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15 Tools That Make Cooking A Breeze
If you love cooking, then you know how tedious and time-consuming the process can be. From chopping veggies to measuring ingredients and preparing your meals, the kitchen can be pretty chaotic. But, what if we told you that there are some kitchen gadgets and tools that can make your cooking experience a breeze? This article rounds up 15 of the best tools that every home cook should own. Let’s dive in and explore each one in detail.
1. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender is a must-have for every home cook. It makes pureeing soups, sauces, and smoothies a breeze. Unlike traditional blenders, immersion blenders are handheld, making them easy to use and clean.
2. Instant Pot
An Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen gadget that lets you pressure cook, sauté, steam and more. It’s perfect for cooking beans, rice, and stews.
3. Food Processor
A food processor is a lifesaver when it comes to meal preparation. It makes chopping, grating, and slicing a breeze.
4. Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale is a must-have for every baker. It helps you measure ingredients precisely, ensuring that your baked goods come out perfectly every time.
5. Cast-Iron Skillet
A cast-iron skillet is perfect for searing meats, sautéing vegetables, and making cornbread. It’s sturdy, heats evenly, and is virtually indestructible.
6. Mandoline
A mandoline is perfect for slicing fruits and vegetables thinly and uniformly. It makes salads, casseroles, and stir-fries look amazing.
7. Silicone Spatula
Silicone spatulas are perfect for cooking with non-stick cookware. They’re heat-resistant, won’t scratch the surface, and are easy to clean.
8. Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are perfect for trimming meats, snipping herbs, and cutting open packaging. They’re versatile and make kitchen prep a breeze.
9. Microplane Grater
A Microplane grater is perfect for grating hard cheeses, citrus zest, and chocolate. It’s also great for grating garlic and ginger.
10. Vegetable Peeler
A good vegetable peeler is a must-have for every home cook. It makes peeling potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers a breeze.
11. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is perfect for slow-cooking roasts and stews. It’s also great for baking bread and casseroles.
12. Garlic Press
A garlic press is perfect for mincing garlic without the hassle of chopping. It’s easy to use and cleans up quickly.
13. Handheld Lemon Juicer
A handheld lemon juicer is perfect for getting every last drop of juice out of lemons, limes, and oranges. It’s easy to use and cleans up quickly.
14. Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is perfect for rolling out dough when making bread, pastries, and pies. It’s a basic kitchen tool every home cook should have.
15. Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring cups and spoons are essential for every home cook. They help measure ingredients precisely and ensure that your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
In conclusion, having the right tools in your kitchen can make cooking a breeze. These 15 tools will not only speed up your cooking process but also make it enjoyable. From immersion blenders to measuring cups and spoons, there is something for every home cook on this list. So, if you haven’t already, consider investing in these tools to take your cooking game to the next level.
FAQ: Kitchen Tool Recommendations
What kitchen tools are essential for everyday cooking?
Some essential kitchen tools for everyday cooking include a chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and a skillet or saucepan.
What type of chef’s knife should I buy?
You should invest in a high-quality chef’s knife with a sharp blade and comfortable handle. The size of the knife should depend on your preferences and the size of your hands. Some popular options include the Wusthof Classic Ikon and Shun Classic.
Do I need a separate cutting board for meats?
Yes, it is recommended to use a separate cutting board for meats to avoid cross-contamination with other foods. A plastic or bamboo cutting board can be a great option for this.
What size mixing bowls should I have?
It is recommended to have both large and small mixing bowls in your kitchen. A set that includes a 1-quart, 2-quart, and 4-quart bowl can be useful for a variety of recipes.
Should I buy a nonstick or stainless steel skillet?
Both nonstick and stainless steel skillets have their advantages. Nonstick skillets are great for cooking eggs and other delicate foods, while stainless steel skillets are better for searing and browning. It’s a good idea to have both options in your kitchen.
What type of cutting board is best for preserving knife sharpness?
A wood cutting board is the best option for preserving knife sharpness. Bamboo is also a popular choice, but avoid using glass or ceramic cutting boards.
What kind of measuring cups and spoons should I get?
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons are a durable and long-lasting option. Look for a set that includes both US and metric measurements for versatility.
What kitchen tools are necessary for baking?
Some essential tools for baking include a stand mixer or hand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a spatula.
Do I need a stand mixer or can I use a hand mixer?
