The All-Time TOP 10 Favorite Kitchen/Cooking Tools

Would you show up to painting class with just one tube of paint and a ratty old brush? Of course not! When it comes to the culinary arts, having the right tools for the job is a key to success, both in the kitchen and on the dining room table. Cooking tools that make preparation faster, more efficient and safer top the list of must-haves for any aspiring culinary master (aka Cook'n foodies).

That said, let's take a look at the TOP 10 all-time favorite kitchen/cooking tools of professional cooks from around the country:

10. Durable non-plastic oil/vinegar cruets and spice containers
You can't cook if your special ingredients aren't within easy reach. Name brands really mean nothing here, as long as the containers are made of glass or some other material that resists melting.

9. Tough wood and plastic cutting boards
A quality cutting board doesn't warp or fail, making them worth that bit of extra money.

8. Multiple non-stick-safe spatulas and stirring spoons
Keep plenty of these around so you don't have to worry about stopping to wash one in the middle of a big production. A little more money invested in heat resistant utensils will save you from melting them on hot pots and pans.

7. Sharp peeler
Save yourself the hassle of a cheap, dull peeler. A good one isn't too expensive, and it can save you a lot of time and frustration when peeling potatoes, apples, carrots and other vegetables.

6. Sharp can opener
Get one that works every time. This is probably the most inexpensive item in the list, but it will save a lot of time and unnecessary headache. A high quality can opener can be purchased at a kitchen supply store for 20 to 30 bucks.

5. High-quality boning knife
Typically narrower and shorter than a chef's knife, a high-quality boning knife is needed to strip meat off of bones, both before and after cooking. A boning knife that is forged, not stamped, is essential, as stamped knives are apt to snap when the cutting gets tough. Consider having two kinds of boning knives: a stiff boning knife for beef and pork and a flexible one for poultry and fish.

4. Forged chef's knife
To get accurate, fast and safe cuts, a forged knife is an absolute necessity. A quality chef's knife can serve as a chopping knife and a cutting knife—versatility that can save time in the cooking and preparation process. For the best in cutlery, look no further than knives made by the world-renowned Zwilling J.A. Henckels Company.

3. Pyrex glass measuring cups
Oven-safe, microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, these measuring cups are highly versatile. Forget plastic. With Pyrex, you can heat pre-measured ingredients right in the cup. They're also easy to read, making precise measurements a snap.

2. KitchenAid mixer
When fully decked out with all the available attachments, these sturdy, professional mixers can do wonders. With a KitchenAid mixer, you essentially gain all the professional mixing, kneading and tenderizing equipment you need to do the job right.

1. Quality pots and pans
Most chefs swear by All-Clad brand cookware for everyday use. Meticulously crafted, All-Clad pans are renowned for their even heating, amazing durability and ease of use. For pure cooking performance, they're worth every penny.

Do YOU have any suggestions for the list? What's YOUR favorite kitchen/cooking tool? Please share your tips in our comment box--let's share the good stuff--we're all in this together, remember. And until next time, happy cook'n!