Chef’s Complements’ Staff Picks: From A – Z

Welcome to Chef’s Complements Taupō!

We believe the best product recommendations come from the heart (and the kitchen). So, we asked our amazing team one simple set of questions:

1. What’s your favourite piece of cookware and why?
2. What’s your favourite knife or gadget and why?
3. What’s your must-have food item?
   And, of course, 
4. What’s your go-to recipe?

From cast iron to caramel slice, scroll on to discover what gets our team fired up in the kitchen. Who knows – your next kitchen obsession might just be waiting below!

Cookware: Pyrolux Ignite Non-Stick Frypan (30cm) – “I love this pan! It’s so easy to cook with and really affordable.” The Pyrolux Ignite range offers reliable non-stick performance, even heat distribution, and lightweight handling — perfect for everyday meals.

Gadget: Victorinox Swiss Classic Tomato Knife Violette Serenity (11cm) – “Best knife ever! I use it for everything: it even cuts through tough vegetables like pumpkin, and it’s small and easy to handle.” This compact serrated knife is a kitchen hero that handles everything from crusty bread to delicate fruit.

Food Item: Hunt & Gather Rub in a Tin Texas Prime Rib (80g) – “It’s beautiful on low and slow-cooked ribs.” This smoky, savoury rub brings authentic BBQ flavour to ribs, brisket, or roasted veggies.

Go-To Recipe: VJ cooks Big Mac Tacos – A fun twist on a fast-food classic.

Cookware: Ironclad Enamel Legacy Pan Salt Stone (28cm) – A beautiful, sustainably crafted cast-iron pan that’s built to last for generations. Its enamel coating means no seasoning required: just pure, effortless cooking.

Gadget: Benriner Vegetable Slicer with Catchbox –  A must-have for precision slicing. The sharp Japanese blade creates uniform cuts in seconds, ideal for salads, stir-fries, or garnishes.

Food Item: Volcanic Chocolate – Handcrafted and deliciously rich, this chocolate offers a satisfying indulgence.

Go-To Recipe: Spinach & Feta Cannelloni – A comforting savoury favourite that never disappoints.

Cookware: Pyrolux Ignite Non-Stick 3 Piece Frypan Set  (20/24/28cm) – “The perfect set for all my cooking needs.” Each fry pan is durable, evenly heated, and easy to clean, from weekday breakfasts to Sunday dinners.

Gadget: Global GS-5 Vegetable Knife (14cm) – “A universal tool — perfect for everything from pumpkin to chicken breast.” With its lightweight design and razor-sharp edge, this Japanese-made knife glides through prep work with ease.

Food Item: Black Dog BBQ Lamb & Veg Rub (200g) – Packed with bold, smoky spices, this rub adds rich flavour to grilled meats and roasted veggies alike.

Go-To Recipe: Caramel Slice – Sweet tooth approved! A classic treat that never lasts long in the tin.

Cookware: Le Creuset Casserole (28cm) –“I love this for cooking over the fireplace in winter. Cosy, hearty meals at their best.” Its cast-iron construction holds and distributes heat beautifully, perfect for slow-cooked curries, casseroles, and soups.

Gadget: Microplane Fine Citrus Zester – “A must-have for baking cookies. Easy to use, even easier to clean.” Its ultra-sharp blades create fine zest or grated cheese in seconds, adding instant flavour and flair.

Food Item: Due Vittorie Oro Gold Balsamic Vinegar (250ml) – “Pure luxury.” Smooth, syrupy, and balanced: drizzle it over salads, roast veggies, or even strawberries for a touch of indulgence.

Go-To Recipe: Classic Chicken Curry – “Always hits the spot.” Comfort food done right.

Cookware: Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Dish with Lid (Sea Salt) – “I love any oven-to-tableware dishes — self-explanatory!” These elegant stoneware dishes are durable, versatile, and heat-retaining, perfect for roasts, bakes, and desserts that look as good as they taste.

