Kitchen Tools
Before you even start cooking, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary kitchen tools. This includes both big and small appliances as well as utensils. In this article, we will go over all the different kitchen tools that you will need in order to cook like a pro.
Pots and pans
Pots and pans are essential to any kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a simple meal or a gourmet feast, you’ll need a few basic pieces to get started. Here’s a list of must-have pots and pans for your kitchen.
-Saucepans: Saucepans are essential for cooking sauces, soups, and other wet dishes. They typically have smooth sides and a tight-fitting lid. Saucepans are available in various sizes, so choose one that will suit your needs.
-Stockpot: A stockpot is a large pot that is used for boiling or simmering soup, stock, or other liquids. It usually has tall sides and a heavy bottom to prevent scorching. Choose a size that will suit your needs.
-Frying pan: A frying pan (also called a skillet) is a flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides. It’s used for frying, sautéing, and browning food. Frying pans come in various sizes and materials, so choose one that suits your needs.
-Roasting pan: A roasting pan is a large pan with handles and a lid. It has deep sides to prevent splattering and uneven cooking. Roasting pans are typically used for roasted meats and vegetables. Choose a size that will suit your needs.
Knives
It’s important to have a few different sizes and shapes of knives on hand for different chopping tasks. A versatile set should include a chef’s knife, a serrated bread knife, and a paring knife. You may also want a Santoku knife, which is similar to a chef’s knife but has a thinner blade, or a carving knife and fork for roast meats.
As far as materials go, stainless steel is durable and easy to care for. However, some chefs prefer carbon steel knives because they are sharper and easier to sharpen. Ceramic knives are also becoming popular because they stay sharp longer than steel knives. However, they are more delicate and can break if used on hard objects like bones or frozen food.
Baking tools
Baking is a crucial part of many recipes, whether you’re making a cake, a pie, or some delicious cookies. In order to bake like a pro, you need to have the right tools on hand. Here’s a list of must-have baking tools that every kitchen should have.
Basic Baking Tools:
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Wooden spoon
– Wire cooling rack
– Cake tester or toothpick
– Oven thermometer
– Pots and pans
Baking Pans:
– 9×13 inch baking pan
– 8 or 9 inch cake pan
– 11×17 inch baking sheet
– Muffin tin
Specialty Baking Tools:
– Bundt pan
– Pie dish
Small appliances
In addition to the larger appliances that come with most kitchens, there are a number of small appliances that can make your time in the kitchen much easier. Some of the most popular small kitchen appliances include:
-Blenders: A must-have for anyone who loves smoothies, milkshakes, or frozen cocktails.
-Coffee makers: An essential for any coffee lover.
-Toasters and toaster ovens: Perfect for quick and easy breakfasts or snacks.
-Slow cookers and Crock-Pots: Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
-Rice cookers: A convenient way to make perfect rice every time.
-Indoor grills: A healthy alternative to outdoor grilling.
-Electric kettles: A quick and easy way to boil water for tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Food Storage
One of the most important steps to take in stocking a kitchen is to make sure you have the proper food storage containers. This will help to extend the shelf life of your food and prevent spoiling. There are many different types of food storage containers available on the market, so it is important to choose the ones that best fit your needs. Another important factor to consider when stocking a kitchen is the type of food that you will be storing.
Refrigerator
Apples: Store in the crisper drawer for up to 2 weeks.
Bananas: Keep on the countertop until ripe; store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Berries: Rinse and store in the crisper drawer for up to 1 week.
Citrus fruits: Store on the countertop or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Grapes: Rinse and store in the crisper drawer for up to 1 week.
Stone fruits: Store on the countertop or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer
One way to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk and store food in your freezer. This can be a great way to have quick and easy meals on hand, but it’s important to stock your freezer with the right equipment. Here are a few things you’ll need to get started:
-A chest freezer: This type of freezer is more energy-efficient than an upright model, and it will keep your food frozen for longer periods of time.
-Freezer bags: These can be used to store everything from meat to vegetables. Be sure to label each bag with the contents and the date so you can keep track of what you have.
