What are the appliances that take foodies’ kitchens to the next level? We speak to head chefs, interior stylists, and food writers about how they play favourites. Here they open their kitchen cabinets to reveal the must-have appliances, kitchen tools, and utensils they can’t cook without. From big investments to benchtop companions, these are the items to add to your wish list.
Federico Zanellato (right) and Karl Firla are the brains, brawn, and head chefs behind new sensory Sydney restaurant ELE.
(Photo: ELE)Federico Zanellato, Head Chef at ELE
Must-have: Smeg Stand Mixer, from $699, find at smeg.com.au
“If I had to pick only one appliance, I would always choose a stand mixer as it’s one of the most versatile machines in the kitchen,” says lauded chef Federico Zanellato. Born in Italy, Zanellato cut his teeth in kitchens across Europe before arriving in Sydney and launching three restaurants of his own: LuMi, Leo, and LODE. His most recent endeavour is sensory restaurant ELE, which he launched with chef Karl Firla.
“I use my stand mixer to make pasta dough, pizza dough, choux pastry, biscuits and cakes but also to whip cream, mince meat and cut pasta using the different attachments. It would be almost impossible to complete most of these tasks by hand, and you just wouldn’t get the same results so a stand mixer will always be an essential piece of equipment in any of my kitchens,” he adds.
On the lust-list for one food writer, this Liebherr integrated refrigerator can be concealed behind kitchen cabinetry to create a streamlined kitchen look. Stylish and efficient, it’s a win-win.
(Photo: Liebherr)Kayla Wratten, Senior Commercial Editor at Gourmet Traveller
Must-have: Liebherr Integrated Refrigeration, shop at liebherr.com/en/aus
“I tend to be an optimistic grocery shopper, which means I’m always adding more fresh fruit and leafy vegetables into my basket than I’ll ever eat. Which is why a premium refrigerator is my lust-have appliance,” says food writer Kayla Wratten.
“Not all chillers are created equal; the Liebherr integrated refrigerators have this amazing function called ‘HydroBreeze’ which covers produce in a fine mist every 90 minutes. I need all the help I can get when it comes to prolonging freshness and reducing my food waste. Plus, the durable, long-lasting materials – like elegant glass and stainless-steel liner – mean it’s worth the investment.”
Kitchen interior designer Lisa Alward’s pink kitchen aid takes pride of place in the butler’s pantry of this modern home.
(Photo: Elouise van Riet-Gray.)Lisa Alward, Interior Designer and Director at Bella Vie Interiors
Must-have: KitchenAid 4.8L Artisan Stand Mixer in ‘Feathered Pink’, $999 , at kitchenaid.com.au
“My must have kitchen appliance is my pink kitchen aid,” says Lisa Alward, principal interior designer at her Brisbane-based design studio Bella Vie Interiors. “It was one of the first presents my now husband ever bought me, and it’s been to London and back with me. I’ve imparted my love of baking upon my daughter, teaching her how to mix the most amazing ‘Magnolia Bakery’ cupcakes in it. The mixer is our secret to light fluffy cakes. At dinner time, it’s used to make the best fresh pasta, and it’s a regular feature on the bench top at our kitchen photoshoots.”
When it comes to cooking, the KitchenAid food processor is a Gourmet Traveller editor’s ride or die.
Callum McDermott, Digital Editor at Gourmet Traveller
Must-have: KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Mini Food Chopper, $169, at kitchenaid.com.au
“I have a very improvisational style of cooking, which mainly revolves around taking whatever ingredients are in the depths of my fridge and spooling them into something that’s – hopefully – semi-edible,” says Callum McDermott. “Which is why I use my miniature food processor on a daily basis. With a few oils and vinegars, you can turn sad herbs into a zingy salsa verde in seconds; make your own dips, purees and sauces on the fly; and even outsource some of your veggie prep. And its small size makes it a breeze to clean and store.”
Brought to you by Liebherr.
