Cook like a pro with our kitchen essentials list. Learn why quality trumps quantity, and how to create a kitchen to inspire culinary success.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook, moving into a new home, or just starting your culinary journey, you may have found yourself lost in all of the fancy kitchen gadgets that you can buy these days. It's tempting to believe that the latest spiralizer or avocado pitter will turn you into a culinary genius overnight. But here's a secret: you really only need a few kitchen tools to make a great meal. In fact, many of these gimmicky kitchen tools are often poorly designed, and destined to become dust collectors in the back of your drawers.
At Keep It Simple Lovely, we don't just love food; we also live it. We've spent collective decades learning the art and science of home cooking.
We've bought every imaginable fancy gadget, and inevitably we use those fancy gadgets once or twice until they are quickly forgotten.
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The truth is, the real magic in cooking comes from keeping it simple. The fewer gadgets you have, the more streamlined, efficient, and enjoyable your cooking experience will be – and our favorite part is less cleaning up afterward! The simplest, most well-designed, and most durable tools become our constant kitchen favorites in the end.
Adopting a streamlined approach to stocking your kitchen will help to create a stress-free environment so your more likely to spend more time in the kitchen whipping up your favorite healthy meals rather than opting to order in.
So, are ready to start cooking like a pro? These essential tools will enhance you cooking skills, save you time, and improve the quality of your meals.
The Importance of Having the Right Kitchen Tools
The old adage, "the right tool for the right job," can't be more apt than when it applies to the kitchen. Too many tools can turn your kitchen into an overwhelming, cluttered mess that will quickly make you want to throw in the towel.
Julia Child was a famous American chef known for making Parisian cooking techniques approachable to the American home cook. Even though she didn’t start cooking until she was 32, with just a few basic kitchen tools like a good knife, a reliable saucepan, and a sturdy wooden spoon, she managed to revolutionize how American’s viewed food and demystified the art of French cooking from home.
Most great chef’s will tell you it's not about having a crazy amount of flashy gadgets but about choosing a few great ones you love, use, and will last forever. A good set of pots and pans, a pair of tongs, some reliable mixing bowls, a good chef's knife, and a wooden spoon are more than sufficient for almost any home cook. These tools might not be as flashy and high-tech, but they're tried-and-true over decades if not centuries.
The Kitchen Essentials Checklist For Cooking Like A Pro
1) Knives: A chef's knife, serrated knife, and paring knife are must-haves for any chef. Look for knives made from sustainable materials like bamboo handles or recycled plastic with stainless steel blades. Choose brands that prioritize responsible manufacturing practices and eco-friendly packaging. Keep your knives sharp using a knife sharpener to ensure precise cutting and to reduce the risk of accidents.
2) Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are the key to churning out successful recipes. Opt for 1 set of measuring spoons and 1 set of stainless steel measuring cups. Other options made from bamboo or recycled plastic are good choices as well.
3) Colander: A colander is a versatile tool for draining pasta and washing fruits and vegetables. Look for a stainless steel colander or a colander made from eco-friendly recycled plastics. Remember to properly clean and dry your colander after each use to prevent rust and maintain its longevity.
4) Tongs: Tongs are essential for tossing salads and turning food in a hot pan. Ensure they have a comfortable grip and a locking mechanism for convenient storage. We like using tongs with silicone tips to prevent damaging our pots and pans when trying to flip stuck-on foods.
5) Wooden Spoons: Wooden spoons are great for stirring, mixing, and tasting. Opt for wooden spoons made from sustainably sourced wood like bamboo or beechwood. Be careful to avoid spoons treated with varnishes or chemicals that can potentially transfer to your food when cooking. The best way to clean them is to hand wash them with warm soapy water and dry them immediately to prevent any bacterial growth in the damp wood. Applying a food-grade oil periodically will keep them in top shape.
6) Spatulas: We prefer using silicone spatulas because they are durable, food safe, and are perfect for scraping the last ingredients from bowls and non-stick surfaces. Look for dishwasher-safe options made from eco-friendly and food safe materials like silicone.
7) Flippers: Flippers (aka spatulas) are essential for flipping delicate foods like fish, pancakes, and burgers. Choose flippers with a sturdy flat end and a comfortable handle. Avoid using metal flippers on non-stick cookware to prevent damage and the transfer of potentially heath-hazardous PTFE into your food. Again, silicone is our go-to choice since it rules out any damage to our pots and pans and has high heat resistance, reducing the likelihood of melting on hot surfaces.
8) Glass Baking Dish: A glass baking dish is a versatile workhorse in the kitchen. We use them for baking casseroles, lasagnas, and roasting veggies. Look for a glass baking dish made from durable glass that is resistant to thermal shock and can withstand high temperatures. Glass baking dishes come in many different sizes, so be sure to go with 1-2 to accommodate your specific cooking needs.
