Is your kitchen gear making you work harder than you need to? No, seriously, think about it. We’ve all struggled with a dull knife or that one pan that sticks to everything like a clingy friend who just won't leave.
But don’t worry, getting the right tools for your kitchen doesn’t have to be a big headache. I’m about to show you exactly what you need to make cooking a smooth, stress-free experience, and turn you from a ‘kitchen mess’ into a ‘master chef’ in no time!
Chef's knife
Let’s start with the most important tool you’ll ever own in the kitchen: the chef’s knife. This isn't just any old knife. It’s the knife. The one you’ll use for chopping, slicing, dicing, almost everything.
You don’t need a whole drawer full of knives. One high-quality chef’s knife will do. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can chop up veggies, slice meat, or even break down a whole chicken. And don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on one (but if you do, I won’t judge). Just make sure it feels comfortable in your hand and is sharp, because nobody has time for dull knives.
Cutting board
Okay, now that you’ve got your chef’s knife, it needs a proper partner: the cutting board. I’ve gone through way too many cutting boards in my life (plastic, wood, bamboo, literally everything) before realizing there’s one rule: Get a board that’s big enough. You don’t want your ingredients falling off the sides while you're chopping away like a maniac.
Also, a good cutting board is not just for vegetables. It can handle meats, cheeses, and even bread. If you want to get fancy, you can even get one with juice grooves for those juicy tomatoes or roast meats. Keep it clean, keep it sturdy, and it’ll last you ages. And a little tip:
Go for a wooden or bamboo board for that stylish rustic vibe. They’re easier on your knives than plastic ones. (Trust me, your blades will thank you.)
Tongs
Okay, I’ll admit it. I used to think tongs were kind of extra, like, “Who needs them when you can use a fork?” But then I realized, tongs are actually the secret weapon to flipping burgers, grabbing hot toast from the toaster, or serving up pasta. You can be all over the kitchen with tongs in your hand, feeling like a pro.
Invest in a pair that has a good grip and is easy to maneuver. A good set of tongs will make your kitchen life ten times easier. You won’t even remember what life was like without them!
Bowls
You’re going to need bowls. And not just one or two. We’re talking a few sizes. A big bowl for mixing up that salad or dough, a medium bowl for whipping up eggs, and small bowls for prepping ingredients.
Because when you're cooking, you need to be able to prep everything before you even think about turning on the stove. That means having multiple bowls ready to go, whether you’re marinating chicken or tossing veggies with olive oil.
Pro tip: Glass bowls are easy to clean, and you can see exactly what's inside.
Measuring cup
Ever tried eyeballing a teaspoon of salt? Let’s just say, it doesn’t always work out. That’s where measuring cups come in, my friend. They’re a must-have for when you want things to turn out right, especially with baking.
You don’t need a fancy set, just a good standard set of dry and liquid measuring cups. And here’s a pro tip: liquid cups (usually glass or plastic) are for things like water and oil, while dry measuring cups (typically metal or plastic) are for flour, sugar, and spices. They’ll save you from any "oops" moments where you end up with a batter that's way too salty... or too bland. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
Spatula:
You may not think about your spatula much, but let me tell you, it's the hero of the kitchen. Whether you’re flipping pancakes, scraping out the last bit of cake batter, or stirring the perfect sauce, a good spatula will have your back.
Get a few different types: a silicone one for nonstick pans, a wooden one for the vintage feel, and maybe even a metal spatula for flipping burgers or fish fillets.
Thermometer
If you’ve ever under-cooked or over-cooked meat, you know the pain. That’s why a kitchen thermometer is a game changer. This little gadget tells you exactly when your roast chicken, steak, or cake is done. No more guessing, no more cutting into that juicy steak and realizing it's still a bit too rare.
Instant-read thermometers are the best for quick checks, and they don’t cost much. Stick it in the thickest part of your meat, and boom — you know if it’s time to eat or if it needs more time on the grill.
Cast-iron cookware
You know what they say, “The heavier, the better!” Well, that definitely applies to cast-iron cookware. This stuff is tough and can do it all — sear, sauté, bake, fry. A good cast-iron skillet gets better with age, and it’s the one thing I always recommend for anyone serious about cooking. One option I highly recommend is the Lava Round Casserole Ø28 cm, 6.7 Litres, Enameled Cast Iron, in Grey. It’s been tested and trusted, so you can buy it with confidence!
It may be heavy, but that’s what gives it that amazing heat retention. You’ll be amazed at how evenly your food cooks in a cast-iron skillet. Also, it lasts forever, so it’s worth the investment.
