Skimmer Cooking Utensils and Other Handy Kitchen Tools

There are some kitchen tools that are simply non-negotiable - a quality knife set, for example, or a collection of measuring cups and spoons. Other items fall into the broad category of kitchen tools you didn't know you needed. This category includes things like skimmer cooking utensils and specialty kitchen tools that help make very specific tasks a whole lot easier.

The Details

If you've ever needed to skim the foam off a long-simmering soup or retrieve a perfectly fried onion ring from a pan of scalding oil, you know that while you could probably accomplish the task with a spoon in the first instance or a pair of tongs in the second, having a skimmer cooking utensil will make the task safer and infinitely easier. Skimmers have a few key features that make them perfect for these jobs. First, their extra-long handles help to keep your hands a safe distance from the hot liquid. Second, they feature a round, shallow head made of either fine mesh or perforated metal. Which style you opt for will depend on how you plan to use your skimmer cooking utensil. Read on for more about a couple of the options available at Williams Sonoma.

• Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Stainless-Steel Skimmer - Designed and developed by Williams Sonoma as part of the Open Kitchen collection, this sturdy skimmer is ideal for removing hot foods from boiling water or oil. The dishwasher-safe tool is made of durable stainless steel and features a loop handle for easy hanging storage.
• Williams Sonoma Signature Stainless Steel Mesh Skimmer - The fine mesh head on this skimmer is designed to remove even the smallest particles from soups and stocks. Available exclusively at Williams Sonoma, this professional-quality tool is made of nonreactive 18/10 stainless steel with a polished finish and features a weighted ergonomic handle for optimal balance and comfortable use.

Other Specialty Kitchen Tools

Once you have experienced the convenience of a quality skimmer, you may want to think about other tedious or awkward kitchen tasks that could be dramatically simplified with the right tool. Fortunately, Williams Sonoma has a wide range of utensils and tools that might just revolutionize your cooking experience. Here are just a few:

• Chef'n Zipstrip Herb Stripper - If you avoid using fresh herbs because you dread the task of removing the tiny leaves from the stem, you'll want to add this handy tool to your kitchen arsenal. With four graduated holes, you can make short work of stripping any stemmed herb. An integrated bowl catches and measures the leaves.
• OXO Simple Mandoline - This streamlined slicer makes it easy to turn out attractive, uniform slices or julienne strips in no time. The spring-loaded food pushed makes meal prep a breeze and keeps your fingers safely away from the blade.
• Williams Sonoma Prep Tools Adjustable Apple Slicer & Corer - Whether you're preparing apples for snacking, baking or cooking, this double-handled slicer is an indispensable kitchen convenience. Simply adjust the dial according to whether you want eight or 16 slices, align the slicer so that the central circle is centered over the stem of your apple, and push.