Basic Essential Cooking Tools Every Kitchen Needs
You probably decided to move out of your parents’ house or you just graduated college and got your first apartment. Or maybe you moved to a new location and need to rework your kitchen from scratch. Perhaps you just discovered an interest in cooking that you didn’t know about and you now want to pick up on it but don’t know what tools to get for your kitchen. Narrowing down to the essentials as a beginner can be challenging given the wide scope of kitchen tools. Below, we have created a list of all the essential items you need to get for a functional kitchen.
Knives
A good knife will become your lifelong friend once you establish a relationship with your kitchen. A chef’s knife is a bit like a Swiss knife as it can handle every task you throw at it. From boning a whole chicken to chopping vegetables, you can count on it to get it done. A knife is one of the essential food prep tools. When shopping for one, go for a knife with a balance handle. Ideally, go for knives made from steel and a sturdy handle to last you long enough. It may cost a bit more than the other items in your kitchen but it is absolutely worth the price.
Cutting Board
Why bother getting a good cutting board for your kitchen when you have a good knife and strong countertops that can get the job done. What many people fail to recognize is that a good cutting board will protect your knives and countertops from damage. Additionally, using a cutting board instead of the kitchen countertops helps maintain good hygiene. It also makes the cleaning process after meal prep easy. Ideally, you need cutting boards made from either plastic wood. Use one for cutting meats and the other for everything else to avoid cross-contamination.
Non-Stick Pan
A cast iron pan will cook anything you put on it but when it comes to delicate dishes like eggs and crepes, you need a non-stick pan. And non-stick pans aren’t as expensive as their cast-iron counterparts and can serve you a few years before you need a replacement. They are also easier to clean due to their smooth surface. When shopping for one, pick one that comes with a sturdy handle and a thick base. You don’t have to break the bank with a non-stick pan. If it’s thick enough, it’s good enough.
Measuring Cups
A kitchen weighing scale does a good job but it is impractical for some applications. The best way to get accurate measurements by volume is to use measuring cups. Get yourself a set of dry and liquid measuring cups and a few spoons. Measuring spoons can be extremely accurate and you can easily squeeze them into the smallest jars and get accurate amounts of whatever you need.
Grater
A microplane is a great way to create a shower of lemon zest, nutmeg, or even fine parmesan. But it is a bit difficult to use if you need to shred a few pounds of cheese for your pizza or lasagna. A box grater will work better than any other kitchen instrument in this case. Look for one with different sized holes and a strong handle. Also check the material to ensure it can resist the rigors of the kitchen and is rust-resistant.
Endnote
Cooking even the simplest of meals will become a nightmare if you don’t have the right tools in your kitchen. You don’t have to break the bank for crazy appliances and fancy tools. Just get the essentials and you will be good to go.
- by Matt Watts
