While walking through the kitchen tools aisle at a superstore, you would find a wide array of gadgets. Most of these are designed to appeal to your visual aesthetics. At this point, you may want to grab each of these pretty-looking gimmicks; however, it may set you back a few dollars. To help you set up your new kitchen and make it easier for you to spend wisely, here’s a list of 11 essential kitchen tools every home cook should have.
A Set of Knives
Chopping or dicing is a very significant step in cooking. Having a set of knives that is sharp but also safe to use is the key to mastering your chopping skills. A set is preferred over purchasing each knife separately because it is more pocket friendly, and a good set is likely to contain a variety of sizes and different cutting edges. In addition, knife sets prevent cutlery from cluttering your kitchen drawers, as each knife has its own holder. Prestige is amongst the most popular brands for knife sets, and it comes with a pair of shears (aka kitchen scissors) too.
A Cutting Board
Who would want scratches on their smooth, shiny countertops and kitchen slabs? I’m sure no one! Significantly when cutting meat or chopping vegetables, you must use a cutting board, preferably a wooden one, since it’ll last you longer. Your set of knives will also pair well with the chopping board. There are various cutting boards available in the market; however, the several choices can make it difficult for you to choose the right one. You are likely to find a lot of friendly guides on the web on how to choose a cutting board, to help you select easily.
Instant Pot
Instant Pot has been one of the most vouched kitchen gadgets for home cooking ever since the 2020 pandemic restricted eating out. But, if you’re wondering what an instant pot is, you’re probably still using a uni-purpose pressure cooker. Well, it’s finally time to get rid of it! An Instant Pot is a multi-cooker with many functions, including pressure, slow, rice, steaming, heating, and sautéing. Its name tells a lot about how quickly it performs all these tasks, making it super convenient for home cooks to prepare delicious meals in no time.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
If you do everything with precision, you’re likely to be precise with the measurements of ingredients while cooking too. Measuring utensils make that possible by incorporating just the right amount of ingredients into your recipes. For example, you need to get your hands on a set of measuring spoons and cups if you don’t want to mess up the excellent doughnut recipe by adding a little more yeast to the dough or the hummus you’re cooking for your guests by not adding enough tahini. Using these during cooking will make you feel much more confident in your kitchen experiments.
Rubber Spatulas
Whether you have to scrape the sides of a bowl in which you made the cake batter or stir in a pot as the chicken stew cooks, silicone spatulas come in very handy. They are heat safe and prevent burning, unlike metal spoons. Spatulas come in different shapes and sizes. Their funky bright colors set the right mood for baking and cooking. They’re a very resourceful yet fun-to-work-with tool in the kitchen. Rubber spatulas will be your go-to utensil if you plan to bake with your kids.
A Food Processor
A food processor is a must-have kitchen appliance. It is versatile and can do all your desired operations, including grinding, blending, and mincing. It is a multi-use device with a range of removable jars and blades. The art of modern-day cooking is highly dependent on this tool since people don’t have much time to spare from their busy routines to do everything manually.
A Box Grater
Are you planning to make hash browns for your Sunday breakfast? The best way to do so is by using a box grater. It will help you grate your potatoes and prepare them to be seasoned and fried in hot oil! However, this is not the only way you could use it; you could use it to grate cheese for your pasta, lemon zest for your lemon tart, nutmeg for your carrot cake, and much more.
A Stand Mixer
A baker’s kitchen is incomplete without a stand mixer. Why use your hands to whisk, beat, or knead when you can use a stand mixer? Stand mixers can be an expensive tool for your kitchen, but they are a long-lasting investment worth all your money. Kitchen Aid is the leading seller of high-quality stand mixers.
Mixing Bowls
One of the top kitchen necessities is a set of high-quality bowls. They are employed in the preparation of dressings, salads, and marinades. A collection of mixing bowls in various sizes is simple to store because it won’t take up much room in your kitchen cabinet. Additionally, you can use them to store leftovers in your refrigerator. Once you’ve covered them with a lid or wrapped them in cling wrap, your temporary storage boxes are prepared!
Garlic Press
People have lately gone nuts about these kitchen tools like garlic press. However, finely chopping garlic can be time-consuming unless you’re an expert. A Garlic press solves this problem. All you have to do is toss a clove or two in it and press it to get thinly grated garlic, ready to use in any of your favorite dishes for that extra aroma.
Can Opener
Canned food has lately become very common. Canned chickpeas, mushrooms, and corns are just a few of the many examples. Tin openers are the only right way to go about opening cans. Other methods, such as kitchen scissors or knives, can be very unsafe. After all, we don’t want any injuries in our kitchen. And the satisfaction you derive from smoothly unlatching a can by using a can opener is unmatched.
Once you have the right kitchen tools, you’re ready to begin your cooking endeavors. Good luck!
