Essential Kitchen Tools
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Cooking and baking should be an enjoyable experience, and having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. But what are the essentials?? Sometimes your new or old kitchen just needs some help. Today, we are focusing on the essentials — those indispensable tools that effortlessly streamline the various food preparation tasks while being convenient to store and easy to use.
We’re not talking basics here. Yes, you will still need a can opener, and yes, you will still need a good pancake turner. We’re talking about tools that can help you level up your cooking.
As you collect these kitchen tools, you’re not just collecting utensils; you’re building a variety of options that can turn your kitchen into a fun and creative space for cooking and baking.
In addition to these essential kitchen tools, there are several other gadgets and appliances that can enhance your cooking experience. Make sure to have good pots and pans. Blenders, food processors, stand mixers, scales and specialized appliances are always helpful depending on how and what you cook and bake. Even grilling tools are good to have on hand.
Tools for cutting and peeling
Having a versatile set of cutting and peeling tools is essential for both cooking and baking tasks.
The most commonly used kitchen tool, without a doubt, is the chef’s knife. I use this essential tool for chopping, slicing, dicing, mincing, and much more. A good knife is a must-have tool when preparing vegetables, fruits, meats or herbs. Chef’s knives can be pricey, but budget-conscious home cooks can still find affordable knives that are sturdy, sharp and have a comfortable grip.
A tool I use almost daily is a long Microplane citrus zester. The sturdy handle and sharp blades make it effortless to transform your citrus fruits into deliciously fine zest to add to sweet and savory dishes. This tool is very versatile and goes beyond just citrus.
What do I use it for?? Oh so many things! The small but ultra-sharp blades are perfect for grating ginger, hard cheeses, chocolate and nutmeg.
And every kitchen needs a good vegetable peeler to speed up peeling fruits and vegetables. My go-to peeler is a simple and inexpensive Y-blade peeler that can easily peel a carrot or a thick-skinned squash. Need chocolate curls or parmesan cheese shavings? This peeler will do that too. It’s a must-have kitchen tool.
Strong and sturdy cutting boards are a must in the kitchen. To avoid cross-contamination when cooking, two cutting boards are ideal — one for raw proteins and one for cooked foods and produce.
Another cutting board I keep on hand is for onions, garlic, and other savory produce. One time I cut bread on a cutting board that was used for onions and I still, so many years later, have not lived that down. It’s the reason I have my cutting boards labeled too.
Tools for measurements
Measuring tools are essential for ensuring accurate ingredient quantities and precise cooking temperatures.
You will need one complete set of measuring cups and spoons. Dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, for instance, and come in increments of ⅛, ¼, ⅓, ½, and 1 cup. For liquid measurements, I like the classic Pyrex measuring cups that measure in cups and ounces for liquid measurements. You will need these tools anytime you make baked goods like cookies and cakes.
A kitchen scale can take your baking to the next level. While you can accidentally add too much flour or sugar with a measuring cup, a scale will never let you down. 300 grams of flour is always 300 grams of flour. Most home bakers opt for measuring cups as most of our recipes in the United States are written for cups.
Instant-read thermometers make it easy to get accurate temperatures of different foods in seconds. Whether getting the perfect steak temperature or keeping an eye on cold dishes, I can quickly check their temperature with a simple probe.
The digital display is a valuable feature that takes the guesswork out of getting precise readings in no time. This handy tool has made my kitchen offerings perfectly cooked or baked (yes use it for bread too!)
Helpful tools to streamline cooking and baking
You will find these tools have multiple uses for a wide range of cooking and baking tasks.
A multi-purpose bench scraper is a versatile kitchen tool. I use it to transfer chopped ingredients, cut dough for bread and biscuits, and slice brownies and cookie bars into clean slices. Additionally, the scraper is ideal for smoothing out icing on a cake OR cleaning up a messy bread baking session.The best part? It’s an affordable kitchen essential you will use almost every day.
It’s a great idea to have various sizes of silicone spatulas readily available for all sorts of cooking tasks like stirring, scraping and folding. These spatulas are designed to endure high heat without melting and won’t damage your pans. They’re sturdy enough to handle heavy batters with ease. I prefer spatulas with a seamless design to prevent any food from getting stuck in crevices, which helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
Kitchen tools make your life easier when cooking and baking, so I keep these precut parchment paper sheets nearby. These flat sheets fit perfectly in a half-sheet pan for nonstick baking. But I use these sheets for wrapping hamburger patties to freeze and cover pies while baking, and it’s perfect for candy-making. So many uses for a piece of paper.
The one electric appliance you need
An essential tool for the kitchen is needed for effortlessly blending ingredients and getting those smooth textures. You are going to need a mixer!
A mixer is necessary in the kitchen, from mixing cake batters and mashing potatoes to whipping cream. But do you need a large stand mixer? Stand mixers can be ideal for some people. They can mix or stir anything on your list. They’re heavy-duty and are perfect for large batches of batter or dough.
But a hand mixer is a perfect solution if you don’t have the budget for a stand mixer. Or perhaps more importantly, the ROOM for a stand mixer. Hand mixers are actually really handy to have in the kitchen, and they’re perfect for small batches of meringue or whipping cream. Look for a mixer that has various speeds includes attachments, and stands on end without tipping over.
The unconventional tool you need
I’m sneaking in this bonus tool because I like the squishing sound it makes. It makes recycling so easy!
So, when equipping your kitchen with essential tools and gadgets, consider adding a can crusher to the list. It may not be as glamorous as a chef’s knife or as versatile as a vegetable peeler, but it serves an essential purpose in keeping your kitchen tidy and environmentally responsible. Happy cooking and baking!
So those are MY essential kitchen tools, what did I miss? I know we’ll ALL have different ideas and definitely have different versions of these tools as well. The more tools you have, the better chance you have of creating interesting and tasty dishes to bring friends and family to the table. Just don’t let the tools and gadgets overwhelm your workspace.
