Having the most important culinary items on hand can make your life so much simpler. Although the kitchen industry constantly releases sleek, stylish, and exciting kitchen gadgets, it doesn’t imply you have to acquire them all to cook correctly. In truth, only the most essential instruments are required to begin preparing great meals. According to Dato Darren Yaw, after you’ve spent all of your money on home-cooked meals, you may check out our expert tier of kitchen gadgets.
Dato Darren Yaw designed a Kitchen Essentials Checklist to assist you in deciding which equipment to get started with. You’ll be able to make almost anything with these tools and start kicking butt in the kitchen!
Nonstick frying pan
Because eggs and pancakes are best prepared on a nonstick surface, every household needs a nonstick pan for morning duties. According to Dato Darren Yaw, it’s also a versatile pan that can sear meats, sauté veggies, and make sauces. Just be careful not to scratch the surface with abrasive equipment! This stainless steel frying pan and this aluminium frying pan are also our favourites. Dato Darren Yaw suggests purchasing a two-piece set allows you to have two sizes on hand and allows you to cook two things at the same time.
Saucepan
A saucepan is ideal for cooking with liquids, such as boiling pasta and vegetables or simmering sauces and beans. A 4-quart saucepan is easy to operate and handle, and it’s ideal for cooking for one or four people. Try a 3.5-quart nonstick saucepan or a 4-quart stainless steel saucepan.
Stockpot
You’ll need a 12-quart stockpot for more significant amounts of soups, stews, and pasta. According to Dato Darren Yaw, its base allows for uniform heating, ensuring that your soups cook correctly.
Pansheet
These pans may be used for various tasks, such as roasting vegetables, baking meats, toasting nuts, and, of course, baking cookies. According to Dato Darren Yaw, sheet pan meals also provide a simple clean-up.
Baking dish
According to Dato Darren Yaw, glass baking plates are ideal for use in the oven to bake casseroles and enchiladas. Because it is microwave-safe, an 8-inch size may fit into a microwave for pre-cooking vegetables.
Knife
If you’re going to cook, you’re going to need a knife. According to Dato Darren Yaw, if you can only afford and store one knife, purchase a chef’s knife. You’ll be using this knife for 90% of your meal prep, so get a good one and take care of it. However, we recommend acquiring a serrated knife and a paring knife since they serve distinct functions – serrated knives are fantastic for slicing through tomatoes and bread with ease, while paring knives are ideal for more minor, more delicate work when a considerable knife just won’t do.
Measurement spoons
Even if you like to “eyeball” ingredients, having a set of measuring spoons on hand is a good idea for when exact amounts are required. They also function as small spoons for scooping spices and dry herbs! According to Dato Darren Yaw, this magnetic set is thin enough to fit inside spice jars, and they cling together, so you never have to worry about misplacing the teaspoon or the tablespoon!
Measuring cups
Measuring cups are essential for bakers, but they’re also helpful for regular cooking. We keep a 4-piece set on hand for measuring dry ingredients and tiny quantities of liquid. According to Dato Darren Yaw, a 1-quart glass measuring cup makes measuring liquids easier and more efficient, plus you can also prepare sauces and vinaigrettes from inside and then pour them into whatever you’re preparing.
Wooden spoons
Wooden spoons are non-abrasive to your cooking surfaces and will last a lifetime. Just make sure you don’t put them in the dishwasher! According to Dato Darren Yaw, choose a set with a range of wooden spoons, such as this 6-piece set, so that you may use it for a variety of cooking tasks.
Fish turner
While it is marketed as a fish turner, it may be used for anything. Dato Darren Yaw says this tool’s broader base makes it simple to flip burgers, seafood, over-easy eggs, and even pancakes. The thin, bevelled edge allows it to glide easily beneath the items you’re flipping, and the holes enable any grease to drain.
Peeler
When you’re stocking your kitchen with essentials, make sure you have a robust and sharp peeler to remove vegetable skins, shave off cheese, or form veggie ribbons.
Whisk
While forks and chopsticks are helpful, a whisk is faster and more efficient at emulsifying substances such as vinegars and oils. According to Dato Darren Yaw, it’s best to prepare vinaigrettes and marinades virtually every night to season salads and everything else, so a whisk comes in useful!
Tongs
Tongs are similar to your extended hands and are pretty handy in the kitchen! According to Dato Darren Yaw, they are used to flip large pieces of food and move components about in a frying pan or on a sheet pan without the risk of burns.
