Simple and smart cooking requires the right set of tools for the job. Instead of buying everything on day one, slowly and strategically build up your stock of essential kitchen tools that will make your life easier.
Having basic essential kitchen tools in your pantry will simplify your life.
You don’t have to buy the new, trendy, sleek, and exciting gadgets that are launched every day. Instead, invest in good basic tools that will last around longer.
To help you get started with the shopping, we’ve created a Basic Kitchen Essentials Checklist for you. Our list describes the uses of 12 basic kitchen tools and utensils that are perfect for novice chefs or cooks on a budget.
With these items, you can cook almost everything and even create gourmet meals!
1. Saucepan
Saucepans are perfect to cook meals that have liquids, for instance, to boil vegetables or pasta or to simmer beans and sauces.
A small saucepan is easy to handle and maneuver and is great if you’re cooking for 1-4 people.
2. Non-Stick Frying Pan
Everyone needs a non-stick frying pan for making wholesome breakfasts. A variety of pancakes and eggs can be made using a frying pan.
It’s versatile and can be used to make sauces, saute vegetables, and sear meats.
Avoid using abrasive tools on the surface to preserve the quality of the frying pan.
Invest in a two-piece set so that you have two pans around allowing you to cook multiple things at the same time.
3. Sheet Pan
These pans allow all types of action in the kitchen from roasting vegetables and baking meats to toasting nuts and baking cookies. They’re also incredibly easy to clean.
4. Glass Baking Dish
A microwave-safe glass baking dish is perfect for baking dishes such as enchiladas and casseroles.
An 8” glass baking dish is ideal for quickly sauteing vegetables or fully cook them in the microwave when your stove and oven are occupied.
5. Stock Pot
We’ve all had lazy days when we’re in the mood for a delicious meal but don’t have the energy or motivation to put in all the hard work.
Enter: One-Pot Meals.
These meals are easy to make, require little or no supervision, and are healthy.
One of my favorite one-pot meals is Martha Stewart’s one-pot pasta that requires a few ingredients.
A 12-quart stockpot will help you effortlessly cook a big batch of pasta, stew, or soup.
6. Measuring Spoons
It’s important to have a set of measuring spoons for recipes that require precise measurements.
You can also use them to scoop dried herbs and spices. Opt for a set of spoons that are handy, can fit into jars, and stick together so that you don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing a spoon.
7. Knives
You can’t possibly cook without a knife.
If you have space and money for a single knife, then we recommend you buy the chef’s knife.
You’ll use it for 90% of your meal prep so invest in a quality knife and take care of it.
If you’re planning to purchase a set of knives, then you should get a paring knife as well as a serrated knife as well.
Paring knives are excellent to do small, delicate jobs such as dicing, peeling, mincing, and cutting.
Serrated knives, on the other hand, allow you to slice through bread and tomatoes with ease.
8. Wooden Spoons
Avoid putting them in the dishwasher and they’ll literally last forever! Since they’re non-abrasive, they’ll not cause any harm to your utensils.
Purchase a set of wooden spoons that has a variety of spoons to assist you with different types of cooking.
9. Peeler
A good, sharp peeler will make peeling vegetables, shaving cheese, and creating veggie ribbons a cakewalk.
10. Measuring Cups
They’re absolutely important if you love baking but are also great for everyday cooking.
We recommend purchasing a 4-piece set for measuring small amounts of liquid and dried ingredients.
A small measuring cup will make measuring liquids efficient and convenient. In fact, you can also make vinaigrettes and sauces inside it and pour them onto the dish!
11. Fish Turner
The wider base of this handy tool is great to flip pancakes, eggs, fish, and burgers. The beveled, thin edge makes it easy to slide beneath the foods you need to flip while the slots allow the grease to drain.
12. Tongs
They’re super useful and ask any chef around: they’ll agree that they’re like your extended hands!
Seamlessly flip bigger pieces of food or move ingredients around in a sheet pan or frying pan without worrying about burning yourself.
In Conclusion
These 12 essential kitchen tools will allow you to cook anything without spending a fortune and will last you a lifetime if you take care of them.
Which cooking tools do you think are important to buy when you’ve just started cooking? Tell us in the comments section below!
Featured Image Credits: Pexels
Shristi Patni
Content Writer
Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes and Snazzy Women. When not writing, she can be found reading or trying new recipes.
