3 Things Everyone Needs in Their Kitchen

Every aspiring and professional chef will attest to the necessity of having high quality cookware for food preparation. The popularity of cooking has skyrocketed over the years, turning the population of home cooks into amateur chefs. 

 

These cooks look to the professionals for which products they should have in their collection. In the past, amateurs may have stayed away from professional grade products. Regardless of your chef status, there are still three major things that everyone needs in their kitchen – knives, prep bowls, and a superior pot set.

 

Knives

 

Every home or professional kitchen has to be equipped with knives. While there are dozens of knives for various tasks, expert chefs and trusted sources such as the Food Network pretty much agree; there are only three knives you must have in your kitchen – anything else is considered a luxury.

 

The chef’s knife is easiest to remember due to its name, and it is also the most essential. Its wide blade and manageable size is used mostly for chopping but can easily serve every other purpose a knife should in the cooking process. You won’t need additional pieces, but if you do choose to enhance your kitchen collection, also consider including two others. 

 

A paring knife, basically a smaller version of a chef’s knife, is a well known go-to. Its four-inch or lower blade length makes it ideal for slightly more delicate knife skills. Paring knives work well with peeling and trimming onions and other vegetables, and also coring tomatoes.

 

While you could stop there, the final recommended knife would be serrated. Think about cutting a crispy bread crust that’s soft on the inside, or a tomato. A serrated knife really does make preparation easier and will complete your knives collection for your kitchen.  

 

Mixing Bowls

 

An often undersung hero, but nevertheless essential member of the kitchen are the mixing bowls. You probably didn’t even realize you needed a set of these, until you have actually used them to see how much they streamline your prep and cooking process – not to mention the storage capabilities!

 

Every kitchen should have a high quality set of stainless steel mixing bowls (or even just one would suffice). Using a non-reactive metal such as stainless steel ensures the food you prepare remains unaffected or altered in taste during the preparation. 

 

If you have ever attempted to tilt a stainless steel mixing bowl and stir by hand or with an electric mixer, you probably realize it can be a slippery situation on a sleek countertop. Seek a mixing bowl that has a non-skid bottom to help you keep control. You also want to be sure the bowls aren’t too heavy so they are easier to maneuver. 

 

To eliminate food waste, look for a mixing bowl and lid with a date-saving dial or way to mark an expiration. A higher quality product is worth the small investment as a set of three, stainless steel bowls can replace your entire tupperware and plastic mixing bowl inventory. Mixing bowls are a must-have for every kitchen. 

 

Pot Set

 

Now, for the most important collection and essential item that you need in your kitchen – a pot set. It will serve you best to immediately dismiss the idea that a home cook or amateur chef should steer clear of more professional grade products. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should be going out to buy all high-end appliances at the moment, but rather, wisely invest in the essentials for your kitchen that are more affordable. 

 

We’ve talked about the necessity of the products to prepare and store your chef creations, but every expert will tell you to get a basic starter set of pots for your kitchen. This usually includes quart sizes ranging from 2 to 8, with tight fitting lids. 

 

If you want to make any type of sauce, you are going to need a 2-quart pot with a lid. Most recipes, like the all-time favorite spaghetti, will require this type of pot for preparation.

 

A spaghetti meal will also require the 8-quart pot. Essentially, if you are boiling lasagna noodles or any type of pasta for a meal, this sized pot comes in handy. Finally, a 4-quart pot is perfect for everything else! If you’re boiling potatoes, or slow simmering a beef stew, this is going to be your most utilized pot in the kitchen. 

 

You do not need to be a professional chef to benefit from a high quality kitchen starter set. Every professional chef will suggest that you invest in a few basics when starting out. No matter what, we all need to eat! Your kitchen essentials should work with you, not against you. 

 

Knives, mixing bowls and an efficient set of pots are three essential things everyone needs in their kitchen

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