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Going pro in the kitchen: Experts offer tips on what you need — and don’t — in the kitchen

Marcy Porter Kelch, owner of Mia Cucina kitchen supply store on the North Shore, says it's key to invest in appliances and utensils that will stand the test of time. Marcy Porter Kelch, owner of Mia Cucina kitchen supply store on the North Shore, says it's key to invest in appliances and utensils that will stand the test of time.

By Barry Courter May 22, 2015 4 min read

Want to cook at home like pros in the restaurants?

You don’t have to have every gizmo and gadget available, the pros say, but what you do need are things that work well and the space to have those things at your fingertips.

“I have all of my spices out and at eye level,” says Brad Grafton, food service director with Sage Dining Services, which oversees the dining at Boyd Buchanan School.

Things to consider

* What kind of dishes do you prepare? * What special cookware do you own and use often? * What appliances need to be accessible every day? What items do you use infrequently? * What groceries do you always keep on hand? * Do you need space to store wine? * Do you prefer to prep food and clean dishes in the same or different spaces? * How many people cook at one time? * Do you also entertain in the kitchen or do guests sit/mingle somewhere else in the home? * Do you focus on baking, and if so, what special appliances do you require? (Keep in mind, chefs and OVERSET FOLLOWS:bakers need different features in a kitchen.)Source: HGTV.com

Keep items you use often in easy reach while cooking.