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5 Essential Kitchen Tools You Need

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The kitchen is the heart of any home, and having the right tools can make cooking a joyous and efficient experience. With so many different kitchen tools available, it can be challenging to know which ones are essential. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top five essential kitchen tools you need in your kitchen to make cooking a breeze.

5 essential kitchen tools you need.

Chef’s Knife

For me, the number one most important tool to have in the kitchen is a good quality chef’s knife. It is one of the most versatile tools you can have in the kitchen.

It’s perfect for slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing, making it an ideal kitchen tool for preparing ingredients for all kinds of dishes.

A high-quality chef’s knife can last a lifetime and can make a big difference in the quality of your food.

Henckels Classic Chef Knife | Amazon
Wusthof Santoku Chef Knife | Amazon
Paudin Nakiri Chef Knife | Amazon

There are many different types of knives starting with different blades. You have the classic chef’s knife, which most of you may already be familiar with, but there is also the Santoku knife and the Nakiri Knife. Each one is a great choice and the main thing to consider is what you are most comfortable with.

Cutting Board

A cutting board would be the next most important essential kitchen tool that you would need. It provides a flat and stable surface for cutting, chopping, and slicing. This also keeps your kitchen counters free of cuts and nicks.

Variety of Materials

The best cutting boards are made of wood or plastic. This keeps the surface of the boards from dulling your knives.

Bamboo wood cutting board is an essential kitchen tool you need.
Bamboo wooden cutting board | From Amazon

Wooden cutting boards are the best for preserving the sharpness of your chef’s knife, while plastic cutting boards are more durable and easier to sanitize when you cut or trim meat.

Mixing Bowls

The next very important Essential kitchen tool is a mixing bowl or a set of mixing bowls. They come in various sizes and are perfect for mixing ingredients for recipes.

They can also be used for storing leftover food or for serving dishes. As you can see mixing bowls are a very useful and handy essential tool to have in the kitchen.

Variety of Materials

They come in various materials such as plastic, glass, or even stainless which can last a long time. All three types of material are very durable and tough.

Wildone mixing bow set of 5 in stainless steel from amazon.
Wildone Mixing Bowl Set | Amazon

Stainless Steel mixing bowls are durable and easy to clean, while glass mixing bowls are great for microwave use and can double as serving dishes.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring ingredients in recipes. Having a good quality set of both that are made from good quality materials results in products that will last a long time. If you cheap out on these, you will be buying a new set before long, I can promise you that.

What typically happens is the numbers wear off on the cheap plastic sets and you can’t read the measurement or the ring that holds the spoons together breaks. At that point, they may get lost.

I have had both the measuring spoons and the measuring cups bend on the handle and break. Typically this happens when you are scooping out heavy ingredients such as sugar or flour or thick ingredients such as peanut butter.

Variety of Materials

Both measuring cups and spoons come in a variety of materials just like many of the other essential kitchen tools we have already mentioned. I prefer stainless steel in both measuring cups and spoons.

oxo measuring spoon and measuring cup set in stainless steel.
OXO Measuring Cup and Spoon Set from Amazon

There are brands that make very high-quality plastic ones as well that will hold up.

Non-Stick Pan

A non-stick pan is an essential kitchen tool for cooking a wide variety of dishes, from eggs to stir-fry. Having a pan that is going to hold up to abuse when it comes to a non-stick pan is critical.

A good quality non-stick pan can make cooking a breeze and can prevent food from sticking to the pan. It is important to choose a high-quality pan that’s made from durable materials and easy to clean.

Cheap Non-Stick Pans

Most cheap non-stick pans do not hold up well and the finish can come off after several uses. If you are really on a tight budget, I have had good luck with the Blue Diamond Cookware that you see on TV.

Check out this short video review of Blue Diamond Cookware:

Southern Food Junkie YouTube Channel

Typically I do not believe the hype when it comes to as seen on tv infomercials, but I thought I would try this one out. I have used this pan for over a year at this point and it barely has any scratches or nicks on the surface.

Blue Diamond cookware as seen on tv. Picture from Amazon.
Blue Diamond Cookware | Amazon

One thing that I mention in the video that I do not like is the hollow handle which allows heat to be conducted into it. At that point, the handle gets very hot.

Higher Quality Non-Stick Cookware

Are their better brands? Most certainly, but you will pay more for them. I do think that some other brands may hold up better in the long run.

As you can see the Made In non-stick pan below has a solid handle that deters heat from conducting into it and doesn’t get as hot as the Blue Diamond Cookware pan. I really like this feature on this pan.

Made In Non-Stick Frying Pan | Amazon

In Conclusion, having the right tools in the kitchen can make all the difference in your cooking experience. If you are just starting out in your first place, this list is a great starting point for items that you need.

A chef’s knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a non-stick pan are five essential kitchen tools that every kitchen should have. By investing in these essential tools, you’ll be able to cook like a pro and enjoy delicious meals in the comfort of your home.

FAQ’s

Are there any other tools that are essential tools needed in the kitchen?

Yes, this list is not exhaustive but this is a good starting point. See the list below for more essential tools.

  • Colander
  • Stock Pot
  • Baking Sheet pan
  • Spatula
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Can Opener
  • Thermometer
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Hand mixer
  • Wooden spoons
  • paring knives

What type of cutting board should I use?

It is recommended to use a cutting board made of wood or plastic. Wooden cutting boards are best to preserve your knife’s sharpness while plastic is more sanitary.

What size mixing bowls should I buy?

It is recommended to have at least two mixing bowls- a large one and a medium size one. A large mixing bowl is great for mixing dough, while a medium-sized bowl is perfect for whisking eggs or mixing salad dressing.

Do I Need A Stand Mixer?

While a stand mixer is nice, they are not an essential kitchen tool. You can get by with a whisk or hand mixer unless you are making a recipe for a larger group.

5 essential kitchen tools you need picture recommended for Pinterest.

Thanks for stopping by Southern Food junkie. We truly appreciate it and hope you enjoyed this article. If you liked it, how about sharing it with your friends.

-Ronnie | Let’s Get Food Junked

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