Like any other art, cooking needs equipment to create a masterpiece. Whether you are a professional chef or just starting your culinary adventure, having the most essential cooking tools in your cupboard will make everything easier.
You can get everything from the kitchen tools section. There is no need to buy all of them for you to be able to create sumptuous meals. The trick is to be practical by learning the essential tools and making your way to being innovative to enhance your cooking skills. Remember, there is no shortage of quality kitchen tools; learning the must-have kitchen gadgets will do the magic. Explore some essential kitchen gadgets and devices every home cook should have.
1. Knives
A good quality knife is the backbone of any kitchen. Check knives that make you comfortable. Remember, you are just a tip away from cutting yourself if knives are compromised. If you have enough, save and buy a chef’s knife. You usually use this knife while cooking, so buy an excellent knife and be careful. Aside from a chef’s knife, it’s also better to own a serrated and paring knife because it serves different purposes in cutting ingredients.
Serrated knives allow you to slice tomatoes and bread, while paring knives are helpful and easily
for smaller, more delicate jobs such as trimming, peeling, and precision cutting tasks such as mincing herbs, deveining shrimp, and peeling fruits and vegetables.
2. Knife Sharpener
A sharp paring knife, serrated knife, and chef’s knife are essential for precision slicing, slicing, and dicing, and a quality knife sharpener will ensure blades stay sharp. A sharp knife makes the cutting easier and more efficient, reducing the risk of injury as it is less likely to slip when cutting.
3. Non-stick Frying Pan
Every household needs a non-stick breakfast pan because eggs and pancakes are best prepared on a non-stick surface. Also, it allows for easy cooking and cleaning, as food does not stick to the surface. Investing in a quality non-stick frying pan and saucepan will make your cooking experience hassle-free. Experts suggest a stainless steel and aluminum pan for a better cooking experience.
4. Cutting Board
A durable, easy-to-clean cutting board is essential during food preparation. Wooden and plastic boards are two of the most popular choices. Some prefer wooden cutting boards for many reasons. It allows you to chop food without compromising your knife. They’re not only aesthetically pleasing to look at on the counter, but they also give you a cleaner surface due to the antibacterial essential oils present in the natural wood.
5. Saucepan
It would be best to have a saucepan when cooking something with liquid, such as boiling pasta or simmering sauces and beans.
6. Slow Cooker
A kitchen slow cooker is a reliable appliance, ready to boil, braise, and stew your way to culinary joy. It can be a secret handy weapon for busy individuals or families looking to prepare meals with minimal effort and time. Look for a high-quality slow cooker that heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature over an hour.
7. Blender or Food Processor
A blender or food processor is a versatile tool applicable to various tasks, such as mashing chopped ingredients, making smoothies, pureeing soups, or grinding spices. Look for a blender or food processor with multiple speed settings and a powerful motor. With its powerful blades and different speed settings, every dish becomes easier to make, revolutionizing how we prepare food.
8. Sheet Pans
Sheet pans, also known as baking sheets or cookie sheets, are versatile kitchen tools that serve different purposes in cooking and baking. These pans can do many things, including roasting vegetables, meat, nuts and baking cookies. They also make it easier to wash dishes on a plate.
9. Stainless or Silicon Spatula
When collecting kitchen essentials, a sturdy spatula must be on the list. It is a simple yet essential kitchen tool for flipping, mixing, and serving all foods. It is heat-resistant and gentle on non-stick surfaces, making it a must-have in every kitchen.
10. Mixing Bowls
Having a set of mixing bowls in various sizes will be a game changer in the kitchen. Different-sized mixing bowls are handy for preparing and storing ingredients. These bowls are ideal for mixing ingredients, marinating meat, or storing leftovers. Look for stainless steel or glass bowls, which are durable and easy to clean.
11. Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are essential in cooking and baking. Invest in easy-to-read measuring cups and spoons with metric and imperial measurements. These tools will ensure that your recipes are perfect every time.
12. Utensil Set
A set of cooking utensils, including spatulas, tongs, ladles, and a slotted spoon, will help you cook efficiently. Spatulas and tongs are your extended hands, while ladles come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and each type of ladle is designed for specific purposes in the kitchen. Meanwhile, a slotted spoon acts like a miniature strainer, removing solids from liquids.
13. Peeler
A peeler is a go-to tool for quickly removing skin from fruits and vegetables. Make sure you have a sharp peeler that can remove the peels of vegetables, shave off cheese, or make veggie ribbons.
14. Whisk
While a fork and chopsticks may be handy, a whisk is faster and more effective at emulsifying ingredients like vinegar and oil. We make dressings and marinades for salads almost every night, so you can always go right with a whisk.
15. Can Opener
A can Opener is a kitchen tool designed for the specific purpose of opening cans. Its primary function is to cut open the sealed lid of a can, allowing access to the contents inside. Canned beans and vegetables cook quickly and are pantry staples, but many products are also canned and need a can opener, such as coconut milk, curry powder, fruit, crushed tomatoes, and many more.
16. Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are handy for cutting herbs, opening packages, and more. Occasionally, you can use them to slice a whole chicken or pie crust. Look for a pair that can be removed for easy cleaning, such as these stainless-steel knives, so dirt will not pile up in the hinges.
17. Colander
This tool is essential for draining pasta, rinsing produce, and more. Every kitchen needs a colander for draining out boiled pasta and vegetables. It can also be used for draining canned beans.
18. Cast-iron Skillet
An excellent cast iron skillet is a helpful tool in the kitchen. It provides an evenly heated surface perfect for all kinds of culinary activities such as searing, braising, grilling, roasting, and high-temperature cooking in general. The best-cast iron skillets are virtually indestructible marvels, providing consistent heat for quick and easy preparation of recipes.
Conclusion
Ensuring you have the right kitchen gadgets and tools can transform your cooking experience. Invest in quality kitchen items that will last and make your time in the kitchen more efficient, safe, and enjoyable. Unleash your culinary creativity. Have fun cooking!