The BWMs and Mercedes of the precision kitchen world, courtesy of the Germans. Here's a dozen kitchen tools, storage containers, and cleaning supplies we're currently coveting.
Kitchen Tools
Above: The Famos Vegetable Peeler is $12 from Kiosk in NYC.
Above: Williams-Sonoma offers a range of storage containers from venerable German company Wesco. A set of three Wesco Canisters (top shelf left) is $99.95; available in white or red. The Wesco Cookie Box (top shelf right) is $59.95; available in white or red. The Wesco Grandy Bread Box (bottom shelf) is available in white, gray, or red; $79.95.
Above: Stainless steel Kitchen Scissors made by the 275-year-old J.A. Henckels company; $110 from Kiosk.
Above: The Wagenfeld Tea Pot, designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld in 1931 and manufactured by Jenaer Glas, is €135.90 from Connox.
Above: A favorite with European hoteliers, the Alfi Thermal Carafe is available in three sizes from Williams-Sonoma; prices start at $179.95 for the small size.
Above: Messermeister Knives are made from carbon steel alloy using the original hot-drop, hammer-forged manufacturing process. We especially like the Oliva Elite series, which feature Italian olive wood handles (prices start at $85 for the Spear Point Paring Knife).
Cleaning
Above: The German-made Wesco Singleboy 3.4-Gallon Trash Can is $129.95 at Crate & Barrel.
Above: The German-made Dustpan and Broom Set by Redecker is $68 at the Joinery.
Above: The dark galvanized metal Redecker Wash Bucket is NZ $35.50 from Father Rabbit.
Above: The German-made Maier Nonstick Pan Cleaning Brush is $4.50 from Williams-Sonoma.
Are you as obsessed with everyday objects as we are? See Display-Worthy Brooms, the Last Trash Bin You'll Ever Buy, Cans from a Cleanliness-Obsessed Nation, and the Dustpan No. 1. And gardeners, have a look at 10 Easy Pieces: Potting Shed Brushes and our favorite Indoor/Outdoor Tool Sets.