Reddit mentions of OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush-Small, Multicolor

I put a small amount in the pan and then use a silicone brush to spread it around! I'm able to create a super thin layer of oil. Then I never add anything until the pan is evenly hot - that way when the food hits the pan, the water on the surface vaporizes against the hot oil and creates an instant barrier.

The OXO Good Grips silicone brush is America's Test Kitchen's #1 recommendation. I had always used a brush with nylon bristles but after my most recent one died (bristles falling off into everything :/ ), I went with the oxo. I'm happy with it.

I am guessing this pastry brush. That item looks mighty fine!

• Mini silicone spatulas-- really useful for cleaning out narrow jars of jam, etc. They come in fun colors and sometimes even patterns.
  
  
• I really love this lemon juicer (this particular one is from Martha Stewart's kitchen line). The juicing bit is very pointy and it's small and compact, unlike the old fashioned glass ones. Obviously it's not well suited for making orange juice, but is very convenient for recipes that call for lemons and limes, especially with the measurement ticks on the side.
  
  
• A handheld zoodle maker
  
  
• This silicone brush in particular. Unlike other silicone basting brushes it has a center core of flat plastic with little circles, which allows it to hold onto more oil/liquid, according to Alton Brown. It has worked well for us so far and has the benefit of being easy to clean and heat resistant, plus no stray bristles come off in your food.
  
  
• If she likes experimenting with things like bento boxes or candy making, some novelty rice molds/silicone candy molds themed to her others interests would always make a cute gift!

You do not need to spend a lot of money, a local restaurant supply store will is ideal for most everything from knives to turners, tongs, bottles, containers and anything else you can think of. I prefer plastic handles as they are easier to keep clean, and do not degrade.

For thermometers and digital probes, i prefer thermoworks. I use the smoke and instapen, but you can go with a thermopop if you want to save money. Tried other brands, they always end up having issues after a year or two. digital probes will go bad if left in water or the dish washer always hand clean them and keep them dry.

Gloves: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00547HD0O?aaxitk=-OsIXMdbU5xm990c49xMVw&pd_rd_i=B00547HD0O&pf_rd_p=9420597b-7dad-4cbd-a28d-7d676ac67378&hsa_cr_id=6490199610301&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=Lincoln%20Electric%20Traditional%20MIG%2FStick%20Welding%20Gloves%20%7C%2014%22%20Lined%20Leather%20%7C%20Kevlar%20Stitching%20%7C%20K2979-ALL

Turner/scraper/chopper Kit, better then a bbq set: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Griddle-Spatula-Set-Accessories/dp/B072MXWDD6?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_15251668011

Tongs: https://www.amazon.com/Weber-6610-Original-Tongs/dp/B005LR0EX0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=weber+16+tongs&qid=1563625923&s=gateway&sr=8-1

general use pans, drip pans: https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Aluminum-Foil-Steam-Table/dp/B01MSM1A9S/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35NPTHWHGZNHX&keywords=disposable+aluminum+foil+pans&qid=1563626111&s=gateway&sprefix=disposable+alum%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-3

Basting Brush, small and large: https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Silicone-Basting-Pastry/dp/B000JPSI8C/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=CjwKCAjw98rpBRAuEiwALmo-yud7UIxolmtKdRasRuEKzcyOrRiShPTVMisacAeErYWSmVHvxH30qBoC9ikQAvD_BwE&hvadid=153655172136&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030030&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16058826801725890434&hvtargid=kwd-2007025443&hydadcr=13935_9329092&keywords=nylon+basting+brush&qid=1563626490&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Any pastry cooks have an opinion on silicone brushes? I find them vastly easier to clean and more durable than a typical hair or fiber type brush but I'm wondering if I'm missing something?