-A vacuum sealer: This will help keep air out of your freezer bags, which will prevent freezer burn.
-Ice cube trays: These are great for freezing individual portions of soups, sauces, and other foods.
Pantry
Pantry items are non-perishable goods that can be stored at room temperature. Most items will have a “best by” date, but this is not an indicator of food safety. Pantry items can generally be divided into three categories:
-Canned goods: Foods that have been preserved in airtight containers. Canned goods have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration.
-Dry goods: Foods that come in packages and can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. This includes things like pasta, rice, cereal, and flour.
-Baking supplies: Ingredients like sugar, spices, and oil that are used for baking.
Cleaning Supplies
There are a few basics you’ll need in order to keep your kitchen clean, such as a good all-purpose cleaner, sponges, and scrub brushes. You’ll also need some specific cleaning supplies for tough jobs, like a greasy stove top. Here is a list of cleaning supplies you should keep on hand in your kitchen.
Dish soap
Dish soap, also known as dishwashing liquid, is a detergent used to assist in dishwashing. It is usually a highly-foaming mixture of surfactants with low skin irritation, and is primarily used for hand washing of glasses, plates, cutlery, and cooking utensils in a sink or bowl. In addition to its primary use, dish soap can be used to remove grease from other surfaces such as countertops and floors.
Dish towels
Dish towels are one of the most important tools in the kitchen, and you should have several on hand at all times. Choose a variety of materials, including cotton, linen, and microfiber, to suit your needs. Look for dish towels that are absorbent, lint-free, and durable.
Cotton dish towels are the most popular type. They’re absorbent and lint-free, making them ideal for drying dishes and glassware. Linen dish towels are also absorbent and lint-free, but they’re more expensive than cotton towels. Microfiber dish towels are made from synthetic fibers that are incredibly absorbent. They’re also lint-free, making them a good choice for drying delicate items like crystal stemware.
Trash bags
Most people think that any old trash bag will do when it comes to stocking their kitchen with cleaning supplies, but this simply isn’t the case. Trash bags are actually one of the most important cleaning supplies in your kitchen because they are responsible for containing all of your garbage.
There are many different types of trash bags available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to choose a smaller bag. If you have a lot of trash, you’ll want to choose a larger bag.
It’s also important to choose a trash bag that is durable and will not tear easily. Some trash bags are made with thicker material than others, so be sure to check the thickness before you buy.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the trash bag you choose fits your garbage can properly. Some garbage cans are smaller than others, so you’ll need to measure your can before you purchase a trash bag.
Miscellaneous
When stocking a kitchen with the right equipment, one must consider what kind of foods they will be cooking. If the individual is planning on cooking a variety of cuisines, then they will need to have the appropriate gadgets and appliances for each cuisine. For example, someone who loves to cook Chinese food will need a wok and a steamer. On the other hand, someone who loves to bake will need a stand mixer and various baking pans.
Pot holders
Pot holders are essential for protecting your hands from hot pots and pans. They come in a variety of materials, including cloth, silicone, and metal. Cloth pot holders are the most common type and can be found in most kitchen stores. Silicone pot holders are heat-resistant and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as removing hot pans from the oven or gripping hot jars. Metal pot holders are less common but provide excellent heat protection.
Oven mitts
Even if you don’t do a lot of cooking, oven mitts are a kitchen essential. They come in a variety of materials, including cotton, silicone and quilted fabrics. If you do a lot of baking, look for mitts that are heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Some oven mitts have built-in pockets that allow you to slip your hand in and grip hot pans more easily.
Food wrap
Food wrap, also known as Glad Wrap or Saran Wrap, is a thin plastic film typically used to keep food fresh. The most common type of food wrap is made from polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. Polyethylene is safe to use with food, but it’s important to make sure that you don’t overheat it, as this can cause chemicals to leach into the food.
There are also biodegradable and compostable options available, made from materials like beeswax or cornstarch. These are a great choice if you’re looking to reduce your plastic usage, but they tend to be more expensive than polyethylene wrap.