Kitchen device that, for a writer, is often dear? (6)
I believe the answer is:
opener
This clue is a double definition.
'kitchen device' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'for a writer is often dear?' is the second definition.
(a writer might open a letter with 'Dear' whoever)
'that' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for opener that I've seen before include "Card player who starts the bidding" , "First event in a series" , "It may provide access to food" , "(Team's) first batsman" , "Can cutter" .)