Cooking is an art. It’s an art of precision and perfection. A whisk that can whisk your batter smooth and a spatula that can scrape every bit of batter from the bowl are essential kitchen tools for home cooks. Over the years, we’ve seen new kitchen tools hit the market, like silicone baking mats, that have revolutionized baking in the kitchen. But there are still some kitchen tools that are must-haves for every home cook. Here’s a list of kitchen tools we recommend keeping in your kitchen to help make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is a multi-purpose kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, mincing, and disjointing. A good chef’s knife should have a balanced handle, solid riveted construction, and be made from durable material. High-quality chef’s knives are sharper, heavier, and easier to use than cheap knives. It is essential to have a Global G2 8-inch chef’s knife if you are a kitchen cook. This knife is designed with an offset blade and sharp edge that allows for precise cuts and avoids getting food stuck in the blade. Also, the knife has durable steel blade that can stand up to years of use and go through many dishwasher cycles without dulling or breaking.
Stainless Steel Spatula
Stainless steel spatulas are a great choice for home cooks as they are heat-resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them a reliable option for using in high-heat cooking, such as frying food or stirring hot oil in a skillet. Silicone spatulas are also durable and heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a versatile option for all-purpose cooking. Rubber tools should be avoided when possible, as they can melt under high temperatures and potentially lead to food being scorched or burned. silicone spatulas are great for mixing, spreading, and turning food without breaking and can withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. High-quality stainless steel and silicone spatulas are available at a reasonable price, making them an affordable and convenient choice for any home cook.
Food Scraper
A food scraper is a kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It’s a versatile tool that can be used to transfer chopped ingredients to a sauté pan, cut dough, and measure precise amounts of food. A bench scraper is a useful tool for portioning dough, moving piles of chopped vegetables, and cutting lasagna into perfect squares. This kitchen tool can also be used to clean up a workspace and includes a ruler for quick measuring.
A food scraper is affordable kitchen essential and they are typically made of stainless steel. They are easy to use and clean, making them an ideal kitchen tool for all levels of experience.
Citrus Juicer
Citrus juicers are a great kitchen tool for extracting every last drop of citrus juice. They’re helpful for making fresh lemonade, limeade, and orange juice, among other refreshing drinks. Citrus juicers catch the seeds so you don’t have to pick them out. This makes juicing easy and clean, which is great for avoiding oils and residuals in your juice. Additionally, citrus juicers are easy to use and can handle most types of citrus fruit.
Prepworks offers an affordable citrus juicer with printed measurements for squeezing lemons, limes, and oranges. Handheld juicers are also great for squeezing juices out of not-so-ripe lemons or limes. Citrus juicers are a must-have kitchen essential on Amazon. They’re easy to use and clean, making them a practical tool for any home cook.
Overall, citrus juicers are a popular choice among kitchen enthusiasts thanks to their functionality and affordability. They’re a great addition to any kitchen essentials list.
Silicone Spatula
A silicone spatula is a kitchen essential for various baking and cooking tasks. Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant, usually up to 550°F. This makes them ideal for stirring and folding in hot oil or grease. They are flexible and available in two sizes, allowing you to get a grip on delicate and thicker batters with ease. They can handle temperatures of up to 500°F, which makes them ideal for frying food as well.
A silicone spatula is also non-scratch and dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and care for. Its flexibility makes it easy to grip even the messiest of batters, making it a must-have kitchen tool for any cook.
Vegetable Peeler
A vegetable peeler is a kitchen tool used to easily peel the skin off of potatoes, carrots, apples, and other vegetables. It can also be used to slice onions, dice veggies, and make zucchini noodles. A good veggie peeler should be able to effortlessly and quickly peel ingredients in seconds and slide smoothly across the vegetable’s surface. The tool should be ergonomically designed for comfort and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. When shopping for a veggie peeler, look for one that is made of stainless steel or silicone. A quality veggie peeler will have a sharp blade that is able to remove even the thickest skins without tearing or bruising the vegetable’s flesh.
