A well-stocked kitchen is essential for any home cook. But with so many different utensils and gadgets on the market, it can get overwhelming very quickly trying to decide what to purchase, especially if you are on a tight budget. Here are five kitchen tools that every kitchen should have:
1. Fine Mesh Strainer
Fine mesh strainers are extremely versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, like rinsing rice and sifting flour. It’s also great for making sauces, broths, and dressings, as it can remove any lumps or unwanted particles. I recommend getting a set of a few different sizes such as these to help you deal with any task that comes up.
2. Wet and Dry Measuring Cups
While growing up, I actually didn’t know there was a difference between dry and wet measuring cups. My grandmother had a Pyrex 1 cup liquid cup that we measured everything out of. After living on my own, I noticed that accurate measurements are essential for any recipe; especially when you are too new to just “eyeball” things like dough. That’s where dry and wet measuring cups come in. Dry measuring cups are used for solids (Flour, sugar, salt, etc.). Wet measuring cups are used for liquids.
3. Knife Sharpener
A sharp knife is one of the most important tools in any kitchen. Even if it’s not in your budget to purchase an expensive knife set, using a knife sharpener can keep a cheaper set in good repair for quite some time. Besides, a dull knife can be dangerous and make cooking more difficult. That’s why it’s important to have a good knife sharpener on hand. A good knife sharpener will keep your knives sharp and safe to use.
4. Box Grater
When I first moved away from home I didn’t think a box grater would be useful to me at all. Now I pull it out almost every day. A box grater is a versatile and can be used to grate a variety of foods, such as cheese, vegetables, and fruits. It’s also great for zesting citrus fruits. A box grater is a must-have for any kitchen that does a lot of cooking.
5. Dry Storage Containers
Yes, decanting is all the rage right now on social media, but dry storage containers are essential for keeping your dry food items fresh and organized. They can be used to store flour, sugar, rice, pasta, cereal, and much more. Dry storage containers can help to prevent pests and moisture from getting into your food. Feel free to NOT go over the top unboxing everything in your house, but I would recommend it for your pantry staples.
This list isn’t extensive and there are plenty of other kitchen tools you may find that are must haves for your own personal arsenal. By starting with just basics such as these, you will be ready to prepare delicious meals for yourself, family, and friends in no time!
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