12 Most Bare Bones Tools for Every Kitchen

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Are you or someone you know starting out with a home? There are basic necessities for all areas including the kitchen. In addition to cookware and appliances, tools are needed to perform cooking tasks. These are the ones most vital for everyday cooking:

1. Spatula

It is essential for flipping foods like hamburgers and pancakes and lifting cookies from baking sheets.

2. Cooking spoon

How else to stir the pot? Thousands of recipes call for stirring and this is the tool to get the job done. A classic wooden spoon lasts for years and will not damage non-stick surfaces.

3. Tongs

Do not pierce a good piece of meat with a fork and let all the juices drain out. Grab it with tongs to turn it over. Use tongs to handle hot foods like an extension of your fingers.

4. Sharp knife

The most basic instrument for slicing, dicing, carving, and chopping. A good sharp edge easily cuts through any food. Keep it sharp and have it professionally sharpened at least once a year. A classic 6-inch or 8-inch chef’s knife is a good all-purpose knife.

5. Cutting board

Protect your kitchen surfaces and your knife blade. Look for a medium sized board, about 10 X 14 inches, made of wood or a dishwasher safe material (polypropylene). Avoid hard surfaces like glass or natural stone.

6. Can opener

Although some folks can be quite resourceful and open a can without one, it is much easier to use the tool specifically designed for the job.

7. Vegetable peeler

Peel potatoes, apples, cucumbers, and all sorts of foods quickly and easily. It also works to make thinly sliced vegetable “ribbons” for salads, chocolate curls, or parmesan cheese shavings.

8. Measuring cups and spoons

Most recipes specify amounts for ingredients. You need the ability to measure half of a cup or a quarter of a teaspoon and so on. Exact amounts are critical in baking. It is better not to ruin a dish by adding too much or too little of something.

9. Whisk

Blend together ingredients, beat eggs, whip cream, make emulsions (dressings and mayonnaise), and smooth lumps in gravy with this tool.

10. Mixing bowls

Not everything goes directly into the pan. Some ingredients have to be mixed together first and to do that you need a bowl. You can use a metal or glass one as a double boiler. Also use them to toss salads or make an ice water bath for blanched vegetables to keep their color and cool them quickly.

11. Colander/strainer

A multi-purpose tool for rinsing, straining, or draining. Metal ones can be used for make-shift steamers. Store moisture-sensitive berries and fruits in one in the refrigerator to make them last longer.

12. Fire extinguisher

Accidents happen. Protect your home, yourself, and your family. Inspect and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it is in working condition.

What tool is missing? Do you have one you use all the time? Share what kitchen tools you would want if you were setting up a home.

Featured image courtesy of joyosity licensed via Creative Commons.

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Renee Dobbs

http://magnoliadays.com/

Renee is a self-proclaimed Domestic Goddess in the South who loves to eat, drink, and dig in the dirt. When not cooking, dining out, sipping wine, and gardening, she is blogging about her adventures on Magnolia Days. Her goal is to taste the world with wines and foods from all countries. She believes a balanced diet comes from the moderation, enjoyment of all foods, and willingness to try new things.