Complete Kitchen Must-Haves: A Guide to Essential Cooking Wares for Every Home Cook

As a home cook, having the right kitchen tools and equipment can make all the difference when it comes to creating delicious and satisfying meals. Having a well-equipped kitchen can help you prepare food more efficiently and make cooking a more enjoyable experience. As much as we all wanted to become Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay or the ever-lovable Jamie Oliver, proper kitchen management and food preparation are as important as mastering our cooking skills. You need to have your essential kitchen wares at your disposal to make your cooking experience as pleasant and manageable as possible.
You’re lucky that you’re not in grandma’s shoes right now as we have the latest kitchen appliances and cookware to help us out in every type of cooking we can think of. We no longer have to gather firewood to make a fire or churn the milk into butter anymore. Even with today’s modern convenience, we still have to make sure that we have all the important kitchen tools and utensils so we can prepare our meals safely and efficiently.
Things to Consider
Before we get started, we have to know what proper cookware we need in our kitchen so we can prepare a variety of meals with ease. That means choosing different types of pots and pans. If you love to bake or roast then you may need baking sheets and roasting pans. Apart from that, you need to have proper kitchen knives and cooking utensils to help you process the ingredients from prepping to cooking.
If you want to make things more convenient and time efficient then you probably need to have certain small appliances so you can puree, chop, and blend ingredients with ease. There are other home appliances that might be essential for some home cooks looking to start their day right like coffee makers, toasters, and microwave ovens.
Once you’re done with all the prepping and cooking, you need to have storage containers and Tupperware to save all your ingredients and other leftovers so you can reuse them the next time you cook. Canisters and jars are also essential for keeping dry ingredients fresh and organised.
Once you have figured out what you need, follow this guide so you can make the right choice.
Cookware
Pots and pans are the foundation of any kitchen, and having a good set is essential for every home cook. Whether you want to boil pasta, stir-fry some vegetables, or make grandma’s favourite Marinara sauce, there is a specific pot or pan that you need to use. It is important to also have a variety of sizes and types on hand so you can handle any cooking task. Essential pieces include a large stockpot, a medium saucepan, a small frying pan, and a large sauté pan.
Apart from that, a well-equipped kitchen should have baking sheets and roasting pans so you can prepare for the upcoming Sunday roast. Consider different materials such as aluminium, steel, cast iron, and non-stick ones.
Here are some recommended items:
Scanpan Medium Roaster
Chasseur Oval Stone Top Grill
Black Deep Casserole Dish
Costa Nova Turquoise Rectangular Baker
Pyrolux Pyrostone 25cm Square Grill
Utensils
Spatulas, tongs, and ladles are indispensable tools in the kitchen. It’s important to have a good set of each to handle different cooking tasks. They come in a variety of materials, including silicone, plastic, metal, and even wood. Among the essential pieces include a set of heat-resistant silicone spatulas, a pair of metal tongs, and a ladle.
You also need cutting tools, like kitchen knives and vegetable peelers, so you can properly prepare your ingredients. There are different types of knives you can use - bread knives, paring knives, or serrated knives. Having a good set of utensils can make a huge difference in the speed and precision of your cooking.
Here are some recommended items:
Accusharp Filet Knife and Tool Sharpener
Joseph Joseph Nest Utensils Plus Edition
Avanti Mini Spatula
Mondo Pro Tongs Satin
Wusthof Gourmet 17cm Santouko Knife
Small Appliances
Looking to make sauces, soups, and smoothies, you need specific small appliances to do it - blenders and food processors. Each appliance has its own specific function and it’s important to understand their uses in order to choose the right one for your kitchen. You probably need a food processor and a blender to make your kitchen activity more fun and enjoyable while having a toaster and a coffee maker can also be considered essential for a well-equipped kitchen.
Here are some recommended items:
Kenwood Food Processor
Delonghi Brillante Black Kettle
Delonghi IdealFry Hot Air Fryer
Storage
After all the preparation and cooking, you have to keep your food fresh and save leftovers and other ingredients in proper food storage containers. Consider the durability and convenience of your food storage by choosing from different sizes and materials such as plastic, glass, and stainless steel. Ensure the shelf life of your ingredients and leftovers with properly secured lids. Essential pieces include a set of plastic containers for storing food on the go, glass food storage containers for storing dry ingredients, and stainless steel canisters for your favourite pasta sauce. Airtight canisters and jars are great for storing dry goods, such as flour, sugar, and spices.
Here are some recommended items:
Fresh Box Medium Round
Fresh Box Carre Extra Large Stackable
Dark Red Rose Lid 23cm
Watermelon Drink Covers
Fuschia Rose Lid 20cm
Final Thoughts
Having the right kitchen tools and equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable while also ensuring that your meals are prepared safely and efficiently. Investing in quality cookware, utensils, appliances, and storage solutions can make all the difference in the kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these essentials will set you up for success in the kitchen.Go ahead and stock your kitchen with the essential cooking wares so you can continue hosting potluck dinners and birthday feasts the next time around!
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