What Basic Kitchen Utensils Do You Need?

 

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Setting up a kitchen for the first time is something to look forward to. When you are at the store, the range of utensils can seem a bit overwhelming and it is difficult to know where to start.  Aside from the basic utensils you need to eat, spoons, knives, forks, and the like, what are the most useful utensils in the kitchen?

Tongs

Tongs are probably the most underrated tool in the chef’s toolkit.  Great for serving, tongs can also be used to turn food when frying or baking. These are probably the most used utensil in many kitchens. Adding Custom Tongs to your kitchen can a great addition, and they make a great gift for anyone who cooks.

Ladle

Spooning soup or a stew into your bowl is much more difficult without a ladle. It is difficult to transfer food without one. Having a ladle can save you a lot of aggravation and spilled food.

Spatula

Both metal and plastic spatulas have their place in the kitchen.  Spatulas are a must-have in basic cooking.  There are many types of spatulas so make sure to choose the type that you expect to use the most. Tongs work well for turning food as well, but if the food is flatter or more delicate, then a spatula is needed. When baking spatulas are good for getting the last bit of batter out of a bowl or scraping the sides of the bowl while baking so your mixture comes together well. A little reminder here, if you want the non-stick coatings on your pots and pans to last longer, remember not to use metal utensils when cooking with them.

Peeler

Fruits and vegetables can be peeled with a knife in a pinch, but it is much easier if you have a good peeler at hand.  A peeler can also be used to add curls of veg to a salad or to garnish pasta. 

Wooden Spoon

A wooden spoon is a must if you plan to bake in your kitchen.  Wooden spoons tend to be sturdier than plastic, making it easier to stir thicker mixtures.  There was a reason your grandma used one! Be sure to remember to wash all your wood utensils by hand as wood can splinter and degrade quickly in the dishwasher. 

Quality Knives

A good kitchen knife is worth its weight in gold.  This is one area where you want to make sure to have a quality product. If you are just setting up, it may be best to buy a set that includes a knife sharpener, a chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife.  A knife set is a great gift for newlyweds because they may not have the funds to obtain a good set for themselves.  Anyone who has invested in good knives will tell you it was worth it, as they will last a lifetime.

Becoming an expert in the kitchen is a lifelong process.  No matter your expertise, good quality basic tools can improve your cooking and make daily meal preparation less of a chore. Attaining the utensils listed in this article will set your kitchen up with the basics for success, and you can continue to add more utensils to your toolkit as you level up your kitchen skills.