Kitchen & Dining

Kitchen tools

Useful kitchen extras with non-plastic working surfaces, plus straightforward oils and waxes for cookware care.

Small tools deserve the same material standards as larger cookware.  We favor steel, glass and other durable alternatives wherever food touches the tool.  For seasoning oils and maintenance waxes, the ingredients are the focus: they should be suitable for the surface and the way it will be used.

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Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe New Haven Oyster Knife Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe New Haven Oyster Knife NSFSTAINLESS STEELUSA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This fixed stainless-steel blade opens oyster shells without a folding joint, and the exact S121 model is listed to NSF/ANSI 2 for food equipment.  Its curved tip helps lift the hinge, while the textured polypropylene handle provides grip.  The handle is plastic—not a plastic-free tool—but the working blade is steel.  Hand-wash and dry after use. Materials: high-carbon stainless steel (DEXSTEEL blade) · polypropylene plastic (handle) $16.99★ 4.8 · 2,000+ ratings View on Amazon
Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe 4-Inch Pizza Cutter — Red Handle Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe 4-Inch Pizza Cutter — Red Handle STAINLESS STEELUSA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: A replaceable stainless-steel wheel cuts pizza and flatbread without a nonstick coating.  The four-inch blade gives clearance over thicker toppings, and it can be replaced without throwing away the handle.  The textured grip is polypropylene plastic; the cutting wheel is steel.  Hand-wash and dry promptly, and store the exposed blade safely. Materials: stainless steel (cutting wheel and metal support) · polypropylene plastic (handle) $28.99★ 4.7 · 700+ ratings View on Amazon
Dexter-Russell Traditional Stainless Steel Dough Scraper — S496 Dexter-Russell Traditional Stainless Steel Dough Scraper — S496 STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: A broad stainless-steel blade portions dough and lifts flour from the counter without a plastic scraping edge.  This US-made scraper has a hardwood handle held by two brass rivets, rather than a molded plastic grip.  Hand-wash and dry it after use; the wood finish is not specified, so it is not presented as unfinished. Materials: stainless steel · hardwood · brass handle rivets $28.88★ 4.7 · 400+ ratings View on Amazon
Bjørklund 1925 Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer — Wood Handle Bjørklund 1925 Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer — Wood Handle STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: A stainless steel blade and wooden handle make this Norwegian cheese slicer a straightforward alternative to plastic-bodied tools.  The curved head cuts thin slices from firm cheese and can lift them onto a sandwich or serving plate.  Use light pressure with the blade flat against the cheese; hand-wash and dry the wooden handle after use. Materials: stainless steel blade · wood handle $39.99★ 4.6 · 73 ratings View on Amazon
Opinel No.10 Corkscrew & Bottle-Opener Knife Opinel No.10 Corkscrew & Bottle-Opener Knife STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: A stainless-steel blade, metal corkscrew and bottle opener make this a compact picnic tool with a varnished beech handle.  The food-prep blade has no nonstick coating, and the corkscrew folds into the handle for storage.  Check that the rotating blade lock engages securely before use; hand-wash and dry the wood promptly. Materials: stainless steel (blade and corkscrew) · steel opener · varnished beech wood (handle) $42.00★ 4.6 · 100+ ratings View on Amazon
ThermoWorks Classic Thermapen Folding Food Thermometer — Nautical Blue ThermoWorks Classic Thermapen Folding Food Thermometer — Nautical Blue STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: A stainless steel probe checks the center of food while the plastic handle stays outside it.  The English-made Classic Thermapen includes a NIST-traceable calibration certificate, useful reassurance when checking cooking temperatures.  It folds closed for storage; unlike newer models, this simple version has no backlight or rotating display.  Clean the probe after each use. Materials: stainless steel food probe · ABS plastic case with Biomaster treatment · rubber seals · LCD $105.00★ 4.6 · 400+ ratings View on Amazon
Opinel No.115 Fixed-Blade Peeler — Natural Beech Opinel No.115 Fixed-Blade Peeler — Natural Beech STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: Opinel pairs a stainless-steel peeling head with a small beech handle for a simple alternative to plastic kitchen tools.  The pointed tip removes potato eyes, and the fixed blade suits people who prefer a stationary peeler to a swivel design.  The wood is varnished, not unfinished; hand-wash and dry promptly. Materials: stainless steel (blade) · varnished beech wood (handle) $18.00★ 4.4 · 500+ ratings View on Amazon
triangle Professional Double Melon Baller — 22/25 mm triangle Professional Double Melon Baller — 22/25 mm STAINLESS STEELGLASS Why we recommend it: Two sharp stainless-steel scoops cut melon, vegetables and soft butter without a plastic cutting surface.  The 22 mm and 25 mm ends offer two portion sizes in one tool.  Made in Germany, it has a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic grip between the metal ends and is dishwasher-safe. Materials: DIN 1.4016 stainless steel · silver solder · glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide handle $20.93★ 4.4 · 100+ ratings View on Amazon
Westmark Gallant Citrus Zester with Channel Knife Westmark Gallant Citrus Zester with Channel Knife STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: Small steel holes lift fine strands of citrus peel, and the built-in channel knife makes wider twists for garnishes.  Those working edges are stainless steel; the soft polypropylene-and-TPE handle is plastic.  It is a useful alternative to zesting gadgets that drag the peel across a plastic frame.  Made in Germany and dishwasher safe. Materials: stainless steel zesting head · polypropylene and TPE handle $20.99★ 4.4 · 900+ ratings View on Amazon
