Essential Kitchen Equipmentposted in Equipment by Kathy MaisterIf you are moving into your own apartment for the very first time, the list of "essentials" seems never-ending. So, for startcooking.com I have tried to keep your list of cooking essentials to the bare minimum. I have already started several discussions on stocking your cupboard , stocking your refrigerator , basic utensils , and knives. Now, let's talk about kitchen equipment. Three usually come with most apartments or houses you may rent, share or (if you're lucky) buy. They are: 1. A Refrigerator 2. A Sink 3. An Oven with a stove top Typically, you are on your own after these three. There is one more absolute, non-optional, essential piece of equipment: 4. Pots and Pans
You will need, at a minimum: (a) One 6-quart pot for making spaghetti, (b) One 2-to-3 quart pot for making rice, boiling potatoes, etc. and (c) One 7-to-10 inch skillet or fry pan. Many of the large discount stores offer "sets" of pots and pans. If you don't own any, that may be the way to go. If you have time to shop around look for sales and "extra-off" coupons. That will cut the cost considerably. Buy the best you can afford. Really inexpensive pans do not have the same heat-retention ability as the more expensive ones. From here on, my list says "optional" but quite honestly most of it is essential. Option 1: Microwave
Oven (Even my husband, who does not know how to cook, knows how to use the microwave!)
Option 2: Cutting
boards
Option 3: Baking
Sheet with sides
Option 4: Mixing
Bowls
Option 5: Colander
Option 6: Coffee
Pot/Kettle
Option 7: Toaster or Toaster Oven Option 8: Blender
So this is my starter list. By popular demand I am adding a vegetable peeler and a garlic press to the utensil list . Make sure you also get some dishtowels and pot holders/oven mitts.
A toaster, a blender, a coffee-pot and a tea-kettle may not be first on YOUR list, but cutting boards, mixing bowls, a baking sheet with sides and a colander really are necessary to start cooking. Are we ready to startcooking? If you are new to startcooking, or are a regular visitor here, please consider subscribing for free. 20 commentsBethany Riskin I could not live without my food processor, pasta machine (manual, not electric), and baking stone! Jon (Sacker) Bethany, I’m so impressed at your use of the pasta machine. For some reason it’s the one major kitchen gadget I’ve never been able to master. What I don’t understand is where you get your third hand from: Dave I've found my vegetable steamer to be a very useful and simple device. I've heard it doesn't remove as much nutritional value as boiling does. It's also good for a lot more than just veggies. I bought my dad an Oster model for $30 at Target recently. Hi Dave, Steamers are great! Prior to microwave ovens, I used my steamer all the time to steam vegetables. (Yikes! that was a long time ago!) Nutritionally speaking, it was the only way to go. Now I find in much quicker to "steam" vegetable in the microwave! Jon and Bethany, Food Processors, pasta machines, baking stones, etc are amazing things to have in your kitchen! (I have them all!) But...if you are just learning to cook, I don't think they are on the top of the priority list of equipment! Investing in a good knive is step #1! Nice kitchen equipments.......! Tom When trying to design your dream kitchen keep a few things in mind. Start with a cabinet professional, they know the ins and outs of kitchen design and they can properly lay out your kitchen so that all the extras that you were hoping for will come together perfectly. The last time I renovated my kitchen was 17 years ago! I’m wondering how much longer my Sub-Zero will last? The stove lasted about 12 years, and my microwave 15 years before they needed replacing. A newly designed elevator in our building means that to install a Sub-Zero, it would have to get carried up 7 flights of stairs or I would have to hire a crane and bring it through the window! timothy lambinicio Nice for showing the tools and equipment of kitchen, thank you! :) We are all about learning the basics here at startcooking.com! The one kitchen appliance that I could not live without is my Bosch blender.....I am able to puree soups, make smoothies, and grind coffee beans. Roy I just attended the Saladmaster cooking demo on its pots and pans. They seem to be very high quality stuffs but very expensive. Normally, I cook with nonstick. Is it safe? or we should really use Stainless steel or 316 Titanium Saladmaster is selling. Your feedback is much appreciated. Happy New Year... Thanks, Roy Hi Roy, I am not familiar with Saladmaster cookware. I use a combination of stainless and non-stick cookware mostly by All-Clad, plus two Dutch ovens by Le Crueset. (I do not get paid by them for giving them the thumbs up, nor have they ever given me any cookware for free. I have been sent cookware from other companies hoping for an endorsement. I have yet to try any that compares to All-Clad and Le Crueset) I really like my non-stick inch fry pans. (My 10 inch is shown in my Fried Rice video) When you work with non-stick you just have to be careful that you do not pre-heat the pan to the smoking point. It is those fumes that can be toxic. I am not a big fan of buying sets of anything, that includes a set of knives and a set of pots and pans. Good cookware is REALLY expensive. If the "set" includes pan sizes you will not use regularly, then it is a waste of money. Many of the big kitchen shops will let you make up your own "set" with you being the one selecting what size and shape is right for your cooking needs. An investment in good cookware requires some research on your part and be very wary of a good sales pitch. This is not a easy decision. I wish you the best of luck trying to figure out what is right for you! Cheers, Roy Hi Kathy, Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. The Saladmaster is selling its Starter Set for around $2500. It's supposed to have the highest quality Titanium. Food cooks very fast. A lot of its recipes require no oil or water to prepare. So, it claims to retain much flavors from the food itself. Anyway, I am not sure if I can justify to spend that much on 6 pieces of pots and pans? About non stick pans, I was told some countries already banned from selling them because of its potential to cause health problems. US might start putting label about its danger. Have you heard of it? Thanks again for your wonderful website and videos. Thanks, Roy, If I were you I would go on line and read every review possible on this cookware before making such a huge investment. Yes, many countries are considering banning non-stick cookware. Many of the issues stem from people using non-stick cookware improperly. If the non-stick surface has in anyway been compromised, then the pan should be thrown out. If you follow the manufacturers recommendations on proper use and care for non-stick cookware, they you should be fine. As I said before, I use a combination of different pots and pans. I would not want an entire set of non-stick pans nor would I want an entire set of just stainless steel pan either. Another thing to consider is the weight of the pans empty. My Le Cruest Dutch oven is fabulous but it does weigh a ton - which is one of the reason I would not want a whole set of Le Crueset cookware. I hope this helps! Khuram I want to be a chef! Elana Really great information. Awesome article. I am definitely coming back monica I'm so excited about buying my first kitchen utensils and equipment. Thanks for all the great information! How much should I be spending... Hi Monica, Tina I have found this to be really useful. Comments are now closed.0 trackbacks |
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Pam C
I love this post, most especially the soft teal colander with matching towel!
Keep up the great work xoxo P