6 Kitchen Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Kitchen by 30

Although you probably already have a colander, you may want to consider adding a bowl-shaped, fine-mesh sieve to your collection, says Christine Chitnis, author of the new book Icy Creamy Healthy Sweet. The holes between the mesh on a sieve are usually 1/32 of an inch, much smaller than those on a colander. They're the ideal size for sifting dry ingredients; sprinkling powdered sugar or cocoa on top of baked goods; and, for straining out the lumps in thick sauces. Plus, says Chitnis, along with a strong forearm, a sieve is a useful tool when you need a quick 1/4 cup of lemon juice for salad dressing; or, when you want pulp-free OJ and don't have a colander or a juicer nearby.