Want to do more cooking this year? Don’t have the right tools for the job? Check out this list of 10 kitchen utensils that you absolutely need to have!
Did you know that since the COVID-19 pandemic started, more Americans picked up the habit of cooking at home? In a recent survey, 54% of people cook more now, than before the pandemic.
The new surge of cooking at home gave way to a positive public health opportunity.
However, before you pick up a new recipe, you’ll need some proper kitchen utensils. Your equipment allows you to perform better in the kitchen.
In this article, we list ten kitchen utensils you must have. While you’re out shopping for ingredients, bring this kitchen utensils list with you.
1. Good Knives
A good set of knives is essential to your arsenal of kitchen utensils. Most knife sets contain a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife. A chef’s knife is the most versatile of the group.
A good chef’s knife will help you through all your cutting, slicing, and dicing. Some may find it too big for their needs, but that’s what a paring knife is for. It provides the same versatility in a smaller package.
A bread knife has a serrated edge, which helps you cut bread instead of squashing it. When looking for a knife, stainless steel is your best bet, like the ones in this contemporary knife set.
2. Knife Sharpener
Even the best knives in the world require maintenance. A sharp blade allows you more control over your food. To keep your knives in good shape, invest in a knife sharpener or a whetstone.
Learning how to sharpen your knives is good practice. It’s a good long-term investment to make your knives last years instead of buying a new set. Sharp knives will not only make your cooking faster but also safer.
3. Non-Stick Pan
Non-stick pans are the best skillets for beginner cooks. You can get a good non-stick pan for relatively cheap. Thanks to its non-stick surface, these pans are easy to clean.
These skillets require some care to increase the longevity of the non-stick surface. Make sure to use wooden or silicone utensils while cooking so that you don’t scratch the surface. Non-stick pans are best at cooking delicate meals that don’t require high heat.
4. Cast-Iron Skillet
While heavy, cast-iron pans are very versatile. They are affordable and can last you for decades with proper maintenance. You can cook with a cast-iron pan on both the stovetop and oven. Cast-irons pans need treatment before first use. Cast-iron pans can retain heat at high temperatures. These pans are perfect for steak and scallops.
5. Blender
Blenders are essential for cooking soup and purées. Blenders can help you make smoothies but are also useful in other cooking processes. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender to grind your nuts and coffee.
If you want a step up from a standing blender, have a look at immersion blenders. An efficient immersion blender allows you to save space and time while blending your ingredients. A good immersion blender is powerful enough to process all sorts of foods.
6. Pressure Cooker
With a pressure cooker, you can cook faster and more efficiently. It’s a revolutionary kitchen utensil, especially for busy working adults who don’t have time to cook. Pressure cookers use trapped steam for cooking.
The added high heat allows food to cook more thoroughly. If you have the money for an electric pressure cooker, you can let it do all the work. Pressure cookers are easy to use and are great time-savers.
7. Measuring Cups and Spoons
The entire process of cooking and baking is an applied science. To accurately follow recipes, you need a set of measuring cups and spoons. These kitchen utensils are essentials tools for beginner cooks.
Measuring cups and spoons allow you to get accurate amounts of your ingredients. Ensure that you have translucent or transparent cups for measuring liquids. For liquids, sturdy glass utensils are ideal.
8. Kitchen Shears
You may think that kitchen shears are an optional tool for your kitchen arsenal. But kitchen shears can do much more than cut packaging. Kitchen shears are capable of tearing a breaking down poultry.
A good pair allows you to open up stubborn lids with glued-on caps. Kitchen shears come with grips on the inner handles that resemble pliers. This same feature allows you to crack open nuts and shells.
When closed, your shears can double as a bottle opener. Your kitchen shears are easy to clean because you can disassemble them. They dry fast so that you don’t have to worry about getting rust on the hinges.
9. Kitchen Timer
For inexperienced cooks, timers can be an efficient tool in the kitchen. A timer will help keep you on track if you ever get distracted while cooking. Timers are useful when you’re cooking multiple things at once.
Timing is essential in the kitchen, especially while baking. You’ll save yourself from burning ingredients and wasting valuable resources.
10. Other Food Preparation Tools
Invest in some sturdy spatulas and tongs for your kitchen. Depending on the rest of your equipment, you may need special tools. If you cook with a non-stick pan, make sure to use wooden, rubber, or silicone tools to avoid scratching the surface.
Tongs are great for lifting things out of hot water or flipping food on a skillet. Tongs with silicone ends are heat resistant and will not damage your pans. Take your time while shopping for kitchen utensils to find the right fit for you.
Get These 10 Kitchen Utensils Now!
When buying kitchen utensils, it’s important not to cut costs. Good tools will help you deliver better food and make the process more fun. Invest in good tools, even if they are a little expensive.
There’s no point in buying cheap kitchen utensils that could break under six months. Take note of the maintenance that your tools need. Proper care will help them last longer.
But why stop preparing your kitchen with these utensils? If you found this article helpful, please consider reading more of our lists and guides. We have more great content for you to discover!