Table of Contents
You have just moved into your new home and you realized you do not have all the kitchen necessities required to prepare a home-cooked meal without much hustle.
Below is a list of top 9 kitchen essentials you will most likely use every day.
1. Knives as One of the Kitchen Necessities
There are three kinds of knives you will need: a chef’s knife as this will help you with the big cuts, a paring knife for peeling and chopping, and a serrated knife for slicing bread. A good chef’s knife is easy on the hand and light in weight.
Keeping the knife sharp is just as important to ease your work. You can learn more about sharpening your knife from The Kitchen Professor.
2. Cutting Boards
Choose a cutting board that is durable as you will use it every time you are preparing a meal.
Plastic cutting boards are inexpensive and most of them are dishwasher safe. Wood boards, on the other hand, are heavy and do not slide when being used.
Getting two different cutting boards is highly recommended to avoid cross-contamination. You can either go for two different materials or colors, pick one to specifically use it for raw proteins and the other for all your cooked meals.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring cups are cooking essentials that are used to measure large quantities of liquids and solids while the spoons are used to measure smaller amounts. Look for measuring cups that can stack up to save on space.
4. Mixing Bowls
These are some of the kitchen tools and equipment you will be ideal when marinating, mixing up salad dressings and sauces or you can also use them for storing leftovers.
Glass mixing bowls do not stain or absorb odors. They are also easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
5. Colander
A colander can be used not only to strain pasta but also when washing salad greens and other vegetables. A plastic colander with feet and handles is functional and also makes pasta straining much easier.
6. Can Opener
This is one of the basic kitchen needs you will require as often as possible. You can choose to get an electric model or a manual one.
7. Kitchen Thermometer
A thermometer is among the kitchen tools and equipment that cannot miss from your kitchen. Having a thermometer can help to control pathogenic microorganisms, according to The University of Rhode Island.
With an instant-read thermometer you can rest easy when preparing your meat and poultry, just set the alarm and it will let you know when your food is ready.
8. Whisks, Spatulas, and Spoons
If you are looking for kitchen utensils and equipment that will serve you the longest, you can choose to go for wooden spoons. They come in different shapes and sizes and are heat-resistant. However, a non-stick plastic spatula will serve you better.
You can use your whisk to mix together salad dressing and eggs and sauces and for cooking gumbo.
9. Cookware
A stainless steel skillet, a sauté pan, a saucepan, a large pot, a cast iron skillet, a grill pan, a casserole dish, and a stockpot are examples of cookware you will need depending on what you are planning to prepare.
Improve the Functionality of Your Kitchen with the Right Essential Items
Other than the above-mentioned kitchen necessities, there are other things that are essential for the kitchen area. These include having enough working space and storage area.
You can make the most of what you have by installing countertops and cabinetry and countertops. These additions will also help to keep your kitchen well organized.
Check out our home improvement category to read more on different ways you can upgrade your kitchen and home.