Equip Your Kitchen Like a Chef: Kitchen Must-Haves!
Kitchen gadgets and tools are fun! They make mundane tedious tasks appear simple and breezy! However, most kitchen gadgets are one-hit-wonders, only serving one specific purpose.
In an effort to create an efficient, clutter-free kitchen, it’s best to stick to the basics when it comes to kitchen tools. Most kitchen tools will serve multiple purposes, making single-use gadgets unnecessary.
Sticking to these basic kitchen tools will save cabinet space and money. Plus, support you in creating flavorful delicious meals.
Chef’s Knife
A proper chef knife will level up your cooking from a dabbling home cook to the Executive Chef of your kitchen… Watch out Emeril! Don’t be afraid to keep your knife sharp, a sharp knife will actually be safer and be far more efficient.
Spatula(s)
The spatula is my go-to utensil. It has a pliable build that helps scrape a bowl or pan clean. It’s perfect for stirring anything and everything I recommend a heat-resistant spatula. Does anybody else accidentally leave them in the pan and melt them? Or is it just me?
Sheet Tray
AKA Cookie sheet: Use this for baking your favorite cookies, roasting herbed chicken, homemade pizza, roasting vegetables…… basically everything from sweet to savory a sheet tray is a must.
Strainer
Use your strainer to double as a steamer. When boiling pasta set the strainer on top of your sauce pot and put any of your favorite vegetables in the strainer, this will steam your vegetables without dirtying any extra dishes. (WIN!)
Portioning Scoops
Yes, these can also serve as ice cream scoops! Scoops are so helpful in mindless portioning. Use these to build your dinner plates, they will allow you to keep your portions in check without having to think about it. I also love them for scooping cookies, muffins, and energy bites to create a consistent size. I recommend a 1 ounce, ¼ cup, and ½ cup portioning scoops.
Sauté Pan
A medium sauté pan can be used for many items! Ground meat, searing fish, sautéing vegetables or whipping up your morning eggs. Also, this kitchen tool will double as a meat mallet if you need to tenderize or thin out meat. A stainless-steel sauté pan will have a longer life and provide an even better sear than a non-stick pan.
Scissors
Kitchen scissors come in handy. They will help assist you in cleaning a chicken breast or cutting open the frozen vegetable bag. (Don’t forget to clean them! :) )
Meat thermometer
A meat thermometer is a must! Unfortunately, too often we overcook our meat. Using a meat thermometer will avoid overcooked, dry meat, or maybe worse…. Undercooked meat. :(
Saucepot
A medium saucepot is a necessity for sauces, oatmeal, boiling pasta or vegetables, and cooking grains.
Cutting Board
A 15×20-inch sized cutting board will do. Too small of a cutting board and your food prep will fall off the board. Plastic will be the easiest to maintain and keep clean, it’s great for raw proteins. While a wood or bamboo board is gorgeous and can be used for ready-to-eat foods, produce, or a stunning charcuterie board.
Tongs
AKA the extension of your hand. Tongs will be great for grilling, searing proteins, and grabbing veggies.
Food Storage Containers
Glass or BPA-free plastic will do. Have an array of sizes ranging from extra-large to tiny. The extra-large container can hold large batches of chili or grilled chicken while the tiny containers can store your salad dressing or hummus that you take on the go.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Measuring cups and spoons are a must for anybody from a novice to a pro.
Mixing Bowls
A mixing bowl is definitely a must. Usually, a set of 3 will do ranging from large to small.
Blender
If you are looking for one piece of equipment, a blender will do the most. You could easily use a blender for smoothies, salsa, sauces, vinaigrettes, and soups.
Food Processor
I love my food processor but full disclosure, this one may not be a MUST for you. However, if you enjoy making hummus or guacamole, you will love this tool. The placement of the blade and shape of the bowl makes the food processor ideal for thicker foods such as dips and spreads.
That is everything friends! Use this list to equip your new kitchen, or do a little Summer cleaning in your current kitchen to free up some space.