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Despite the fact that the kitchen industry always introduces new, fascinating, and stylish kitchen gadgets, you don’t need to purchase each and every one of them in order to cook successfully. You really don’t need much equipment to start making dishes the whole family can enjoy. In fact, focusing only on the most essential cooking tools in your cupboard will make your life so much easier.
What Kitchen Tools Are Important?
For the most part, the tools you’ll need depend on the recipes you want to make. Some might be more complex than others but you can definitely get by with just a few key tools.
Set of Knives
You’re going to use a knife when you’re cooking. If you can only afford and store one knife, choose a chef’s knife. 90% of your meal preparation will be done with one knife, so invest in a good one and treat it with a what stone.
However, you should get a serrated knife and a paring knife as well because they serve various functions. The former is used to slice through tomatoes and bread easily while the latter is perfect for smaller, more delicate tasks when a huge knife just isn’t up to the task.
Whetstone Knife Sharpener
Having a good knife set is one thing but keeping them sharp is an entirely different story. After all, a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one since it increases the likelihood of accidents. The more you use your knives, the more quickly their blades will start to dull, which is where a convenient whetstone knife sharpener comes in.
In general, whetstones are rectangular pieces of stone that have a coarse and a fine side. To sharpen your knives, simply run the blade against the coarse side until it’s sharpened to your liking before switching to the finer side to give it a nice polish.
They’re available in two different types – synthetic and natural. Synthetic ones are man-made while natural ones are, well, mined from the Earth. Sometimes, natural whetstones can get quite expensive but they aren’t necessarily better at what they do.
As opposed to actual stone, synthetic whetstones are typically made of silicon carbide or aluminium oxide, though they could also have a thin diamond-particle coating. Because synthetic stones are produced to have uniform density and grit size, they are more effective and simpler to use.
In any case, a whetstone knife sharpener is a useful tool to keep in your kitchen since you’ll definitely need to sharpen your knives at some point. Whether you’re cutting meat, vegetables, or anything else, a sharp blade will make the job so much easier.
Stick-Free Frying Pan
Since eggs and pancakes are best cooked on a non-stick surface, every household requires a non-stick pan for breakfast purposes. Additionally, it is a very versatile pan that may be used for sautéing vegetables, searing meats, and preparing sauces.
Make sure to use non-abrasive materials when cleaning it, such as sponges or soft cloths. Also, avoid using metal utensils on the surface to prevent scratches. If you damage the non-stick coating, it will eventually come off and end up in your food.
Stock Pot
Stock pots are designed to store a lot of liquid without getting too heavy. After all, dropping a simmering vat of hot stock is the last thing a cook or chef wants to do. Large quantities of sauce, soup, and pasta can all be prepared in one pot. Compared to other cookware, stock pots are frequently lighter.
The size of the pot also matters. If you have a small family, then a 4-quart pot is probably enough. But if you cook for larger groups or entertain often, then get an 8-quart pot or larger.
Measuring Cups
If you want your food to taste great, then you need to start measuring the ingredients. Baking, in particular, requires precise measurements since too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the dish. Knowing exactly how much to put in is essential for a good outcome.
Fortunately, measuring cups and spoons make it easy to get the quantities just right. They come in sets of different sizes so you can measure everything from a tiny amount of salt to a large cup of flour. The smaller ones are usually made of plastic while the larger ones are often metal.
Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for stir-frying, sautéing, and even serving. Unlike metal spoons, they won’t scratch your cookware and can be used on non-stick surfaces. They’re also less likely to conduct heat, making them safer to use.
Of course, wooden spoons can splinter over time so it’s important to take good care of them. Don’t put them in the dishwasher and avoid using them on very hot surfaces. If you look after them properly, you should be able to use them for years.
Vegetable Peeler
Make sure you have a good, sharp peeler while you’re setting up your kitchen with the rest of your healthy cooking essentials so you can remove vegetable peels, trim cheese, or make veggie ribbons. Most models have a plastic or metal handle with a blade that can be replaced if necessary.
The Y-shaped peeler is the most common type but there are also serrated and julienne peelers available. Choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to use. After all, peeling vegetables should be a quick and easy task, not a chore.
