What Kitchen Utensils Do You Really Need?

When it comes to outfitting a kitchen, it can be difficult to know what kitchen utensils you actually need. Do you need a food processor or just a blender?

Do you need a garlic press or can you just chop the garlic? There are so many options that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, there are some essential items that will make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.

Knives: A good set of knives is essential for any kitchen. Having the right knife for the job will make prepping meals much easier. In addition to having a chef’s knife, which is great for slicing and dicing, consider adding in a paring knife, bread knife, and utility knife.

Cutting Boards: Different cutting boards are needed for different tasks. A wooden cutting board is great for vegetables and fruits while a plastic board is best for raw meat, poultry or fish. Having multiple boards ensures that your food prep area remains sanitary.

Mixing Bowls: Mixing bowls come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to select ones that fit your needs. Consider getting both glass and stainless steel bowls as they each have their own advantages. Glass bowls are microwave-safe but stainless steel bowls are sturdier.

Measuring Spoons & Cups: A set of measuring spoons and cups allows you to accurately measure ingredients when cooking or baking. They come in various sizes so look for ones with markings on them to help you measure precisely.

Spatulas & Whisks: A few different spatulas and whisks will make stirring, flipping, and mixing much easier when cooking. Look for ones with flexible heads as they are great for getting into tight spaces like jars or mixing bowls.

Colanders & Strainers: Colanders and strainers come in handy when washing fruits, vegetables, and grains as well as draining pasta or other cooked foods.

Look for one with small holes to prevent small pieces of food from slipping through.

Baking Tools: Depending on what type of baking you do will determine what type of tools you need. The basics include measuring spoons/cups, an oven thermometer (for accuracy), rubber spatulas (for scraping batter from bowls), rolling pins (for dough rolling), sifters (for even distribution of ingredients) as well as cookie cutters/pastry cutters.

Conclusion: Outfitting your kitchen with the right utensils is essential if you want your time spent in the kitchen enjoyable and efficient. While there are many options available, having some basic items such as knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring spoons/cups, spatulas/whisks, colanders/strainers as well as baking tools will ensure that your time in the kitchen runs smoothly.