Want to be a top chef—or just look like one? Stock your kitchen with these must-have gourmet tools.

1. Kitchen torch

A butane-fuelled kitchen torch not only makes restaurant-quality crème brulee a breeze, but turns otherwise simple dishes into decadent ones, too. For breakfast, sprinkle sugar over grapefruit halves and torch for a caramelized sugar topping. At lunch, melt grated cheese on top of open-faced sandwiches. For dinner, brown tomato halves with parmesan topping. And for dessert, give the peaks of your lemon meringue pie a golden touch, caramelize bananas for a fancy banana split or toast marshmallows to make s’mores. Look for a torch made of sturdy stainless steel and with an adjustable flame.

2. Multi-use chopper

A mini hand-operated chopper makes light work of prep tasks by slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables, chopping herbs, mixing dressings, pureeing soups and beating eggs. Look for one with a plastic basket for draining herbs and leafy vegetables, and an airtight seal so you can store prepped ingredients until you need them.

3. Adjustable slicer

The Cordon Bleu chef school can teach you to slice vegetables to consistent thickness like Julia Child. Or, you can let a slicer do the calculations for you to create consistency on your chopping block. Slice paper thin cucumbers for a salad, potatoes for a gratin, raclette for grilled cheese sandwiches or tomatoes and bocconcini for a caprese salad. Look for a slicer with adjustable settings in stainless steel.

4. Apple peeler/corer

This centuries-old, simple tool is a must-have in any foodie’s kitchen. Within seconds it peels apples, making the thought of an apple pie, cobbler, crisp or even apple butter an inspiring idea rather than a labour-intensive feat. A peeler also works well on pears and potatoes. Look for one that has a sturdy suction base or wrench-handle to attach to your counter when you need it.

5. Mini grilling thermometers

Mini grilling thermometers stop you from slicing into your guests’ steak before serving it. Place a thermometer in each item and know when it’s cooked to perfection—then deliver it to the right guest without the typical mix-up en route to the table. Look for ones with multiple readings for a variety of meats and poultry, and glow-in-the-dark faces so you can easily read them even if you’re grilling in the dark.

6. Mesh grilling pan

A mesh grilling pan lets you expand your grilling repertoire without losing food to the flame. Look for one with deep sides and miniscule meshing so you can grill a variety of thin items like shrimp, asparagus, green beans, bean sprouts, corn, peas or even pasta dishes on the barbeque. For a decadent brunch, roast your own coffee beans before grinding them. Look for a pan with a detachable handle, which saves space on a barbeque grill.

7. Utility knife

You already have a blcok full of knives, so why do you need one more? Because this knife will do everything—and you’ll wonder why you ever needed more than one in your kitchen. The serrated edge allows you to cut various textures, from bread to meat to vegetables, while the wide palette allows for spreading condiments on sandwiches. It’s the ideal utensil if you’re attending a potluck, hosting a shower at a friend’s house, going on a picnic or renting a cottage for a week.

8. Rolling pin rings

Are you always scrounging through your sewing supplies for a measuring tape every time a recipe instructs you to roll pastry dough 3/8” thick? Do you find yourself guessing, only to end up with an assortment of cut-out cookies that are undercooked and burnt at the edges? Rolling pin rings slip on the ends of your rolling pin to guide you to the correct thickness. Look for a set of rings that range from 1/16” to 3/8” inch (colour coded are even better so you always match a pair).

9. Marble pastry board

A marble board keeps pastry dough at cooler than room temperature allowing for easy rolling and perfect baking. However, it’s also ideal for any type of pie crust, puff pastry, tea biscuits, cookie dough or even homemade pasta, ensuring an even roll and a non-stick transfer to a pan or dish (without the messy flour-on-the-counter cleanup!). Look for a board that’s at least 24” x 16” so it’s large enough for all your baking needs.

10. Gourmet whip

Love the taste of homemade whipped cream-topped desserts, but hate the time commitment and high risk of failure—especially on a warm evening? A stainless steel whip uses nitrous oxide to whip cream and soft cheese to peak perfection.