What are the utensils in kitchen? A Comprehensive Guide to What You Need

What are the kitchen tools that every cook should have in his kitchen? 

Although every cook has her specialty and her taste for certain types of utensils, there are some utensils that need to be in your kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes. 

For this reason, we have prepared a guide in which we detail the kitchen utensils that we believe should never be missing in your kitchen. 

What are the utensils in the kitchen? Essential Kitchen Utensils

Now let’s take a look at the different types of cookware that exist and are essential for your kitchen. 

Knives and Cutting Tools

1. Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping, slicing, and mincing a variety of foods. Investing in a high-quality chef’s knife, such as the Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef’s Knife, ensures precision and durability.
2. Serrated Knife: Ideal for slicing bread and soft fruits like tomatoes without crushing them. The Tojiro F-737 Bread Slicer is a recommended choice for its sharpness and ergonomic handle.
3. Paring Knife: Perfect for peeling and other small or intricate work. The Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife is noted for its razor-sharp edge and comfortable grip.

Cookware Essentials

• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet: A versatile tool for searing, sautéing, baking, and frying. The Netherton Foundry 12-inch Prospector pan is lightweight and offers a non-stick surface after seasoning.
• Nonstick Skillet: Necessary for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other delicate items without sticking. The T-fal Professional Total Nonstick Fry Pan features a heat indicator to signal when the pan is perfectly preheated.
• 3-Quart Saucier: Ideal for making sauces and custards, the Made In Stainless Clad Saucier promotes even heating and easy stirring.
• Enameled Dutch Oven: The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven is perfect for slow cooking, braising, and making soups and stews.
• Serving Spoon: Serving spoons are essential for serving different types of food. They usually come in sets with different types of utensils. 

Additional Utensils

• Wooden Spoons: Gentle on cookware and durable. Ideal for stirring and mixing.
• Whisk: The Oxo Good Grips Balloon Whisk is efficient for emulsifying sauces and dressings, featuring a comfortable handle and dishwasher-safe construction.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping larger items like steaks or for serving salads. Oxo offers a sturdy and easy-to-use design.
• Peeler: The OXO Good Grips julienne prep peeler allows for quick peeling of vegetables or creating ribbons for garnishes.

This selection of essential cooking utensils combines functionality with quality, ensuring that both novice cooks and seasoned chefs have the tools necessary to execute a variety of culinary tasks effectively.

Baking and Pastry Tools

These tools not only streamline the baking process but also enhance the enjoyment and quality of your baking projects, ensuring every pastry comes out perfect. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pastry chef, equipping your kitchen with these tools will prepare you for any baking task.

Essential Baking and Pastry Tools

When it comes to baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed look at essential baking and pastry tools that every home baker should consider:

1. Baking Dishes and Pans

• Large Baking Dish: Necessary for casseroles, roasting meats, and preparing large baked dishes.
• Metal Pie Plate: Ideal for pies and other pastries requiring a crispy crust.
• Loaf Pan: Used for baking bread, meatloaf, and other similar dishes.
• Muffin Pan & Cake Pans: Essential for baking cupcakes, muffins, and cakes in various sizes.
• Springform Pan & Bundt Pan: Perfect for cheesecakes and intricately shaped cakes.

2. Measuring and Mixing Tools

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements, both liquid and dry.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls with grippy bottoms and spouts enhances mixing efficiency.
• Scales and Thermometers: Essential for accuracy, like the OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale and ThermoPro Digital Candy Thermometer.

3. Dough Preparation Tools

• Rolling Pin: Necessary for rolling out dough for pastries, pies, and other baked goods.
• Bench Scraper: Useful for dividing dough, transferring ingredients, and cleaning work surfaces.
• Flour Sifter: Ensures fine, lump-free flour for baking, enhancing texture and consistency.

4. Specialty Baking Tools

• Silicone Baking Mat & Parchment Paper: Provide non-stick surfaces for baking and easy cleanup.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for applying glazes or butter on pastries and bread.
• Cookie Scoops: Ensure uniform size and shape for cookies and other small pastries.

5. Advanced Baking Equipment

• Stand Mixer: Like the KitchenAid Pro Line Series, it’s invaluable for mixing dough, whipping cream, and more.
• Hand Mixer: The Breville Handy Mix Scraper offers multiple speeds for various mixing needs.
• Food Processor: Assists in quick dough making, chopping nuts, and blending ingredients.

