Before I discuss essential kitchen tools, I feel I should provide you with a frame of reference. If you’re looking for information on the best specialty cutting knife for your Turducken, I’m sure there’s a blog somewhere that can help you and I hope you find it quickly.
This blog will not provide you with gourmet cooking tips, as what I do in the kitchen can barely be described as cooking. If your definition of cooking is “the application of heat” and you think toasting the bread upon which you’ll spread the peanut butter and jelly qualifies, you might be in the right place.
I also am not a perfectionist in the kitchen. I know my limitations. If something I’ve prepared is healthy and relatively tasty, I’m happy regardless of what the picture in the recipe book looks like.
A Little Family History for Context
A little family history might be helpful before you decide to read further.
I did not grow up in a family where my mom (God love her) was a great cook, who prided herself on offering up a variety of well-balanced meals and loved to spice things up (yes, pun intended) by occasionally trying new exotic ethnic dishes. To this day, my mom swears she’s never eaten a salad and although she did make a house-favorite vegetable soup, which she called “Fireman” soup, she strained out the vegetables before serving it. Apparently, she believed the ability to climb ladders, wield axes, and save lives could be diminished by having consumed the occasional beet or broccoli crown.
As you might guess, my sister and I did not spend quality “family time” with my mom helping her cut, chop, or grate as the recipes required. Dinners consisted of meat, some form of potato, and either corn or carrots.
Once married, my wife did most of the cooking and I was seldom home during prep, so I cleared plates and did the dishes. Now, as an older male living predominantly alone, (and who has just read “The Blue Zones Challenge” by Dan Buettner), I’ve decided I need to stop channeling my mom and begin generating a more nutritious, vegetable-laden, meal plan, which includes various textures and colors.
Deciding Which Kitchen Aid to Choose
I’ve realized cooking is a DIY project and like almost all of them, the tools you have at your disposal play an important role. I’ve also realized you don’t need to have every kitchen aid known to man or to purchase the most expensive item capable of performing 25 functions when you are only going to use three.
Think of this list of items available at Amazon.com as a starting point and geared toward the beginner. The Prices seen here may have changed since this writing.
1. Chef’s Knife and Sharpening Instrument:
A high-quality chef’s knife makes food prep efficient and enjoyable. A sturdy, sharp knife with a comfortable makes short work of chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks effortlessly. Keep in mind that a knife sharp enough to slice a carrot will shorten your fingers in a heartbeat.
2. Cutting Board:
A durable cutting board will protect your countertops and ensure stability while chopping ingredients. I’ve found that a larger board made of wood works best.
3. Pots, Pans, and a Non-stick Skillet:
A larger pot for boiling water, a medium-sized saucepan, and a good non-stick skillet, make cleanup quick and easy. Choose one with a durable coating and a comfortable handle for seamless stovetop cooking.
4. Baking Sheet:
Whether you’re roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or reheating leftovers, a sturdy baking sheet is indispensable. Choose a larger pan with a rimmed design to prevent spills and ensure even heat distribution.
5. Mixing Bowls:
Mixing bowls are versatile tools and good for everything from whisking salad dressings to tossing pasta. Choose a set with various sizes helps to accommodate different recipes.
6. Spatula:
A reliable spatula is essential for flipping pancakes, scraping bowls, and sautéing ingredients. Look for one with a heat-resistant silicone head and a sturdy handle for maximum durability.
7. Tongs:
Versatile and efficient, tongs are perfect for flipping meats, tossing salads, and serving pasta. Silicone tips will prevent scratching your non-stick skillet and other cookware.
8. Colander:
A colander is indispensable for draining pasta, rinsing vegetables, or washing fruits. Choose one with sturdy handles and perforations small enough to prevent food from slipping through.
9. Can Opener:
A reliable can opener is essential for opening canned staples. Electric models are convenient, but a sturdy manual opener will let you open cans during a power outage.
10. Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Investing in a set of measuring cups and spoons will ensure precision when following recipes until you get to the point where you can approximate ingredients and understand terms like “pinch” or “dash”.
11. Blender or Food Processor:
Whether you’re whipping up smoothies, puréeing soups, or making homemade sauces, a blender or food processor streamlines meal preparation. Choose one with variable speeds and durable blades to handle a variety of tasks. Keep in mind that some are easier to clean than others.
12. Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
Ideal for busy schedules, a slow cooker allows you to prepare hearty meals with minimal effort. From chili to pot roast, simply add ingredients, set a timer, and come back hours later to a tasty meal. They are also easy to clean which is a plus.
13. Instant-Read Thermometer:
Very few people enjoy food poisoning whether, or not, a meal tasted good. A good thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meats and baked goods. Choose one with a digital display and a quick response time for accurate temperature readings.
14. Vegetable Peeler:
Efficiently peel fruits and vegetables with a reliable vegetable peeler. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a sharp blade to make meal prep a breeze and once again safety is key. A sharp peeler will peel the skin off your fingers if you’re not watchful.
