Must-have Items for Every Kitchen
When setting up your own kitchen for the first time, you don’t need all the fancy gadgets just yet. Start off with the essentials and add to your collection as you figure out what type of cooking you enjoy, and which tools will simplify your meal prep. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone else or shopping for yourself, these items should be at the top of your list when setting up a functional kitchen.
Good Set of Knives
A good-quality chef’s knife is one of our top must-haves in any kitchen. We do, however, recommend that you have a multi-purpose knife set as well. This will prevent damaging your prize piece.
Whether you’re breaking down poultry, chopping nuts, peeling vegetables or scoring duck skin, a versatile set of knives will get you far. Besides a chef’s knife, a basic knife set should include a utility knife, paring knife, and peeling knife. A slightly more expansive set will also include a bread knife, carving knife, butchering, and fileting knife.
Opt for a set that’s not too heavy and that you feel comfortable working with. Look for non-slip handles that are sturdy and easy to control.
Kitchen Scissors
A good pair of scissors is indispensable in the kitchen. Whether trimming fat off bacon strips, opening packaging, snipping herbs, or cutting parchment paper, you just can’t do without it. Ideally, get a set with a large pair and smaller pair. As with knives, go for non-slip handles that are easy to control.
Box Grater
Another multi-purpose tool that will come in handy is a box grater. This allows you to grate in various sizes and can double as a microplane or cheese slicer.
Mixing Bowls and a Measuring Jug
Mixing bowls can be used for making salads, mixing batters, washing veggies, marinating meat, whisking eggs, mixing dressings and pie fillings. If you’ve ever tried mixing a large batter without a big enough mixing bowl, you’ll know that things can get very messy.
Mixing bowls can be glass, metal or plastic. If you’re choosing a plastic or metal bowl, make sure it’s food-grade quality and BPA-free (bisphenol A free).
A measuring jug should be clearly marked and somewhat transparent so you can see the exact level of the contents.
Basic Cooking Utensils
Getting a set of utensils can work out a little easier on the budget than buying them individually. The variety also allows you to choose the best tool for the job when cooking. Essentials include a whisk, turner or flipper, wooden spoon or mixing spatula, slotted spoon, tongs and a can opener.
Nonstick Cookware
Make your life easy by getting a good quality non-stick frying pan and saucepan. These are easy to clean, lightweight and perfect for cooking pretty much anything on the stovetop. For in-oven cooking, look for a non-stick oven tray or Pyrex oven dish. The great thing with Pyrex is that it can also go in the microwave.
Paper Towel Holder
Oh yes, this handy kitchen accessory also made the top of our list. Let’s face it, where there’s a kitchen, there’s inevitably a mess. Whether you’re dabbing moisture off meat, cleaning spills, wiping a non-stick pan or need to wipe your hands, a paper towel holder makes access quick and easy. You also don’t need to use grubby fingers to open drawers to find paper towels.
Can Opener
Many dishes like soups or casseroles may require canned goods, which can be hard to open. A quality can opener can make all the difference if your canned goods don’t come with an opening tab! Look for automatic or magnetic options that make it easy to attach and go.
Now that you’re ready to get cooking, it’s time to go grocery shopping!