10 Essential Tools for Every Home Cook

A cutting board is the centrepiece of every kitchen counter. It serves as a stable surface for food prep and protects your countertops. Start by looking for a sturdy cutting board that is large enough to avoid food spilling on the counter. You also want a cutting board made from materials that won't dull your knives. For this reason, wooden, silicone and plastic cutting boards are good choices. Regardless of the type of material you choose, caring for your cutting board is vital to prolong its life. Silicone and plastic boards can be washed in the dishwasher, while wooden boards require a little more care. Handwash your wooden board with soap and water and oil it regularly to keep the wood hydrated.

 

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From mixing dry ingredients to mixing salads, mixing bowls are a home cook's best friend. The best mixing bowls for your kitchen depend on your style and preference. Stainless steel bowls are often recommended for their lightweight feel and durability, while ceramic bowls are loved for their classic aesthetic and sturdiness. Glass bowls are a versatile option that can double up as salad bowls, plus they are microwave safe.

A good set of tongs can make your time in the kitchen a delightful experience. This kitchen multi-tasker is great for turning, grabbing and serving food. The best tongs are sturdy, with non-slip handles and scalloped heads for better grip. Consider getting tongs with silicone heads to preserve your non-stick cookware.

A not-so-secret, secret weapon, a wooden spoon is a kitchen staple you can't be without. It's the go-to utensil for stirring, scooping and scraping the juicy bits off the bottom of the pan. A wooden spoon is durable and safe to use on any surface, plus it won't scratch or dent your cookware.

Every home cook needs a good grater. Whether you need to grate cheese, vegetables, or zest citrus, a grater is an indispensable tool in your kitchen. Look for a study grater with a large surface area and a comfy handle. A four-sided grater is a great option as it combines grating, slicing and zesting in one tool.

Precision is key when cooking or baking, so measuring cups are a handy addition to your kitchen. A good set of measuring cups can last you a lifetime, so you want to put some thought into your decision. You will need a set for measuring dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients. Measuring cups come in different shapes, sizes and materials. Regardless of which material or shape you choose; they should be durable and robust enough to handle the weight of your ingredients.

Whether you like to whip up a quick pasta after work or need a convenient way to rinse veggies, a colander is an essential in your culinary arsenal. Colanders come in various shapes and materials for different uses. A stainless-steel colander is best for straining hot liquids, while a plastic colander works best for cold dishes. Choose a colander with sturdy handles and a size that matches your cooking vessel.

A paring knife is made for peeling, coring and other small kitchen tasks. When choosing a paring knife, pay attention to the blade and the handle. A pointed blade tip is a tell-tale sign of a good paring knife. A comfortable handle will also make food prep easier.

A chef's knife is the most hardworking knife in your kitchen. You'll find yourself reaching for your chef's knife daily when food prepping, so a quality one is a worthwhile investment. A good chef's knife must be well-balanced, comfortable to hold and have a sturdy handle. To keep your knife in tip-top condition, follow the care instructions on the packaging and sharpen it as needed.

A baking sheet has a myriad of uses in the kitchen. From baking cookies to roasting veg, it's a kitchen multi-tasker you can't be without. And with proper care, baking sheets can last you a lifetime. Look for a good quality baking sheet that won't warp or bend in the oven. For best results, line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil to avoid food sticking to the bottom of the pan. This allows for easy cleanup, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious treats.

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