15 Tools You Should Have in Your Kitchen
Whether you're a pro in the kitchen or just learning how to boil rice, there's always something new to learn and more room for improvement in technique and style. Cooking, like any art, welcomes experimentation, and uniqueness.
The key to doing anything well is to have the right tools for the job. This week we will be going over kitchen essentials, tools and tricks that can help everyone tighten up their kitchen game.
Cooking can feel more intimidating than it is because of all the equipment that accompanies it. Not to mention the price tags on said equipment. Fear not! You can use some universal tools to keep your kitchen running on a budget and without clutter. Whether you're just starting out or looking to revamp your toolkit we have what you need to not only stock your kitchen with useful things, but meaningful things.
Here are a few must haves, how to use them, and how to save money when putting together your collection.
“Invest in what you need and no more. But it’s possible for things to be both functional and beautiful.” - Alice Waters
If you invest well in these staples, you will only have to purchase them once and they should last you a lifetime. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest option. If you are on a strict budget, we recommend scouring thrift stores and yard sales. You’d be surprised at what you can collect. Or, perhaps you have friends or relatives who have multiples and would be willing to pass along theirs to you. It’s always nice to have a special story to go along with our kitchens. “This is the serving dish my grandma gave me” or “I got this knife set at the first apartment I lived at by myself”.
But it’s also okay for your spatula to just be a spatula. Just make sure you love using it.
Simple Must Haves:
Chef Knife
Cutting Board
Thermometer
Scale or Measuring Cups/Spoons
Baking Sheet - With edges to prevent juices from spilling out while roasting meats/veggies
Non-Stick Frying Pan - Preferably copper or ceramic
Cast-Iron Frying Pan - Well seasoned
Soup/Sauce Pot with Steamer Basket
Mixing Bowls
Wooden Spoons
Rubber Spatula
Box Grater or Japanese Mandolin
Fine Mesh Sieve or Colander
Stainless Steel Tongs
Whisk
Level Up Your Game:
Kitchen Shears - great for cutting herbs, veggies or meats.
Paring Knife
Serrated Bread Knife
Bread Box or Temperature Controlled Fermentation Station
Stand Mixer
Food Processor
Dehydrator
Mortar & Pestle
Glass Canning Jars
Salad Spinner
Dutch Oven
Wire Rack - For cooling and drying
Pizza Tray/Stone
Compost Bin
Rolling Pin
Of course there is an endless assortment of appliances, like ice-cream makers and popcorn poppers, air-fryers, and more that you can definitely add to your collection. But if you’re just starting off, just know what even with just the bare basics, you can still cook amazing nutritious meals confidently.
Read next week’s blog for Pantry Basics. It’s always good to know what essentials to keep in stock so that you can pull together simple and delicious meals at the drop of a hat.
