So, you’re ready to cut back on takeout and start cooking more at home. That’s such a great choice! You’ll not only save money but also boost your health in a big way by sticking with it. Aside from some cracking recipes and delicious ingredients, you’re also going to need some kitchen equipment. With the number of gadgets and tools on the market these days, it can seem like an overwhelming endeavor, so we’ve made a list of the essentials to get you started.
High-Quality Knives
First of all, don’t expect to go very far without a decent knife or two. Cheap, blunt knives are not only dangerous, but they make cooking slow, tedious, and far more difficult than it needs to be.
Invest in your home cooking journey by investing in some high-quality knives along with a good sharpener to keep them in good nick. There are a few different types of knives out there, and this guide will help you learn about the four essential ones you need in your kitchen.
Cutting Boards
Next up, you need something to cut on. Chopping vegetables on a plate is going to get old real quick if you’re doing it on a regular basis.
One or two plastic cutting boards will do the trick, but keep in mind that these will become old and unhygienic pretty quickly as your knife cuts grooves into the plastic, and you’ll need to switch them out. We recommend a high-quality wooden cutting board that has antimicrobial properties.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
When you start following recipes (which is an important part of learning to cook), you’ll often need to add ingredients in measurements of cups, half cups, teaspoons, tablespoons, etc.
Estimating these measurements can only get you so far, and you’ll usually have much better results if you’re accurate with the ingredients you use, especially when it comes to baking bread or other treats. This is why measuring cups and spoons play an important role in any kitchen.
Non-Stick Skillet
More often than not, your cooking endeavors are going to require a pot or a pan of some sort – often one of each! Having a high-quality skillet will set you up to cook a massive variety of delicious dishes.
If you can, opt for a non-stick or cast iron skillet. These will last you a long time and will reduce the amount of oil you need to use in your cooking, making for healthier meals overall.
Mixing Bowls
Finally, every home cook needs a few mixing bowls. Even if you’re not planning on baking anything, you’ll still need these to prep batters, sauces, marinades, egg washes, crumb coatings, and more.
You can also use mixing bowls during “mise-en-place,” the process of gathering your measured ingredients before you start cooking. This helps you keep your kitchen tidy and your cooking process seamless since you won’t be scrambling for missing ingredients while something else is burning on the stove.
Setting up your kitchen with the right tools is the first step toward making your home-cooking journey enjoyable and successful. By investing in high-quality essentials like knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, a non-stick skillet, and mixing bowls, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any recipe with confidence. These basics will not only make cooking easier but also help you stay organized and efficient in the kitchen. With the right gear in hand, you’ll be whipping up delicious, healthier meals in no time—no takeout needed!
