If you are interested in cooking, there are a few basic cooking tools that you must have in your kitchen. These include shears, a rolling pin, a mandoline, and utensils. These tools will allow you to make a variety of delicious foods. These tools will also help you make a variety of foods and are essential to the culinary process. If you don’t already have these tools, consider investing in them as gifts for baby showers, holiday parties, or any other event.
Utensils
There are many different kinds of utensils that you can use in the kitchen. For instance, you should have a measuring spoon. These are handy if you want to measure ingredients such as sugar and olive oil. You can also use them to cut meat into small pieces. A meat mallet is also very helpful. It will smash garlic, make almond milk, and even chop vegetables and desserts.
Another kitchen tool you must have is a spatula. It’s great to have one of these when preparing a sauce or preparing a salad. You can also use a spatula when serving hot stuff. Forks have many uses, including for baking bread or making pasta.
Cutting boards are another great kitchen tool. They don’t take up much space and come in many different sizes. If you prefer a more stylish look, try a cutting board made of marble or bamboo. In addition, there are also a variety of dessert plates. They come in circular and square shapes, and you can find decorative ones in various styles.
Shears
Shears are essential kitchen tools that perform a variety of tasks. You can use them for cutting herbs, meats, vegetables, fruit, and more. They are also great for opening bottles and cans, and many models come with a nifty hole for cracking nuts. They are dishwasher-safe, and have extra-soft grips for comfort when cutting.
To ensure maximum durability, shears should be made of top-grade stainless steel. This metal is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. It should also come with a rubber or polypropylene coating on the handle. This will prevent skin irritation and ensure a secure grip, even with wet hands.
If you want to cut vegetables and meats in half, a pair of kitchen shears will make the task much easier. You can easily slice chicken with them, thereby reducing cooking time. Moreover, they will help you cut off the backbone and the breastbone. You can also use kitchen shears to make food bite-size for your kids. Shears can also be used for chopping carrots, fennel stalks, and artichokes.
Kitchen shears are indispensable kitchen tools. They cut different parts of food, from herbs to vegetables, without causing much damage. A kitchen shear can also help you remove a tender thyme sprig.
Rolling pin
The rolling pin is an essential tool that you should own in your kitchen. It is used to roll out dough. The wooden rolling pins are the best choice for kitchen use, since they are easy to clean. Just like any other wooden kitchen implement, they should be washed using cool water and wiped dry. If you want to extend their life, you can apply mineral oil to their wooden handles.
While most people use a rolling pin for rolling out cookie dough, pastry, and pie crust, they are also useful for crushing other ingredients. If you don’t have a food processor, you can crush vegetables, nuts, and even ice using a rolling pin. Just be sure to use wax or parchment paper to prevent cross contamination.
Wooden rolling pins have been around for centuries, and are considered the best choice for baking and preparing dough. However, the material that you choose depends on your needs. A wooden rolling pin will last a lifetime if properly cared for.
Mandoline
A mandoline is a great tool that will allow you to cut vegetables into thin slices. The design of the mandoline makes it very user-friendly. You can easily adjust the thickness of the slices by spinning the underside spindle. This tool is easy to clean and hygienic.
Among other things, it will help you cut vegetables with uniformity and save your time. Whether you are preparing salads or Asian summer rolls, a mandoline will make the job easier and quicker. It is also useful for making thin slices of fruit and vegetables.
Another great benefit of a mandoline is that it is safe to use for those with hand mobility problems. Even older children can use it with adult supervision. Its sturdy base will not move as you slice carrots or potatoes. You can lock the blade attachment so that it doesn’t move around while you’re working on a recipe. A mandoline also has a non-slip handle and a storage case for attachments.
The Oxo mandoline features multiple blades and adjustable thickness settings. Its blades are made of ceramic, which keeps their sharpness longer than other materials. Its handle is ergonomically designed with a small hand guard and angled feet for easier use. It also comes with a storage caddy and a hand guard for protection from the sharp side of the blade.
Nonstick pans
A nonstick pan can be useful for a wide range of cooking processes, from roasting to sautéing. However, if you cook with too much heat, it can damage the nonstick coating. Therefore, cook delicate foods like fish and poultry on medium or low heat. Also, make sure you avoid using nonstick cooking sprays and acidic foods in your nonstick pan.
Nonstick pans are made with Teflon, a synthetic chemical made from carbon and fluorine atoms. This material produces a nonstick surface that requires very little oil or butter for cooking. Its nonstick quality is also useful for preparing delicate foods like pies and pastries. However, some people claim that Teflon can cause health problems. However, other sources have said that it does not pose a threat to health.
Nonstick pans are not only essential cooking tools, but they also come in different sizes. For example, a two-piece nonstick pan is perfect for cooking two things at once. It is best to choose a pan with a heavy bottom because it will allow maximum heat conduction.
Metal mixing bowls
When you think of essential cooking tools, mixing bowls might not be the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, they didn’t make our list of 12 essential tools. Yet, chances are, you’ll reach for them at some point during your cooking journey, from preparing cake batter to blending sauces.
A metal mixing bowl is a versatile tool that reduces the number of tools you need while cooking. Most of these bowls come with detachable accessories, such as a slicer, grater, or shredder. They also have markings for measuring ingredients and liquid, so you can eliminate the need for measuring cups. Additionally, the pouring spout makes it easy to pour liquids into the bowl.
Mixing bowls come in a variety of sizes, ranging from a 3/4-cup capacity to a large eight-quart capacity. The smaller bowls are perfect for prep work, while the larger ones are good for preparing super-sized salads, bread dough, and cake batters.
One of the best mixing bowls is made of stainless steel, which is the most versatile and durable material. Stainless steel bowls can be used for almost every type of cooking, except for microwaving, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are non-porous, so they’re safe for almost any ingredient. They are also lightweight and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice. Speaking of metal cooking tools, a cream bulb is also a great tool to have in your kitchen.
Food thermometer
A food thermometer is a handy kitchen tool that measures the internal temperature of food. This tool is especially useful when you’re cooking big dishes. The best thermometers give accurate readings instantly. Look for a digital one to get the fastest results. You can purchase these at any kitchen supply or hardware store.
A food thermometer can help you avoid overcooking your food. Its precision temperature reading allows you to check whether your meat is cooked to the right internal temperature. This is crucial because food that is undercooked can cause foodborne illness. It also helps you determine what level of “doneness” your meat is at for its desired appearance, texture, and juiciness.
While food thermometers come in different styles, most have the same features. Those that are thermistor-style work by using a ceramic semiconductor in their tip. This component is bonded with a temperature-sensitive epoxy and takes about 10 seconds to register on the digital display. This type of thermometer can be used for both thick and thin foods. The inner core of a meat or fish is usually cooler than its outer surface, which makes it easier to gauge the temperature of the food with a thermometer.
Another type of thermometer is the instant read style. These devices are designed to read the temperature quickly, so they can’t be left in the oven while the food cooks. However, they can give accurate results within one to two degrees of the final temperature. For the safest and most accurate results, it’s important to use a conventional thermometer.