Cookware, Kitchen Tools and Kitchen Gadgets

[Heather]

Do you hit a local store, shop online, or...?

I need half-sheet pans, precut parchment liners, ring molds in various sizes, and a few other things. Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma & etc. are OK, if expensive, but I want the real stuff.

[JPW]

I have not yet found a restaurant supply around here that does retail.

Believe or not, I get most of my supplies from Target and Strohsniders.

The Target stuff is getting MUCH better.

- Calphalon hard anodized saute pans.

- Some of the Chefmate pots and pans are pretty good

- Oxo tools

- Some of the Target lines for tools (tongs, heat resistant spatulas) are really improving

Strohschneider's

- Lodge cast iron

- Heavy duty sheet pans (can be hit or miss)

- Sundry (cooking string, wooden spatulas, cheese cloth, etc.)

- Grill pieces

[Tweaked]

The New York Times food section had a pretty good article a couple weeks ago about restaurant auctions and the cottage industry that surrounds them. Restaurant owners looking for deals, culinary stores looking for stuff etc. Sounded like you could get rediculous deals, full sheet pans going for 25 cents each. Apparantly they advertise the auctions in classified section...not sure what the deal in DC is, but worth checking out. Bring cash.

generally all my all-clad stuff has been gifts from now ex-girlfriends...certainly a good way to get the stuff!

Also check out the william Sonoma discount store at Leesburg outlets, they usually have a ton of all-clad stuff that is marked down alot for simple things like scratches.

[mktye]

For mail-order/online I've had good luck with Bridge Kitchenware, especially for hard-to-find items.

I've bought PVC pipe at Home Depot and had rwtye cut it into appropriate lengths for individual-size ring molds for non-hot applications (or else they can melt!) . You also might want to keep your eyes out for cheap, over-sized metal cookie-cutters. I once picked up some ~3" hearts on sale at Michael's for less than $1 each (and they probably could not fanthom why anyone would buy 12 of them) -- they are not as sturdy as "real" ring molds, but certainly get the job done.

And for pre-cut half-sheet sized parchment, I usually get it at KAF Baker's Catalog. $15.95/100 sheets and I really like the quality.

Another place to consider is BigTray. They state in their FAQ that they also sell to the public. They have half-sheet pans for $4.99 each (but be sure to note their return policies -- within 30 days & a 20% restocking fee for non-equipment and non-special orders, plus you must contact them for return authorization). I've thought about ordering from them on more than one occassion, but never have...

[Hannah]

Depending on when you catch the housewares departments at places like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross, etc., they can have All-Clad, Calphalon, Anolon, or LeCreuset, as well as occasional one-time-only weirdness like a set of Laguiole steak knives I saw once.

The caveat with these places is, if you don't buy things the second you see them, they WILL be gone the next time. They're also not very good if you're looking for a specific pan in a specific size. But the prices, assuming they actually have what you're looking for, are excellent.

Also, don't overlook Amazon's outlet areas - same caveats as above, but I've gotten some good deals in their kitchen and housewares outlet.

[Mrs. B]

Amazon is currently having a pretty sweet sale on Le Creuset. Even if your cupboard is full it might be worth taking a look to stock up for wedding presents.

Thanks Hannah.

[Heather]

I'm actually pretty set for cookware, I guess it's more baking, utensils and specialty stuff I'm after. Time to check out the online sources.

The Little Bitts Shop in Wheaton is great for baking but not much else - I went this last weekend and got sheet gelatin, coarse sanding sugar, and a pan that will make a ball-shaped cake.

Thanks for the Le Creuset tip. We only have a dutch oven and it would be nice to get a gratin dish.

[hillvalley]

Amazon is currently having a pretty sweet sale on Le Creuset. Even if your cupboard is full it might be worth taking a look to stock up for wedding presents.

Thanks Hannah.

I got some amazing deals on calphalon a couple of weeks ago too. Their sales are the only reason my cabinet has as much cookware as it does.

<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>yeah mrs. b</span>

[Barbara]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned La Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria. I've found things there nobody else had. They have a pretty good website you can browse to see if they have what you are looking for.

Their website is: www.lacuisineus.com

[mdt]

Depending on when you catch the housewares departments at places like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross, etc., they can have All-Clad, Calphalon, Anolon, or LeCreuset, as well as occasional one-time-only weirdness like a set of Laguiole steak knives I saw once.