9) Ice Cube Tray: An ice cube tray is a must-have in the kitchen. Beyond just making ice cubes, you can freeze leftover herbs, chicken stock, and even pesto for easy, individual-use ingredients for future recipes. Opt for eco-friendly ice cube trays with easy-release mechanisms made from silicone, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic. You’ll want to choose stackable or space-saving designs for efficient storage in your freezer. Remember to thoroughly clean the ice cube tray after each use to keep your ice fresh.
10) Bamboo Cutting Board: A bamboo cutting board is a sustainable and durable option for meal prep. Bamboo cutting boards are naturally antimicrobial and gentle on knife blades, ensuring a long lifespan. Remember to wash your cutting board with warm soapy water after each use and periodically apply food-grade oil to keep it from cracking.
11) Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is an essential tool for rolling out dough and creating perfectly shaped pastries, cookies, and pies. Choose a rolling pin made from materials like bamboo, beechwood, or stainless steel.
12) Salad Spinner: A salad spinner is a fantastic tool for quickly and efficiently drying salad greens and other vegetables. It will not only save you time, but also helps ensure crisp and evenly dressed salads. Choose a spinner with a sturdy construction and a reliable spinning mechanism. Opting for models made with a removable basket will make for easier cleaning.
13) Pots & Pans: When it comes to pots and pans, focus on quality over quantity. A saucepan, a couple of skillets, a few baking sheets, and a 16-quart stainless steel pasta pot should cover most of your cooking needs. Choose pots and pans made from durable and eco-friendly materials like stainless steel or cast iron.
Avoid non-stick pans. Non-stick pans are coated with a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which can release toxic fumes when overheated. PTFE has been linked to several health risks, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental problems in children. They also have a shorter lifespan than other types of cookware as the non-stick coating can wear off over time, making them less effective and potentially exposing you to harmful chemicals.
Here are several healthier alternatives to using non-stick pans. Each of these are made without toxic chemicals and are durable and long-lasting. They are easy to clean, versatile, and affordable.
- Ceramic-coated pans: These pans are similar to traditional non-stick pans but are made without toxic chemicals. They are easy to clean and resist sticking without oil. They also do not release toxic fumes when overheated.
- Cast iron skillet: These pans are durable and long-lasting. They are also versatile and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. They require seasoning to maintain their non-stick surface, but this can be done easily with oil.
- Stainless steel skillet: These pans are a great option for cooking at high temperatures and are easy to clean. However, they are not completely non-stick, but if you wait for them to heat up before adding your oil they shouldn’t give you too much of a problem.
- Carbon steel pans: These are similar to cast iron pans but are lighter and easier to handle. They require seasoning to maintain their non-stick surface, but this can be done easily. Carbon steel pans have become a favorite in our kitchen since they are lightweight, easy to maintain, and virtually non-stick with proper seasoning.
Suggested Reading: 7 Sustainable Kitchen Swaps For A Healthier, Less Wasteful Kitchen
Why It's Important To Take Care Of Your Kitchen Utensils
Always remember to take care of your tools. Keeping your kitchen tools in tip-top shape is essential for your safety and their longevity.
A dull knife is a kitchen nightmare. Like Alton Brown says, "The only thing more dangerous than a sharp knife is a dull one." A dull knife is more likely to slip when you're chopping, increasing the risk of slicing your hands and fingers. Be sure to regularly sharpen your knives with a honing steel to keep them sharp and safe. And every once in a while, get them professionally sharpened. Trust us; it's worth it!
Over time wooden spoons and cutting boards can dry out, crack, or worse, harbor bacteria. Yuck! To prevent this, regularly oil them with an all-natural oil or beeswax. Just rub it in, let it soak, and wipe off the excess.
Lastly, always dry your tools thoroughly after washing, as water can cause damage over time. And when you're storing your tools, give them some space. Not only does this prevent damage from knocking against each other, but it also helps keep things organized.
Additional Tips To Help You Streamline Your Kitchen
This blog post was all about a kitchen essentials list for a streamlined kitchen.
When it comes to equipping your kitchen, quality essentials trump fancy gadgets. Opt for the simplest and most versatile tools that will truly enhance your cooking experience. Our kitchen essentials checklist includes the must-haves for every home chef to cook like a pro: a solid set of knives, measuring spoons and cups, a colander, tongs, wooden spoons, spatulas, flippers, and a good set of pots and pans.
But it doesn't stop there. Taking care of your tools is crucial. Keep your knives sharp, regularly oil your wooden spoons and cutting boards, and handle your pots and pans with care. By adopting a streamlined and sustainable approach in your kitchen, you can create a space that will inspire you to get cooking.
A clutter-free kitchen is a recipe for success. Invest in the essentials, prioritize quality, and enjoy the art of cooking with simplicity and efficiency.
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