7 practical tools for everyday cooking
Cooking homemade meals can be overwhelming if you don’t have much experience and aren’t sure what you need. So many more people are cooking from home now and struggling with making good meals. The cooking-made simple series is for those who need a little help when it comes to cooking. Learn the basics of what makes good cooking and how to get delicious homemade meals on your table every night.
This series will build your skills in steps, starting with practical tools for your kitchen then moving to basic techniques and will go through how to pick and follow recipes.
Keep everyday tools simple
Your food is only as good as your ingredients and your equipment. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need a lot of tools and gadgets to make great meals. All you need is a few simple, practical tools for everyday cooking. The right tools make cooking SO MUCH EASIER. These are my favorite seven essentials I use in my kitchen every day.
Quality over Quantity
Throughout my cooking journey, I have used and tested tons of equipment. Most not worth it, but few I’ve found to be indispensable in the kitchen. Some tools on this list might be a no-brainer, but having even the right basic tools can make all the difference, especially when you use them every day. Here’s what works, no fluff or rip-offs. Tested and tried every day and won’t disappoint. Regardless of your level of expertise, I encourage you to invest in good equipment. It’s not just about more, but a few quality items. Less to clean, and every tool has a purpose.
7 Practical tools to have:
Chef’s Knife
Large Wooden Cutting Board
10-11 inch Non-stick Skillet
Small Saucepan with lid (1- 3 Qt)
Dutch Oven (5-8 QT)
Glass Liquid Measuring Cup
Rubber Spatula
Ok, let’s break it down.
Kitchen tools Guide
1. Chef’s knife
Invest in one great knife, 7-9 inches is perfect. Some brands I love are Mercer, Misen, and Zwilling. I also use a Japanese Santoku knife just like a chef’s knife. Santoku knives are usually shorter, have a fluted edge to help prevent food from sticking, and are great for slicing and dicing.
Make sure the knife feels good in your hand and is comfortable. Each one is weighted a little differently so take the time to find one that’s just right for YOU. Remember to keep it sharpened dull is dangerous.
Here are some options I love:
Tip: Not sure how to sharpen your knife? here’s a great video to check out: How to Sharpen a Knife
2. Large Wooden Cutting Board
Every kitchen needs one, and there are so many great options. A large thick wood cutting board is an investment but you won’t regret it if you spend lots of time in the kitchen. It’s also important to get a board made out of hardwood (Oak, Maple, Walnut) it typically lasts longer and won’t warp if it’s at least 1 inch thick. Get the largest you can afford, the more room for prep and cooking the better.
If you don’t want to spend much but still want a great board try this Epicurean non-slip cutting board it's my favorite. I typically use a thinner board like this for all my meats. This makes it easier to keep raw proteins separate from vegetables.
Here are options I love:
Epicurean non-slip Cutting Board
Tip: Don’t know how to clean your cutting board, here’s a great way to get rid of those lingering smells. Check it out here: Cleaning your Wooden Cutting Board
3. 10-11 inch Nonstick Skillet
It took me a while to find a good quality non-stick pan at an affordable price. Every company promises different things, and it can be overwhelming. After trying everyone I could find, I found this one on Food 52. (This is an amazing website for cooking, decor, vintage they have it all) I’ve had it for 6 months now, and I LOVE it. It’s sturdy, made of forged aluminum, PFOA-free, and has a water-based lacquer to prevent sticking. The handle feels great, and it’s not one of those insanely slippery non-stick pans coated in plastic. If I could have one pan this would be it. Use for all egg cookery, fish, pretty much everything. I like between 10-12 inches so you can still make large omelets and have enough room to saute vegetables etc.
Buy here:
4. 6-8 Quart Dutch Oven
A dutch oven can be a splurge purchase, but if you are really into cooking and want to step up your game definitely think about getting yourself one. I know I know $300 is a lot, I had to save for this one but it’s so worth it.
Besides using a non-stick pan every day, I use this for everything else. Soups, roasts, braises, and rice. It can do it all. This one retains heat amazingly well and is made of enameled cast iron which doesn’t require much special attention. A real workhorse, I promise it will last you forever if you take care of it. I like this round one from Staub, which is of premium quality, but of course, you don’t have to go with such an expressive one. There are plenty of other options that will work just as well. Just make sure it is at least 5 quarts and has a well-fitting lid.
Treat yourself:
Cheaper options:
5. Small Saucepan with lid (1 to 3 qt)
A small saucepan with a lid is essential for the smaller more, simple tasks in the kitchen. I use this saucepan for heating leftovers and making the perfect rice. This specific pan is made with Tri-Ply Stainless Steel, allowing it to heat evenly and last a long time. Nothing fancy here just stainless steel with a tight-fitting lid. Simple, inexpensive, but super useful.
Find it here:
6. Glass Liquid Measuring Cup
You probably already have this in your kitchen, but it’s good to mention anyway. Simple no-brainer tool perfect for all liquid measuring. I like this 2 cup one by Pyrex. Glass is definitely the way to go on this. It’s important to note that liquid measuring cups are not interchangeable with dry measuring cups. While both measure by volume, their function and design are different, leading to possible incorrect measurements.
Buy here:
7. Rubber Spatula
Another obvious one to round out the list is a rubber spatula. These oxo ones are my absolute favorite. I love the ones with the flat edge, really great for getting the bowl or pan super clean. Probably my most reached for utensils in the kitchen. Also super easy to clean, which is always good. You also don’t have to worry about scratching your precious dutch oven or cast iron with these.
Buy here:
Take inventory of what you have and how well it’s working your needs and get cooking!