During quarantine, I improved my cooking skills. Initially, it was difficult because I lacked the necessary kitchen tools.
As a single woman who ate out often, I didn’t think much about stocking up on food or kitchen supplies. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my habits had to change. I started thinking about different recipes and tools to have on hand.
As a single woman who ate out often, I didn’t stock up on food or kitchen supplies. But when COVID-19 hit, I had to change. I started thinking about recipes and tools to have on hand.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To have a well-equipped kitchen, you need two basic knives. If you don’t have them, it’s important to get them. These essential tools should be on your kitchen counter at all times.
Cutting Board
A cutting board is essential in any kitchen. It’s unhygienic and damages your counters to cut fruits and veggies directly on them. Use a wooden cutting board to avoid this. Enjoy cutting and chopping without worrying about ruining your surfaces or plates.
The butcher block is the top cutting tool in the kitchen. It is durable, well-constructed, and can resist even the strongest forces. Butcher blocks can be made from flat or end grain panels, adding extra sturdiness to the prep station. While newer options exist, such as plastic and bamboo cutting boards, the classic butcher block remains superior.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
For perfect muffins, cakes, and breads, precision is key. Measuring cups and spoons are the secret to achieving this precision. Don’t leave your baking to chance by guessing ingredient amounts. Upgrade your kitchen game with these must-have utensils. Your taste buds (and guests) will thank you for it.
These measuring cups and spoons can transform your culinary experience. They accurately measure both dry and wet ingredients and come in various sizes, colors, and materials. You can choose from lightweight plastic with stainless steel blades or durable stainless steel. They are easy to clean and won’t compromise the taste of your dishes. Say goodbye to imprecise cooking tools and enhance your skills with these essential kitchen tools.
Tongs
Tongs are like a second set of hands in the kitchen. They’re versatile and can do more than just flip meat. I use them to move ingredients on pans easily, making meal prep a breeze. With tongs, I feel like a culinary superhero!
Tongs are the ultimate multitasker for your kitchen game. They can flip roasted veggies and grab hot pasta from boiling water. Buying them is easy, just make sure they have durable stainless steel arms and a solid, riveted hinge. Trusty tongs can revolutionize your cooking routine and add some sizzle to your kitchen.
The metal spring opening and closing system provides a strong grip for your cooking tools. You can enhance your control with the advanced locking mechanism. The tongs with rubber or silicone handles offer comfort and ease while cooking. You can hold them for long periods without slipping or sliding. With these tools, you’ll have total mastery of your culinary game.
Whisk
Using spoons and forks to mix pancake batter, gravy, or whipping cream can be a hassle. Luckily, there’s a more efficient solution: the whisk. Whipping up ingredients like oils and vinegar has never been faster or easier with this ultimate kitchen tool. Say goodbye to old-school mixing methods and upgrade to the mighty whisk for a more effective cooking experience.
Whisks are a necessary tool in every kitchen, available in sleek metallics or vibrant silicone. The right whisk can make a significant difference when whipping up a meringue or mixing batter. The balloon whisk is still a favorite among chefs and home cooks for its unique shape and design. It’s perfect for beating egg whites and creating smooth mixtures. Invest in a top-quality whisk today to elevate your culinary creations.
Every kitchen needs a whisk. They come in metallic or silicone. Whisks can make a significant difference in cooking. Chefs and home cooks love the balloon whisk. It’s great for egg whites and smooth mixtures. Invest in a quality whisk today to improve your cooking.
Colander
Struggling with food straining? Say goodbye to spills and fuss with this life-saving hack. Ditch the footed colander and balance your strainer on the sink edges for easy meal prep. This effortless kitchen trick will change the game, whether you’re cooking pasta, rice, or veggies.
My journey with colanders has been one of trial and error. I started with a flimsy plastic option, but quickly switched to metal and ceramic. Now, I rely on my trusty metal colander with fine holes for all my prep work. It’s also the safest choice for boiling water, preventing any kitchen disasters.
Large Baking Dish
As a baker, my first addition to the kitchen was a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. This multipurpose tool was a game-changer and a life-saver. With it, I could serve a variety of dishes from savory to sweet. It transformed my kitchen into a culinary playground.
My dream of having a culinary sanctuary in my kitchen has come true. I can easily make delicious cakes, roasts, and lasagnas with a reliable baking dish. It also has large handles for easy transport and storage of leftovers. The handles are comfortable to grip, making dinner parties effortless.