You can get by with a hand mixer for most baking needs, but a stand mixer can be useful for more heavy-duty tasks like kneading dough. Consider your baking habits and needs before investing in a stand mixer.
What kind of baking sheet should I get?
A heavy-duty aluminum baking sheet is a great all-purpose option for baking. Look for one with a nonstick surface for easy cleanup.
What type of spatula should I use for baking?
A silicone spatula is a useful tool for baking, as it can scrape the sides of bowls and fold ingredients gently. A metal offset spatula is also useful for smoothing and spreading frosting and other toppings.
Kitchen Tool Recommendations
Every chef needs high-quality kitchen tools to prepare delicious meals. Here are some top picks for kitchen tools that everyone needs in their kitchen.
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Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is one of the most versatile knives in the kitchen. It can be used for chopping, dicing, and slicing a variety of ingredients. The Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife is a great option. It has a comfortable handle and a sharp blade that will last for years.
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Cutting Board
A good cutting board is essential for any kitchen. The Totally Bamboo Cutting Board is made from bamboo, which is a sustainable and durable material. It has a large surface area and is easy to clean.
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Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are perfect for cutting herbs, trimming meat, and opening packages. The OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors have sharp blades and comfortable handles.
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Mixing Bowls
A good set of mixing bowls is essential for baking and cooking. The Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls Set comes with three sizes and is microwave and dishwasher safe.
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Silicone Spatula
A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping the sides of bowls and pans. The DI ORO Seamless Series Silicone Spatula is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.
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Tongs
Tongs are a versatile tool that can be used for flipping food and serving. The OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs have a non-slip grip and are made from stainless steel.
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Baking Sheet
A good baking sheet is essential for making cookies, cakes, and other treats. The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet is made from durable aluminum and is easy to clean.
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Metal Spatula
A metal spatula is perfect for flipping burgers and cooking pancakes. The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner has a comfortable handle and a wide surface area.
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Peeler
A peeler is essential for prepping fruits and vegetables. The Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler has a sharp blade and is easy to use.
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Mandoline Slicer
A mandoline slicer is perfect for slicing vegetables thinly and evenly. The OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer has adjustable blades and a soft grip handle.
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Garlic Press
A garlic press is essential for mincing garlic quickly and easily. The ORBLUE Garlic Press is made from stainless steel and has a large pressing chamber.
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Cooking Thermometer
A cooking thermometer is essential for checking the temperature of meat and other dishes. The ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer has a fast and accurate reading.
These kitchen tools will make cooking and baking easier and more enjoyable. Invest in high-quality tools that will last for years, and you’ll be able to prepare delicious meals for friends and family.
Pros and Cons Kitchen Tool Recommendations
Pros:
- Efficiency: Kitchen tools are designed to make cooking and food preparation easier and faster. With the right tools, you can save time and effort in the kitchen, and get more done in less time.
- Versatility: A good set of kitchen tools can help you prepare a wide variety of different foods, from slicing vegetables to roasting meats to baking desserts. They can also be used for different cooking techniques, such as sautéing, braising, and grilling.
- Uniformity: Using the same tools for your cooking can help to ensure consistency in your results. For example, using a mandoline for slicing vegetables can help you get uniform slices every time, which can help them cook more evenly.
- Safety: Many kitchen tools are designed with safety in mind, such as sharp knives that are protected with sheaths, or silicone handles that keep your hands cool while cooking on the stove. Using the right tools can help reduce the risk of accidents in the kitchen.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest, having stylish kitchen tools can make cooking more fun and enjoyable. Plus, it shows off your taste and creativity.
Cons:
- Cost: High-quality kitchen tools can be expensive, especially if you opt for high-end brands. Depending on your budget, kitchen tools may not be an affordable option.
- Storage: Kitchen tools can take up a lot of counter space and require additional storage space in cabinets, drawers, or on racks. Organizing can be a hassle.
- Maintenance: Kitchen tools require proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure that they work properly and last for a long time. This can require additional time and effort after you’ve cooked, especially if you’ve used multiple tools for a single meal.
- Quality: With so many options available, it can be difficult to find high-quality kitchen tools that perform as you would like. Lower-priced tools may not be durable enough to withstand years of use, while higher-priced tools may not always be a guarantee of quality.
- Skill: Kitchen tools won’t do all the work for you. They require some level of skill and knowledge to use properly, and you may need to invest some time into learning how to use them effectively. A tool is only as good as the hands that wield it.
