If you’re in the process of setting up a new kitchen, one question that might come up is: what kitchen utensils do you need? It’s easy to go a little crazy, especially when you’re getting inundated by so-called experts and marketing propaganda telling you to buy “must-have” utensils.
If you’re having trouble determining the essential from the dispensable, read on to find out which utensils you should purchase for your kitchen.
Chef’s Knife
When thinking about what kitchen utensils do you need, one of the top tools on your list should be a good knife. It’s worth spending a little more to purchase a high-quality knife that will stay sharp through the years. Although cheap steel can still do the job well, buying a new one every so often will add up.
It’s more cost-effective to buy a chef’s knife that is easy to control and hold, durable, and balanced. Take the time to shop around and try out different knives before you decide on the perfect match for you.
Spatula
One of the most flexible essential kitchen utensils is a spatula. You can use it to stir sauces, sauté eggs, or flip pancakes. A spatula is a crucial tool for cooking and serving various types of food.
Consider getting both a metal and a silicone spatula. The former will help with food preparation, cooking, and serving. The latter is great when you’re baking – use it to swirl frosting or fold cake batter. Silicone spatulas are also great with hot food because they don’t easily melt or stain.
Measuring Tools
Getting the right measurements is crucial, especially when you’re following a recipe. You want to get all the steps right to ensure that things turn out the way you expect them to. Measuring cups and spoons, as well as electronic scales, will help you better address the question, “What kitchen utensils do you need?”
It’s a good idea to get two sets of measuring tools: measuring cups for liquids and measuring spoons for dry ingredients. This is because recipe books usually use cups as units of measurement for liquids, and spoons for solids. Additionally, make sure that you keep spare batteries for the scales.
Peelers
Although you can always try peeling fruits and vegetables with a knife, a peeler is less likely to land you a trip to the ER. Peelers make the job safer and easier. You can also use them with hard cheeses, such as Parmesan.
It’s best to get a Y-shaped peeler because it’s versatile and will give you a better grip than a conventional swivel peeler. You’ll be able to easily peel food, like winter squash, giant yams, or mangoes. Make sure that you’re choosing a high-quality one with a sharp blade for smooth peeling. Find out more about kitchen utensils.
Conclusion
What kitchen utensils do you need? The answer to this depends on your lifestyle and cooking preferences. Don’t let consumerism and the irrepressible desire to collect stuff get in the way of distinguishing what is essential and what is not.