Cooking is a fascinating activity where flavors and ingredients combine to create delicious gastronomic experiences. Whether you are planning to start your kitchen for the first time or need to replace kitchen items, having the right tools in your kitchen is the first step to creating unforgettable food experiences. That is why the role of kitchen utensils must be considered.
Kitchen tools play an important role in cooking and preparing meals. These are essential equipment for transforming raw ingredients into delicious and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Thus, investing in these kitchen tools will make cooking fun and enjoyable. To help you know what tools to start with, here are some must-have kitchen tools you need to have in your kitchen.
1. Knives
Most of the cooking requires cutting, thus the need for a knife. If budget and space are factors to consider, buy a chef’s knife. This knife is used in 90% of food preparation. Also, a high-quality chef’s knife is valuable in any kitchen since its versatility and wide range of cutting tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat, make every cooking step easier.
However, purchasing other kitchen knives is highly recommended as they serve different purposes. A paring knife is most practical for trimming with a smaller blade that can easily maneuver in small spaces. Its narrow blade is ideal for more delicate tasks like peeling, coring, and trimming. Another is a utility knife less than 6 inches long if a chef’s knife is unavailable. It is perfect for slicing fruit for fruit salads or preparing tender vegetables for stews. Also, a serrated knife comes in handy when slicing bread.
2. Cutting Board
Two cutting boards (one for raw protein and one for cooked food and produce) are best to avoid cross-contamination during cooking. Our favorite is to use a dishwasher-safe plastic cutting board like this one with non-slip grips for raw protein. Plastic or wooden cutting boards work well for cooked foods and products. Invest in a durable wood, bamboo, or plastic cutting board to protect your knives and provide a clean surface for cutting ingredients.
3. Cookware
Eggs and pancakes work best on a nonstick surface, so every household needs a nonstick pan for breakfast. It is an adaptable tool that can be used for grilling meat, stir-frying vegetables, and making sauces. Always use non-abrasive tools on surfaces.
Another cookware that best serves its purpose in the kitchen is a saucepan that is great for anything that requires liquids, like cooking pasta or vegetables or simmering sauces or beans. While for large amounts of soups, stews, and pasta, a stock pot is very helpful. You may also need a wok essential for quick cooking, such as stir-frying over high heat.
4. Kitchen Shears
These scissors help cut herbs, open packages and even break down poultry. Good kitchen scissors are essential for novice and professional chefs alike. This handy tool can help you with various tasks that a knife can’t, like chopping herbs or carving up a whole chicken.
5. Bowls and Measuring Tools
Measuring tools are essential for bread making but also great for everyday cooking. For starters, three stainless steel mixing bowls fit together to save space. This set can already accommodate various functions for any dish. You will need a complete set of measuring spoons and two measuring cups.
A set of cups measures liquids; cups usually have a handle and pour spout. Another group is for weighing dry ingredients that can be flattened. Further, having a measuring spoon is handy if you need an accurate measure. It also works as a mini spoon for scooping spices and dried herbs.
6. Utensils
Different utensils are useful for preparing various recipes. Tools such as vegetable peelers, wooden spoons, meat mallets, slotted spoons, tongs, ladles, and nonstick spatulas are great options if you love to cook. A sturdy wooden spoon is excellent for stirring and mixing and won’t scratch nonstick surfaces. If you enjoy baking, a whisk and rolling pin will be helpful.
When stocking your kitchen with essentials, you’ll want to make sure you have a sharp peeler that you can use to peel vegetables, peel cheese, and make strips of vegetables. While for spatulas, heat-resistant and flexible, silicone spatulas are perfect for scraping bowls, folding ingredients, and sautéing without damaging your pans. You may also need a ladle for serving soups and stew.
Remember the can opener! Canned beans and vegetables are quickly prepared and should be a staple in your pantry. For vegetables and fruits, it’s better always to have a good piece of a peeler that slides smoothly and peels ingredients in a few seconds.
7. Colander
Every kitchen needs a sturdy one for many reasons. It is useful in draining canned beans and freshly washed vegetables. It is a must-have for draining pasta and washing fruits and vegetables.
8. Bakeware
Suppose you are thinking about baking a cake or roasting chicken, having the right pan for your oven. Standard-size (9×13) and 8-inch square glass baking pans are great for any meal, but specialty pans for pizza, roasting, and baking are also suitable investments.
You may also like to buy a glass baking dish, which is perfect for baking casseroles and enchiladas in the oven. It’s microwave-safe, so if you need to pre-cook your veggies, the 8-inch size will fit in your microwave.
Another baking tool that can be added to your list is a baking sheet which is a versatile pan for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and more.
9. Storage Containers
Whether for leftovers or packing unused ingredients, storage containers always save the day. A storage container is a tool for safely storing closed radiation sources and radiation equipment. A beverage container is an airtight container made of metal, glass, paper, plastic, or a combination of these materials that holds one gallon or less of the beverage at the time of sale.
10. Blender
If you have a blender, it’s perfect for making smoothies and salad dressings. Depending on your preferences and needed amount, you can choose from a high-speed blender down to a standard blender. A blender (sometimes called a mixer) is a kitchen appliance used to mix, chop, puree, or emulsify food or other substances.
11. Instant-Read Thermometer
Instant-reading thermometers are used for quick readings of food temperatures. They are found in nearly every meat counter and other kitchen appliances in supermarkets since they are essential for safely cooking meats and poultry and cooking them to your liking. However, please do not leave them in food while cooking.
12. Salad Spinner
While a colander may be sufficient for different purposes, salad dressings stick to something other than still-wet lettuce, and soggy tacos and sandwiches are a pain. A salad spinner solves the problem by removing water in seconds and helps save paper towels.
13. Fish Turner
This handy tool is mainly advertised as a fish spinner, but you can use it for anything. The broad base of this tool makes it easy to flip burgers, fish, eggs over the fire, and even pancakes. Lightly chamfered edges make sliding under the food you want to convert easier, and slots allow fat to drain.
14. Prep Bowls in Different Sizes
Every household kitchen needs a set of prep bowls to organize all the ingredients. Purchasing a collapsible prep bowl saves a lot of space and comes with a convenient lid to seal the ingredients that aren’t quite ready to cook. However, glass bowls can also be used as serving plates.
15. Oven Mitts/Potholders
Whether moving hot pots on the stove or removing baking dishes from the oven, trusty potholders protect your hands and prevent burns. It can protect your hands from hot pots, pans, and dishes. Most cooks use oven mitts, oven mitts, or dish towels (or a combination) to handle hot dishes and utensils.
Conclusion
Kitchen utensils are integral to ensure that any cooking experience enables the precision, efficiency, and safety of any dish served. While the above list highlights the essentials, plenty of other kitchen tools and gadgets can enhance your cooking experience. As you gain experience and try new recipes, you may discover more tools that suit your cooking style and needs.