If you have just started living on your own for the first time, it means you have to buy everything needed to keep a home running smoothly. The kitchen is one of the areas that require essential tools before you can enjoy homemade meals.
A new house will definitely have empty cabinets, or if you have something, maybe a few hand-me-down kitchen tools. The best way to start enjoying you space is making sure you can cook alone at home.
This list of kitchen tools for beginners is not limited to only these items. There are many other things that you can buy for a new home. What you need are the essential tools to make your meals at home. However, you shouldn’t buy everything you come across; you might end up with a kitchen full of fluff.
Buy something you need and ensure it is worth every penny spent this will also ensure that you buy quality items.
If you are there wondering where to begin, here are essential kitchen tools for beginners that you should buy:
Basic Knife
A kitchen cannot function without a knife. You need like three essential knives including a serrated one to slice your bread and kitchen shears. Also, get a honing rod to keep the knives sharp. Though you do not want to cut off your fingers, a dull knife is tiresome and requires you to apply a lot of force. Almost every recipe requires you to cut something, so get a knife.
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Skillet
A skillet is available in three options, including nonstick, cast iron, and stainless steel. However, the best option is stainless steel because it won’t chip, stain, or get scratched. The skillet is versatile, and you can use it for cooking almost everything. While a cast-iron skillet is a good option, it is not easy to take care of. Go for a stainless steel skillet if you are taking care of kitchen utensils for the first time. It is one of the easy-to-use kitchen tools for beginners.
Cutting board
Now that you have knives in your kitchen, you need cutting boards. Cutting your foods on surfaces such as a plate can damage your knife. It could also cause cross-contamination. You can choose to buy a wooden or plastic board. But there are other versions of cutting boards; choose what fits your budget and one you can toss in the dishwasher after use.
Measuring cups or spoons
You should have measuring spoons and cups to help you use the correct measurements when cooking and baking. Don’t estimate ingredients when cooking. You will find different types of measuring spoons and cups. In fact, you can find some that are magnetic and are also easy to stack. They save space in the kitchen and make it easy for you to find the right measuring cup or spoon.
Digital thermometer
An instant digital thermometer is reliable and will change how you cook. It eliminates guesswork and guarantees you excellent results. This is especially needed if you love steaks and roasts. Get one that is easy to use and gives instant results.
Spatula
You will need a spatula every day in your kitchen. The good thing about spatulas is that you can find them in silicone, metal, wood, and plastic. If your skillet has a nonstick surface, you should buy a silicone, wood, or metal spatula. They are sturdy, and you can use them to turn different foods and serve them.
Sheet tray
It is easy to forget to buy a sheet tray. But it comes in handy when baking cookies and other goodies. You can also use it to roast vegetables. The sheet tray ensures you have something to make your frozen food bought from the local store. They include spanakopita and French fries, which means, if your dinner turns out bad, you have a backup.
Stock or Soup Pot
You should have at least one standard pot to make your pot meals. You can use it for cooking pasta, boil soups, stews, and many other foods. Also, if you are bold enough, you can simmer chicken stock at home. You will be glad to have a stockpot in your kitchen because it’s one of the essential kitchen tools for beginners.
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Peeler
A peeler makes your work easier in the kitchen. Potatoes and carrots are some of the foods that you will find easy to cook. The good thing is that there are many types of peelers. Some come with features that make them easy to peel. For example, a peeler with a swivel is easy to handle and use. However, it gets dull with time; instead of sharpening, you can just get another one.
Fine-Mesh Sieve
A fine-mesh sieve is affordable and something you can find even in your local dollar. Get one with six inches diameter so that you can use it to scoop blanched vegetables, pasta and drain sauces and stocks. It also eases the process of rinsing grains and beans. Though it may not be one of the kitchen tools you will use daily, make sure you have one.
Whisk
A whisk is one of the most practical kitchen tools for beginners. You will need it when making batters, sauces, and dressings. You can choose one made of metal, silicone, wood, or plastic. If your pans are nonstick, avoid a metal whisk. It is one of the kitchen tools foe beginners who love baking.
Fine Grater
Life in your kitchen would definitely be tricky without a grater. It will come in handy when you want to grate citrus zest, Parmesan cheese, ginger, carrots, and other foods. Get one with sharp grating edges and you enjoy cooking any food that requires grating.
Quart Sauce Pan
If you plan to live alone without any company, get a three-quart saucepan. Don’t worry about cooking a large meal; you will think about it when ready to receive visitors. Saucepans come in handy when you want to boil frozen foods and can make stock using bouillon or dashi cubes.