Kitchen essentials cover pretty much everything that you need to – well, function in your kitchen. From pots and pans, to knives and chopping boards, to measuring spoons and measuring cups. Basically, the things that you need to prep and cook food in the kitchen.
While you can have an array of kitchen tools and gadgets in the kitchen – if you have a very limited space and budget – it’s best to purchase just the essentials for starters.
Here’s a list of the 11 must-have kitchen essentials that can get your kitchen up and running:
11 Must-have Kitchen Essentials
Cutting boards
Have at least 2, one for raw meat and one for veggies. Label them if you have to or try to get different design, color, or anything that will tell them apart. (Mind you though, that not everyone who uses the kitchen will have the instinct to ask why there are two cutting boards or remember which is which – even if you’ve told them a dozen times. I know! I have people in the house who does that exactly. It would seem that they just want to use which ever cutting board they can get their hands on first.) Up to you if you prefer wooden cutting board or the plastic ones.
Measuring spoons/cups
Although those who are used to cooking barely used measuring spoons and cups (unless they’re baking), it’s still worth to have them handy. When trying new recipes, it’s best to follow the instructions including the measurement of the ingredients. Once you get the idea of how the dish supposed to taste like, you can do your own thing – you know, playing it by the eye. I know, a lot of cooks does that!
Mixing bowls
Mixing bowls are not just for well, mixing – you can use them during meal prep to hold your ingredients. They will also come handy when washing fruits and veggies. You’d be surprise at how mixing bowls can actually keep you organized.
Wooden ladles/fish turner
Okay, not all are particularly thrilled about using wooden ladles – fine, then just get the stainless-steel ones. And yes, others might be more familiar with long-handle spoon instead of ladle. Whatever you prefer calling it, have at least 2 of them and one fish turner. Fish turner is not just for fish, mind you, it can also come handy when frying eggs or flipping burgers or whatnot.
Colander
I prefer the stainless-steel ones but if you happen to find plastic ones that you really like (color, size, overall look), then it’s completely fine. Having a colander can make life in the kitchen so much easier. You’d be fine with just one – I do! (Well, I used to, now I have well – quite a few). The point is, you’ll be just fine with just one – go for the medium size and the reason I like it stainless is so that odor doesn’t stick to it.
Silicone spatulas
Have at least one big and one small spatula. I know there are so many spatulas on line – all sorts of color in all sizes imaginable – but hey, it’s an easy trap, don’t be too quick to add those pretty spatulas because it can be a start of a shopping spree for kitchen items that you don’t really need. Soon enough if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself stressing over organizing your kitchen.
See here our previous post about organizing kitchen organizers.
Knives set
By knives set, especially the ones you usually see online now, has the ‘complete set’ oftentimes even including peelers, scissors, knife sharpener, and some even comes with a knife block. But of course, you can always buy them separately, especially if you have a knife brand in mind that you really trust. For me, as long as you have a butcher’s knife and a chef’s knife – you’re all good. But of course, it’ll be great if you can throw in a paring knife as well.
Pots and pans
Have at least two sizes of pots (a large and a medium, or a medium and a small one – depends on how big your family is), one frying pan, and one sauce pan – to me, this is a good pot and pan selection already. Of course, adjust if you really have a big family. The same applies if you’re living alone. As to what material – ceramic, stainless, cast iron, etc., it’s really up to you. Personally, I’d say go for the non-stick ones specially when you’re new at cooking – I find them very newbie friendly.
Metal baking sheet
Once you discover the beauty of using the oven, you’ll be using metal baking sheet more often that you originally planned it for. It’s not just for baking cookies, it’s actually perfect when you’re making roast of all sorts – pork, beef, chicken, fish, veggies. If you can, get a flat one, and one with raised sides.
Glass baking dish
Again, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to prepare baked dishes so to prep you for that, make sure that you have glass baking dishes (at least 2) on hand. And besides, if you don’t have glass baking dish, how can you make baked mac and cheese, right? I mean…right?
Tongs
Lastly, tongs. If you must have just one, go for the big long one. It will come handy when frying and when barbecuing. I know there are all sorts of tongs available on line – some even comes with silicone tips. It’s up to you but I find that a basic one (plain stainless steel without any other attachment) works just fine.
If you’re just starting out and needs to shop for your kitchen then this is a good list to start. This can come handy, too, if you’re trying to declutter your kitchen – it’ll give you a pretty good idea of what exactly you basically need and help you in identifying the ‘extras’ that are cluttering your kitchen. You can also refer to this list if you’re overwhelmed with the amount of kitchen utensils that you have accumulated over the years and decided that you just want to go for the minimalist kitchen essentials.
