Seasonal Spotlight: The Best Chef Tools for NZ Seafood

New Zealand is blessed with an incredible bounty of seafood, from delicate kina and pāua to sweet whitebait, juicy mussels, and the king of the table, crayfish. But preparing seafood properly takes the right tools. At Chef’s Complements, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gear to help you make the most of this season’s catch.

The Challenge:

These prized delicacies are as tricky to prepare as they are delicious. Proper opening, cleaning, and slicing are essential to avoid damaging their fragile flesh.

Tools to Try:

• Seafood Knives & Shuckers – Look for short, sturdy blades designed specifically for shellfish. Try the Opinel Gourmet Oyster Shucking Knife or the André Verdier Oyster Shucker with Wooden Guard for safe, effective opening.

• Fish Scalers & Scrub Brushes – Ideal for removing sand and grit from pāua shells before cooking. The Kai Select 100 Fish Scaler, a recent arrival, is a standout for efficiency.

• Flexible Filleting Knives – Crucial for slicing pāua into thin, even strips for frying, grilling, or sashimi. The Victorinox Swibo Flexible Fillet Knife (16cm) features a built-in scaler, delivering precision, comfort, and convenience.

💡 Pro Tip: Chill pāua in the fridge before slicing — it firms up the flesh, making thin cuts easier and neater.

The Challenge:

Mussels are often cooked in large batches, so efficiency,  from cleaning to serving, is key.

Tools to Try:

• Mussel Pots & Steamers – A tight-fitting lid and a heavy base are essential for steaming mussels to perfection. Start with an Aluminium Boiler with Lid (available in 6 sizes) or go for a premium Pyrolux Stainless Steel Stock Pot (available in 4 sizes). For smaller servings, the Scanpan Coppernox Universal Multi Steamer with Lid fits 16–20cm pots and offers a tempered glass lid for easy viewing (plus it comes with a gift-with-purchase!).

• Seafood Cleaning Tools – Basic brushes and scrapers help remove stubborn beards and grit fast, keeping prep easy and hygienic.

• Stainless Steel Serving Bowls & Tongs – Serve mussels straight from pot to table with the Large Vintage Oval Stainless Steel Serving Dish from Moda, adding a touch of rustic charm, or keep it simple with a Stainless Steel 18/8 Round Serving Tray (3 Sizes).
  

💡 Pro Tip: A splash of NZ sauvignon blanc in the pot while steaming lifts the flavour and creates an effortless broth.

The Challenge: 

These tiny treasures require finesse; over-handle them and you lose their magic.

Tools to Try:

• Non-Stick Frypans or Griddles – Ensure whitebait fritters lift cleanly and cook evenly. The Circulon ScratchDefense A1 Skillet, available in 21.5cm, 25.4cm, and 30.4cm sizes, is one of our most advanced non-stick ranges: ultra-durable, metal utensil safe, and guaranteed not to scratch.

• Fish Spatulas – A thin, flexible spatula is your secret weapon for turning delicate fritters without breakage. Explore our full Spatulas & Turners range to find your perfect fit.

• Mixing Bowls & Whisks – A good fritter starts with a good batter. Try the KitchenAid 3-Piece Nesting Mixing Bowl Set in Charcoal — three practical sizes (2.4L, 3.3L, 4.3L), all with non-slip bases and dishwasher-safe. Browse our wide selection of Whisks & Beaters to complete your setup.

💡 Pro Tip: Cook in small batches — it gives fritters crisp edges and ensures even cooking.

The Challenge:

Tough shells and big claws call for strong, specialized tools — no regular kitchen knife will do.

Tools to Try:

• Seafood Shears & Crackers – Designed to cut through shells cleanly without damaging the delicate meat inside. The Avanti Seafood Shears are a standout, effortlessly slicing through hard shellfish and featuring a built-in shell cracker for added versatility. Multifunctional, ergonomic, and built for the task.

• Large Stockpots – Perfect for boiling whole crayfish. A wide, heavy pot ensures even cooking and easy handling. Our range of Stock Pots covers everything from commercial sizes to large family-friendly options, all built for efficient boiling with sturdy bases and easy-pour rims.

• Grill Racks & Roasting Pans – For a show-stopping main, split crayfish lengthwise and finish on the grill or in the oven with garlic butter and herbs. Our Roast Pan & Rack Combos are a practical, two-in-one solution, featuring a robust pan with a fitted rack that allows for even heat circulation and drains away excess juices for crisp, golden results. We love the Scanpan Classic Large Roaster with Bonus Rack (44x32cm) — durable, generously sized, and ideal for whole crayfish or any seafood feast.

• Seafood Picks – Make sure no morsel goes to waste. The Avanti Seafood Forks (Set of 4) are perfect for extracting meat from hard-to-reach spots, while the Trenton Athens Oyster/Cake Fork adds an elevated, vintage appeal to any seafood spread. For larger gatherings or casual entertaining, something simple like the Skewer Marine Silver/Blue 10cm (Pack of 100) offers a fun, ocean-themed way to serve bite-sized portions.

💡 Pro Tip: Save those crayfish shells! Simmer with aromatics to create a deep, rich stock — perfect for soups, bisques, or seafood risottos.

Seafood isn’t just about how it’s cooked; it’s also about how it’s served. Turn your spread into a showstopper with the right presentation pieces:

• Seafood Platters & Serving Boards – Show off crayfish, mussels, and more in style. The Sthål Ceramics Seaweed Collection is a coastal classic — choose from the Large Round Serving Platter (35cm) or the Oval Serving Platter (40cm) for stunning table centrepieces. Browse our wide range of Serving Platters, Plates & Bowls, and Serving & Grazing Boards if you’re looking for something a little different.

• Specialty Cutlery & Seafood Forks – Make eating easier and less messy with dedicated tools. They also add polish to your table setting.

• Condiment Dishes & Ramekins – Whether it’s melted butter, tartare sauce, lemon wedges, or garlic aioli, how you serve it matters. Explore our full collection of Dip, Sauce Dishes & Ramekins for stylish and versatile options to complement your seafood spread. A favourite of ours is the Assemble Mollusco Ceramic Dish (Assorted Colours) — inspired by the natural beauty of seashells, these delicately crafted pieces are as much décor as they are functional serveware.

New Zealand seafood deserves tools that do it justice. Whether you’re frying pāua fritters by the beach, steaming a mountain of mussels for whānau, or plating up a crayfish for Christmas lunch, the right gear makes preparation smoother, safer — and the final result more delicious.

At Chef’s Complements, we’re proud to stock professional-grade knives, pots, utensils, and serveware tailored for seafood lovers, helping you bring the taste of the ocean to your table. This season, make every catch count. Explore our full Seafood Tools collection online or in-store today!