Cooking Utensils & Tools

Kitchen Utensil Sets for Cooking

No matter the recipe, kitchen utensil sets help ensure you have the tools for the job. Rather than purchase each piece separately, the best cooking utensil sets offer must-have kitchen utensils and gadgets in one convenient group. Not sure where to begin when selecting utensils for cooking? Start by considering your vibe in the kitchen. If you love a classic aesthetic in your eating area, consider wooden kitchen utensils or wooden handle utensils that easily mesh with other dinnerware and serveware. Or, for a more modern take go with silicone cooking utensils, stainless steel kitchen utensils or bamboo kitchen utensils instead. No matter your preference, the cooking utensils at Crate & Barrel are suitable for chefs at every level. For those who are less concerned about obtaining a set of cooking utensils than they are individual kitchen cooking utensils, read our kitchen utensils list to find out what you need most.

Spatulas

A classic chef utensil, spatulas are one of the most versatile food utensils you can add to your kitchen. Good for mixing, scraping, flipping and spreading, spatulas come in two different styles: slotted and unslotted. Slotted spatulas are ideal for letting fat, water and other liquids or near-liquids fall off of the food you're cooking, while unslotted spatulas provide better support for crumbly or loose foods.

Mini Spatulas

Looking for more modern kitchen utensils to add to your collection? Consider miniature spatulas. Much the same as their larger counterparts in style and design, these small kitchen utensils make it quicker and easier to scrape the interior of food processors and muffin tins, and to frost cupcakes and cookies. Bonus applications for these mini utensils: whipping up a single serving of scrambled eggs or miniature pancakes.

Turners

A type of spatula, turners do just what their name suggests: flip, turn and lift food while cooking. Featuring slight angles and a thin design, turners make for some of the best griddle utensils and are a necessity of those who often cook over heat. Does your family love seafood? Consider getting a fish turner instead, which is specially designed to handle more delicate foods, like fish filets.

Spoonulas

A hybrid between a spoon and a spatula, spoonulas have the shape of a spatula and the curves of a spoon. Their versatile design allows for everything from scraping the inside of a jar or getting grease off a baking pan to scooping yogurt.

Jar Scrapers

(This is our last spatula-based utensil, we promise).

Aptly named and also known as bottle scrapers, jar scrapers do just what you'd imagine they would…scrape jars clean of their contents. Not only does this ensure you get every bit of jam, jelly or peanut butter for your recipe, these long-handled scrapers also make it easier to rinse the jar when you're done.

Ladles

Designed to serve liquid entrees, sauces and even some beverages, ladles allow for effortless scooping from pot to bowl. Defined by their deep spoon and long handle, some food ladles also have a spout for simpler serving and others feature slots for draining.

Pasta Spoons

Also known as a pasta ladle or spaghetti server, pasta spoons are a specific type of spoon that features holes in the middle to help remove noodles from boiling water. Deep ridges along the edge of the spoon's bowl provide additional assistance when serving spaghetti or other long-noodle pastas.

Tongs

A core kitchen utensil, tongs assist with everything from flipping food to removing it from the oven to serving it up for dinner. Scalloped tips allow for better grip, no matter the task, and a jointed handle allows for single-handed use. The different types of tongs include utility and serving. Utility is described above, while serving tongs look more like scissors and make it easier to pick up larger and longer food items, such as baked potatoes and corn on the cob.

Whisks

A versatile kitchen utensil that can also be found in baking utensil sets, whisks are used to quickly blend ingredients smooth, like egg whites or cream, and to help introduce air into a mixture. Whisks feature a long and narrow handle, as well as wire loops that are joined at the end.

Spurtles

The perfect addition to your collection of wood kitchen utensils, spurtles are Scottish-based kitchen tools that are used to stir porridge, soup, stew and broth. Their rod-like design minimizes the dragging effect that spoons have when stirring—minimizing congealing and lumping.

Kitchen Utensils as Gifts

Once you've settled on which kitchen utensils are best for you and your needs, consider giving cooking utensils away as gifts. Stop by your nearest Crate and Barrel kitchen utensils store to easily shop non-toxic cooking utensils, metal cooking utensils and any other utensil for food, regardless of occasion. Be sure to peruse copper kitchen utensils for wedding registries or housewarming parties, and Christmas utensils for your holiday soirees.

Wondering what the unwritten rules of gift giving are for weddings and various wedding-related events? Crate & Barrel has you covered (in writing) with our Wedding Gift Etiquette Rules Guide and Bridal Shower Gift Etiquette Rules Guide. Learn how much to spend on wedding gifts, what type of wedding gifts to give, how far in advance to buy wedding gifts and all sorts of useful information when shopping for nuptials.