Whether you’re a beginning cook or a restaurant chef, the right kitchen equipment makes all the difference. Crowded kitchens filled with unnecessary tools slow down the workflow and can lead to food safety issues or inconsistencies in cooking quality. Properly equipping your kitchen now saves you time, money and headaches down the road.
Essential kitchen utensils include knives and cutting boards, but cookware and cooking equipment are also crucial. This category of tools includes pans and pots for frying, sauteing, baking, and more. It includes a variety of different types of kitchen ware including nonstick, ceramic and cast iron. Other common tools in this category include mixers and blenders, steamers, strainers and more.
For the beginner, a high-quality stainless steel set of mixing bowls is the best investment you can make. These durable bowls are inexpensive, versatile and can last a lifetime. EatingWell’s associate commerce editor Kayleigh recommends this FineDine set, which has six nested bowls that hold up to 8 quarts and is perfect for everything from whisking vinaigrettes to proofing bread dough. You’ll also need a sturdy, well-made chef’s knife and a paring knife for general tasks.
When it comes to frying, sauteing and stir-frying, a good nonstick pan is a must. These pans are a favorite of home cooks because they are easy to clean and low-maintenance, but you’ll need a quality nonstick spatula for getting things out of your pan. For chefs and professional cooks, carbon steel or cast iron are often preferred for their durability and ability to withstand higher oven temperatures than nonstick pans. In addition to cast iron and carbon steel, copper can be a great choice for quick, even heating, but it needs to be seasoned regularly to prevent sticking. If you do need to use real copper cookware, look for a set with a robust, tin lining that can be replaced at a lower cost than a new pan.