Cooking is a craft that takes practice and concentration to do well. But it's also a skill. And like golf or fly fishing, your gear can make a big difference in your performance. If you feel like cooking is a drag or takes too much effort, you might simply require an upgrade. You need pieces that pull double duty. Items that work faster than the standard kitchen fare. Investing in a proper kitchen kit is a way of motivating yourself to cook more often and be more experimental. With that in mind, here are five essential pieces that will help you step up your dinner (and lunch and breakfast) game.