16 Secret Starter Kitchen Kits and their uses

JD

September 25, 2019

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cooking-tips

If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of gear available.

Despite the marketing hype, however, you don’t actually need a lot of fancy
equipment and gadgets in order to cook well. Start with this list of the real basics: You won’t be able to tackle every recipe, but you’ll have a solid base to work from.

All-Around Spatulas

Spatulas are your friend for everything from flipping burgers to serving
lasagna. You need a plastic spatula to protect nonstick pans and a metal
spatula for traditional pans.

Baking Dishes

These versatile dishes are ideal for large casseroles and baked goods.
We recommend starting with a 13 by 9-inch porcelain dish; see this page
for more information.

Can Opener

How else will you open tuna, beans, and Spaghettios? Openers that cut
into the side of the can (not the top) leave dull edges and save fingers.

Cutting Board

Get a board with plenty of space (at least 20 by 15 inches). Wooden and
plastic boards are both great; look for one that’s sturdy but still soft
enough that it won’t beat up your knives.

Dutch Oven

Invest in a big enameled cast-iron Dutch oven and you’ll use it forever for
everything from stews to frying and even baking bread. Built for both stovetop and oven use, a Dutch oven retains heat well, so it can maintain
a low simmer. Choose one with wide handles and a tight-fitting lid.

Instant-Read Thermometer

A fast, accurate digital thermometer is the best way to know when food is
done.

Knives

Most knife sets are loaded with superfluous pieces. We consider just
three knives essential: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife.

Measuring Tools

Essential measuring tools include dry measuring cups, a 2-cup liquid
measuring cup, and measuring spoons.

Mixing Bowls

Get bowls in a variety of sizes—at the very least, small (1- to 1½-quart),
medium (2½- to 3-quart), and large (4- to 6-quart). Get two sets:
stainless steel and glass. Lighter metal is convenient most of the time,
but glass is necessary for the microwave.

Pepper Mill

Adding freshly ground pepper is one of the simplest ways to improve
your food. Go for a manually operated model with an efficient,
comfortable grinding mechanism.

Rimmed Baking Sheets/Wire Rack

We use rimmed baking sheets for everything from roasting vegetables to
baking cookies. Fitted with a wire rack, it even becomes a roasting pan.
Get at least two: They don’t cost much and you’ll use them all the time.

Saucepans

Get a 3- to 4-quart saucepan for sauces and vegetables plus a 2-quart
nonstick one for foods that stick easily and reheating leftovers.

Silicone Spatula

Nothing is better suited to a multitude of tasks, be it reaching into the
corners of bowls and pots, stirring batters, or folding egg whites, than a
heatproof silicone spatula.

Skillets

Our best all-purpose skillet pick is a large (12-inch) traditional stainless
steel and aluminum skillet.

Tongs

Like an extension of your hand, a sturdy pair of stainless-steel tongs can
lift or flip most any type of food.

Wooden Spoon

Basic, yes, but you won’t get far without a durable wooden spoon.