A home is incomplete without a proper kitchen. It’s the powerhouse of your kingdom. By proper, we mean you have all the essential kitchen tools in it.
If you are trying to set up a new kitchen or trying to upgrade your existing one, then you already know how hard it is to find the top class kitchen tools in the market.
There are a variety of products and if you do not know what you need or what will help you in the kitchen then this is a disaster. We have all been there.
Cooking is a form of art. The more you practice it the better you will be. You become the master of the tools you already have, but sometimes you need to take help from technology too. In recent years technology has evolved to help you with some splendid gadgets for cutting & cooking.
It’s not easy to get used to a new product. Also some tools, knives, and cookware you do not need regularly. And some you use every time you cook. So, it’s important to choose them according to your uses frequency.
Money can buy the best products, but you might not need all the items available in the market.
In our discussion we are going to include some of the kitchen items we use regularly. A regular kitchen must have these items.
- Knives
- Cutting Boards
- Bowls
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
- Cookware
- Instant-Read Thermometer
- Utensils
- Colander
- Bakeware
- Slow Cooker
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Storage Containers
- Blender
So, these are the tools you need to have in your kitchen. Many people have more items than this list. But, as we said you do not use all the tools regularly and they only sit on the shelf as decoration.
Let’s discuss a few things about these items.
Knives:
Kitchen knives are the first thing you must have in your kitchen. All of your slicing, dicing, cutting, chopping depends on the knife. You do not need those fancy set of knives you have watched in the movies. Most people need only 3 to 4 knives actually.
A serrated knife, one 9- to 10-inch-long chef’s knife and a paring knife is enough for everyday use. To choose your knives you have to be very careful. Experts say do not buy a knife before weighing it with your own hand.
Buy the one you feel comfortable with and have a good size to weight ratio. Also, buy the best kitchen knives as these will give you service for years.
You Can Also Read: Best Kitchen Knives You Should Consider
Some people also prefer Kitchen Shears. They look like scissors but specially made to cut poultry and fish. Sharp like Shears and cuts like scissors. It’s Your choice if you want to have one or not. This item surely helps when you want to do things quicker.
Cutting Boards
You need two cutting boards. One for raw meat and fish and another one is for vegetables and other things. This is necessary to avoid food contamination. Generally, the meat cutting board is larger and another medium one is used for veggies.
Though wooden cutting board looks very nice but, Polyethylene made plastic cutting boards are inexpensive and very easy to clean. They are also durable too.
Tips: Color doesn’t fact, but it’s better to get two different colored cutting boards. Also, buy a large and a medium sized cutting board.
Mixing Bowls:
Mixing salad, spice rubs, marinades, sauces, etc demands you have a good set of mixing bowls. Also mixing bowls are quite handy to sort the leftovers while cooking.
Most people will prefer glass bowls but our recommendations go to stainless steel mixing bowls. This type of bowls can survive in a busy kitchen for years. The minimum number you will need is three, but buy as you think is better for you.
The bowls should fit in one another for safe arrangement.
Measuring Spoons & Cups
Yes, this is a must-have tool you should have in your kitchen. No matter how expert you become in cooking, it is always faster to measure with these cups and less chance of mixing extra/less liquid, salt, spice in your food.
The spoons are used to measure powder like substances and cups are for liquids. Also, a set can be used to measure dry items.
Now you can easily find stainless steel measuring spoon that is double-sided. And try to get a magnetic one. It’s easier to organize and harder to lose, as this is a small thing in your kitchen.
Cookware
Cookware comes in different sizes and shapes. Buy these as you think you will use. Non-stick cookware is preferable. They are easier to clean and requires less heat/time to cook.
Always remember not to use metal spoons or utensils over non-sticky coating. This will hamper the coating and create visible scratches. Try to use a wooden spoon instead.
Buy your cookware in three different sizes large, medium and small. Larger ones are used when you cook for more than 5 people.
It’s best to be creative when you buy your cookware. A mix of size and shape will save a lot of your time during cooking.
Utensils:
You need a set of wooden and stainless steel utensils set in your kitchen.
Your set can include the following items:
- Heat-resistant wooden spatulas for non-stick pans
- Stainless steel vegetable peeler
- Rolling pin
- Meat Mallet
- Slotted spoon for draining
- Wire whisk
- Tongs
- Few wooden spoons etc.
Vegetable Peeler:
A vegetable peeler is a must have item for anyone’s kitchen. Peeling vegetables with your knife are harder and the outcome is not good. With a good peeler, you can quickly and perfectly peel the thin outer skin for vegetables without damaging the inner core.
Colander:
A colander can be used to drain excess water from pasta and rice. It is very useful for washing vegetables and during making the salad. Although we prefer you to have a stainless steel colander, you can have another one made of plastic.
Stainless steel colander will last longer than the plastic one but in time the plastic one you can use to rinse meat and fruits item.
Bakeware
Pizza baking pan, Roasting Pan and Rack, Baking Sheets and glass baking dish, these all are common and must have item for your regular use. You love to bake pizza, cake or cookies, then you must buy them.
Box Grinder:
Box grinder set for different items to mix your foods and making cheese slices comes in pretty handy. You can actually get a hand mixer also. These blenders and mixer helps to save your time and perfects the mixing amount plus texture of your food.
Tips: Juicer is another item but it’s not compulsory you must have them.
Can Opener:
You never know when you need one. Maybe during the night or when you just got up from the bed and need to open a can. Always keep one in your kitchen drawer.
If you are not a fan of canned food, then it’s just another item you will never use.
Dish Drying Rack:
Obviously, you need to dry your cups, glasses, plates, and dishes after washing. A dish drying rack takes less space and a must have item to arrange your dinnerware.
Did we miss something in the list…? Maybe. Each kitchen has its own rules. You are the boss and you know better than anyone how much tools you want in and what you use regularly.
Just don’t get excited to buy expensive and unnecessary sets of cookware or utensils. Most of the time you won’t use them and they will remain in the cabinet.
So, don’t buy everything at once and don’t go for a lucrative discount. Buy them one by one after you felt the need of one frequently. Tools are nothing but an extended helping hand. An extra tool is nothing but a bystander.
Spend your money wisely and on good products. We do not buy kitchen items regularly, we need them to stay with us for years.
