Much like any art, having the right tools can transform an amateur home cook into a master chef. Don’t consider these tools as gadgets as they are the unsung heroes that make the difference between an ordinary meal and a great one.
Kitchen Tools that Every Chef Should Have
Saucepan
While cooking your ingredients, you need to use a saucepan. Use the pan for heating dairy products, boiling eggs, and reheating leftovers. Many cooks prefer using a smaller pan for their everyday essentials. You may also buy saucepans of various sizes.
Skillet
Also known as a frying pan, the skillet is one of the essentials in every kitchen. You need to use the skillet to sear meats, bake cookies, and fry eggs. The best-quality skillets are made from stainless steel and ceramic. As these materials are good heat conductors, you can choose them for your skillet.
However, there are also nonstick skillets, designed for preparing pancakes and other delicate items. You may stir the items easily, as they will not stick to the surface. With minimal oil, you can cook your food.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Baking is both an art and a science. If you just guess measurements, you will not get the desired taste from your food. So, professional chefs use quality measuring spoons and cups. You can buy a set of measuring spoons and cups that can be stored easily. These are some essential tools for your daily cooking purposes.
Covered Casserole
The best casseroles are made from cast iron and have an enamel-coated surface. The heavy lid and thick walls of the pot are best for slower heat transfer. When placed on the stovetop, the wider and taller sides maintain heat.
You will find splatter-free browning while cooking vegetables and meat. You may also use the covered casserole for boiling pasta or deep-frying your culinary ingredients.
Mixing Bowls
The best mixing bowls are made from stainless steel and provide you a long-lasting value. They are durable yet lightweight, and you can clean them easily. Some mixing bowls are available with non-slip bottoms and tight-fitting lids. You can place the bowls inside the freezer or fridge.
Tongs
Most professional chefs use tongs for holding a roast, saucing spaghetti, or serving salad. So, you can invest in tongs and add them to your kitchen essentials. Especially long-handled tongs are best for grilling as they save your hands from the heat. If you use tongs with ceramic or nonstick cookware, silicone-tipped designs are the best choice.
Paring Knife
This small knife has a pointed blade designed for doing delicate tasks, which need precision. You can use them for intricate cutting, trimming, and peeling veggies and fruits. Check the shape and length of your paring knife to ensure you can use it comfortably. A sturdy blade makes your knife long-lasting.
Cutting Board
While preparing food or cutting vegetables, it is advantageous to use a cutting board. Most commonly, chefs use wooden or plastic boards for their culinary purposes. It is better to have a stock of at least 2 boards. Sanitize the plastic board after meat preparation. However, a large wooden board also provides much space for chopping your vegetables.
Colander
From washing fruits and vegetables to draining pasta, the role of colander is very clear and simple. It keeps ingredients intact and readies them for the next performance in the kitchen.
Oven Mitts and Pot Holders
Protecting the hands from the heat of the oven’s creations, oven mitts and pot holders are the safety gloves that allow cooks to handle hot dishes with ease. They are as crucial just like any other tool to safeguard the cook’s most critical instrument – their hands.
Food Thermometer
Many home cooks overlook the need for using a thermometer. However, professional chefs know the significance of food thermometers for cooking dishes perfectly. Instant-read digital thermometers allow them to cook food confidently.
Some thermometers are available with Bluetooth technology and give you an accurate temperature reading. You need to use a thermometer while cooking meat or baking any item. Small affordable thermometers will give a significant value.
Bread knife
A knife is always essential to slice baguettes and other items. The serrated blade of the knife is powerful at cutting juicy, delicate vegetables like tomatoes. A bread knife is included in many cutlery sets. Still, you should buy a separate one that has sharper edges.
Boning Knife
You can use a boning knife to remove skin from poultry or create fillets of fish. It has a flexible, thin blade, allowing precision and maneuverability. Especially boning knives have curved and narrow blades to provide better control. These blades are sharp and allow accurate cuts.
Immersion Blender
For those occasions when you need to purée a soup or broth directly in the pot, an immersion blender steps in beautifully. Unlike traditional blenders, which often require transferring hot liquids from one vessel to another, the immersion blender allows for a seamless blend without the mess or risk of burns.
Range Hood
It’s essential to create a comfortable kitchen environment while cooking. And to keep your kitchen well-ventilated and free from excess unnecessary smoke and odors, you can invest in a quality range hood. Before purchasing a range hood, it’s crucial to check the latest range hood CFM guide to ensure it matches the size of your kitchen.
A properly installed stove hood not only improves air quality but also enhances cooking efficiency by eliminating steam and grease buildup.
Final Words
In the culinary world, the right tools are more than just an accessory – they are the unsung heroes that work behind the scenes to make your meals memorable. By ensuring you have these essential tools in your arsenal, you’re not just setting your kitchen up for success; you’re setting yourself up for success as a cook.