All that chopping is bound to cause some damage. Next you will want a cutting board. Like cutlery, there are many choices but if you want the board to last, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. Cutting boards come in an over the sink style and a style that you sit on your counter. You'll also want to consider the size. Think about the size of your kitchen and the storage issue. Also consider the size of your sink because you are going to empty your scraps in there. There is quite a debate about whether a wood or plastic cutting board is best. Keep in mind wooden cutting boards will have knife marks in them eventually. On the other hand, plastic cutting boards will dull your knife quickly.

And whether you choose a wooden or plastic knife you will eventually need a knife sharpener.

When you become a gourmet pro, there are other tools you might consider purchasing.

-Paring Knifes

-Cleavers

-Bagel Cutter

-Carving Knife

-Fillet Knife

-Utility Knifes

-Thermometer

-Tongs

-Whisks

-Ladles

Now that you've done all that chopping, you need somewhere to put the ingredients.

There are many different kinds of cookware. Chef's pans are a great thing to buy in a set. Though it can get expensive, you'll actually save more money by buying a set of chef's pans as opposed to buying it piece by piece. But perhaps you don't want a set of pans. The one must-have is a saut? pan. What is a saut? pan? It is a pan with a wide flat bottom, straight sides, long handle and a lid. Saut? pans come in a variety of sizes. If you want versatility, choose a medium-sized pan.

Did you know that a soup pot is not just for soup? You can make pasta, meats and stocks as well. A soup pot, also known as a stock or cook pot is one of the most versatile things you can add to your kitchen. Like saut? pans, soup pots come in a variety of sizes.

If you are really ready to get fancy then consider adding the following list of tools to your gourmet kitchen:

-Deep Fryer

-Waffle Iron

-Hand Blender

-Slow Cooker

-Steamer

-Food Processor

-Espresso Machine

When you are ready to take your gourmet kitchen to the outdoors, you have a few choices. You can purchase a natural gas grill, a charcoal grill or a propane grill.

You can expect to invest quite a bit of cash into tools for your gourmet kitchen. But realize that you don't have to buy everything at once. Also, all the tools aren't necessary. Only purchase the gourmet tools that you are actually going to use