There’s a lot that goes into making a memorable, delicious meal. From the ingredients used to the planning it takes to get a meal on the table, there are a number of details to consider. But just because there’s a lot of details to think about doesn’t mean you have to use a lot of tools. Surprisingly, you can get a lot done with a little.
#1 Baking Pan: For More Than Just Cookies
Not just for cookies, baking pans are great for roasting vegetables and baking other savory bites, too. But before you buy, choose wisely.
While you may be tempted to add a non-stick baking pan to your cart, these styles can sabotage your cooking. Non-stick baking pans are commonly dark, which means that they can heat up faster, and burn up the bottoms of your cookies or whatever it is that you’re roasting, from a chipotle lime shrimp bake to pineapple chicken fajitas.
Instead, look for an aluminum baking sheet with sturdy rims. The rims will keep your food items on the pan and lead to less burns, spill, and other accidents, MarthaStewart.com suggests.
#2 The Wok: Your New Best Friend in the Kitchen
If you cook big meals for large groups, cooking with a wok pan will soon become your go-to. Unlike frying pans, woks not only require less oil but distribute heat more evenly. Plus, since woks are much larger than standard frying pans they keep food from falling out all over the stove and floor when you’re tossing a stir fry.
Original wok pans were all made from iron and had rounded bottoms. Over time, the iron was replaced by carbon steel, and now you can find woks made from all different types of materials including stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
When choosing a wok for your own kitchen, look for one with a wooden handle rather than metal handles so you don’t have to worry about using an oven mitt while cooking with your wok.
Woks also come in a range of different sizes, however, a 14-inch wok makes for the perfect size for at-home use, The Spruce Eats says.
#3 Heat-Proof Spatula: The Workhorse You Didn’t Know You Needed
Does your spatula stand up to the heat in your kitchen? If not, it is time to add a heat-proof spatula to your kitchen tool lineup.
Opt for a long-handled, silicone spatula, as these are most common in restaurants. And if chef’s use them, you know that they are the real deal.
Heat-resistant spatulas are sturdy enough to go straight into a hot pan without breaking or bending, yet have enough flexibility like a rubber spatula should. This tool will come in handy, no matter what you are cooking. And it can replace the half-dozen spatulas you have cluttering up your kitchen drawers already.
#4 Skillet: A Tool That Completes Every Kitchen
There are a number of things you can whip together in a skillet pan. Desserts like peach crisps, snackable bites like pizza and of course, classic burgers.
While cast-iron skillets are designed for frying, that is not their only use. In fact, skillets retain heat, which is great for healthy cooking that does not require much oil – think poaching and braising as well as grilling and broiling.
A cast iron pan that is well-seasoned emulates a non-stick coating. And the more times you use your cast iron skillet the more seasoned it becomes.
#5 Mixing Bowls: Essential for Cooks and Bakers
When cutting clutter, start in the cupboards. During your purge of these areas, you may find that the backs of your cupboards and cabinets are filled with bowls, bins and other items you never use. Instead of keeping all of these extras items stuffed away, downsize and keep just one set of mixing bowls.
When choosing which bowls to keep, it is important to keep a few factors in mind when making your decision. Durability is essential, which makes stainless-steel mixing bowls the optimal choice. These types of bowls will not warp or crack over time like plastic or glass bowls would.
Additionally, consider that plastic bowls can also absorb odors and can become discolored from oil-based products.
Next, think about how you will be using your mixing bowls. Deep bowls are great for people who do a lot of baking, and wider, shallower bowls are best for those who do not do as much baking but still do a good amount of whisking.
Choosing bowls that are lightweight makes mixing and whisking easier. And opting for mixing bowls that are stovetop-capable is a real game changer for any home cook, says Serious Eats.
#6 Modular Canisters: When You Want the Best Food Storage
Food storage can be tricky. However, modular canisters can help take some of the hassles out of storing and keeping food items in your kitchen fresh.
Many types of modular canisters are often large, that’s because they are designed for use in restaurants. Yet there are styles and sizes available that can meet your own unique needs.
These containers are great for dry food storage, such as pasta and bulk grains, and can also be used to store large batches of soup or vegetables like fresh greens.
Get more done, with less, by using these essential tools in your own kitchen.
