Whether you’re just starting out in your first apartment or you’re a seasoned veteran of the kitchen, it’s always helpful to have a reminder of the essentials. After all, there’s no use in filling your cupboards with gadgets and gizmos that you’ll never use. So, what are the bare-bones basics that every kitchen needs? Read on to find out.
Pots and Pans
Every kitchen needs a good set of pots and pans. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be made of quality materials that will conduct heat evenly. Stainless steel or aluminum is a good option, but avoid nonstick surfaces if possible – they tend to scratch easily and release harmful chemicals when heated. A few key pieces to look for are a saucepan, a stockpot, and a skillet. These will allow you to make a wide variety of recipes.
Meat Grinder
If you enjoy cooking meat, a meat grinder is a valuable kitchen tool. It will allow you to grind your own beef, pork, or chicken, as well as make sausage, burgers, and other ground meat dishes. A quality meat grinder will last for many years and pay for itself in the long run. If you are interested in getting one, check out the best electric meat grinders.
Knives
A good set of knives is also essential for any kitchen. You don’t need a huge collection – just a few key pieces will do the trick. Look for a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. These three knives will allow you to handle all sorts of chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks. As with your pots and pans, don’t worry about spending too much money on your knives – a mid-range set will do just fine.
Cutting Board
Of course, you can’t chop anything without a cutting board! A wooden cutting board is ideal because it’s gentle on your knives and easy to clean. Avoid using glass or plastic cutting boards, as they can damage your knives and are more difficult to keep clean.
Mixing Bowls
Every kitchen needs at least one mixing bowl – preferably two or three. Look for bowls that are made of stainless steel or ceramic – avoid plastic bowls if possible, as they can stain easily. Nesting bowls are also helpful as they stack nicely for storage.
Spoons, Spatulas, and Tongs
You’ll also need some basic utensils like spoons, spatulas, and tongs. Wooden spoons are great for stirring sauces and soups without scratching your pots and pans. Silicone spatulas are also handy as they won’t scratch nonstick surfaces and can withstand high heat. Lastly, tongs are essential for flipping meat on the grill or in the pan.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Baking is impossible without measuring cups and spoons! A basic set should include both liquid and dry options. Stainless steel is best as it won’t absorb flavors from other ingredients – just be sure to wash them thoroughly after each use.
Colander
Last but not least, every kitchen needs a colander – or two! Colanders are great for draining pasta or rinsing fruits and vegetables. They come in all sorts of sizes, so choose one (or two) that will fit nicely in your sink without taking up too much space in your cupboard when not in use.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the seven pieces of kitchen equipment that you actually need! Of course, there are many other gadgets and gizmos that you could add to your collection depending on your specific cooking needs but these seven items form the foundation of any well-equipped kitchen. Happy cooking!