kitchen kit

Always be tooled up in the kitchen

SHARPEN YOUR KNIVES

There are plenty of tools to do the job. A traditional steel ‘hones’ the knife and realigns the blade. Whetstones are usually a flat block of stone that, while efficient, require a certain amount of skill. Hand-held sharpeners tend to be the best choice for home cooks or beginners – they’re compact and often come with a safety guard.

BUY A THERMOMETER

The Superfast Thermapen 4 is worth every penny. The rotational display means it can be held comfortably in either hand, the thin probe folds down like a penknife for easy storage and the casing comes in a variety of colours. £64.80, thermapen.co.uk

CARVING BOARDS ARE KEY

You’ll need a board that’s big enough to carve on, whether it’s wood, bamboo or plastic. A board with a moat is handy for catching juices; alternatively, set your board on a tray with a lip.

YOU’LL NEED A CARVING FORK

It’s fiddly using a small fork and you’re unlikely to be able to put enough pressure on the joint to stop it slipping. Try this Berghoff Ron carving fork. £34.90, mychefknives.co.uk

TRY USING A GRAVY SEPARATOR Using a separator jug is the easiest way to separate fat from your gravy. You won’t know how you managed without one.

BUY A NEW PEELER

This simple Y-shaped peeler shows that going back to basics is what makes for a truly useful gadget. Be warned, though – these are super sharp. £3.99, lakeland.co.uk

CHOOSE A GOOD ROASTING TIN

Look for a non-stick surface, plenty of space for piling potatoes and veggies around your main and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Also, make sure the tin fits in your oven, handles and all. Find a selection of the ones we rate at