Equipping your kitchen with the right tools makes cooking more straightforward and enjoyable. Check out this list of 18 essential kitchen tools from our team of chefs that are beneficial for anyone who cooks, whether you're stocking your first kitchen or updating your equipment. Covering preparation, cooking, and baking, this checklist helps ensure you have what you need for everyday kitchen tasks. It's a practical guide for both novices and seasoned home cooks alike.
Prep Essentials
1. Chef’s Knife Every kitchen needs a versatile chef’s knife. Ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping, a good chef's knife makes prep work easier and more efficient. You can always buy more knives to add to your collection but if you’re on the fence, start with one core blade that can do it all and add more over time so your collection is filled deliberately with blades you love and use to the max.
2. Cutting Board A durable cutting board protects your countertops and knives. There are three major options for cutting boards; wood, plastic, or our favorite the Epicurean Board. A wooden board is the most elegant option, and the most healthy for your knives but requires more work and more care when cleaning. A plastic board is usually the professionals choice as they are affordable, easy to clean, and also friendly for your knives. Our favorite though to split these difference is the Epicurean Board, made with wood fiber, this board is easy to clean like plastic but will hold up better than most boards we’ve tested. Plus they are a brand that supports the industry through scholarships and support, just like Forge To Table.
Recommendation: Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
3. Mixing Bowls A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is essential for preparing ingredients, mixing salad dressings, or combining batter. Stainless steel or glass bowls are durable and easy to clean. For our pick, we choose a reliable and extremely affordable brand trusted by professional kitchens.
Recommendation: Vollrath 5 Piece Standard Weight Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set
4. Whetstone: Keep your knives sharp with a quality whetstone. Regular sharpening ensures your knives perform at their best, making prep work smoother and safer. We prefer water stones as they are easier to clean up and lower cost over time with no need for mineral oils.
5. Classic Cleaver: A classic cleaver is indispensable for tougher cuts of meat and breaking down large ingredients with precision and ease.
6. Magnetic Knife Block A magnetic knife block is not only a safe way to store your knives but also keeps them easily accessible and in good condition. It helps prevent blade dulling and damage that can occur in a drawer. Choose one that is strong and well-crafted to complement your kitchen aesthetics.
7. Measuring Cups and Spoons Accurate measurements are crucial for successful cooking, especially in baking. Invest in a set of measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients.
Recommendation: Liquid Measuring Set
Recommendation: Dry Measuring Set
8. Peeler A sharp peeler saves time and effort in peeling vegetables and fruits. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a swivel blade for ease of use.
9. Kitchen Shears Kitchen shears are a simple yet versatile tool that everyone should have in their kitchen. Useful for more than just opening packaging, they can efficiently snip herbs, cut through poultry, or quickly trim vegetables. Essential for those tasks where a knife might not offer the same ease or safety, kitchen shears streamline many cooking and prepping activities.
Cooking Essentials
10. Skillet A non-stick skillet is a kitchen must-have, perfect for frying, searing, and sautéing. A well made Stainless Steel Saute Pan will be your best investment to last years and keep cooking fun. Don’t be sold on the marketing and buzz words of fancy celebrity pans. Cast iron skillets are also great for recipes that start on the stove and finish in the oven. We recommend a French Style Saute pan as the high sides make for more comfort and control when quickly tossing ingredients over a high heat.
Recommendation: All Clad French Skillet
11. Saucepans A few saucepans in different sizes will cover most cooking needs, from boiling eggs to making sauces and cooking grains.
12. Stockpot A large stockpot is essential for making stocks, soups, or boiling large quantities of pasta. It’s also useful for making stews and braising meats. Make absolutely sure to invest in a stockpot with a heavy bottom to prevent scalding of ingredients.
Recommendation: CUISINART MCP66-28N MultiClad Pro Stainless 12-Quart Stockpot
13. Spatulas Have a variety of spatulas, including silicone ones for scraping bowls and a metal one for flipping foods in pans. Fun fact, the name for a spatula that is scooped on the sides, such as you may use for creams and cookie doughs, is called a Spoonula.
14. Whisk A whisk is indispensable for emulsifying dressings, whipping cream, or beating eggs. It helps incorporate air into mixtures, making them light and fluffy.
15. Ladle Perfect for serving soups and stews, a ladle is a must-have in any kitchen. Opt for one with a heat-resistant handle and a large scoop.
Baking Essentials
16. Baking Sheets Used for everything from roasting vegetables to baking cookies, a sturdy baking sheet is a kitchen necessity. Consider investing in at least two for versatility. Explore more sizes to fit toaster ovens, for small items, or even to serve on.
Recommendation: Choice Brand Half Sheet Pan
17. Side Towels Essential for any kitchen, side towels are versatile tools for both safety and convenience. Use them to handle hot pots and pans, quickly wipe up spills, or dry dishes. Choose side towels made from 100% cotton for their excellent absorbency and heat resistance. Durable and easy to clean, they are a practical choice for everyday kitchen tasks.
Recommendation: Zeppoli Classic Kitchen Towels
18. Cooling Rack A cooling rack ensures that baked goods cool properly without becoming soggy. It’s also useful for resting meat and draining fried foods. Plus these can come in handy when dehydrating fruits to herbs in your oven on those handy sheet pans.
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