6. Cooling and Decoration Tools

• Wire Cooling Racks: Essential for cooling baked goods evenly.
• Cake Stand: Displays cakes and facilitates easier decorating.
• Decorating Tools: Include piping bags, tips, and spatulas for intricate cake and cookie decorations.

Innovative Kitchen Gadgets

Exploring the realm of innovative kitchen gadgets, we find a plethora of tools designed to simplify cooking processes and enhance the culinary experience. These gadgets not only save time but also introduce new ways to approach kitchen tasks, making them essential for the modern home chef.

Smart Kitchen Devices

1. Smart Refrigerators: Equipped with touch screens, internal cameras, and Wi-Fi connectivity, these refrigerators allow users to see inside their fridge remotely, create shopping lists, and manage expiration dates efficiently.
2. Voice-Activated Faucets: Enhance kitchen hygiene with faucets that respond to voice commands or motion sensors, facilitating easy control over water flow and temperature.
3. Instant Pots: As a versatile multi-cooker, the Instant Pot combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more, streamlining various cooking processes into one appliance.

Specialty Cooking Tools

1. Sous Vide Machines: These devices use precise temperature control to cook food evenly, ensuring that every meal is tender and flavorful.
2. Digital Instant Read Thermometers: Provide quick and accurate temperature readings, which are crucial for perfectly cooked meals.
3. Food Dehydrators: By removing moisture from food, these devices not only preserve it for longer periods but also intensify the natural flavors.

Convenience Gadgets

1. Automated Can Openers: Open cans effortlessly with these gadgets, minimizing strain and the risk of injuries.
2. Portable Water Bottle Pump: This device filters and dispenses water without the bulk, making it ideal for compact spaces or on-the-go hydration.
3. Grease Container: A stylish and practical solution for storing used cooking grease, aiding in kitchen cleanliness.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Wooden Utensils

1. Hand Wash Only: Always wash wooden utensils by hand in hot soapy water immediately after use.
2. Avoid Dishwashers: Never place wooden utensils in the dishwasher as the intense heat and prolonged exposure to water can cause warping and cracking.
3. No Soaking: Avoid letting wooden utensils soak in water to prevent swelling and splitting.
4. Routine Oiling: Regularly apply a food-safe mineral oil to keep wooden utensils from drying out. Adding a bit of lemon peel oil can help eliminate odors and leave a pleasant scent.
5. Deep Cleaning: Use the scratchy side of a sponge for a thorough clean when needed.

Cast Iron and Nonstick Cookware

• Cast Iron Care:

• • • Clean with hot water and a non-abrasive sponge.
    • After washing, dry immediately and coat with a layer of oil before storing to prevent rust.

• Nonstick Pans:

• • Hand-wash with hot soapy water using a mildly abrasive cloth or sponge.
  • Cook on medium heat and use wooden or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the surface.
  • Store carefully to prevent scratches; avoid stacking or use separators.

Stainless Steel, Enamel, and Knives

• Stainless Steel and Enamel:

• • • Generally dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with a non-abrasive cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals can extend their lifespan.

• Knives:

• • Wash with hot, soapy water and dry immediately; carbon steel knives should be dried immediately to prevent rust.
  • Store in a knife block or sheath to maintain sharpness.
  • Sharpen regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Plastic Utensils and Cookware

• Handling and Cleaning:

• • While many plastic items are dishwasher-safe, placing them on the upper rack or hand-washing is recommended to prevent melting or warping.
  • Use nylon mesh scrubbers instead of harsh abrasives to clean stubborn stains.
  • Be cautious with acidic foods as they can stain plastic utensils.

General Equipment Maintenance

• Regular Inspections:
  • Routinely check all kitchen equipment for signs of wear or damage and address issues promptly to avoid hazards.
• Professional Maintenance:
  • Schedule professional maintenance for complex appliances like freezers and ventilation hoods.
  • Regularly lubricate parts such as glides, hinges, and motors to ensure smooth operation.
• Manuals and Guidelines:
  • Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment to prevent misuse and prolong the equipment’s life.

Conclusion

These are the kitchen utensils that we consider most essential. However, depending on the needs of each person, the utensils may change. 

We hope you have found this guide useful. 

And before you go, take a look at the kitchen utensils we have available in our store.