Balloon Whisk
A kitchen essential that can be used for various tasks, a balloon whisk is a versatile tool that comes in different sizes and shapes. It is used to mix dry ingredients together before baking, stir eggs for a frittata or emulsify a vinaigrette. The handle should fit comfortably in your hand, but the whisk must be able to rotate easily to prevent any dough or liquid from sticking to the whisk. A flat whisk is also a useful kitchen essential. It is important to choose the right size and shape of whisk to suit your needs. Not only does it help with mixing, but it also makes baking and cooking easier.
Beginners should consider investing in an electric balloon whisk for easy use and better results. These are easy to clean and operate, making them ideal for use in professional kitchens as well. However, experienced cooks may find using a stand mixer or traditional mixer better for their purposes. Overall, kitchen tools are essential for effective cooking, so it’s essential to invest in the best tool for the job.
Adjustable Measuring Cup
An adjustable measuring cup is a great tool for home cooks as it allows for easy and accurate measuring of both liquid and solid ingredients. It is a space-saving tool as it can be used to measure multiple servings without the need for scooping. Adjustable measuring cups are especially useful for measuring sticky or liquid ingredients without the need for scooping. They are also suitable for baking as they allow for easy and accurate measuring of baking ingredients with a specific level of consistency.
When looking for an adjustable measuring cup, consider purchasing one that is made of durable material such as stainless steel. This type of material ensures accurate measurements and lasts longer than other materials. Additionally, consider purchasing a set of adjustable measuring cups with measurements ranging from ¼ teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. This provides an easy way to ensure proper amounts of food are used during cooking.
Aluminum Sheet Pan
Aluminum sheet pans are a must-have kitchen tool for home cooks. They’re durable, lightweight, and won’t bend or buckle like cheap alternatives. You can use them for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, making one-pan dinners, and so much more. When shopping for an aluminum sheet pan, look for a pan that is made from 100% pure aluminum for best results. This will ensure the pan has a smooth and even surface that doesn’t rust or Stain. Also consider the size of the pan, as there are various sizes to accommodate different needs.
Another tip is to season your pan well before using it. This will help prevent food from sticking and make cleanup easy. Additionally, be sure to use parchment paper when baking with an aluminum pan as this will help prevent the pan from getting too hot and possibly causing a fire. Finally, be sure to clean your aluminum sheet pans properly after each use. Doing so will help prevent staining and keep your pan looking brand new.
Shopping for an aluminum sheet pan is easy if you follow the tips above and make sure you purchase one that is made of 100% pure aluminum.
Ceramic Baking Dish
A ceramic baking dish is an essential kitchen tool for baking casseroles and sheet cakes. This versatile kitchen item can be used as serving ware, baking dish, or even skillet. Ceramic baking dishes are available in a wide range of colors and patterns like this arch design. A stainless steel mixing bowl is great for mixing ingredients for cakes and pastries, tossing salads, and even washing vegetables.
A large saucepan is essential for making pasta, boiling potatoes or corn, simmering big batches of soups or broths, and more. When choosing kitchen tools, consider the tasks you plan to perform and the types of utensils that best suit your needs. Choose durable kitchen items that are easy to clean and will last through the years. Also consider any additional kitchen tools you would like to add to your toolbox such as a whisk or spatula.
– Kitchen tools are essential for every kitchen task from baking cakes to cooking pasta, so choose items that help make your cooking experience easy and enjoyable.
Immersion Blender
An immersion blender is essential for home cooks. It’s easy to use and takes up much less space than a traditional blender. The stick blender can be used to blend, chop, whisk, mash, crush, and puree effortlessly. It makes smoothies, mayonnaise, soups, and sauces with ease.
