If you want to make mouth-watering meals, decadent desserts, and other delicacies in your kitchen at home, you will need all the essentials. It goes without saying that you won’t be able to bring a meaty curry recipe to life if you don’t have the cookware, cutlery, and other essential items.
Even though you can get by and improvise for some kitchen things, every home cook needs these six kitchen essentials.
Chef’s Knife And A Knife Sharpener
There is nothing worse for a home cook than battling to prepare ingredients with blunt blades. Cheaper kitchen knives aren’t the best option, as the blades dull quickly and can’t be sharpened well.
On the other hand, a quality chef’s knife and a knife sharpener will make chopping, slicing, and dicing an effortless task. It’s crucial to invest in a knife sharpening tool like a whetstone or a honing rod to keep your chef’s knife in top quality.
A Cutting Board Or Two
A durable, quality cutting board will keep your kitchen knives in good condition while protecting your countertops. However, it’s essential to avoid glass cutting boards as this hard material will damage your knives. Instead, wood or plastic cutting boards are a great choice.
A Basic Cookware Set
Investing in a high-end quality set of pots and pans is wise because these essentials can ultimately last a lifetime if taken care of properly. Copper, cast iron, and stainless steel are top options. That said, steer clear of cheap, non-stick pots and pans, as the non-stick surface can wear off gradually into food.
A standard set of pots should include a small saucepan, a large frying pan, a large pot, and a small pot. Even so, it’s worthwhile to also invest in a cast iron skillet and a baking tray.
Utensil Set
A basic utensil set includes a spatula, a slotted spoon, tongs, a ladle, and more. These items are essential for mixing, stirring, and various other cooking tasks. Even though any standard set should do, ensuring it has all the basics is wise.
When it comes to choosing the right utensil materials, plastic and stainless steel are great options that will last long.
Mixing Bowls And Measuring Tools
Of course, you will need mixing bowls to mix ingredients. But you will also need measuring tools to ensure you add the right amount of each ingredient.
You can find a set of three mixing bowls in sizes small, medium, and large. The right measuring cups and spoons can also be purchased as sets.
Oven Mitts And Cleaning Cloths
Lastly, you should also invest in a pair of quality oven mitts to make carrying hot pots and pans easier. A few cleaning cloths will also go a long way in keeping your kitchen area clean and sanitized while you are preparing meals.
When stocking out your kitchen with everything you need, it’s always best to choose quality items that are durable enough to last years, if not a lifetime.