There are a lot of sleek, new kitchen tools coming out all the time, but not everyone needs every one of them. Whether you’re outfitting a brand-new kitchen or revamping an existing one, there are some essential cookware items that everyone should have to start cooking.
Dry Measuring Cups: Invest in a set of dry measuring cups to keep track of the flour, sugar, mix-ins and other dry ingredients you use in recipes. A good set should have both large and small sizes, plus a wide range of capacities to cover all your needs. Liquid Measuring Cups: You’ll also want a set of liquid measuring cups to keep track of the milk, water, oil and other liquids in your recipes. I like this set from All-Clad, which includes both large and small size options to accommodate all your everyday needs.
Skillets: You’ll likely need a good, solid skillet to make the majority of your meals, especially if you’re cooking for more than one person. A quality stainless steel skillet is ideal for everything from frying up an egg to making a skillet dessert.
Stock Pot: A 6-8 quart stainless steel stock pot is a must for batch cooking and boiling water, as well as making homemade broth. If you plan to cook large amounts of soup, stews or other broth-based dishes on a regular basis, this large stock pot from Cuisineart is a fantastic choice.
Nonstick Pans: If you’re going to opt for a nonstick pan, look for a set that uses an advanced coating that’s safe for use on all stovetop types and won’t scratch easily. A durable, hard-anodized aluminum set from Calphalon is a great option.