Gadget: Dreamfarm Supoon (Navy) – “So versatile and practical.” This clever tool measures, scoops, scrapes, and serves, plus it sits up off your bench to keep things tidy.

Food Item: Hunt & Gather Classic Steak Sauce –  “The perfect finishing touch.” Rich and tangy, it elevates steak, chicken, or grilled veggies in an instant.

Go-To Recipe: Coconut Fruit Smoothie – “Fresh, quick, and nourishing.” A simple go-to for busy mornings.

Cookware: Pyrolux Pyrostone 3 Piece Saucepan Set – “They do the job! I love the non-stick coating, and they work on all cooktops.” Sturdy, easy to clean, and built for daily use, these pans are perfect for everything from sauces to soups. (Just use silicone utensils to keep them scratch-free!)

Gadget: WÜSTHOF Pink Classic Santoku Knife (17cm) and Classic Cooks Knife (20cm) – “I’d love to add to my collection, these knives are my favourite! The handles are perfect, not too heavy, lovely and sharp.” German precision at its best: beautifully balanced, razor-sharp, and designed for years of use.

Food Item: Pepper & Me TikTok Trending Rub (200g) – “An easy way to add flavour to anything.” Packed with punchy herbs and spices, it’s a true kitchen all-rounder.

Go-To Recipe: Lasagna or Baked Potatoes – “Simple, comforting, and always a winner.”

Cookware: Sthål Ceramics Large Gratin Dish Fig – “Absolutely stunning.” Handcrafted with a gorgeous reactive glaze, this oven-to-table dish is perfect for bakes, gratins, or serving salads in style. Elegant, durable, and effortlessly elevated.

Gadget: ClickClack Magnetic Nesting Measuring Set – “So handy, easy to store, and chic!” These clever magnetic cups snap together neatly, saving space while looking great on your bench.

Food Item: Baked Brie Cranberry & Almond Topping – “I love this, it’s the perfect mixture of cheesy, sweet, and nutty goodness.” The ultimate entertaining essential. 

Go-To Recipe: Arayes (Lebanese Lamb-Stuffed Pita Pockets) with Tzatziki & Pickled Red Onion – “These are so yummy! Always a go-to when we don’t know what to make on the weekends.” Aromatic, juicy, and packed with flavour.

Cookware: Chasseur Cast Iron Frypan (28cm) – “Great colour selection and very versatile, perfect for transferring straight from stove top to oven. This classic cast-iron pan sears beautifully thanks to its even heat distribution and excellent heat retention.” Food preparation and presentation at its best.

Gadget: FinaMill Sage Gloss Battery Starter Pack Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder – “A great time-saving kitchen gadget.” Fill multiple pods with your favourite spices, then simply release the grinder and attach it to the next pod: quick, clean, and convenient.

Food Item: Hunt & Gather Beer Bread Mix (Returning Soon!) – “Simple to prepare and a great addition to your summer BBQ.” Customise it with herbs, cheese, or spices to make it your own. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser.

Go-To Recipe: Feijoa, Date & Walnut Loaf – “My family loves this easy-to-make loaf. You can use fresh or frozen feijoas; it’s perfect for the unexpected visitor.” A homely Kiwi classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Cookware: Pyrolux Ignite Non-Stick Chef Pan (30cm / 4.2L) – “My everything pan! From fried eggs to risotto, it handles it all.” This deep-sided pan is a true multitasker — great for sautéing, simmering, and one-pan dinners.

Gadget: Kai Shun Classic Chef’s Knife (15cm) – “A great everyday knife, the perfect size for most prep tasks.” Handcrafted in Japan, this knife combines balance, beauty, and incredible sharpness for effortless slicing.

Food Item: Pepper & Me Sweet Sesh (280ml) – “Obsessed.” A sweet, tangy sauce with a little kick — perfect for drizzling, dipping, or marinating.

Go-To Recipe: Lemonade Scones – “Quick, fluffy, and always a hit.”

