No matter how much time you spend in the kitchen, whether you’re making sourdough starters or just pouring cereal, there is one thing that we all can agree on: Certain tools are essential no matter your skill level.
We have compiled a list of 10 essential kitchen tools for home cooks with the help of Pure Wow’s food editors.
Top 10 Essential Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Needs
1. Cooking with Utensils
First, the right tools are essential for cooking. You can’t go wrong with a set that includes everything, from a basic spatula to an electric meat tenderizer.
The set also includes a handy canister to keep them all together.
2. Â Rectangular Baking Dish
This baking dish is perfect for making lasagna, casseroles, or gooey brownies. The Pyrex Deep rectangular Baking dish is our favorite.
It’s designed to hold more layers so that you can make more complicated recipes. It can be used directly in a preheated oven, and heats evenly for consistent results. The lid makes it easy to store leftovers and transport dishes without any mess.
3. Glass Small Bakeware Set
This Pyrex 5-piece set makes a great choice for small treats and meals-for-one.
These bakeware dishes can be used in convection countertop ovens or toaster ovens, and are true to their name. They are perfect for meal prep as they can be used in single servings.
4. Bench Scraper
Pure Wow food editor Katherine Gillen considers this tool a must.
It is great for baking but also for moving chopped vegetables from the cutting board to a skillet. A bench scraper can help you keep your workspace clean.
5. Silicone Spatula
Although we already mentioned cooking utensils, it is worth praising this GIR spatula.
Gillen loves it, and Pure Wow executive editor Candace Davison and recipes editor Erin McDowell also hold it dear to their hearts. It is heat-resistant and nonstick so it’s easy to clean. It also feels great in your hands, we won’t lie.
6. All-in-one Pan
The Our Place Always Pan is a favorite of our editors and readers. It replaces eight classic pieces of cookware, including a fry pan, saucepan, steamer, skillet and saucier.
Did you get all that? The nonstick ceramic coating makes this pan non-toxic, unlike other similar ones. Taryn Pire, Pure Wow’s food editor, says that she bought one and it is truly worth the hype.
7. Mesh Strainers
Mesh strainers can be used in many different ways than a traditional colander. They are great for cleaning fruit, defrosting shrimp, draining pasta, washing rice, and sifting flour.
Pire says they are more useful than you might think. You can get different sizes if you buy them as a set, rather than individual pieces.
8. Hand Mixer
A hand mixer is a great alternative to a stand mixer if you don’t have the budget or space.
Your arms will be grateful whether you make homemade whipped cream, or sweet Italian meringue.
9. Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets should be in everyone’s arsenal, no matter how skilled you are in the kitchen.
Why? It is versatile enough to make almost any type of meal. It’s likely that you will have one for the rest of your life, as long as you take good care of it.
10. Cookbook
Sometimes you just need a little inspiration. Canella et Vanille is a favorite of ours.
It features 100 recipes to suit every mood and meal, including caramelized onions and fenne biscuits, soft-cooked eggs and dukkah, bitter greens, and braised chicken with apples, cider, and all gluten-free.
