Having the most essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment in your kitchen will make your cooking tasks a lot easier. Although the kitchen world often introduces sleek, trendy, and exciting kitchen gadgets, it’s not necessary to purchase every single one to become a proficient cook. In fact, possessing the most basic Kitchen Tools and Equipment is all you need to get started in preparing delicious meals.
We’ve put together a handy Kitchen Tools and Equipment guide to assist you in figuring out which tools are essential to begin with. This guide explains how to use some basic kitchen utensils and is especially helpful for those who are new to cooking or working with a tight budget.
Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Dish for Baking
A baking dish, also known as a casserole dish, is a handy tool in the kitchen. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials. You can use it for all kinds of dishes, like casseroles, lasagna, enchiladas, pies, and even deep-dish pizza. The best part is that it’s safe to use in the oven. Some of these dishes can even be used on the stovetop, making them super versatile for your cooking needs.
When you’re shopping for a good baking dish, think about your oven’s size and what you plan to cook. This will help you pick the right shape and size. It’s also helpful to find a dish with strong, easy-to-grab handles. These handles make it simple to get your dishes in and out of the oven.
Non-Stick Frying Pan
Every kitchen should have a non-stick pan, especially for cooking breakfast staples like eggs and pancakes. It’s not just for breakfast, though. This pan is super handy because you can use it to cook all sorts of things, from searing meats to sautéing veggies and making sauces.
Just remember to use gentle tools on the surface. We recommend checking out this stainless-steel frying pan and this aluminum one. If you get a set with two pans, you’ll have different sizes for various recipes, and you can even cook two things at once.
Cast Iron Pans
A cast iron skillet is incredibly versatile. You can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame. What’s cool is that, as you cook with it, a natural protective layer forms on the surface, making it nonstick, and this nonstick quality gets better with each use.
Cast iron pans are super tough, lasting a lifetime or more, so it’s a fantastic investment for your kitchen. If you enjoy making steak, it’s the perfect way to get that perfect sear. But it’s also handy for pan-frying just about anything, and it’s great for baking cornbread. Just remember to avoid foods with acidity, like lemons, as they can harm the skillet’s surface.
Knives
When it comes to your Kitchen Tools and Equipment, knives are an absolute must. If you can only afford one knife and have limited space, go for a chef’s knife. You’ll find yourself using this knife for 90% of your food preparation, so it’s worth investing in a good one and taking good care of it.
However, we strongly recommend adding a serrated knife and a paring knife to your Kitchen Tools and Equipment collection. They serve different purposes – serrated knives make slicing tomatoes and bread a breeze, and paring knives are perfect for smaller, delicate tasks where a larger knife just won’t do. We like the Global brand, but choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hand!
Cheese Grater
Having the ability to grate ingredients in your Kitchen Tools and Equipment is essential for so many recipes. It’s almost impossible to achieve the same texture with any other tool. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to create that perfect homemade pasta and sauce, and that alone makes it a vital tool to have in your kitchen.
A box grater is the top choice because it offers various-sized holes, providing the most flexibility. Not just for cheese, a grater can be used for many other ingredients, such as shredding vegetables for making dishes like crispy hash browns or savory fritters.
Cutting Board
Having a reliable and slip-resistant cutting board is crucial for keeping your fingers safe while you prepare your meals. That’s why we recommend having one. It’s a good idea to have a few cutting boards in your Kitchen Tools and Equipment collection especially plastic boards.
This way, you can use different boards for different ingredients and prevent any chance of cross-contamination. The best part is that plastic boards can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher for thorough disinfection.
Colander
In the world of Kitchen Tools and Equipment, the colander often remains in the shadows, rarely mentioned by name in recipes, yet it’s a true kitchen hero. You’ll find yourself reaching for it frequently. It simplifies the task of rinsing fresh produce – just place them in and turn on the tap. Plus, it’s the fastest way to drain blanched vegetables and cooked noodles. Anything packed in liquid, such as canned vegetables or beans, can be effortlessly strained in a colander.
Metal colanders are a better choice than plastic as they can handle heat, making them more versatile. For smaller items, like lentils or quinoa, opt for colanders with smaller holes to prevent any escape.
Salad Spinner
While a colander is okay for drying lettuce, a salad spinner is the real superhero. Wet lettuce can mess up salad dressings and make tacos and sandwiches soggy. A salad spinner is like your secret helper in the kitchen. It quickly gets rid of extra water, so you won’t need so many paper towels. It’s not just for lettuce; you can also use it to dry fresh herbs. Plus, it’s like having a spare colander when your main one is busy!
Can Opener
A can opener is an essential item that you definitely shouldn’t overlook in your list of Kitchen Tools and Equipment. Canned foods, such as beans and vegetables, are not only convenient for quick cooking but also serve as great pantry staples.
However, it’s not just beans and veggies that come in cans. Many other ingredients like coconut milk, curry paste, canned fruits, and crushed tomatoes also rely on a can opener for access. Having a reliable can opener on hand ensures you’re well-prepared to prepare a variety of recipes, from hearty stews to flavorful curries, making it a versatile and important kitchen equipment.
Kitchen Scale
In the world of Kitchen Tools and Equipment, seasoned cooks know how important a scale can be. Measuring by weight instead of volume is the key to true precision, particularly when working with items like oats, chocolate chips, and rice, which can vary significantly in size and volume.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic home chef or not, a kitchen scale is always a handy tool to have on hand. Suppose you need to divide something into equal parts, like minced turkey for sliders. A quick weigh-in is always more accurate than just estimating. Moreover, an electronic scale can seamlessly switch between different units of measurement at the push of a button.
