Timeless Kitchen Tools: A Journey Through History
Rediscover essential cooking with these enduring, low-tech kitchen utensils
In the heart of kitchens around the world, certain tools stand out for their durability, craftsmanship, and timeless design. Here's a journey through some of these enduring kitchen essentials, their history, and where to find them.
KitchenAid Stand Mixers
Iconic and versatile, KitchenAid stand mixers have been a staple in kitchens since the early 20th century. Vintage models, especially those with the Hobart name, are highly sought after for their durability and design. You can find these gems in antique stores, vintage kitchenware shops, eBay, and estate sales.
Cast Iron Skillets
Known for their durability and heat retention, cast iron skillets like those from Lodge are long-lasting and can be passed down through generations. Thrift stores, antique shops, and directly from manufacturers like Lodge are great places to find these timeless pieces.
Wooden Utensils
Wooden spoons and cutting boards are durable and gentle on cookware surfaces. Proper care can extend their lifespan significantly. You can find these items in home goods stores, craft fairs, and online marketplaces.
Manual Coffee Grinders
Devices like the Kinu M47 Classic offer a timeless way to grind coffee. They are made from high-quality materials and require minimal maintenance. Specialty kitchen stores, online retailers, and coffee shops are good places to look for these manual grinders.
Corkscrews
Mechanical corkscrews, such as Campagnolo's 'Big the Corkscrew,' are tools that have been refined over centuries and offer a simple, elegant way to open wine bottles. You can find these tools in wine shops, online marketplaces, and specialty kitchen stores.
Crockpots
These slow cookers have been a staple in many kitchens since the late 20th century. While not as old as some tools, they are reliable and long-lasting. You can find them in department stores, online retailers, and second-hand stores.
Tips for Finding Vintage Kitchen Tools
- Check for Markings: Look for any markings on the tools that indicate their age or manufacturer.
- Quality of Materials: Vintage tools often have a smoother finish or are made from higher-quality materials.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Craigslist often list vintage kitchen tools for sale.
- Local Antique Stores: Visit local antique shops or vintage kitchenware stores for unique finds.
Revived Classics
Several tools, once lost to time, have been revived by modern manufacturers. The Ernest Wright Kutrite scissors, a sleek design from a Sheffield-based firm, were recently revived after falling on hard times. The design first debuted in the 1960s.
The Chantry Classic knife sharpener was first made in the 1970s and is a part of MoMA's permanent collection. Zassenhaus's classic mechanical bread slicer was first produced in 1904.
Modern Classics
While some tools are steeped in history, others are modern classics. The NECCST Series 1 is a manual coffee grinder, designed by Munich-based studio Eckstein Design, and features a detachable touchscreen scale. The Ernst pestle and mortar is a sculptural object made by Swedish interiors brand Ernst, crafted from black granite.
Peugeot Boreal salt and pepper mills are produced by Peugeot Saveurs, a company that was spun off from its parent company in 2014. The mills are hand-operated or electric and are made from beech wood. The NECCST Series 1 manual coffee grinder is made from aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium, and is designed to make a countertop statement.
These tools not only stand the test of time but also add a touch of nostalgia and craftsmanship to any kitchen.
In the realm of home-and-garden, timeless pieces can be found beyond the kitchen, such as the Ernest Wright Kutrite scissors, a revived classic, or the sleek Peugeot Boreal salt and pepper mills that elegantly adorn dining tables.
For those who enjoy a simple brew, the NECCST Series 1 manual coffee grinder, a modern classic, combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary touchscreen scale, making it a countertop statement in today's lifestyle.
