6 Kitchen Essentials You Need as A Chef
Setting up a kitchen with all the necessary gadgets and appliances is becoming confusing by the day. Everyone has their list of no-miss products that, according to them, will make our lives easier.
Your favorite celebrity chef will encourage you to buy their latest branded cookware collection, while your mother will tell you that all you need are the bare essentials. And the kitchen stores? They promote even a basic garlic press as a “must-have” for home cooks.
With all this outside noise, it’s hard to figure out what you need in your kitchen as a chef. Do you need that sous vide machine? Or is a simple slow cooker going to do the trick?
You can’t be sure unless you try it out for yourself. But to get your culinary game started, we’ve listed the kitchen essentials that every chef needs:
1. A Cutting Board
You don’t want to damage the sheen and smoothness of your expensive marble kitchen counter by chopping away at it. That’s why every chef needs a cutting board.
Wooden cutting boards are the most sought-after because they’re gentle on knives and don’t slide around.
A plastic cutting board is a good choice for a little more low-maintenance option. There are also cutting boards made from glass or marble for chefs with a high urge for pretty displays. But they’re a nightmare to chop on.
If you’re still indecisive, this article explains the different materials used for cutting boards. Go check it out for more detailed information.
And when it comes to replacing your cutting board, always do so in a few months. The grooves left behind by the knife can cause bacteria to accumulate.
2. A Trusty Set of Knives
Your steak isn’t going to cut itself. Nor is that head of broccoli.
That’s why you’ll need a good, trusty set of knives to help you in the kitchen. While the fancy woodblocks with eighteen different blades are alluring, it’s not necessary for everyone.
A paring knife, chef’s knife, and serrated bread knife will suffice for the home cook.
With a set of these three, you can swiftly peel veggies, chop herbs, and cut through crusty bread like a pro. A high-quality chef’s knife will make a noticeable difference in your prep work. It must have a comfortable grip and a little heft so you can easily chop through large pieces of meat.
As for the blade, it should be high-carbon stainless steel.
3. Pots and Pans
You don’t need a separate pot and pan for every dish you make. A good rule of thumb is to have two pots (one small, one large), one pan, and one Dutch oven. With these four pieces of cookware, you can make almost anything.
If you’re short on space, consider a set of essential pots and pans. It’ll usually have a saucepan, a stockpot, and a skillet. These three will be your workhorses in the kitchen, so invest in high-quality pieces that will last you years.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for pots and pans because it’s durable and easy to clean. But if you’re looking for something that will evenly distribute heat, consider copper or aluminum.
If you regularly cook omelets, pancakes, and grilled cheese sandwiches, then a non-stick pan is a godsend. Also, use wooden or silicone utensils when cooking with non-stick to avoid scratching the surface.
4. A Cast-Iron Skillet
A cast-iron skillet is the most versatile kitchen essential you can have. It’s perfect for searing, frying, baking, and much more.
If you’re planning to have only one pan in your kitchen, make it a cast-iron skillet. It’s incredibly durable and will last a lifetime if you take care of it properly.
Although a little more work (seasoning it, we mean), cast-iron skillets will give your food the sear and crust you can only get from cooking in one.
To season your cast-iron skillet, you must coat the surface with a layer of oil and bake it in the oven for an hour. It will create a non-stick surface that’s perfect for cooking.
Not to mention, it only gets better with age. So the more you use it, the more seasoned it becomes. Just make sure to avoid using soap when cleaning it, and always dry it thoroughly after washing.
5. Blender and Food Processor
You can’t choose between a blender and a food processor. You need both.
A blender is perfect for making smoothies and sauces, and a food processor is better for tasks like chopping and mincing.
If you’re tight on space or budget, you can get by with just a blender. However, if you have the counter space, we recommend getting both. It’ll make your life easier in the long run.
Opt for a high-power blender that can easily handle ice and frozen fruits.
There are two types of blenders:
- A countertop blender is excellent for making large batches of smoothies and soups.
- An immersion blender is more convenient for smaller tasks like pureeing a sauce or soup in the pot.
As for food processors, choose one with multiple attachments so you can easily shred, chop, and dice.
6. A Set of Good Measuring Spoons and Cups
A good chef is particular about measurements. After all, cooking is a science. Therefore, your kitchen must have a complete set of measuring spoons and cups.
It doesn’t mean you have to invest in an expensive set. As long as the measurements are accurate, you’re good to go.
A set of measuring spoons should have at least these four sizes: ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, one teaspoon, and one tablespoon.
As for measuring cups, you’ll need two: one cup (for liquid) and one dry measuring cup (for ingredients like flour and sugar).
Store your measuring cups and spoons in a drawer or cabinet so they’re always within reach.
Final Thoughts
Succulent steaks with precise cuts, homemade pasta, and delicious smoothies; all have one thing in common: a need for the best kitchen tools. So make any dish your heart desires with the proper kitchen essentials. Of course, you’ll also need the basics like tongs, whisks, and spatulas. And if you want fancy, throw in a sous-vide machine and an Instant Pot.
Preparing meals shouldn’t feel like a chore. With the right tools, it can be fun and easy. So, equip your kitchen with what it needs and get cooking!