Meat Thermometer
No one wants a steak that’s too tough or poultry that’s undercooked. Luckily, there’s a handy tool that can save the day in the kitchen – a meat thermometer. It’s a must-have for any chef who cooks meat, whether you’re a pro or just like to cook at home. This tool not only ensures that your meat, fish, and poultry are cooked just the way you like them but also keeps your food safe to eat.
Meat thermometers come in various types, from digital to analog. Some even allow you to leave them in the meat while it’s cooking. This way, they can alert you when your food reaches the perfect temperature. It takes the guesswork out of cooking, making it easier for you to achieve the desired level of doneness and ensuring that your meal is both delicious and safe to eat. So, having a meat thermometer in your collection of Kitchen Tools and Equipment is a smart move for any cook.
Peeler
Sure, if you’re a pro with knives, you can peel almost anything. But for most of us, that’s a bit of a hassle. Thankfully, there’s an affordable and trustworthy tool: the Y-peeler. Its name makes sense because it looks like the letter Y. With this handy tool, you can easily remove the skin from potatoes, carrots, and even ginger.
It’s not just about convenience; the Y-peeler can also create nice citrus peels for cocktails or desserts. Plus, you can use it to shave parmesan for your pasta or salads, or even make fancy chocolate curls to decorate a cake. It’s a versatile helper in the world of Kitchen Tools and Equipment.
Microplane Zester
While it might not seem crucial in a basic kitchen, having the right tools can really boost the flavors in your cooking. A zester is one of those tools that can make a big difference. It’s great for zesting lemons and limes, adding that zesty kick to your dishes.
But it’s not just for citrus; you can also use it to grate ginger, giving your meals a hint of spicy flavor. Plus, it’s handy for finely grating cheese to sprinkle on your favorite dishes. So, don’t underestimate the power of a zester among your Kitchen Tools and Equipment.
Oven Mitts
It’s a smart idea to avoid burns while you’re cooking or baking, and it only takes a small mistake near a hot pan or oven to get seriously hurt. That’s why having a good oven mitt is essential for safety in the kitchen, especially when you’re handling hot trays.
It gives you better and more reliable protection than a potholder or kitchen towel. A quality oven mitt should be comfortable, fit well, provide a good grip, and cover enough of your arm to shield you from contact with a hot surface. The good news is, they come in various styles and colors, so you can find one that matches your kitchen decor and keeps you safe.
Dutch Ovens
Dutch ovens and stockpots are excellent for making big batches of soups or stews. But what if you only need to heat up a small bowl of soup or make a modest portion of food? That’s when having a mid-sized saucepan becomes really useful.
It’s handy for preparing a couple of servings of pasta, rice, or beans, quickly blanching veggies, and, of course, making delicious sauces. Saucepans come in various sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your kitchen’s needs. Consider getting a set that includes a clear lid, allowing you to keep an eye on your cooking as it progresses.
Scraper Spatula
A scraper spatula, as the name suggests, plays a crucial role in your kitchen toolkit. Its primary function is to scrape the sides of mixing bowls and the bottoms of pans during the cooking and baking process. These spatulas are commonly crafted from rubber or silicone materials. In recent times, silicone has gained popularity due to its superior heat resistance compared to rubber.
These versatile tools are essential for transferring cake batters from the bowl to the pan, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste. They excel in getting every last bit out of your blender, leaving nothing behind. Moreover, they offer gentle and precise stirring, making them particularly valuable for preparing scrambled eggs, especially when using nonstick pans, as silicone won’t harm the coating. So, having a quality scraper spatula in your Kitchen Tools and Equipment collection is a smart choice for any home cook.
Serrated Knife
A chef’s knife is a versatile tool in the kitchen, but for some jobs, you need a serrated knife. When you’re dealing with foods that have a tough crust or skin, like a loaf of bread, a tomato, or an eggplant, a serrated knife is the way to go.
The little teeth on the edge of the knife dig in, and when you saw back and forth, it cuts through without squishing the inside. Serrated knives come in different sizes for bread or fruits and veggies. They’re a handy addition to your Kitchen Tools and Equipment for various cutting tasks.
Slotted Spatula
A slotted spatula is your go-to tool in the kitchen when you need to move, flip, or turn foods as they cook. It’s a kitchen essential, especially if you’re dealing with foods that release liquids. This spatula has slots that let those juices or fats drain away, making it perfect for cooking items like bacon or shallow-frying potatoes in oil.
There’s also a special version called a fish spatula, longer and narrower, ideal for those who often cook seafood. It’s gentler and precise, making it the go-to tool for delicate fish fillets and seafood dishes.
Whisk
While forks and chopsticks have their place in the kitchen, a whisk is a real game-changer. It’s one of those handy tools you’ll find in your Kitchen Tools and Equipment collection. Why? Well, when you want to mix stuff like vinegars and oils, a whisk is your go-to. It makes whipping up vinaigrettes and marinades for salads and other dishes a breeze. It’s all about making your daily cooking more delicious and hassle-free.
Conclusion
In closing, having the right Kitchen Tools and Equipment can make your cooking experience much easier and more enjoyable. From good knives to helpful spatulas and handy whisks, these tools play essential roles in your daily meals. They save you time and help your dishes taste better.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, having the right Kitchen Tools and Equipment is a smart choice. These tools make cooking simpler and more fun. With them, you can create tasty dishes and experiment with new recipes. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!