Michelin-star chef Gabriel Kreuther warns home cooks against the pitfalls of outfitting their kitchens like professional restaurants. In a recent discussion, he emphasized that investing in expensive kitchen equipment will not automatically elevate one's cooking skills. Kreuther, who operates a renowned two-star restaurant in New York City, shared his insights on the real tools of the trade and how aspiring chefs can enhance their culinary prowess without breaking the bank.
Kreuther has partnered with Cristel, a stainless steel cookware brand, to promote sensible investment in kitchen tools. He suggests that rather than purchasing elaborate sets of high-end equipment, home cooks should focus on acquiring "one or two very good knives." This advice stems from his extensive experience in the culinary world, where he has observed that many professional chefs rely on a few essential tools.
He noted, “I will tell you from experience, after so many years in the kitchen, people tend to work 80% of the time with the same knife.” This highlights the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to kitchen tools. Kreuther also pointed out that many home cooks often overspend on specialized machines found in professional kitchens that do not suit their needs.
Kreuther elaborated on this by stating, “What I see a lot when I cook things for people in private kitchens is you can find all kinds of food processors and machines, and a lot of them are barely used or not used at all.” He believes these machines often become "a vanity in the kitchen," serving more as decorative items than practical tools.
He cautioned that purchasing equipment that is too large can lead to inefficiencies. “If the production is not big enough, you'll find yourself cleaning for hours because you didn't have enough product and everything is just hanging on the sides of that food processor or machine,” Kreuther explained. He emphasized that many recipes are designed for smaller servings, noting, “Because the recipe isn't big enough unless you cook for six or eight people.”
In addition to his culinary advice, Kreuther encourages individuals to explore opportunities beyond cooking. CNBC offers an online course titled "How to Start a Side Hustle," which teaches tips and strategies for success in launching personal ventures. The course is available for sign-up at $97, with a 30% discount using the coupon code EARLYBIRD, valid through April 1, 2025.