The caveat with these places is, if you don't buy things the second you see them, they WILL be gone the next time. They're also not very good if you're looking for a specific pan in a specific size. But the prices, assuming they actually have what you're looking for, are excellent.

I have gotten a couple of real good deals on le creuset at TJMaxx or the Home Goods store. They are marked as 'imperfect' but the only things I have ever seen wrong is a slight nick on the paint.

I want to stress her caveat of buy as soon as you see it, because it will be gone the next time you visit.

[mktye]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned La Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria.  I've found things there nobody else had. 

And they are one of the few places to buy chocolate transfer sheets in the area. But if you want a bigger selection and can use larger quantities, American Chocolate Designs is said to be a good mail-order source.

[johnb]

There is a small restaurant supply house in the DC Market area, in NE, off Florida near Galludet. It is one block from the Italian grocery place (Listrani's???), on the same side of the street. It is run by some Asian ladies, and in addition to a prety good supply of the conventional western stuff they have a decent selection of Chinese cookware. There is a sign on the door saying wholesale only, but anybody can shop there. Don't expect service, but if you know what you want they have a decent selection of truly professional cookware, which is not at all the same as the "professional" stuff seen in yuppie places like Williams-Sonoma.

My daughter once asked me what makes cookware "professional". I told her, only one thing baby, an NSF label. That's it.

[wineitup]

I think all the suggestions are good. The bottom line is you've got to be on the look out for good deals. I've bought stuff from the more expensive places and I've bought stuff from Target, etc... like JPW mentioned in his post.

You may also want to check the classified's every so often for sales where they auction off equipment, etc... from failed ventures.

[Principia]

Do you hit a local store, shop online, or...?

I need half-sheet pans, precut parchment liners, ring molds in various sizes, and a few other things. Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma & etc. are OK, if expensive, but I want the real stuff.

The aforementioned Big Tray carries a good variety of baking supplies.

You might also try the Next Day Gourmet restaurant supply store in Alexandria:

http://www.superprod.com/webapp/wcs/stores...geId=Alexandria

[brendanc]

The Target stuff is getting MUCH better.

I personally love the farberware serving spoons. All the performance of a Grey Kunz spoon with half of the pretension, and only $5, not real sexy but fantastic for working the line.

[Erin]

JB Prince is great for baking equipment; the variety and quality are professional-standard, and they sell to the general public. Prices are fair. You can always try finding what you want and then do a Froogle search to see if you can either get it for less from a reputable shop elsewhere, or be satisfied that you're getting a good deal.

I echo the Target recommendations. I got some great Cuisinart stainless stockpots there for $16 each that look almost identical to my All-Clad stuff.

You may also want to try Restaurant Depot/Jetro, which has stores in Alexandria and Baltimore locally. They claim to require a business license or proof of 501©(3) status for membership, but I was never asked to show any paperwork. My membership card arrived in the mail with a $25 coupon towards my first order, which might help make the trek worth it for you! Their catalog is available here.

[Jacques Gastreaux]

JB Prince is great for baking equipment; the variety and quality are professional-standard, and they sell to the general public.  Prices are fair.  You can always try finding what you want and then do a Froogle search to see if you can either get it for less from a reputable shop elsewhere, or be satisfied that you're getting a good deal.

I echo the Target recommendations.  I got some great Cuisinart stainless stockpots there for $16 each that look almost identical to my All-Clad stuff. 

You may also want to try Restaurant Depot/Jetro, which has stores in Alexandria and Baltimore locally.  They claim to require a business license or proof of 501©(3) status for membership, but I was never asked to show any paperwork.  My membership card arrived in the mail with a $25 coupon towards my first order, which might help make the trek worth it for you!  Their catalog is available here.

The reason Restaurant Depot only sells to other businesses and tax exempt organizations is because they probably do not charge sales tax and therefore can't sell to consumers. Business purchasers are entitled either to a "sale for resale" exemption or they self asses use tax. Erin, have you tried to buy anything there?

[mdt]

The reason Restaurant Depot only sells to other businesses and tax exempt organizations is because they probably do not charge sales tax and therefore can't sell to consumers.  Business purchasers are entitled either to a "sale for resale" exemption or they self asses use tax.  Erin, have you tried to buy anything there?

