If you’re a recipe developer, you likely know that success in the kitchen is highly dependent upon the tools that you have.
When you have high-quality kitchen essentials, cooking becomes much easier and enjoyable, but let’s be honest: it’s challenging to figure out what tools you need, and you may only feel confused and frustrated. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In this blog, we list the top 8 must-have kitchen essentials to ensure you can easily tap into your inner chef. Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
Knives
If you don’t have proper knives in your kitchen, cooking will likely be a pain. While a knife set includes knives specialised for different tasks, it may not be ideal because it will take up a lot of (unnecessary)space in the kitchen.
So, what’s the right solution in this case? Well, it’s better to choose a few multipurpose knives, including a serrated knife, a chef’s knife, and a paring knife, which can effectively handle most of the tasks you perform in the kitchen. A chef’s knife is a universal kitchen essential, but it’s imperative to ensure its high quality – otherwise, this tool can work against you during food prep, preventing you from getting consistent results.
You also need a paring knife, which will be your go-to weapon whenever you need to peel, trim, or cut something with precision. Moreover, it’s really a magical tool when you want to make a fancy dessert or little carrot flowers. Finally, a serrated knife is necessary so that you can cut the bread without crushing its fluffy interior, but you can also use it for foods like pastries, cakes, and even soft veggies and fruits.
Cutting board
There are many options available when it comes to cutting boards, such as bamboo, plastic, and marble, but do you know what is better than all of these? A wooden cutting board! That’s because it enables you to cut food easily without dulling the knife, and it is also aesthetically pleasing. This means that it will not only be practical but also act like an accessory in blue kitchens or any other modern style, making a great impression once you display it on the kitchen counter.
Besides, a wooden cutting board can last for a very long time if well maintained, namely if you hand wash it and store it clean and dry on the counter to prevent mould.
Bowls
Mixing bowls is also a must-have tool in the kitchen, and we recommend looking for a set that fits inside one another because this is an excellent way to save space. Stainless steel is an excellent choice because the material is durable and versatile.
Are mixing bowls worth the investment? Definitely, yes, because they will likely get a lot of use in the kitchen, whether for whisking vinaigrette, proofing bread dough batches, and so on.
Slow cooker
Can you really prepare meals without a slow cooker? Not really—this reliable equipment is what you need to ensure that your home-cooked meals are delicious. It enables you to tenderise the meat and ensure a good flavour.
If you have a busy schedule, a slow cooker is a must-have because it will allow you to chop and prepare your meal in the morning and then come home to a mouth-watering meal after a challenging workday – all at the flip of a switch and without any fuss.
Non-stick skillet
Why buy a non-stick skillet? This kitchen tool has an unbeatable ability to prevent food from sticking to its surface, which means cooking eggs, pancakes, seafood, or nuts will no longer be frustrating.
The food you cook will no longer burn or break apart, and you will also enjoy healthier meals because you won’t need to use much butter or oil. Besides, this type of pan is very easy to clean, which is a great bonus!
Baking pan
With a high-quality baking pan, you will bake your way to delicious perfection, achieving consistent pastries. Besides, if you invest in the right tool, you won’t even have to worry about sticking, and you can have peace of mind knowing that it will be easy to release your baked goods and clean up afterwards.
If you spend a lot of time baking, then it might be worth investing in baking pans of different sizes, such as round pans, which are suitable for cakes and cheesecakes; rectangular pans, ideal for bars and brownies; and loaf pans, which you can use to make bread.
Salad spinner
You may feel tempted to write this kitchen tool off and put it into the “unnecessary gadget” category, but what if we told you that a salad spinner has an important role in your kitchen? Essentially, this tool enables you to wash and dry delicate veggies, removing any excess water whenever you wash them and leaving them clean and dry, ensuring they won’t get damaged.
The reason why you should own a salad spinner is that it enables you to store the greens in the airtight container once you wash and dry them, which means you will get the chance to boost your weekly intake by keeping them fresh for a longer time.
Storage containers
So, we’ve discussed the tools you need to cook delicious foods at home, but you don’t want to ignore the importance of storing leftovers. You can buy a set of plastic containers (preferably BPA-free reusable ones), as they can be purchased in bulk and fit perfectly together.
Or, you can opt for glass food containers in different sizes, which are super versatile, and can be safely used in the microwave, freezer and oven. Besides, these are also dishwasher-safe, enabling you to clean them up easily.
The bottom line
When searching for the right kitchen tools, it’s imperative to ensure that you will get the best bang for your buck, so be sure to take the time to weigh multiple options and stick to high-quality products. Suppose you look for versatility and extra features; in this case, spending some extra money on the kitchen tools makes sense. Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your own needs and preferences and buy essential utensils that will make cooking easier and improve the quality of the meals you prepare.