“What’s Something In [A Person’s] Kitchen That Immediately Tells You They’re A Good Cook?”

If they know where all their spices are, even if it's disorganized

They have a pan on the stove because they use it too much to bother to put it away.

For home cooks, if it’s clean and organized but cluttered and seemingly chaotic at the same time. It’s a sure sign that it gets used a lot.

I feel the same way about auto mechanics, research labs, and woodworking shops.

Their kitchen is otherwise very clean and orderly, but their baking pans look like they've been to hell and back with polymerized oils.

You don’t find knives in their dishwasher.

Speaking on huge cutting boards, someone was giving away a s*****y painted 7 foot dual pedestal wood table so I rescued it, stripped the finish, applied beeswax, and now the entire table is in play for a cutting board, prep area, pastry board, etc.

Spices being in an intuitive or very easy access place

The best cook I’ve known had the smallest, messiest kitchen I’d ever seen. Before I knew her, I wouldn’t have guessed a kitchen like that could produce such amazing food.

They growl if I try to touch anything.

If I see fresh herbs growing, I know

The absence of a blunt set of s****y knives in a knife block

You open their freezer and see their homemade stock game is on point

Properly seasoned cast iron skillets.

A jar of bacon grease

Blocks of cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.

MSG

Cutting boards that aren't glass. Mostly available counter space for prep/no useless items on prep space. Bonus if their default pan is stainless steel rather than nonstick.

Edit: cast iron or carbon steel also are good. I should have said just anything but nonstick.

Food service-size can-jug of olive oil

Can't tell by the kitchen appliances strewn about.

It's all just anecdotal at that point.

I'm sure it's not the intent but sounds almost elitist like you cant be a good cook unless you have this accessory.

You just can't tell, lots of people have great gear but can't cook for s**t.

Quart containers labeled with masking tape and pen. They're giving professional experience vibes.

Bonus points if they have some random projects around (drying morrels, fermenting kimchi, etc)

Like 5+ pairs of tongs.