I buy baking equipment at Restaurant Depot, but you have to know what you are buying as I have found things cheaper at various online dealers. Not sure if the trip is worth it unless you are going to buy a good amount of stuff, or the items you want are priced very well. Of course the $25 coupon changes things. The good thing for me is that it is on my way to work.

BTW, I have found that they stock many different items in store versus the online catalog.

[MicGSD]

There used to be an ad in the Food Section of the Wash. Post for "Beltway Restaurant Equipment" on Southard Dr. in Beltsville that was open to the public. I saved it and planned to go there but haven't seen the ad lately. Anyone know about this?? Guess I could call but...

[Erin]

The reason Restaurant Depot only sells to other businesses and tax exempt organizations is because they probably do not charge sales tax and therefore can't sell to consumers.  Business purchasers are entitled either to a "sale for resale" exemption or they self asses use tax.  Erin, have you tried to buy anything there?

I can say with certainty that they do charge sales tax, to everyone, and the only ID they ask for is your membership card unless you are paying by check (then they ask to see your driver's license). Also, I asked my caterer friend if she had to show her business license when she signed up, and she said that she did; however, she signed up on-site instead of online like I did.

[Erin]

There used to be an ad in the Food Section of the Wash. Post  for "Beltway Restaurant Equipment" on Southard Dr. in Beltsville that was open to the public.  I saved it and planned to go there but haven't seen the ad lately.  Anyone know about this??  Guess I could call but...

I live nearby, so I called. They do sell to the public, and their hours are 9-5 M-F and 10-12:30 on Saturdays. The person who answered the phone said that today they are having an "open house" with lots of discounts. They're right off Rt. 1 between the Rhode Island Avenue and Powder Mill Road intersections.

[MicGSD]

I live nearby, so I called. They do sell to the public, and their hours are 9-5 M-F and 10-12:30 on Saturdays. The person who answered the phone said that today they are having an "open house" with lots of discounts. They're right off Rt. 1 between the Rhode Island Avenue and Powder Mill Road intersections.

Thanks, I'll look into it further.

[tenunda]

I've found some pretty good deals on half.com and overstock.com. They seem to be partial to Calphalon, which is fine with me! I agree that TJ Maxx and its brethren have some pretty good deals, but you have to be willing to inspect pretty closely. Don't buy the food there though!

[mktye]

I need half-sheet pans, precut parchment liners, ring molds in various sizes, and a few other things.  Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma & etc. are OK, if expensive, but I want the real stuff.

I came across a site called Pastry Chef Central (click) while recently searching for some hazelnut praline paste. They appear to have a good selection of bakeware and such.

[mattkantor]

I just moved here from philly where I was cheffing at Gayle. Im new on this board, and was looking for a recommendation for where to buy professioanl equipment in DC.

We have a restaurant depot Philly, and I have to say that I have never been to a more exciting place. For those of you who have not been to Restaurant Depot, I HIGHLY encourage you to visit. Its hard to find better prices on anything. Maybe stay away from some of the seafood...but for equipment, you cant beat it without buying used.

[Jacques Gastreaux]

I just moved here from philly where I was cheffing at Gayle. Im new on this board, and was looking for a recommendation for where to buy professioanl equipment in DC.

We have a restaurant depot Philly, and I have to say that I have never been to a more exciting place. For those of you who have not been to Restaurant Depot, I HIGHLY encourage you to visit. Its hard to find better prices on anything. Maybe stay away from some of the seafood...but for equipment, you cant beat it without buying used.

There is a Restaurant Depot on Eisenhower Ave. in Alexandria.

And welcome to DR. com and to the DC area. Are you coming to the picnic on Sunday?

[modthinglet]

For cookware, I found the official website for all-clad seconds. The pots still have the full warranty and function. Usually there is a small cosmetic flaw. All-Clad seconds I just bought a $243 6-qt saute pan for $120. My husband and I looked for the flaw but couldn't find it.

I've used this website for baking supplies. Fantes The site is fairly annoying to navigate and finding stuff can take a bit of searching.

[mattkantor]

I've used this website for baking supplies. Fantes The site is fairly annoying to navigate and finding stuff can take a bit of searching.

