You don't need a high tech kitchen in order to create Michelin star worthy food. But here are some essential kitchen tools and equipment that every kitchen needs.
ESSENTIAL KNIVES FOR THE KITCHEN
A chef without a knife is like a conductor without a baton. A strong, sharp knife is probably the most used tool in the kitchen. These are the most useful knives you will need:
A chef's knife. Also known as a French knife. A chef's knife is an all-purpose knife usually between 8 to 14 inches long (20 to 36cm). It is a large multi-purpose knife used for chopping, mincing and slicing.
A paring knife. This knife as a plain edge blade like the chef's knife. It is a small knife, useful for cutting smaller items and for delicate work such as removing the vein from prawns, or scraping the seeds from a chili.
A serrated knife. A serrated knife has grooves and is useful for cutting soft bread without crushing it.
A knife sharpener. A knife should be sharpened just before each use.
Bonus tip for your kitchen knives. Storing knives in a traditional knife block keeps the blade sharper and is a safer option that keeping them in a drawer.
POTS AND PANS
A medium-sized saucepan
A big saucepan
An oven pot
A frying pan or skillet. Used for frying, browning and searing food. If you buy a non-stock frying pan, be careful never to heat it above 240 degrees centigrade (465 degrees Fahrenheit) as the coating may decompose and release toxic fumes.
A baking or casserole dish.A baking dish is usually made from oven-proof glass, a baking pan is made of metal.
A round baking pan. You might have to buy different sizes according to the specific recipes.
A wire cooling rack. Great for letting roasts and cakes to cool without the bottom getting all soggy.
KITCHEN UTENSILS
Two cutting or chopping boards. One for meats and one for non-meats.
A set of mixing bowls. Small, medium and large. Glass is better than plastic.
A large mixing spoon. Either Wooden or plastic.
Spatulas. Good for flipping, rotating and removing food and also for scraping clean mixing bowls. Buy heat-resistant rubber or silicone ones for day-to-day use. Metal ones are best for BBQs.
A rolling pin. Nothing wrong with traditional wooden rolling pins, but these days you would not believe the variety of rolling pins available. The Chef's Delight 18-inch Aluminum French Rolling Pin for example is designed to be chilled in the fridge before rolling, which helps the dough roll out more smoothly.
A slotted spoon. Essential for removing solids from liquids such as vegetables from boiling water. Again, the variation of slotted spoons is mind-boggling. Some of the slots or holes come in absolutely beautiful patterns and modern designs.
Tongs
A can opener. One of the most overlooked items on any camping trip. Pick a side opening can opener rather than the old style top opening ones to save cutting yourself on sharp lids.
A bottle opener. You need one that can open both cans and bottles.
Kitchen scissors
A grater/shredder
A strainer or colander For draining excess liquid from foods such as pasta, vegetables and fruit.
A sifter. For sifting the lumps out of flour.
Paper towels. Paper towels in the kitchen are not just for cleaning up spills, but also for soaking up the grease and oils from fried foods such as bacon and for removing water from meat such as chicken before you roast it.
KITCHEN TOOLS FOR MEASURING AND ACCURACY
A set of measuring cups
A set of measuring spoons
A kitchen timer. Look for a timer that has a long time range so you can time low roasting/cooking recipes. I like the timers that have a magnetic back so they can be stuck on the fridge and out of the way.
Kitchen scales. Pick scales that have different weighing units: pounds and kilograms and is capable of weighing very small quantities of food.
A meat thermometer
KITCHEN STORAGE ITEMS
Storage containers with lids. I prefer glass storage containers over plastic ones as they do not contain BPA and rarely stain. Pick kitchen containers which are freezer-safe, microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe.
Storage canisters. Good for storing dry goods such as flour, sugar and oats.
Plastic wrap
Re-sealable plastic bags. Don't waste your food. Even fairly small amounts of leftovers can be packaged and frozen for future use. I even freeze egg whites (if, say a recipe only called for egg yolks), wine and fresh fruit (great for smoothies)
ESSENTIAL KITCHEN ITEMS FOR SERVING
A set of serving dishes
Platters
Plates
Bowls
Cups
Mugs
Wine glasses
Drink glasses
Napkins
Cutlery. Knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons and soup spoons
With these kitchen essentials, you are all geared up and ready to become the next Jamie Oliver or Julia Childs. Happy cooking.
Gemma Swansburg is a writer/researcher who loves going to kitchen and household shops. Read her latest article, a Luminess Tan review [http://airbrushmakeupfoundation.com] dedicated to the at-home airbrush self tanning system featured in Allure Magazine. For best prices, special offers, honest reviews and step-by-step instructions for the Luminess Tan airbrush equipment [http://airbrushmakeupfoundation.com/luminess-tan-airbrush-system-step-by-step-guide-to-the-healthiest-tan-you-have-ever-had] and other airbrush make up systems, visit her site at airbrushmakeupfoundation.com
