We have put together a guide of 14 kitchen necessities you must have in your kitchen.
Following many years of 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 hardwoods. Obviously, it must be kept clean, dry, and oiled. It can be used for all cutting chopping and slicing.
I suggest also having 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 that have rubber around the edges because they don’t slip or scratch the surface of the kitchen.
I still remember using the ordinary plastic board in the kitchen with a tea towel or a wet sponge underneath to make it stop slipping. Buy a much easier and safer choice: plastic board with rubber edges.
Kitchen knives
There are almost countless types of knives 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 kinds of bread, can also be used to cut cakes and even slice sponge cakes after baking. It has a long evenly sized blade with a sharp serrated edge.
At home, I have been using them very successfully Sabatier knives, 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, which is used to peel fruit and veg.
I must say, a peeler is so great and so much safer than a knife. If you are looking to get your kids involved 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 it can be used for bigger jobs as well as weighing small amounts.
Utensils
Finally, you have your new pots and pans, would be a shame to scratch them with the wrong utensils. I think utensils are one of the most important kitchen tools. To protect your 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 they are reasonably priced. Silicone is a great material because it is non-stick, easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and heat-resistant.
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.
A good set of pans will last you around 10 years if not longer and speed up your cooking process.
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 vegetables for salads, and even stale bread for breadcrumbs.
The micro-plane is a very sharp, thinner grater, great for hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino.
Additionally, it can be used to grate nutmeg and even garlic and chili for a very fine result.
Mixing bowls
A couple of mixing bowls are essential for the preparation of most recipes. There are several possible material options. Plastic is economical and light, but it tends to retain grease over time and is easier to scratch and crack.
I find that Pyrex, even though more expensive, is tougher, easier to clean, and can be used as a serving dish for cold salads or hot sides, as well as in the dishwasher, microwave, and even in a hot oven.
Strainers
You will require a larger strainer to be used for pasta, rice, vegetables, 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 designs is recommended.
Nonstick coatings can be used without parchment paper, but be mindful not to scratch them.
My recommendation is to buy thicker ones, as the cheaper, thinner ones tend to bend at high oven temperatures, resulting in uneven cooking of the dish or cake.
Rolling pin
A rolling pin is used to thin 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 passionate, it passionate probably better to invest in a stainless steel or even marble one
Garlic squeezer
This is not an essential kitchen tool; you can use a knife!
On the other hand, with the amount of garlic used in Italian food, it is essential to me!
A word of warning: there is no need to go over the age limit with a garlic squeezer; it’s a kitchen necessity.
Potato ricer and potato masher
A potato masher is a very quick and convenient tool for mashing potatoes or similar, but its use is more or less limited.
A potato ricer, on the other hand, is also used for mashed potatoes, but it is a bit more versatile.
The mash created is smoother, perfect for potato gnocchi, or can 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 environmentally friendly.
Good storage containers will reduce food waste and limit the amount of cling film used in your kitchen.
My personal choice is Frigoverre due to its durability, which makes it great for storing food in the fridge, which will increase its shelf life. I also use it 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 present ideas! Spreading the love for healthy home cooking.
What are you waiting for, let’s 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 secret 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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