A large baking dish can expand your culinary horizons safely and conveniently. It’s versatile and can be used to make savory casseroles, sweet baked goods, and succulent roasts. With a spacious baking dish, you can explore a world of fun and flavorful food possibilities. Make sure your kitchen is fully equipped by having a baking dish at your fingertips.
Microplane Grater
Introducing the Microplane grater – a modern and superior alternative to the old box grater. This gadget is perfect for grating hard cheeses, zesting fruits, or adding freshly grated nutmeg to your dishes. Its sleek design will revolutionize your kitchen game. Plus, it’s compact and easy to clean. Upgrade your grater game today with the Microplane grater.
My Parmesan grater is a great tool for making delicious pasta. It can also add a citrus flavor to baked treats that require lemon zest. I can grate directly onto my food for less mess and more flavor. I upgraded to a larger size to shred potatoes and cheddar with ease. It’s the ultimate kitchen essential for making flavorful meals.
Saucepan
The saucepan is a versatile kitchen tool that can help you cook a variety of dishes. It can boil vegetables and pasta, and create delicious sauces. Its large surface area and steep sides make it easy to cook large batches with consistent results. Say goodbye to using multiple pots and pans, and say hello to the mighty saucepan – the ultimate multitasker in the kitchen.
This kitchen tool has more uses than just boiling rice and eggs. With the right lid, you can simmer broths and soups perfectly. Plus, there are different sizes for various cooking needs. I started with a 1.5-quart saucepan for myself, but upgraded to a 3-quart or 4-quart size for groups. So, whether cooking for one or many, this tool will elevate your kitchen adventures.
Sheet Pan
The sheet pan is a versatile tool in the kitchen. It’s not just for baking cookies anymore. You can use it to roast flavorful veggies and cook juicy chicken with your favorite veggies. You can even create delicious crunchy treats from leftover meals. This handy tool is sure to become a go-to in your culinary arsenal.
Make your lazy afternoons delicious with the sheet pan! No need for lengthy prep recipes. Roast veggies, chicken thighs, and potatoes on a sheet pan for a hassle-free dinner. Just use an oven and a sheet pan. Keep an eye on cooking times and choose ingredients that complement each other. Enjoy tasty simplicity without the fuss!
Vegetable Peeler
A vegetable peeler can revolutionize your kitchen. It dates back to the 1940s and was created to peel potatoes. Over time, it has become a versatile tool for preparing vegetables for all kinds of dishes. With a vegetable peeler, home chefs can say goodbye to tedious prep work and hello to a streamlined cooking experience.
This kitchen tool is versatile and perfect for slicing onions and creating veggie medleys for salads. You can even make zucchini noodles for a healthier pasta alternative. Plus, it doubles as a makeshift grater for cheese and chocolate when your Microplane is in the dishwasher. The resulting strips of chocolate add a delightful touch to sweet treats, making every slice of chocolate cake an indulgent experience. Elevate your cooking with this must-have gadget.
Box Grater
The traditional box grater is still a must-have kitchen tool. It has four versatile sides and is essential for grating all types of food, especially cheese. Don’t let the trendy Microplane steal the spotlight just yet. Keep a trusty box grater in your kitchen arsenal.
Shredding can transform your meal prep game. The biggest shredding holes are great for cheesy casseroles and tacos. Shredding knives are also perfect for fruits and veggies like apples, zucchini, and carrots. They can add flair to your culinary creations.
Our versatile grater can help unleash your inner gourmet. With varying hole sizes, it can shred cheese, veggies, and other ingredients with ease. From finely grated chips to the tiniest strands of cheese, this grater is a secret weapon in the kitchen. Impress your dinner guests with restaurant-quality dishes using this grater.
Can Opener
Opening cans without tools or pull tabs can be frustrating. A basic hand-held can opener with two handles and a cutting wheel is the solution. With this tool, you can easily open cans like a pro in no time.
An electronic can opener can eliminate hand strain. It can be wall-mounted or placed on your counter for convenience. Remember to clean the cutting wheels after each use to prevent rust. To ensure longevity, put it in the dishwasher occasionally. Your kitchen will become easier and stress-free.
