In recent years, people in the U.S. have been cooking 56% more than before!
Cooking at home is a hobby for some and a necessity for others. But, no matter your reason for cooking at home, it’s crucial to have cooking utensils that help you get the job done right.
Are you new to cooking? Do you want to set yourself up for success? Read on to learn ten essential cooking tools to invest in before you begin whipping up a new recipe.
1. Measuring Spoons and Cups
Measuring spoons and measuring cups are essential pieces of kitchen tools and equipment. Most recipes will require using them to measure out ingredients.
Guessing or measuring things by eye is a surefire way for new cooks to be led astray. In the beginning, following instructions to a t is how you learn and grow. Thankfully, these tools are inexpensive and can be found virtually anywhere.
2. Proper Knives
Like measuring, cutting is also a big part of cooking. Having precise cuts and cutting things the proper size for recipes is crucial.
The best way to jump into cutting when first starting is by investing in high-quality knives that will help make cutting a seamless job. There are several different types of knives that are all made for cutting various things.
One of the most popular knives is a pairing knife. You can cut virtually anything with it, but it’s perfect for cutting smaller things like onions and garlic that need greater attention to detail.
If you’re looking for a great knife to start with, take a look at Messermeister paring knives.
3. A Thermometer
One of the most important things to know as a person new to cooking is meat has a specific temperature that it must reach to be safe to eat.
This is why a meat thermometer is one of the best kitchen tools. It provides a foolproof way for people to verify the temperature of their meat and figure out when it’s cooked to perfection.
Using this tool is the only way to ensure the meat is safe to eat, but it’s also the best way for people new to cooking to know when meat is perfectly cooked to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
4. Cutting Boards
As mentioned before, cooking often requires a lot of cutting. Cutting directly on countertops can ruin your counters.
Cutting on a plate can leave marks and ruin your dishes over time. The only proper tool to cut on without worrying about damaging anything is a cutting board.
When using cutting boards, it’s a good idea to have one reserved for meat alone and others to use for fruits, vegetables, etc.
5. A Sheet Tray
Almost anything you put in the oven will need to go on a sheet tray rather than going directly on the rack.
Sheet trays are perfect for roasting vegetables, cooking meat, and just about anything else. They prevent your oven from getting dirty and help the food cook evenly.
6. Basic Cooking Utensils
There are countless cooking utensils that you could work with, but the basic ones to start with are spoons, spatulas, tongs, and whisks.
All of these tools will come in different shapes and sizes. Some will be made with metal, others with wood or silicone. They’re all designed for different uses.
The best thing to do is build a collection with a few different types of each of the basic utensils. This ensures that no matter what you’re making, you’ll have the utensil on hand that will make the job easy to accomplish.
7. A Cast Iron Skillet
Many new cooks try to stay away from cast iron skillets because they can be trickier to cook with than something like a non-stick pan.
While this is true, they’re also the best option for cooking things like steaks with a nice sear. They can also go in the oven, which makes them great for cooking deep dish pizzas and specialty bread.
8. A Non-Stick Pan
There are specific foods that are easiest to cook in a non-stick pan. For example, this pan is perfect for cooking eggs without worrying about them sticking and creating a mess to clean up.
It’s also an excellent pan to have if you’re opting to reheat leftovers on the stove versus using a microwave.
9. A Soup Pot
Soups are one of the easiest and most flavorful dishes for beginners to consider trying out.
Having a large soup pot is essential if soups will be a regular part of your diet. Being able to make a big batch and let it simmer on the stove without worrying about things spilling over makes things so much easier.
It’s also a good idea to have a variety of smaller pots and pans to use when you’re making bigger meals or don’t need something quite as big to cook with.
10. A Colander
When it comes time to drain pasta or wash vegetables, you’ll be glad to have a colander to use. This tool makes straining things simple and prevents you from spilling food into your sink.
Skip the frustration and get a colander to quickly take care of these everyday cooking situations.
10 Essential Cooking Tools for Beginners
Cooking can be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. The key to having a good experience and cooking delicious meals for your friends and family is investing in the essential cooking tools mentioned here.
From a meat thermometer to a proper knife to a soup pot, these kitchen necessities will help you become a great cook!
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