Ah...I just go to Fantes when Im in Philly. They have lotsa stuff, and its not always expensive. For a really awesome pastry selection (they have EVERYTHING), check out this place in FL: http://pastrychef.com/

Can't make the picnic. I'll look for a happy hour at some point.

[JPW]

Welcome, matt.

I have yet to check it out, but on eGullet, Malawry mentioned a resto supply store in Rockville, J+B Restaurant Equipment on Nebel St.

[Scott Johnston]

I bought a bunch of stuff from beltway last year. Sheet pans were 6 dollars and I bought a bunch! I also got some canisters and shakers, etc. The place is a bit of a mess and you have to find stuff on your own. I plan on going back soon. They do sell retail, and I thin I paid with a credit card.

Scott

I live nearby, so I called. They do sell to the public, and their hours are 9-5 M-F and 10-12:30 on Saturdays. The person who answered the phone said that today they are having an "open house" with lots of discounts. They're right off Rt. 1 between the Rhode Island Avenue and Powder Mill Road intersections.

[zoramargolis]

I've used this website for baking supplies. Fantes The site is fairly annoying to navigate and finding stuff can take a bit of searching.

Fante's is a great place to get copper pans re-tinned. They charged about half of what the local place in Bethesda wanted. I packed up my copper pots, shipped them to Philly; Fante's did a great job re-tinning (about $50 per pan), polished them really well and shipped them back, after about a month.

[johnb]

I just moved here from philly where I was cheffing at Gayle. Im new on this board, and was looking for a recommendation for where to buy professioanl equipment in DC.

We have a restaurant depot Philly, and I have to say that I have never been to a more exciting place. For those of you who have not been to Restaurant Depot, I HIGHLY encourage you to visit. Its hard to find better prices on anything. Maybe stay away from some of the seafood...but for equipment, you cant beat it without buying used.

As was noted earlier in this thread, you have to have an RD card to shop there, and to get the card you are supposed to be a business. The latter requirement is lightly enforced, but it's clear they don't want casual shoppers in there, and in fact it could even be dangerous the way the lift trucks are running around in the aisles right next to the customers. It's a warehouse, not a place to go gawking.

[Heather]

I am looking for a tamis and wondering if anyone knows where I might get one. I've been to the restaurant supply store in Rockville and the usual suspects (W-S, Sur La Table, etc.). Searching online got no results. Does it have another name I should search under? "strainer" gets the usual chinoise and colander options, and "tamis strainer" got no results.

(Don, we have lots of little specific threads, but not a general thread that just asks where to find things. If there's a more appropriate place for this feel free to move it.)

[Poivrot Farci]

stainless steel sieve

[Heather]

stainless steel sieve

Thanks. That's the right shape. What I have used before, and want to find, is made of wood and has a much finer mesh.

Although this might do.

[mktye]

I am looking for a tamis and wondering if anyone knows where I might get one.

Try here.

[Heather]

Try here.

Woohoo! Thanks. I googled "tamis," "tamis seive" and "tamis strainer" several times. and got no results. I guess the Google isn't infallible.

(I realized after I had created it that the subtitled is where to find in the DC area. Obviously, links to websites work too. Maybe a mod could change the thread title?)

[modthinglet]

My favorite online supply resource is http://www.cookwarenmore.com/ which is the factory site for all-clad seconds.

I also like fantes for cooking and baking supplies.

[laniloa]

Whoa. Those look eerily like the sorting pans we used to separate the different size worms and sand grains. I don't know that I could use one in a kitchen without some nasty flashbacks.

[zoramargolis]

.

I also like fantes for cooking and baking supplies.

Fante's is where I sent a couple of copper pots (a saucepan and a saute pan) to be re-tinned. They had the best price (about 1/2 of what the local place in Bethesda quoted me) and they did a great job.

[Anna Blume]

Does anyone know if there are physical stores in the area that sell replacement beakers (?) for a French press besides Sur la Table?

I'm looking for the smallest size (3-cup, but actually a mug's worth). Thanks!

[goodeats]

Does anyone know if there are physical stores in the area that sell replacement beakers (?) for a French press besides Sur la Table?

I'm looking for the smallest size (3-cup, but actually a mug's worth). Thanks!

I think Target sells them and maybe even The Container Store, but would recommend calling both.

