When I moved to the South of France, my kitchen was smaller, my shopping trips were more frequent, and my cooking became erratic. With these changes, I’ve come to realize that there are 3 quirky kitchen gadgets that I can’t live without. I reach for them almost every day.
They’re not the latest gadgets or the fanciest. Two of them have been in kitchens longer than I’ve been alive—but they’ve earned a permanent place in my home. For me, these simple kitchen tools speak to my life in France. It’s not about having more; it’s about having what’s most useful.
1. The Vintage Jar Opener
This small metal gadget was a hand-me-down from my mother’s kitchen. It doesn’t just open jars—it saves time, wrist strain, and patience.
Whether opening a Dijon mustard jar, fig jam, or cornichons, one twist with this vintage kitchen treasure and the lid is off.
I’ve seen this jar opener as long as I can remember. Now slightly worn, but perfectly functional, it’s likely to last another generation. This is one of the quirky kitchen gadgets that fits into my simple life in France — if it does the job, keep it.
2. The Battery-Operated Wine Opener
Living alone means there’s no one around to turn to when you need to uncork a wine bottle. My “extra pair of hands, ” and another of my quirky kitchen gadgets is a battery-operated wine opener. It does the job with just one push of a button. There’s only one problem: when the batteries run out.
Some will argue for the waiter’s corkscrew. I understand. But I’ve yet to break a cork or spill a drop of wine.
3. The Baguette Slicer “Coupe-Pain”
Made in France, this handy bread slicer has been an integral part of daily life for centuries—and it’s one of my quirky kitchen gadgets that deserves to be treated with respect. My baguette slicer, a wooden frame with a fixed blade, turns a crusty baguette into neat slices without crushing the bread or the slices.
This beauty was a brocante find and a house gift from my dear friend, Patricia Sands. It’s not just a quirky kitchen gadget; this “oldie but goodie” is worth its weight in gold.
Why Quirky Kitchen Gadgets Matter
One thing I’ve learned about French kitchens is that they’re built around tools that work. It’s just that simple. No drawers full of today’s latest gadgets. Everything earns its place.
If you want to see this philosophy in action—and learn how to cook with the same ease—you can. You’re invited into the French kitchen of Cook’n With Class, Paris.
Learn to Cook in Paris with Cook’n With Class
One of my favorite recommendations for travelers to Paris is Cook’n With Class. The hands-on cooking school in the beautiful Montmartre district of Paris offers cooking classes you’ll write home about. There are courses — all taught in English — ranging from bread baking to market-to-table meals, as well as courses on macarons and French pastries, led by talented chefs. The school is under the direction of Chef Eric Fraudeau, a classically trained French chef with nearly four decades of experience, including executive-chef roles at Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Sofitel hotels in Monaco, Montréal, New York, and Mexico. He’s cooked alongside culinary icons Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse — but his greatest joy comes from sharing his passion for food and teaching others to create it themselves.
Choose the market class and you’ll shop with your instructor at a local market in Montmartre, prepare a meal from scratch, and then sit down to savor the experience—wine included. It’s the perfect way to learn practical skills you can actually use at home. And a few little secrets that make even the most complicated recipes feel simple.
Book Your Class Here
Pass this along to friends who may be visiting Paris, too!
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You’ll also like ‘Lessons I’ve Learned from the French’ to learn more about how France has changed me.
