Having the right tools on hand is necessary when preparing recipes. Here are some simple, basic kitchen tools you should have on hand to make prepping even the most complex meals easier. Here are a few of our suggestions.
Cutting Edge
A good set of knives makes all the difference in food prep. You need a set that includes multiple sizes and blades (serrated and straight), as well as a pair of kitchen shears. Don’t want to buy a whole set? Make sure to have at least one chef-quality, versatile knife. Use an anti-bacterial cutting board when cutting meat to avoid contamination and preventing food-borne illnesses.
Expert tip: to keep them sharp, and the handles free of knicks and gouges. Presoak knives with stuck-on food, and make sure to use very hot water when washing knives used on raw meats. Ceramic knives are a quality, dishwasher-safe alternative.
Have a Bowl
Make sure you have a set of glass, silicone, or ceramic mixing bowls of various sizes. Nested bowls take up much less space. Use small prep bowls (you may want several of these) to keep ingredients separate when cooking. Use large bowls for mixing multiple ingredients, both wet and dry. Have at least one strainer on hand for pastas, or for rinsing canned beans or other foods.
Expert tip: Use a bowl that is large enough to give you plenty of room to stir without sloshing or spilling its contents.
Useful Utensils
You can get by with a few basic stirring spoons. Slotted spoons are helpful for straining, or for testing pastas for doneness.
Expert tip: Many chefs prefer as they don’t scratch nonstick pans, don’t conduct heat, and won’t add a metallic taste to your food.
Measure Once
Measuring spoons almost always come in a variety of sizes, often ranging from one tablespoon to 1/8 of a teaspoon. If you do a lot of baking, or often make soup, you should have at least one measuring cup that measures 2 to 4 cups. If you only have one measuring cup, make it a 1 cup.
Expert tip: Print a list of measuring conversions and tape it inside one of your kitchen cabinets. This will come in handy if using a recipe that uses metric measurements, or if you do not have the correct measuring tool on hand.
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