Westmark Gallant Fluted Stainless Steel Pastry Wheel Westmark Gallant Fluted Stainless Steel Pastry Wheel STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: The fluted steel wheel trims pastry and makes decorative edges on homemade pasta.  Dough meets stainless steel rather than a plastic cutter, while the soft polypropylene-and-TPE handle helps you control the cut.  Its small, 39 mm wheel suits detailed work around dough edges.  Made in Germany; dishwasher safe. Materials: stainless steel cutting wheel · polypropylene and TPE handle $22.20★ 4.4 · 800+ ratings View on Amazon
triangle Stainless Steel Cooking and Plating Tweezers — 30 cm triangle Stainless Steel Cooking and Plating Tweezers — 30 cm STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: Slim, lightly spring-loaded tips give you more control over delicate vegetables and small pieces of food than bulky tongs.  The gripping surfaces and handle are stainless steel, so food touches metal rather than a plastic tip.  The 30-centimeter length also works for plating and serving.  Dishwasher-safe; avoid scraping delicate cookware with the metal tips. Materials: stainless steel $19.38★ 4.3 · 200+ ratings View on Amazon
Lamson 14-Inch Stainless Steel Pizza Rocker with Walnut Handle Lamson 14-Inch Stainless Steel Pizza Rocker with Walnut Handle STAINLESS STEELUSA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: A broad, curved stainless-steel blade cuts pizza with a rocking motion, avoiding a plastic wheel or cutting edge.  The continuous walnut grip gives both hands room above the blade.  This Massachusetts-made tool needs hand-washing; its handle finish is not fully specified, so we do not describe it as untreated wood. Materials: 301 stainless steel blade · walnut handle (finish not fully specified) · brass rivets $69.99 View product
Mosser Hand-Held Glass Lemon Juicer — Georgia Blue Mosser Hand-Held Glass Lemon Juicer — Georgia Blue GLASS Why we recommend it: For a little lemon juice in a dressing or sauce, this compact tool keeps the fruit against a glass reaming head.  Its grip and shallow dish are glass as well, with no separate plastic attachment to clean.  Made by Mosser in Ohio, it suits small hand-juicing jobs; choose a deeper collecting bowl when you need to juice several pieces of fruit. Materials: pressed glass (grip, reaming head and shallow dish) $26.90 View product
ThermoWorks TempTest 1 Fixed-Probe Food Thermometer ThermoWorks TempTest 1 Fixed-Probe Food Thermometer STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: A fixed stainless steel probe lets you check the center of food while keeping the plastic handle clear of it.  The UK-made TempTest 1 adds a rotating, backlit display and a waterproof-rated case for frequent kitchen use.  Its included NIST-traceable calibration certificate documents measurement accuracy; the ABS housing has a Biomaster treatment, which does not replace cleaning the probe. Materials: stainless steel food probe · ABS plastic case with Biomaster treatment · rubber seal · plastic holster · LCD $165.00 View product
ThermoWorks Thermapen IR Surface and Probe Thermometer — White ThermoWorks Thermapen IR Surface and Probe Thermometer — White STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: This UK-made two-in-one thermometer pairs a folding stainless steel food probe with an infrared sensor for surface checks.  Use the probe to measure inside food; infrared alone cannot tell you whether the center is cooked.  Both sensors have an included NIST-traceable calibration certificate.  The ABS plastic handle has a Biomaster treatment and stays outside the food. Materials: stainless steel food probe · ABS plastic case with Biomaster treatment · rubber probe retainer · infrared sensor · LCD $121.10 View product
Three Snow Stainless Steel Bar Strainer — Original Three Snow Stainless Steel Bar Strainer — Original STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: Fruit pulp and loose seeds can be strained from homemade citrus drinks through this sturdy, reusable steel cone.  Its 14-mesh weave allows a quicker pour than very fine tea mesh, and the tapered shape directs the liquid into the glass.  The original finish is plain stainless steel, not a plated color, and keeps the drink away from a plastic sieve. Materials: 18/8 stainless steel mesh cone, rim and flat handle $29.00 View product
Three Snow Stainless Steel Square Fine Mesh Skimmer Three Snow Stainless Steel Square Fine Mesh Skimmer STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: The broad, shallow basket lifts foam from stock and catches loose crumbs in frying oil without dipping a plastic utensil into the pot.  Its 35 cm metal handle provides reach across larger pans, while fine stainless mesh lets liquid drain back.  Made in Japan, this skimmer is useful for clearer broth and easier cleanup—not for removing dissolved contaminants. Materials: 18/8 stainless steel mesh basket, rim and long handle $19.70 View product
Yukiwa Stainless Steel Julep Strainer Yukiwa Stainless Steel Julep Strainer STAINLESS STEEL Why we recommend it: This simple perforated steel bowl holds back ice as you pour from a mixing glass.  Unlike a spring-loaded strainer, it has no coil to remove and clean, and its stamped handle has no plastic grip.  Made in Japan, it is a durable tool for mixed drinks, including nonalcoholic recipes.  Use a finer sieve as well when you need to catch small pulp particles. Materials: stainless steel perforated bowl and handle $18.00 View product

What we avoid

These are category-level exclusions when materials or treatments are disclosed.  Each product card explains why we recommend it and lists the disclosed materials.

BPA & BPS Phthalate plasticizers PVC Melamine