratch, or likes a morning smoothie. Although there are less expensive options, a Vitamix blends faster, more efficiently, and with a smoother consistency than almost any other blender. The majority of American cooks utilize this brand in their personal and commercial kitchens.

2. Food Processor

You might be wondering if a blender and a food processor are both necessary, but they serve quite distinct purposes. Preparing a large amount of stuffing or five pie crusts is a breeze with a food processor. It's great for speeding up any project that requires a knife. A 12-cup model is a perfect size for preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for twenty people, but it should also feature a small insert bowl that can be used to prepare pesto for two people.

3. Wood Cutting Board

A robust wood cutting board is a must-have in any kitchen. Boos blocks are heavy, robust, and easy to lift because they have grips on the sides. These boards will last a lifetime if they are hand-washed and oiled on a regular basis. They're also lovely on a kitchen counter, and they're ideal for large cheese or charcuterie platters. A simple tip: make sure the chopping board you choose will fit in your sink!

4. Chef's Knife

A decent chef's knife is an indispensable instrument, and it's well worth your money to invest in one. Shun's razor-sharp Japanese-style knife is used in many personal kitchens and test Kitchens, and it has proven to be durable. The edge of the forged steel blade lasts longer than that of a European-style blade. Despite its toughness, this knife requires extra attention. Always hand wash it and either sharpen it yourself or send it to be sharpened by a professional once in a while (Shun will even do it for free).

5. Stand Mixer

A stand mixer isn't required equipment for every home cook, but once you have one, you won't be able to envision living without it. It makes large amounts of cookies and cake batter a breeze, and the attachments (looking at you, pasta roller!) provide limitless possibilities. The basic KitchenAid stand mixer is available in a variety of colors, so it won't be an eyesore on your kitchen counter.

6. Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven may be used to cook anything from a large batch of soup to a loaf of no-knead bread to braised chicken legs. There are other brands that produce cast-iron enameled casseroles (at various price points), but Staub is one of the best. These stunning casseroles are a significant investment, but they are beautiful, well-made, and will last a lifetime. The 7-quart size is large enough to handle most duties while taking up little room in your kitchen.

7. Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron pans have thick, heavy bottoms and sides that can uniformly heat to high temperatures and maintain heat for an extended period of time. They give a steak or scallops a lovely sear. Use them to make cornbread or cobblers because they go straight into the oven (and all these other delights). They have a rustic appeal that may be used from the stove to the table. Last but not least, they're practically unbreakable. If you learn how to properly care for yours, it will last a lifetime.

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