Chef’s Knife
A top-notch chef’s knife can change your kitchen game. It can dice tough carrots effortlessly and bone chicken perfectly. Look for a knife with a well-balanced handle, sturdy construction, and durable materials that last. Trust us, you won’t regret this decision.
I’ve used my carbon-plated stainless steel knife for three years. It’s sharp and cuts through everything easily. The knife feels comfortable in my hand because it’s perfectly balanced. I no longer struggle with dull knives that slip around on my food processor.
Instant-Read Thermometer
Do you struggle with cooking meat? You’re not alone. Relying on intuition can lead to disappointing meals. It’s time to use foolproof cooking tools and say goodbye to dry chicken. You won’t have to second guess yourself anymore once you learn the right way to tell if your meat is done. Say hello to perfectly cooked dishes every time.
Achieving perfectly cooked meals is now easy with the instant-read thermometer. This kitchen tool ensures that your meats are cooked just right every time. It eliminates the need to guess when your food is ready and protects your health by destroying harmful bacteria. To cook a medium-rare steak or juicy chicken breast, simply reach the ideal internal temperature of 145 F and 165 F, respectively. Impress your loved ones with your newfound cooking skills, all thanks to the instant-read thermometer.
Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are a versatile tool that both chefs and home cooks need. They make cutting a whole chicken easy, snipping fresh herbs delightful, trimming pie crusts a cinch, cutting parchment paper an easy feat, and more. Don’t limit your cooking skills with basic tools – add this ultimate multi-tasker to your kitchen arsenal today!
Add a new tool to your kitchen – the kitchen shears! Don’t just rely on knives. The shears make tasks easier. No more struggling with a chicken’s backbone or food packaging. They also help with making rolls and decorative bread shapes. Impress in the kitchen with this versatile tool.
Improve your kitchen skills with rust-proof knife pairs and sets. Get a complete range of cutlery types and say goodbye to mismatched blades. Make your kitchen a safe haven for cooking with knives that stay sharp and rust-free. Enjoy years of hassle-free cutting with a reliable cutting board and knife sharpener.
Spatulas
The versatile spatula is an essential tool for modern kitchens. It can flip pancakes and keep fish pieces from breaking. But it can also scrape thick sauce from soup bowls, fold egg whites, spread frosting, and remove batter from bowls. With the multi-functional spatula, you can streamline your cooking process and become a master chef.
Improve your cooking game with non-stick spatulas. These silicone-coated spatulas are gentle on your cookware and make cooking easy. Don’t stop there, add a high-heat silicone spatula, a sturdy metal spatula or a metal turner to your collection for added versatility. Say goodbye to damaged pans and stubborn food residue with these amazing spatulas. Enjoy a happy cooking experience!
The metal fish spatula and turner are a great duo in the kitchen. They have slim edges, sharpness, and lifting skills that make them perfect for cutting, flipping and serving. With these tools, you can avoid burnt crusts and messy lasagna disasters. They are reliable and efficient helpers.
Nonstick Skillet
The nonstick skillet is a versatile and essential kitchen tool. It can cook anything from omelettes to chicken. The skillet has a thick, heavy bottom and sides that distribute heat evenly and retain it for a long time. With the nonstick surface, cleaning up is a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meals. Get ready to become the ultimate chef with the nonstick skillet by your side.
My nonstick skillet is my secret weapon in cooking. It creates a beautiful sear on steak and makes baking cornbread easy. It’s oven-safe, so I can add melted cheese and bake dishes for an added wow factor. The skillet is versatile and allows me to roast, fry, sauté, and braise with ease. It’s my go-to kitchen companion for all my culinary adventures.
Pepper Mill
Freshly-ground pepper is superior to pre-ground pepper in both flavor and aroma. This is because freshly cracked peppercorns release powerful oils that give a fruity punch. Pre-ground pepper cannot keep up with the taste and scent of freshly-ground pepper. The oils in pre-ground pepper dissipate over time, resulting in a lackluster taste. Take a moment to freshly grind your pepper when cooking to enjoy the full flavor experience.
A pepper mill can add flavor and spice to your meals. It grinds up peppercorns into fragments and preserves their spiciness for longer. You have control over the grind size, from fine dusting to coarse sprinkle. Use the coarser grind for salads, vegetables, poultry, meats, and seafood. Keep the finer one at the table for adjusting dishes. Elevate your cooking game with a trusty pepper mill.
