Having the right kitchen tools can make your time in the kitchen much easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of our favorite chef’s tool essentials for every level of cook.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, these kitchen tools ensure your recipes turn out right. They guarantee precise measurements, which is particularly important for baking.
Dry measuring cups have markings that allow you to fill to the brim with ingredients like flour and sugar without sloshing the contents over the side, while liquid measuring cups feature pouring spouts for easy transfer. They’re often sold in nested sets so chefs can accurately measure their dry and liquid ingredients. Visit https://www.goodcook.com/ to choose measuring cups and spoons.
Slotted Spoon
A slotted spoon is a great kitchen utensil for separating solid ingredients from liquids. You can use them to scoop up boiled vegetables or meat, lift poached eggs out of pans, and strain sauces or soup.
Commercial slotted spoons have long handles and slots or holes positioned precisely to serve particular purposes. Find nylon ones that don’t scratch metal pots and have a hole near the top to hang with other utensils for convenient storage.
These utensils are essential for preparing pasta, soups, stews, and fried foods. They also come in handy when skimming foam or impurities from liquids and broths.
Spatula
One of the most versatile kitchen utensils out there, the spatula serves many purposes. From flipping pancakes to serving roasted vegetables, this simple tool is indispensable.
A turner, or a metal spatula, has a thin front edge that slips under food to lift and transfer it from pan to plate. The best ones are strong, flexible, and easy to maneuver.
Other specialized spatulas include spreaders or sandwich spreaders with a stubby, rounded blade—usually, one side is serrated. These are perfect for spreading butter, mayo, or other condiments onto bread and sandwiches.
Food Scraper
Just like painters need their paintbrushes and carpenters need a hammer and tape measure, culinary professionals rely on specialized tools to do their best work. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, these handy gadgets will make your work in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.
Bench scrapers are a pastry chef’s best friend, helping them transfer ingredients from their cutting board to bowls or pans.
Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is one of the most essential kitchen tools for any cook, whether camping or cooking at home. It’s heavy enough to conduct and retain heat and deep enough to handle significant cuts of meat and quarts of liquid.
Traditionally circular or oval, modern Dutch ovens range in size from two to nine quarts. While the more extensive options are best for oven braising, the round model is ideal for roasting chicken or baking casseroles.
Unfinished cast iron Dutch ovens require seasoning before use. Still, enameled models are ready-to-go and available in various colors to suit your kitchen style.
