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Two chef knives resting on a wooden cutting board
The Erisha Pantry

The cook’s kitchen

Knives, cookware and boards built to last a lifetime of everyday cooking.

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The best kitchens are not the fullest. A sharp chef’s knife, a generous board, one excellent skillet and a heavy pot will handle almost everything you cook. These are tools we would expect to still be using in twenty years.

Knives

Sharp, balanced, lasting

WüsthofInvestment

Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife

Forged German steel with a full tang and a reassuring weight. A knife for life with basic care.

Best for: Cooks who prefer a heavier, robust blade

View on Amazon.ca
GlobalInvestment

G-2 8″ Chef’s Knife

Light, thin and razor-sharp Japanese steel in a distinctive one-piece design.

Best for: Precise, nimble slicing

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VictorinoxEssential

Fibrox Pro 8″ Chef’s Knife

The professional kitchen’s quiet favourite: excellent edge, sure grip and a very modest price.

Best for: A first good knife or a reliable spare

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ShunSmall luxury

Classic Bread Knife

A long serrated edge glides through crackling crusts and delicate sponge without crushing them.

Best for: Crusty loaves and layer cakes

View on Amazon.ca
John BoosInvestment

Maple End-Grain Cutting Board

A substantial hardwood board that is kind to knife edges and becomes more beautiful with use.

Best for: A permanent prep station

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MicroplaneEssential

Premium Classic Zester

Fine citrus zest, nutmeg and hard cheese in seconds. Every pastry kitchen has one.

Best for: Zesting and finishing

View on Amazon.ca
Cookware

Pans that earn their place

All-CladInvestment

D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan

Tri-ply stainless steel for even searing and fond-building pan sauces. Practically indestructible.

Best for: Searing, sautéing and sauces

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LodgeEssential

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12″

Inexpensive, versatile and better with every use, from cornbread to a perfect sear.

Best for: High-heat cooking and baking

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Le CreusetInvestment

Signature Braiser, 3.5 Qt

A shallow enamelled pot that browns, braises and goes straight to the table.

Best for: Braises, risotto and one-pot dinners

View on Amazon.ca
Questions

Good to know

What is the one knife every kitchen needs?

An 8-inch chef’s knife. It handles the large majority of prep. Add a serrated bread knife and a small paring knife and you are fully equipped.

Stainless steel, cast iron or non-stick?

Most cooks are best served by one of each: stainless steel for searing and sauces, cast iron for high heat and baking, and a small non-stick pan for eggs.

How often should I sharpen my knives?

Hone the edge with a steel every few uses and have the knife properly sharpened once or twice a year, depending on how often you cook.

Photography: Andrey Matveev on Unsplash.