When you have the right equipment, cooking becomes easier and faster. Everyone, no matter what job it is, needs the right tools if they want to do it successfully – cooking is no exception. So the next time you decide to cook, make sure you have these tools handy:
Chef Knife
Having a quality chef knife is essential if you want to prepare your food properly. It will make cutting your food easier, faster and more precise. There are plenty of chef knives that can do the job, but a 9- to 10-inch chef knife is ideal for most cooking jobs.
Pots and Pans
These include stainless steel saucepans, pots and skillets. Be sure to get them in a variety of sizes (small, medium and large). If you are a beginner, be sure to use the non-stick varieties and remember not to use utensils that can scratch the non-stick surface.
Bowls
Bowls are great for keeping your kitchen area neat and tidy. They are also useful for mixing ingredients together when making your favorite recipes. Most bowls come in sets of different sizes that fit into each other. You should get the stainless steel variety as they are extremely durable and can last you a lifetime.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are essential when it comes to cutting up your meat and dicing your vegetables. To this end, wooden cutting boards do the job nicely. To avoid cross-contamination of food, be sure to use separate cutting boards for your meat and vegetables, and make sure that you are cleaning your wooden cutting boards properly after each use.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Mixing ingredients in the wrong portions can ruin any recipe. That is why you need measuring spoons and cups to get the measurements just right.
Colander
Colanders are essential for draining liquid in order to separate it from the solid parts of your foods. Without a colander, draining your beans, rice or spaghetti can be a difficult process, making this tool a must-have kitchen utensil.
Baking Sheets and Pans
Sometimes, meats and vegetables taste better when they are roasted. Roasting is also a healthier alternative compared to frying your foods. Baking sheets and pans are also useful if you ever want to try out that delicious cake recipe.
Blender
Blenders are a must-have if you intend to whip yourself up a smoothie or a delicious milkshake. You can even use a blender to make some homemade salad dressing.
Apron
Not only do chef aprons make you look the part, they are also worn for hygienic purposes. Having an apron means you can prevent dirt and bacteria from getting on your clothes. Furthermore, they are also a quick way to dry your hands, dishes and utensils.
Having the right tools gets the job done efficiently and effectively. Having this hardware handy will make cooking more enjoyable and easy. If you don’t have them already, it is time to stock up.
