Tools to whip up that perfect Valentine’s dinner. By Mim Koletschka and Sonia Boonchanasukit.

Silly gadgets for seasoned chefs or must-have essentials for the novice cook? We’ve got both. (And even cooking classes and recipes on our feature.) Roll up your sleeves, put that silly white hat on, and reach for those Michelin stars.

The Must-Haves

Mixer C
Brand: KitchenAid
Price: B25,875
This mother of all mixers (Martha couldn’t live without it) comes with multiple accessories allowing you to whisk up anything from a spicy salsa to a complex cake batter.

Gloves, Apron L
Brand: Chocolate Brown, Human Patch
Price: B390, B295
Get geared up for a boil-and-burn-free cooking experience! Gloves for when you are removing sizzling brownies from the oven and aprons to save the person doing your laundry from cursing you.

Knives E V
Brands: Global, Kuhn Rikon, Zwilling
Price: B720 (Kuhn Rikon)
Find an all-purpose set (usually consisting of 6-7 knives), where each knife is specifically manufactured to use with a particular type of food item: fish, meat, vegetables or bread. Tip: Don’t mix up your knives because they will get dull quicker.

Non-Stick Pots & Pans C E V
Brands: Scanpan, Staub
Price: B2,500-6,000
Essential if you’re a fan of cooking your eggs sunny-side up or want to create a delicious Italian pasta dish. No need to spend hours scraping the gunk off your wok. Hint: Always use a non-stick turner or spatula and don’t wash it while it’s still hot.

Chopping Board C E
Brand: Proto-Plus, Zwilling
Price: B300-5,000
Whether its slicing, dicing, mincing or carving, we love wooden chopping boards and that’s good news because according to research, wood ranks much higher on the hygiene scale than its marble and plastic counterparts. Tip: Have a few in hand so you can use a different one for meats, veggies and baking.

Gastro-Gadgets

Healthy Juice Extractor E V
Brand: Buono, Moulinex
Price: B11,120
Get healthy at home without having to wait for your next visit to Squeeze by investing in this user-friendly, colorful juice maker. Just feed the fruit or vegetable into the mouth of the extractor and let it chop and churn away.

Sandwich Maker C E V
Brand: Homemate, Phillips
Price: B670-2,000
The greatest savior in the battle against the midnight munchies! It’s quick, it’s efficient and it makes every sandwich with cheese taste like something created by a one-star Michelin chef.

Yogurt Maker E V
Brand: Severin
Price: B1,580
Getting fresh, homemade yogurt couldn’t be easier. All you need to make it work is milk and this kit. Simple directions will have you heating and cooling the white stuff, and before you know it, you’ll be churning out creamy, healthy treats.

Raclette Party Grill with Natural Grill Stone V
Brand: Severin
Price: B3,170
Impress your friends with this hip dining option that lets you to cook your meat and veggies on a stone grill. You also have six separate individual pans underneath, allowing you to melt some butter or warm up sauces at the same time.

Mini Chocolate Fondue Set E V
Brand: Staub
Price: B1,600-3,600
Ideal for Valentine’s day, this miniature chocolate fondue set (red, gray or black), which comes equipped with a sauce heater and four forks, is perfect for a romantic end to your meal. Just pop down Villa Market for your big bar of chocolate, selection of fruits, marshmallows and a bag of tea lights.

Get It Here

VVerasu, try the branch
at 83/7 Wireless Rd., BTS Ploenchit, 02-254-8100/-8

CCentral Chidlom, 1027 Ploenchit Rd., BTS Chitlom, 02-793-7777

E5/F, Emporium Shopping Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 24, BTS Phrom Phong, 02-269-1000

LLoft, 3/F Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam, 02-658-0328. (or Chamchuree Square, Rama 4 Rd.,
02-160-5161/-3)

For the truly dedicated gadget hunters take a walk around the Japanese quarter in Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. There are a bunch of tiny shops selling Japanese cutlery and kitchen appliances. Just bring your Japanese friend to help you decipher the things you want to buy.