Cookware: Scanpan STS Dutch Oven with Glass Lid (24cm) – A high-performance stainless steel Dutch oven that’s ideal for soups, stews, and slow-cooked comfort food. Durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain.

Gadget: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater (Sky Blue, 13 Colours) – “Incredibly sharp (watch your fingers!). I mainly use it for parmesan and lemon zest. It even comes with a cover, so it’s easy to store.” Famous for its precision, this zester adds instant flavour and finesse to any dish.

Food Item: Aniseed Drops – “I just love them. Hard to find in supermarkets, so I stock up when I can.” Sweet nostalgia in every bite.

Go-To Recipe: My Mum’s Pikelets – “Light, fluffy, and delightfully nostalgic” classic comfort food.

Cookware: The Lodge Wildlife Series – “The ones with the trout, deer, and duck! I also love the Day of the Dead skull pans.” These collectable cast iron pieces combine function with flair: built to last, cook evenly, and look amazing.

Gadget: KitchenAid Stand Mixer and Guitar Decanter Set – “Both get pride of place in my kitchen.” The iconic mixer makes baking a joy, and the decanter set adds rockstar energy to entertaining.

Food Item: Kimbella’s Candy Brittle – “It’s so yummy. I’m addicted to it!” Sweet, crunchy, and totally irresistible.

Go-To Recipe: “After 30 years as a chef, my favourite meal is anything someone else cooks 😁”

Cookware: The entire Le Creuset range – “The colours, the craftsmanship, the joy of cooking with it. Makes me feel like royalty in the kitchen.” These iconic French pieces offer unbeatable heat retention, timeless design, and pure cooking pleasure.

Gadget: Victorinox Fibrox Bread Knife Black (21cm) – “Slices homemade bread like it’s butter. Thin, sharp, and lightweight.” Known for precision and comfort, it’s perfect for everything from crusty loaves to soft brioche.

Food Item: Herb Spice Fine Foods Summer Berry or Vanilla Petite Meringues (65g) – “I love them. They instantly dress up any dessert.” Light, crisp, and elegant: perfect for pavlovas or sweet platters.

Go-To Recipe: Beef Fillet with Cauliflower and Bean Purée, Candied Walnuts, and Crispy Sage – “Fancy, but worth it.”

Cookware: Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Frying Pan Set (24/28cm) – “Great value for money and beautiful to cook on.” These pans combine premium performance with a durable non-stick finish for effortless cooking.

Gadget: Kai Shun Classic Granton Santoku Knife (18cm) – “Lovely knife to use, nice and sharp; not too heavy.” The Granton edge reduces friction and keeps food from sticking while slicing.

Food Item: Wild West Gourmet Sweet Pickled Onion Relish (320g) – Sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced — great with cheese, meats, or burgers.

Go-To Recipe: VJ Cooks Loaded Beef Mince Nachos – The ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Cookware: Lodge Cast Iron Deep Skillet (26cm) – “Rustic, reliable, and easy to clean.” Cast iron that’ll last a lifetime: ideal for searing, baking, and one-pan wonders. I also adore my Eclipse Duo Sahara Round Bowls (3 Sizes) – “Moroccan vibes and great to eat from.” Stylish, durable, and perfect for serving.

Gadget: Academy Beechwood Toast Tongs (17.5cm) – “I use them daily.” Plus, I swear by my Victorinox Serrated Tomato Knives — “They’re just so handy!” Simple tools that make everyday tasks easier.

Food Item: Me Hiko Corn Chips – “All the flavours! Love that they’re NZ-made and sturdy enough for serious dipping.”

Go-To Recipe: Julie Le Clerc’s Anzac Biscuits –  “The only recipe I know by heart. Always gets rave reviews.”

Cookware: Deli Vita Wood-Fired Oven – “I’m obsessed. It brings serious flavour and fun to outdoor cooking.” Compact yet powerful, it makes restaurant-quality pizzas and roasts in minutes.