15. Grater:
Grating cheese and other items goes a long way to add flavor and texture to your dishes. I’d look for one with multiple grating surfaces that is large enough to hang on to easily.
Gorilla Grip Professional 4-Sided Cheese Slicer Grater ($13.89)
16. Coffee Maker and Coffee Bean Grinder:
There’s nothing like a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. There’s also seemingly no end to the options (and prices) available for Coffee Makers. Whether you prefer a drip coffee maker or a French press, you can find something to suit your preferences. All I will say is the more exotic the device, the more that can go wrong. I’ve been using an original Mr. Coffee Drip Maker with a generic Coffee Bean Grinder (purchased at Goodwill for $7.00) for a couple of years now with no complaints.
- Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker ($29.99)
- Amazon Basics Electric Coffee Grinder ($15.29)
17. Toaster or Toaster Oven:
A toaster or toaster oven is indispensable. Whether you’re toasting bread, bagels, or reheating leftovers, having a dedicated appliance for this purpose is essential.
- Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster ($39.99)
- Black+Decker 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven ($80.60)
18. Microwave Oven:
For heating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, or quickly cooking vegetables, a microwave oven is a time-saving appliance no kitchen should be without. Opt for one with adjustable power settings and convenient presets for added versatility.
19. Salad Spinner:
Efficiently wash and dry leafy greens with a salad spinner, ensuring crisp and fresh salads every time. Look for one with a sturdy construction and an easy-to-operate spinning mechanism for optimal results.
20. Oven Mitts:
Another safety item, quality oven mitts protect your hands from burns and spills. Choose ones with heat-resistant materials and a comfortable fit to handle hot cookware and bakeware safely. Mitts that come well up your forearms prevent burns when taking larger pots or dishes from an oven.
21. Storage Containers:
Extend the shelf life of leftovers and meal-prepped ingredients with a variety of storage containers. Opt for ones that are microwave and dishwasher-safe for convenient reheating and cleanup.
22. Bottle Opener / Corkscrew:
Whether enjoying a cold beer or opening a bottle of wine, a reliable bottle opener is a kitchen essential. Choose one with a sturdy construction, a comfortable grip, and an ergonomic design for ease of use.
23. Whisk:
Whip up fluffy eggs, creamy sauces, and smooth batters with a reliable whisk. One with stainless steel wires and a comfortable grip for effortless mixing and whisking is best.
24. Ladle:
Effortlessly serve soups, stews, and sauces with a sturdy ladle. Choose one with a deep bowl and a comfortable handle for easy maneuvering and portioning.
25. Ice Cube Trays:
Easily overlooked – having ice cubes on hand will not only keep your drinks chilled but are medicinally helpful whenever you need to apply a cold compress. Trays with silicone bottoms and a stackable design allow for easy removal and space-saving storage.
26. Pot Holders:
Protect your tabletops and countertops from hot pots and pans with sturdy pot holders. Look for ones with heat-resistant materials and a nonslip grip for safe handling.
27. Measuring Pitcher:
For accurately measuring liquids like water, broth, or milk, a measuring pitcher is indispensable. Choose one with clearly marked measurements and a pour spout for precision pouring.
28. Bread Knife:
Slice through crusty bread and delicate pastries with a sharp bread knife. Look for one with a serrated edge and a comfortable handle for effortless cutting.
29. Pizza Cutter:
Effortlessly slice through pizzas, flatbreads, and quesadillas with a sturdy pizza cutter. Choose one with a sharp blade and a comfortable grip for smooth and precise cutting.
30. Rolling Pin:
A rolling pin is a versatile tool and great for rolling out dough for pies, pastries, and pizzas. Choose one with smooth, nonstick surfaces and comfortable handles for ease of use. Its use in self-defense situations will be the subject of a future blog.
31. Oven Thermometer:
If your stove doesn’t have a digital readout, or you simply don’t trust it, an accurate oven thermometer can ensure your dishes bake and roast at the proper temperature. Choose one with easy-to-read displays and a durable construction for reliable performance.
32. Blender Bottle:
For mixing protein shakes, salad dressings, or pancake batter, a blender bottle is a convenient tool to have on hand. Look for one with a leak-proof lid and a built-in mixing ball for smooth blending.
33. Kitchen Scale:
For precise measurements of ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices, a kitchen scale is invaluable. Look for one with a digital display and a removable bowl for easy cleanup and storage.
And that’s it. I didn’t mention other basics such as plates, cutlery, glasses, mugs, kitchen towels, etc or the best places to purchase kitchen items. That’s because I’m somewhat of a heathen and purchase the vast majority of my kitchen items at Goodwill or other Thrift shops. It simply doesn’t matter to me if my plates, cups, and saucers don’t match. I believe what takes place above the food is much more interesting than what’s below it (at least that’s my story…..)!
