With countless kitchen tools lining store shelves and filling online shopping carts, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth your counter and drawer space.
A recent article in the Ottawa Citizen tackled this exact question, featuring insights from some of our favorite local shops—including Kanata’s very own Grace in the Kitchen! We loved the roundup so much that we put together a handy synopsis for you below. Use it to build your wish list before updating your own culinary space!
1. Silicone Garlic Peeler
Silicone has revolutionized kitchenware, popping up in spatulas, bowl covers, baking mats, and slow-cooker liners. It’s flexible, vibrant, and easy to clean. The latest addition gaining popularity is a small silicone tube about the length of your index finger. Simply pop an unpeeled garlic clove inside, roll it back and forth on the counter a few times, and tip out a cleanly peeled clove. You can typically find one for under $10.
2. Microplanes & Cut-Resistant Gloves
Once you start using a Microplane, it’s hard not to collect the whole lineup. Starting with a basic zester for citrus and spices, you can easily expand to medium graters for veggies or larger models for hard cheeses like Parmesan. Features like a front metal ridge allow you to rest the gadget horizontally across a bowl, or you can stand it vertically on a cutting board.
Safety Tip: To protect your fingers from sharp edges when using Microplanes, mandolines, or sharp knives, pick up a pair of cut-resistant gloves at a local hardware store or kitchen boutique.
3. Wood Fibre Cutting Boards
Wood fibre is rapidly becoming the go-to alternative for cutting boards. Recommended by local kitchenware experts, wood fibre boards offer impressive benefits:
Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic: A great option for anyone looking to avoid microplastics or synthetic materials.
Low Maintenance: Dishwasher-safe, resistant to cuts and stains, and requires no routine oiling (unlike traditional hardwood boards).
4. Smart Jar & Can Openers
If you ever struggle with stubborn vacuum seals or hard-to-turn cans, a few clever designs make all the difference:
Jar Keys: Compact plastic tools (like the popular Jarkey) slide under lid rims to gently release the vacuum seal with minimal effort.
Textured Jar Grippers: Simple fabric squares featuring soft cotton on one side and gripping PVC mesh on the other make twisting open tough lids effortless.
Ergonomic Can Openers: For anyone with grip difficulties or arthritis, models like the GoRound by Joseph Joseph swap tiny twist handles for a large, flat handle that spins smoothly.
5. Flat Juicers
Traditional citrus presses can be bulky and awkward to store in tight drawers. Folds-flat juicers (like the Australian-designed Fluicer) solve the storage problem while taking the strain off your wrists—allowing you to extract juice by squeezing the handles together rather than pressing and twisting downward.
6. Easy-Care Cookware
Modern non-stick cookware has evolved significantly beyond older coatings.
Ceramic Non-Stick: Ceramic-inlaid cookware from brands like Zwilling offers a popular, non-PFAS alternative compatible with electric, gas, halogen, induction, and ceramic cooktops.
Enameled Cast Iron: Enameled cast-iron pans give you all the heat-retention benefits of traditional cast iron without needing to season the surface or worry about rust.
7. Swedish Dishcloths
Made from a natural blend of wood cellulose and cotton, Swedish dishcloths are one of the most popular eco-friendly alternatives to single-use paper towels. They are super absorbent, can be machine-washed dozens of times, and are fully compostable at the end of their lifespan.
8. Precision Knife Sharpeners
If you’ve invested in high-end kitchen knives, keeping them sharp is essential. Premium options—such as the rolling knife sharpener by Canadian brand Cinq Your Edge—allow you to set precise blade angles and use specialized grit discs for a razor-sharp finish at home.
9. Playful & Practical Tools
Sometimes a gadget is as fun as it is functional! The “Meow” oven pull by Joie features a long silicone handle with a curved cat paw at the end. It hooks securely around hot oven racks so you can pull them forward safely without reaching for bulky oven mitts.
Join Us for a Private Shopping Night!
Ready to test out some of these incredible kitchen tools in person? Carole and I would love for you to join us!
We are hosting an exclusive Private Shopping Event with Grace in the Kitchen on November 18th at 6:00 PM. It’s going to be a wonderful evening to catch up, browse the shop, and get a head start on your holiday shopping list.
Spaces are limited, so please RSVP directly to Carole or myself to reserve your spot!