14 Tools Every Home Cook Needs In Their Kitchen
Unsplash You don’t need a professional kitchen to whip up delicious meals at home.
With a few essential tools, you can tackle almost any recipe and create culinary masterpieces in your own kitchen. Stop focusing on the fancy gadgets and make sure you have these essentials on hand. They’ll empower you to cook with confidence and creativity.
1. A trusty chef’s knife is a must-have.
A good chef’s knife is the backbone of any kitchen. It’s your go-to tool for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing. Invest in a quality knife that feels comfortable in your hand and is well-balanced. Remember, a sharp knife is a safe knife, so make sure to keep it honed and ready for action.
2. A sturdy cutting board is your knife’s best friend.
Don’t ruin your work surface or dull your knives by chopping on a flimsy surface. A sturdy cutting board, whether it’s wood, bamboo, or plastic, provides a stable and safe surface for all your prep work. Plus, it helps protect your knives from unnecessary wear and tear.
3. A versatile frying pan is a workhorse in the kitchen.
From searing meats to sautéing vegetables to frying eggs, a good frying pan is a kitchen essential. Choose one that heats evenly and can handle high temperatures. Cast iron and stainless steel are popular choices, but non-stick can also be handy for delicate foods. A 10-inch or 12-inch frying pan is a good size for most tasks.
4. A saucepan is essential for sauces, soups, and stews.
A saucepan is your go-to for simmering sauces, making soups, and cooking grains. Choose a saucepan with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. A 2-quart or 3-quart saucepan is a versatile size that can handle a variety of tasks.
5. A set of mixing bowls is essential for prepping and mixing ingredients.
Whether you’re whisking eggs, tossing salads, or marinating meat, a set of mixing bowls is indispensable. Choose bowls in various sizes to accommodate different tasks. Stainless-steel bowls are durable and easy to clean, while glass bowls are great for microwaving or serving.
6. Measuring cups and spoons ensure precision in your cooking.
Don’t just eyeball your ingredients – precise measurements are key to successful cooking and baking. A set of measuring cups and spoons, both dry and liquid, will help you follow recipes accurately and achieve consistent results. Invest in a set that’s easy to read and made of durable materials.
7. A wooden spoon is a gentle giant in the kitchen.
A wooden spoon is a versatile and gentle tool that won’t scratch your cookware or react with acidic ingredients. It’s perfect for stirring soups, sauces, and risottos, and it can also be used for mixing batters and doughs. Choose a wooden spoon with a comfortable grip and a shape that fits your hand well.
8. Tongs are your extra set of hands in the kitchen.
Tongs are like an extension of your hand, allowing you to flip, turn, and grab food with ease. They’re essential for grilling, frying, and sautéing, and they can also be used for serving salads or pasta. Look for tongs with a comfortable grip and a locking mechanism for easy storage.
9. A baking sheet is a versatile tool for roasting and baking.
A baking sheet is a must-have for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or making sheet pan dinners. Choose a sturdy baking sheet with a rim to prevent spills and ensure even heat distribution. You can also use it for toasting nuts, seeds, or bread crumbs for added texture and flavour in your dishes.
10. A colander is essential for draining pasta and washing vegetables.
Don’t let your perfectly cooked pasta turn into a soggy mess. A colander is essential for draining pasta, rinsing vegetables, and washing fruits. Choose a colander with sturdy handles and enough holes for efficient drainage. You can also use it to steam vegetables or even drain canned beans.
11. A whisk helps incorporate air and create smooth mixtures.
A whisk is your go-to tool for incorporating air into batters, whipping cream, and creating smooth sauces. Choose a whisk with a comfortable handle and wires that are flexible enough to reach the corners of bowls and pans. A balloon whisk is great for general use, while a flat whisk is ideal for sauces and gravies.
12. A can opener is a must-have for any pantry.
Don’t get caught without a can opener when you’re ready to whip up a quick meal. Choose a sturdy can opener that can handle different can sizes and has a comfortable grip. A manual can opener is a reliable option, while an electric can opener can be a convenient time-saver.
13. A vegetable peeler makes prepping fruits and vegetables a breeze.
Peeling potatoes, carrots, or apples can be a tedious task without the right tool. A vegetable peeler makes quick work of removing skins and can also be used to create thin ribbons of vegetables for salads or garnishes. Choose a peeler with a sharp blade and a comfortable handle for easy manoeuvring.
14. A Dutch oven is a versatile pot for braising, stewing, and baking.
A Dutch oven is a kitchen workhorse that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. Its thick walls and heavy lid retain heat evenly, making it perfect for braising meats, simmering stews, or baking bread. Choose a Dutch oven that’s the right size for your household and made of durable materials like cast iron or enamelled cast iron.
