Most people who are passionate about cooking will go out of their way to get the latest kitchen tools. The newest gadgets that promise to improve the quality of their meals immediately catch their attention. Before they know it, their cabinets are full of food processors, electric squeezers, and other exciting kitchen accessories.
Although having a well-equipped kitchen is important, it’s also important to remember that every kitchen should have some essential tools. These are the ones that will make it easy to prepare various types of food. Without these tools, it would be tough to make a lot of different meals.
Quality Strainer
Even if you’re not planning on making a lot of out-of-the-box cheese and macaroni, a good strainer is essential. These are bowls that have holes that allow liquids to drain out. They’re handy for separating different types of food, such as beans and pasta. They can also rinse vegetables, fruits, and other food items. Various types of strainers are available, and they come in different materials and shapes. One of the most common types is a colander, designed to separate large items, such as vegetables and pasta. This type of tool only works for larger food items, and some people prefer to use fine mesh ones.
Although a mesh strainer is commonly used to separate juices or water, it can also separate different food components, such as fat, seeds, and sauce chunks. The holes in these tools are small enough that they can be used to isolate additional food items, such as fat from gravy. While a standard mesh one might be adequate for your needs, a fine mesh one will give you more versatility.
Food Thermometer
Although it can be hard to determine when food is cooked correctly, it’s important to remember that certain undercooked items can lead to harmful bacteria. One of the most common reasons food-borne illnesses can occur is the lack of cooked meat.
A thermometer is one of the essential tools that every kitchen should have. This type of tool can help determine when food has been adequately cooked. According to the USDA, it’s the only way to ensure that meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Having a thermometer in the kitchen is a good choice.
Sharp Kitchen Shears
Whether you’re cutting up chicken or cutting up pizza, kitchen shears are an essential kitchen tool. They can be used for various tasks, such as trimming the stems of flowers, cutting cheese, and shaping parchment paper. These shears are sturdier than regular scissors and strong enough to withstand the occasional small bone. These shears are also made from durable materials, making them ideal for various cutting tasks. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that’s most comfortable for you. These versatile tools will allow you to reach for them often.
Cast Iron Cookware
One of the essential kitchen tools is a cast-iron pan or skillet, as professional chefs commonly use this cooking tool. Unlike non-stick pans with chemical coatings, cast-iron pans and skillets are incredibly durable and can last several generations. If you’re planning on buying a new or refurbished cast-iron pan, ensure it’s treated properly. This process involves cleaning and seasoning the pan and re-coating it with fats or oils. To do this, remove the pan from its packaging, and you can start by heating it in the oven at a temperature of 250 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the pan by adding cooking oil, shortening, or bacon grease and placing it in the oven. To prevent any drips from coming out of the bottom of the pan, it’s essential to put an ovenproof tray underneath it. After about an hour, remove the pan from the oven. Adding fats or oils to the pan will cook the pan’s surface, making it harder to stick food to it. To prevent this, you can repeat this process several times. Once the pan has been seasoned properly, it should look charred and black.