Which cooking tools are really essential and which ones are just “nice to have”? There is no shortage of clever kitchen equipment designed to handle specific needs in the kitchen or satisfy some esoteric needs.
Good cooks are just like good mechanics, they accumulate an abundance of gadgets and tools. Some of them are general-purpose tools and some are only used for getting just the right touch on a particular ingredient.
If you had to pare down your cooking utensils to just the most useful and relevant, what would be on your list?
Chef’s Knife
If you only have one tool in the kitchen, it has to be a versatile chef’s knife. A knife with a 6-inch to 10-inch blade is small enough to handle easily and large enough to tackle the toughest cutting jobs. You can dice onions, carrots, and celery or slice fat off a chicken breast. A high-quality chef’s knife will help you perform a myriad of kitchen tasks while keeping you safe.
Investing in a good knife will cut your food prep time and help make you a better cook.
Cast Iron Skillet
You can cook almost anything in a cast iron skillet. They are durable and will last forever with a little care. You can take them anywhere. You can use them on a stovetop, outdoor grill, or even an open campfire. You can take them from the stovetop and put them directly in the oven.
They are one of the most durable and versatile pans and cooking vessels you can own. You can make steaks, veggies, eggs, bacon, bread, and even cookies and other desserts.
Food Processor
A food processor lets you take store-bought ingredients and turn them into fresh, whole ingredients without any additives or preservatives. It can chop, blend, grind and do much more in a matter of seconds.
Food processors are useful for more than just basic food prep. They can help you explore a new world of flavours and textures.
Cutting Board
Every kitchen should have a sturdy wooden cutting board. Wood is by far the best material for cutting boards. It is durable and easy on knife blades. It is smooth without being slippery and can absorb the shock of cutting large or difficult items.
Wooden cutting boards are easy to maintain and keep clean. Wood cutting boards are not subject to contamination or harmful bacteria build-up. Applying a small amount of white vinegar after each use will kill harmful bacteria.
Slow Cooker
This is another extremely versatile kitchen appliance. You can make soups, stews, chilli and hearty roasts. It’s great for Sunday dinners like meatballs and red sauce.
A slow cooker can take a cheaper cut of meat like beef brisket or pork shoulder and turn it into a succulent tasty meal. The ability to prep and walk away and let your food cook unattended is worth its weight in gold to busy homemakers and others. You can prep the night before, turn it on in the morning when you leave the house for work or errands, and have a delicious meal prepared by the time you return home.