[DaRiv18]

Does anyone know if there are physical stores in the area that sell replacement beakers (?) for a French press besides Sur la Table?

I'm looking for the smallest size (3-cup, but actually a mug's worth). Thanks!

Bed, Bath and Beyond.

[ktmoomau]

Anyone know where you can buy a foamer/ foam whip maker without spending lots of $$$? I really want to make some of the desserts in my Ferran Adria cookbook that look fairly simple and cool.

http://www.cutleryandmore.com/isi/aluminum-cream-whipper-p117797 This one looks a bit cheaper, but don't know that it would work as well as this one which seems more all purpose: http://www.cutleryandmore.com/isi/stainless-steel-creative-whip-p123135

[KMango]

Anyone know where you can buy a foamer/ foam whip maker without spending lots of $$$? I really want to make some of the desserts in my Ferran Adria cookbook that look fairly simple and cool.

Might not meet the teeny bubble need, but I use this each day for my morning coffee: http://www.aerolatte.com/

Around $20 on Amazon, elsewhere.

[ktmoomau]

Might not meet the teeny bubble need, but I use this each day for my morning coffee: http://www.aerolatte.com/

Around $20 on Amazon, elsewhere.

Yeah Ferran Adria says you need the big dohicky and he is generally pretty good in this cookbook about saying if you can do it without the gadget, so I think I probably need it, but was hoping there was someone who had it for cheaper. I just bought it, with some other things I needed, so now I gotta put it to use! Mmmm caramel mousse.

[KMango]

Just a quick shout out to this device, recently $14 at BJs:

Mini Crock Pot Lunch Warmer

It's perfect for an office lunch. No need for an inconsistently-heating microwave, and the design prevents weird cooking smells that confuse/alarm/disgust/attract wandering coworkers.

It re-warms cooked food only; not intended for raw meat or other initial prep. Super portable, easy to clean, and keeps you out of Zapping Plastic Land.

[Choirgirl21]

Need spatula help. I would like a thin metal spatula, something for flipping eggs, as well as for scraping things like the crusty bits when I roast sweet potatoes in a glass or metal pan. I looked first for Cooks Illustrated recommendations. Not willing to do the large sums of money for their top picks (Wusthof & LamsonSharp). Any other suggestions. They do mention the Oxo flexible turner, which may work, but may be too flexible for scraping purposes. Oxo also has a slotted fish turner, but I was leaning toward non-slotted. I also hate the bulky handles on the Oxo products - they take up too much space.

Anyone have an all metal spatula that might fit the bill? I would consider getting 2 different ones if absolutely necessary. Main thing is a super thin edge for egg flipping and something strong enough to scrape pans.

[squidsdc]

I have been spatula searching for years! But I wanted one that would also work in a non-stick pan, for eggs. It had to have a thin edge for flipping eggs and scraping fond, and a small and short enough handle to accommodate a small hand. Plus, not be too wide as to be unwieldy.

I am happy to say I found one - though I can't tell you who makes it. I found it at Home Goods just a few months ago. I'll check when I get home to see if there is a brand name, but sometimes the cheaper ones are the most rigid and fill the bill.

ETA: It's a Rubbermaid!

[The Hersch]

Need spatula help. I would like a thin metal spatula, something for flipping eggs, as well as for scraping things like the crusty bits when I roast sweet potatoes in a glass or metal pan. I looked first for Cooks Illustrated recommendations. Not willing to do the large sums of money for their top picks (Wusthof & LamsonSharp). Any other suggestions. They do mention the Oxo flexible turner, which may work, but may be too flexible for scraping purposes. Oxo also has a slotted fish turner, but I was leaning toward non-slotted. I also hate the bulky handles on the Oxo products - they take up too much space.

Anyone have an all metal spatula that might fit the bill? I would consider getting 2 different ones if absolutely necessary. Main thing is a super thin edge for egg flipping and something strong enough to scrape pans.

I think you really might want to consider the LamsonSharp slotted turner after all. It's obviously not cheap, but it's a remarkably high-quality piece that performs superbly and should last for the rest of your life, for about $30 or so. I love mine so much that I have two of them, in case one is dirty. They have a very thin profile, so they're great for flipping eggs, and while quite flexible are strong enough for the kind of scraping task you mention. One of the very best kitchen tools I've ever used.