For those looking to make smoothies or smooth gels, a powerful blender such as an Oster Versa is recommended. It has a high-Speed motor that is capable of blending ice and frozen food quickly and easily. It also comes with a removable blade for easy cleaning and access to the bottom of the blender for easy access to the batter and debris.
Another great option is the KitchenAid immersion blender. It has a stainless steel body with a silicone handle and is easy to use and clean. It also comes with a detachable whisk attachment for making batters or whisking eggs easily. Overall, an immersion blender is an essential kitchen tool for home cooks looking to create smooth blends without using excess dishes or utensils.
Manual Rotary Grater
The Manual Rotary Grater is a kitchen must-have gadget that can quickly shred cheese, vegetables, nuts, chocolate, and more. It’s also great for slicing and grinding potatoes and other food items. This kitchen tool is easy to operate and comes in a variety of fun colors to match any decor style. Plus, it’s budget-friendly option that’s perfect for quickly shredding food without the hassle of using a kitchen processor or blender. With its razor-sharp teeth and sharp edge, the grater quickly shreds food into fine pieces without making a mess in the kitchen or on the countertop. Plus, its circular shape makes it easy to maneuver around the bowl and blade to get consistent results every time.
It also has a safety lock feature that prevents the grater from turning when the lid is open. This safety feature ensures that the grator doesn’t become loose or turn while in use. Additionally, it has a foldable handle for easy storage and portability. If you’re looking for a kitchen tool that can help you shred food effortlessly, consider investing in a rotary grater. It’s an affordable and convenient gadget that can help you quickly shred food without fussing over kitchen processing equipment.
Prep and Storage Bowls
Prep and storage bowls are essential kitchen tools and equipment with a variety of uses such as mixing salads, baking, cooking, and storing meals. Collapsible prep bowls are a great way to save counter space and come with covers to seal off ingredients until they’re ready to cook. metal and glass bowls are an excellent alternative to plastic as they are less porous, do not pick up odors or stains, and keep ingredients’ natural taste and flavor. A prep bowl set typically includes one large bowl for chopping salads and prepping cake mixes, and several smaller bowls for organizing components. Whether using them for small-scale preparations or large-scale meals, prep bowls provide essential help in kitchen tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful kitchen tool?
The most useful kitchen tool is up for debate, but a chef’s knife is generally considered the essential kitchen tool. This knife is used for all kinds of cutting and chopping tasks in the kitchen such as dicing vegetables and slicing meats. Additionally, a paring knife is also important for delicate tasks such as peeling fruits and vegetables. For those who cook on their stovetop, having a set of pots and pans with different sizes is likely to be useful. For baking or preparing items in the oven, baking sheets and casserole pans are essential. Other basic and customized kitchen tools such as a chef’s knife, cutting board, or set of mixing bowls can also be very useful for everyday use.
Which brand is best for kitchen utensils?
When it comes to kitchen utensils, there are a variety of high-quality brands to choose from. Depending on your needs and preferences, the following brands stand out for offering durable and easy-to-hold utensils: OXO offers kitchen utensils at competitive prices. Their kitchen tools are designed with ergonomic handles for comfortable use, making food prep tasks easier and more enjoyable for home chefs. KitchenAid Stand Mixers: For baking aficionados, KitchenAid stand mixers are the same ones used on The Great British Bake Off. These mixers feature a stainless steel bowl, electronic speed control, and a variety of attachments that make baking easier and faster.
What utensils do professional cooks use?
Professional cooks make use of a variety of utensils to help them cook food. Skillets are widely used for searing meat and frying eggs, while saucepans can be used to boil water and steam vegetables. Some chefs even have special tweezers that they use to add garnishes and plate dishes.
Now that we’ve covered the kitchen tools every home cook needs, it’s time to put them to use. The kitchen is a place of wonder and excitement. It’s where food comes to life and the chef’s creativity is showcased. Your kitchen deserves all the love you can give it. With these tools, baking and cooking will be a breeze. Happy cooking!
