We have put together a guide of 14 kitchen necessities you must have in your kitchen.
Following many years cooking in professional kitchens, I understood that the right piece of equipment is a necessity. Alternatively picking the right kitchen tools on a budget can be challenging. If you would like to learn more about my experience as a chef, please visit our About page.
Besides, if you purchased your first home and need help in setting up your new kitchen or alternatively you are just looking for guidance on a few kitchen equipment that need replacing and wondering what is the best brand out there, then our guide will help.
The kitchen necessities items guide contains tried and tested tools, in fact they are used daily in our kitchen.
14 Kitchen Necessities – our guide to a functional basic kitchen you must have at your home!
Chopping boards
A nice chunky wooden chopping board is a nice feature in any kitchen. I personally recommend using bamboo as more sustainable, in fact it reaches maturity in only 3 years instead of decades or centuries like other hard woods. Obviously, it must be kept clean, dry and oiled. It can be used for all cutting chopping and slicing.
I suggest also to have a separate smaller plastic chopping board to be used for fish and meats, as it will be easy to be washed and even dish washed.
Additionally, I have found the best plastic boards are the ones which have rubber around the age because they don’t slip or scratch the surface of the kitchen.
I still remember using ordinary plastic board in the kitchen with a tea towel or a wet sponge underneath to make it stop from slipping. Buy much easier and safer choice – plastic board with rubber edges.
Kitchen knifes
There are almost countless types of knifes with a huge number of different applications and uses. As this is the basic list, I have selected the 3 most important:
- Chef or Cook knife -this is used for chopping, cutting and slicing. Has a long broad blade with a straight edge and a pointy tip.
- Paring knife – used to cut, chop and peal fruit and vegetables. Due to its purpose it has a short, slim evenly sized blade with a pointy tip.
- Serrated or Bread knife- used to slice most kind of breads, can also be used to cut cakes and even slice sponge cakes after baking, has a long evenly sized blade with a sharp serrated edge.
At home I have been using very successfully Sabatier knifes, they are robust, and the blade is good quality.
I would also add to this list a peeler, not a knife by name but still with a sharp edge, as per the name is used to peel fruit and veg.
I must say, peeler is so great and so much safer than a knife. If you are looking to get your kids involve in cooking, they will love to help you peel some potatoes and carrots!
Scale
Some cooks might prefer to opt for measuring cups and spoons. On the other hand, I prefer to use a scale as it is more precise, especially when cooking desserts or complex recipes.
I also find that a little digital 3 kg capacity scale is doing the job as can be used for bigger jobs as well as weighing small amounts.
Pots,pans & skillets
As a starting point probably 3 saucepans will be enough, with one being small, another medium and a larger one of about 3 to 4 litre capacity (can be used to cook pasta, veg or bulk sauces).
Also, 2 frying pans or skillets of different sizes. Again with one of them bigger for cooking meats, fish, veg.
My suggestion is to get them as a set with matching lids.
Over the years I have tried many different brands and I find that Tefal is very reliable and good value for money, but opt for the premium range as the coating is thicker, the handles are more robust and are suitable for induction.
Good set of pans will last you around 10 years if not longer and speed up your cooking process.
Utensils
Finally, you have your new pots and pans, would be a shame to scratch them with the wrong utensils. I think utensils is one of the most important kitchen tools. To protect you kitchen equipment use silicon utensils, and in my opinion they are great.
You will need a selection of tools:
- tong
- ladle
- scraper
- small brush
- spatula
- spoon
Again, I would suggest getting a set, there are good options and reasonably priced. Silicon is a great material as is non-stick, easy to clean and dishwasher and heat resistant.
Box and micro-plane graters
A box grater is a very economical but versatile kitchen utensil, it can be used to grate cheddar like cheese, root veg for salads and even stale bread for breadcrumb.
The micro-plane is a very sharp thinner grater, great for hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino.
Additionally can be used to grate nutmeg and even garlic and chilli for a very fine result.
Mixing bowls
A couple of mixing bowls are essential fox the preparation of most recipe. There is several possible materials options, plastic is economical and light, but it tend to retain grease over time and easier to scratch and crack.
I find that Pyrex, even though more expensive is tougher, easier to clean and can be used as serving dish for cold salads or hot sides as well as is dishwasher prove, microwave prove and can even be placed in a hot oven.
Strainers
You will require a larger strainer to be used for pasta, rice, veg etc. But also a smaller one for sifting flour and other dry goods.
Oven trays / baking dishes
Oven trays can be used for every oven cooking and baking, a selection of sizes and depts is recommended.
If non stick coated can be used without parchment paper but be mindful not to scratch them.
My recommendation is to buy thicker ones as the cheaper thinner tend to bent at high oven temperature resulting in uneven cooking of the dish or cake.
Rolling pin
A rolling pin is used to thinner a dough or pastry, there are many different shapes and materials. In my opinion, a good wooden one will do the job.
Nevertheless, if you are a backing passionate probably better to invest in a stainless steel or even marble one
Garlic squeezer
I know, this is not really an essential kitchen tool, you can use a knife!
On the other hand with the amount of garlic used in Italian food it is an essential to me!
A word of warning, there is no need to go over the age with garlic squeezer, its a kitchen necessity. Keep it simple!
Potato ricer and potato masher
A potato masher is very quick and convenient tool for mashing potatoes or similar, but his use is more or less limited.
A potato ricer on the other hand is also used for mash potatoes, but it is a bit more versatile.
In fact the mash created is smoother, perfect for potato gnocchi or can be even be used to make spaghetti out of ice-cream- a bit of fun with the kids!
Can opener
Not much explanation on this, but at some point, you will need one. One of your many kitchen necessities.
Glass food containers set
I admit this is not a necessity, but it will make your life easier when organising your fridge and even more is environmentally friendly.
In fact good storage containers will reduce food wastage and will limit the amount of cling film used in your kitchen.
My personal choice is Frigoverre due to its durability, great for storing food in the fridge which will increase its shelf-life, also use them in the freezer.
Now that you have all your kitchen necessities, you are ready to cook an extensive number of recipes at home. Furthermore, if you have followed our recommendations you have invested your money in long lasting equipment without overspending on superfluous items.
The kitchen necessities guide can also be used as presents ideas! Spreading the love for healthy home cooking.
What are you waiting for, lets start cooking! Check out our amazing range of recipes for your cooking inspirations and also don’t forget about a healthy lifestyle without eliminations. Mediterranean Diet is how we live our life and how my parents raised me up, so I am sharing the secrete to a great lifestyle with you!
Feel free to comment in the comments below if we have missed something or you would love a recommendation!
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