This feature was made possible through a partnership with Boelter SuperStore, where you can "shop with the pros".

For years, the Boelter SuperStore at 4200 N. Port Washington Rd. in Glendale, has felt like one of the area’s best-kept secrets. 

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Filled with high-quality kitchen supplies and restaurant-grade equipment, the commercial emporium exists as a retail outlet for professional chefs. But it also exists to give foodies and home cooking enthusiasts access to the same restaurant-quality products.

So, as we embark upon another Great Milwaukee Summer, it seemed to be a good time to highlight some of the amazing things you can get at Boelter to use for summer parties, wedding gifts or just replacements for items that have outworn their wear.

1. Half sheet pans

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The first thing I ever bought at the Boelter SuperStore was one of these half-sheet pans. Over the years, I’ve purchased an embarrassing collection of them. But they come in handy for so many things (from baked goods and confections to roasting vegetables and meats) and they’re affordable enough that I don’t feel the need to apologize for the stack of them I keep beneath my kitchen island ($11.19 each).

2. Flour sack towels

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There’s nothing like a flour sack towel. Known for their absorbency, lint-free nature, and durability, they’re ideal not only for drying dishes, but resting dough, drying and prepping foods and even cleaning off countertops. Boelter carries a 6-pack of these 22”x37” towels for $17.09.

3. Ice cream scoop

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Sometimes the best things are the stalwarts. Take these handy Zeroll ice cream scoops, for instance. They’ve been serving up plump scoops of sorbet, custard and ice cream since 1935. Their magic lies in the heat-conductive liquid in their handles which draw the natural warmth of your hand right to the scoop. One of these days I’m going to splurge on the spade. My grandmother had one and she swore it was the best ice cream scoop ever invented. Pricing for the spade $23.49; scoop $21.29.

4. Flat-top grill topper 

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It’s summertime and one of the hottest items for the backyard is the flat-top grill. When it comes to versatility, there’s nothing like a hot griddle for searing smash burgers, cooking up delicate seafood or making up a whole breakfast on the weekend. This sizeable stainless steel flat grill topper measures 18.25”x14” It includes a removable grease tray and convenient handles that allow you to move it to and from the grill ($150.95).

5. Take-out containers

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Another favorite product of mine to buy from Boelter are these mid-sized recycled take-out containers. They’re not only useful for sending home leftovers with friends, but packaging up cookies and other treats to give away during the holiday season. Even better, you can buy a pack of 50 for just $7.15.  

6. Squeeze bottles

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I’ve lost count of the number of uses I’ve come up with for these fun little squeeze bottles. They’re great for storing custom condiments and sauces. They make it easy to make whimsical art with pancake batter and I’ve even used them for decorating cakes and cookies in a pinch. At Boelter, an 8-ounce bottle is $0.79 and a 12-ounce bottle is just $1.00.

7. Food storage containers

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Organizing your refrigerator or pantry is a breeze with the wide selection of plastic food storage containers at Boelter. From narrow fridge bins and trays to storage bins in a vast variety of sizes, you’ll find what you need. You’ll also find key storage vessels for specific tasks like brining meats, storing prepped foods for parties and more. They come in a wide variety of sizes priced $5.85 for a 1-quart

8. Mercer 8” Chef’s Knife

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The plain version of this Mercer Culinary knife is a popular choice among chefs and culinary professionals. But the bold etching on this version is beautiful. It’s a great size for daily use. It’s also a sharp, well-balanced knife with a full tang and a heat and moisture-resistent handle ($122.75).

9. Heavy-duty grill turner

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When it comes to grilling tools, not all are made equal. In the case of these Hell’s Handle turners/spatulas, they’re great for a number of reasons. The handles feature a dual texture to give you extra grip. They’re also made of an innovative high heat-resistent material that absorbs 50% less heat so they stay cool to the touch while you’re using them. The stainless steel blade is stiff, but flexible enough to make it easy to use (they're great for making smash burgers). An 8x4 turner is $38.69; but unlike other tools of its ilk, it should last for a very long time.

10. Le Creuset 

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Le Creuset is one of the newer brands on the shelves at Boelter. Their collection includes enameled cast iron frying pans, skillets and numerous sizes of Dutch ovens in colors including Cerise (deep red), Marseilles (blue) and Oyster (grey). Cost for an 11” skillet is $179.95; 5 ½-quart dutch oven is $419.95; 9-quart dutch oven is $499.99

11. Boos Blocks

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Maybe the best known wooden cutting boards out there are Boos Boards. Known for sourcing sustainable, durable North American hardwoods, using edge-grain construction and incorporating thoughtful design elements, these are some of the most reliable cutting boards you can buy. Boelter even carries the board oil and maintenance kits. Boards are priced $80 and up.

12. Cream Siphon 

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What’s a cream siphon? Well, it works like a Reddi-Whip can, but better. And if you’re looking for one, the iSi Cream Profi Whip is definitely among the best. What most people don’t know is that the cream siphon can be used for plenty of things beyond whipping cream. Yes, you can make nacho cheese sauce, avocado mousse, hollandaise sauce… and even cheesecake foam. Boelter carries the iSi for $110.29. They also carry the rechargers in packs of 24 for $23.15.

The Boelter SuperStore is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.