Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting to cook, having the right tools for the job can make a huge difference. The right tools for the job can make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable. Here are seven useful kitchen tools:
- Skillet (nonstick, stainless steel, or cast iron): Most meals begin with a skillet, so make sure you choose one that works well for you. An 8 or 9 inch skillet will help you whip up most dishes such as stir frys or scrambled eggs. While all three skillets are good for many different recipes, only a stainless steel skillet can be cleaned in the dishwasher, so be mindful of this fact. Cast iron can easily transfer from stove to oven but requires more maintenance to keep it from rusting
- Saucepan (3-5 quarts): A basic saucepan will also get a lot of use in your kitchen whether it's used for heating soups or sauces or cooking grains like whole wheat pasta or quinoa. It is also a good choice for creating hearty soups and stews.
- Sheet pans (Half sheet and quarter sheet): Similar to a one pot meal, a one pan meal can save time and reduce dishwashing during busy nights. A half sheet pan is 18 inches by 13 inches and is great for most food. A quarter sheet pan is half of the size of a half sheet. The smaller sheet pans are great for cooking more compact items such as salmon or chicken. Make sure the pan is a sturdy material and won’t warp when the oven reaches high temperatures.
- Plastic Cutting board: Plastic boards are lightweight, easy to store and dishwasher safe. Everything that needs chopping begins here. Remember to cut raw meat and fish on a clean or separate cutting board and keep them away from all other fruits and vegetables to avoid cross contamination.
- Measuring cups/spoons (liquid and dry): Having access to measuring tools is essential to making sure a recipe is followed correctly. Learn the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon unless you want to make a very salty cake!
- Thermometer: Instead of cutting food to check for doneness, use a thermometer to check the temperature inside of your food. People often use their eyes to judge, but a thermometer is the only sure way to know if food is completely cooked. This method also prevents the possibility of becoming sick from eating undercooked food.
- Knives: When it comes to buying knives, you might want to avoid buying the typical butcher block as it tends to have items you may not need or use. A chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a smaller knife which is sometimes called a paring knife are all you need to get started. All of these knives should feel good in your hand while using them and be easy to clean. Knives should not go in the dishwasher as this can lead to rust and dulling of the blade over time. A sharp knife is safer to use than a dull knife as it glides through food, giving the user more control and requires less force.
