Whether you are a professional chef or just someone who likes to cook at home, there are some essential items that every kitchen must have. Without these basic tools, you will find it difficult to prepare even the simplest of meals. So make sure your kitchen is fully stocked before you start trying to cook! The following list outlines six essential items that every kitchen should have. If you are missing any of these items, be sure to add them to your shopping list as soon as possible!
Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale allows you to measure the precise weight of whatever you are cooking, which is important for ensuring that your food turns out correctly. You can find different types of scales on the market, including digital and analog, so be sure to choose the one that will work best for you. A good kitchen scale should be able to accurately measure weights in both grams and ounces and should have a tare function so that you can easily subtract the weight of the bowl or container you are using from the total weight. Some scales also come with a timer, which can be useful for timing recipes. Almost every digital scales supplier offers calibration weights with their scales. So, if you are cooking by weight and your scale becomes un-calibrated, you can re-calibrate it with the weights that come with the scale.
Cutting Board
A cutting board is another essential item for any cook. A cutting board provides a stable surface on which to cut your food and also helps to protect your countertops from scratches and knife marks. You can find cutting boards in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and bamboo. Plastic and bamboo boards are both easy to clean, while wood boards should be treated with a food-safe oil every few months to prevent them from drying out and cracking. When choosing a cutting board, be sure to pick one that is big enough to accommodate the size of the cuts you will be making. You should also make sure that the board has a non-slip base so that it does not move around while you are cutting.
A Good Set of Knives
A good set of knives is another essential item for any cook. A professional set of knives will include a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a slicing knife, as well as honing steel and a sharpening stone. While you may be able to get by with a less expensive set of knives, if you are serious about cooking, investing in a good set of knives is definitely worth the money. A high-quality set of knives will last for many years if properly cared for and will make chopping, slicing, and dicing much easier. Some of the best options when it comes to knives are made by Wusthof, Henckels, and Global. However, be sure to research ratings and reviews before purchasing a set of knives, as there are many different options on the market and not all of them are created equal.
Blender
Blenders come in handy for so many tasks, from making smoothies to blending up soups. But with all the different blenders on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. So, when buying a blender, the most important thing to consider is what you’ll use it for most often. If you’re mostly going to use your blender for smoothies, then you’ll want one with a good powerful motor that can crush ice easily. If you want to use it for more than just smoothies, like making dips and sauces, then you’ll need a model with multiple speeds and a Pulse function. Some blenders come with extra attachments like a food processor or juicer, while others have preset programs for things like smoothies or soup. If these features are important to you, make sure to pick a model that has them.
Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is a type of pot that is perfect for braising and stewing. It has a tight-fitting lid, which helps to create a sealed environment in which the food can cook slowly and evenly. This makes the Dutch oven ideal for dishes like beef stew or chicken cacciatore. You can find Dutch ovens made from both cast iron and ceramic, with each material having its advantages. Cast iron Dutch ovens are incredibly durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them perfect for searing meat. Ceramic Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are non-stick and lightweight, making them easier to maneuver. So, when choosing a Dutch oven, decide what is most important to you and go from there.
Good Quality Pans
A good quality set of pans is another essential item for any cook. Pans come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know what types you need. A good starter set would include a large skillet, a small skillet, a sauté pan, and a saucepan. All of these pans have different purposes and can be used for a variety of recipes. The large skillet can be used for things like searing steaks or frying chicken, while the small skillet is perfect for making eggs or pancakes. The sauté pan is great for dishes like stir-fries or pasta sauces, and the saucepan can be used for boiling pasta or making soup. Regardless of what type of dishes you like to cook, having a good set of quality pans is a must.
Oven Mitts
last but not least, oven mitts are an essential item for any kitchen. These gloves protect your hands from the heat of the oven and can be used for a variety of tasks, like taking food out of the oven or transferring hot pans from the stovetop to the oven. Oven mitts come in a variety of materials, like cloth, silicone, or Kevlar. So, when choosing a pair of oven mitts, decide what is most important to you and go from there. If you’re looking for a durable pair that can withstand high temperatures, then silicone or Kevlar would be a good option. If you’re looking for something that is heat-resistant and easy to clean, then cloth would be the best choice.
These essential items are a good starting point and will help you to create delicious meals no matter what you’re in the mood for. So, take a look at your kitchen and see if you’re missing anything from the list. If you are, then go out and buy it today and make sure your kitchen is fully stocked and ready to go!
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