Gadget: Victorinox Knives – “Reliable and razor-sharp.” A long-time favourite for precision and comfort.

Food Item: Hunt & Gather Spice Blends – “So much depth and variety.” Each blend adds rich, layered flavour to any dish.

Go-To Recipe: One-Pan Chicken Enchiladas – “Bold flavour, minimal clean-up!”

Cookware: Ken Hom Wok (36cm) – “My most-used pan. Perfect for quick meals and endless stir-fry combinations.” Designed for high-heat cooking, it delivers authentic results every time.

Gadget: Finamill USB Grinder – “I’ve only had to charge it twice in a year! So practical, especially with the extra pods and stackable trays.” It’s convenient, rechargeable, and fun to use.

Food Item: Pepper & Me On Yaaa Onion Dip Mix (105g) – “A pantry essential.” Creamy, savoury, and perfect for last-minute entertaining.

Go-To Recipe: Savoury Scrolls – “A family favourite — great warm from the oven.”

Cookware: Le Creuset Casserole (24cm) – “Great for slow-simmered stews and curries. And yes, it comes in 14 colours!” Classic cast iron quality, timeless and versatile.

Gadget: Fellow Clyde Electric Tea Kettle (1.5L) – “Quiet and quick, with a unique style; not just a regular kettle.” Modern, minimalist, and efficient, it’s perfect for tea or pour-over coffee lovers.

Food Item: Pepper & Me Blow My Coals BBQ Beef Rub (200g) – Smoky, spicy, and full of flavour — ideal for grilled meats or vegetables.

Go-To Recipe: Birria Tacos – “Rich, spicy, and seriously satisfying.”

Cookware: Pyrolux Ignite Non-Stick Saucepan (20cm / 3.4L) – “Well-priced and great non-stick — my most-used pan! Everything from frying to making curries or spaghetti bolognese.” Reliable, durable, and super easy to clean.

Gadget: Savannah Wide Y Cheese Slicer – “It slices hard cheese easily, is wide enough for 1kg blocks, and is very sharp and strong.” A must-have for cheese lovers.

Food Item: Equagold Premium Dutch Cocoa (1kg) – “Has the best rich chocolate taste for baking!” Deep, dark, and decadent — perfect for brownies, cakes, or hot chocolate.

Go-To Recipe: Chilli Con Carne or Nachos – “Quick, hearty, and always delicious.”

Cookware: Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (26cm) – “Lighter than most cast irons, and nothing ever sticks.” Triple-seasoned for easy release and effortless cooking.

Gadget: Kai Shun Classic Chef’s Knife (20cm) – “A dream to use — comfortable, sharp, and well-balanced.” A professional-grade knife that turns prep into pleasure.

Food Item: Hoot Smoked Chilli Oil – A pantry staple that adds smoky, spicy magic to everything.

Go-To Recipe: Spatchcocked Roast Chicken – “Crispy skin, juicy centre 🐔”

Cookware: Netherton Foundry Iron Frying Pan Oak Handle (26cm) – Handcrafted in England, this pan combines traditional ironwork with modern design. Naturally non-stick and built to last.

Gadget: OXO Good Grips Etched Two-Fold Grater – Sharp, versatile, and ergonomic — great for cheese, zest, or veggies, and folds flat for easy storage.

Food Item: St. Andrews Limes Margarita Sour Mix (750ml) – Bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced — ready for instant cocktail hour.

Go-To Recipe: Olivia Moore’s Spring Vegetable Soup – Light, fresh, and nourishment in a bowl.

It’s clear our team loves good food and great tools – and when something works, we don’t gatekeep! From everyday essentials to flavour-packed favourites, these are the things we reach for time and time again.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just finding your feet in the kitchen, we hope our staff picks spark fresh inspiration and help make cooking a little more fun, simple, and satisfying.

So next time you’re browsing Chef’s Complements, you’ll know these aren’t just products we sell. They’re the ones we use, love, and stand by every day.