[PickyPrincess]

What do you all think are some essential items someone should have in their kitchen when they're first learning to cook? What are some of the utensils you personally can't live without?

I'd also love to hear your thoughts on what tools are must-haves for anyone looking to take their skills to the next level.

 

[Wooleybooger]

Essential tools hmm, can opener, vegetable peeler, at least one sharp knife suitable for chopping, slicing and dicing with sharpening tools or stones. Large spoon and spatula.
Tools I couldn't do without, let's see. My chef's knife, wisk probably.
To go to the next level. China cap and chinois. Maybe a food mill.

 

[Steve-o]

Can opener, chef's knife, utility knife, sharpening steel, large spoons (regular and slotted or a strainer instead of the slotted spoon), spatula, pancake turner, measuring spoon set, measuring cup set, cutting board, saute pan, pots in 1, 3, and 5 quart sizes (3 qt optional), potholders, cooking thermometer (make sure the meat is cooked safely), rack for broiling/cooling foods.

Level up: scale, serrated knife (for breads, etc.), jar opener, vegetable peeler, whisk, something pointy that could be used as a corer/strawberry leaf puller, etc., second cutting board (one for meat/poultry/fish; one for other foods).

 

[Colbyt]

In addition to all of the above a quality set of pots and pans. I prefer DW safe stainless steel (food service background).

Tomorrow or the Friday I am retiring the most of the pans I have used for the last 50 Years and I dont imagine the new ones will last as long but then I don't think I will either.

 

[LeonardoDaBenz]

...and I dont imagine the new ones will last as long but then I don't think I will either.

Ain't that the truth. Maybe I can get another 20 yr out of "existing" toys without replacement

Course, that only refers to non-electrical and non-mechanized items.

 

[Old Gnome]

If I were starting a kitchen over from scratch, I would make sure I never bought any non-stick pots or pans. They just don't last. Stainless steel, copper, cast iron - those are the ones I use that seem to last forever.

 

[LeonardoDaBenz]

6 Essential Tips For Non-Stick Cooking With Stainless Steel Pots And Pans

Why food sticks and how to avoid it.

www.chatelaine.com

 

[KitchenWench]

Can opener, chef's knife, utility knife, sharpening steel, large spoons (regular and slotted or a strainer instead of the slotted spoon), spatula, pancake turner, measuring spoon set, measuring cup set, cutting board, saute pan, pots in 1, 3, and 5 quart sizes (3 qt optional), potholders, cooking thermometer (make sure the meat is cooked safely), rack for broiling/cooling foods.

Level up: scale, serrated knife (for breads, etc.), jar opener, vegetable peeler, whisk, something pointy that could be used as a corer/strawberry leaf puller, etc., second cutting board (one for meat/poultry/fish; one for other foods).

All of the above, but I'd move the vegetable peeler, second cutting board, colander/strainer and whisk plus add a set of wooden spoons to the essentials list.

Level Up: Mandolin, serrated knife for bread is good, expand the knife collection to include a butcher's knife and santoku style knife. Double boiler, steamer, second set of measuring cups and spoons.

Pots and pans: When I started out on my own I snitched all of Mom's cast iron and vintage Revere Ware copper bottom pieces then added to it when I found any at yard and estate sales. Not long after I settled in North Carolina I stumbled across a restaurant supply house and went bonkers replacing the Revere Ware with All Clad. I've still got both, 20+ years later and use both regularly.

 

[Old Gnome]

One habit I have picked up from Alton Brown: no unitaskers.

 

[Shane R]

I used to help a monk who ran a food pantry. He told me when he first started up he was shocked by how many of the regulars didn't have a 2 qt. pot at wherever they lived. He realized that shelf stable wasn't really what they wanted. They preferred fruit and bread and dairy products you could eat with a plastic spoon.

 

[Steve-o]

no unitaskers.

I "liked" the comment because I agree with it but I find I've had to modify it a little. I have a coffee maker that I suppose could be a hot water maker except that I rarely need hot water done that way. So it's essentially a unitasker. And it's in daily use which is why it merits counter space. Ditto with the coffee grinder, though I do have a second one in a pantry, used for grinding spices only (no coffee).

So I do tolerate some unitaskers. But the quesadilla maker? The ice machine? No room for appliances like that in my house.

 

[Old Gnome]

So I do tolerate some unitaskers.

Truth be told, so do I. But my starting position is “none.”

 

[Roll_Bones]

If I were starting a kitchen over from scratch, I would make sure I never bought any non-stick pots or pans. They just don't last. Stainless steel, copper, cast iron - those are the ones I use that seem to last forever.

I keep both. Anodized aluminum, bright aluminum, and stainless pots and pans. And I buy inexpensive non-stick that I toss out after they have run out of life. T-Fal and Tramontina non-sticks are cheap and good quality. I got a pack with 3 non-stick. 6" 8" and 10" for $29 at Costco. They last about 3 years or longer. I like T-Fal non-stick better than Tramontina. T-Fal also has a top of the line non-stick.
My other pots and pans are years old and for sure will live longer than me. My knives the same way. Very good knives. And always razor sharp.

One habit I have picked up from Alton Brown: no unitaskers.

I hate gadgets. A few high quality kitchen tools negates the need for any gadgets. I don't have $100 knives to buy some chopper "as seen on TV". I do use my food processor (excellent one) a handful of times in a year. My chefs knife does most everything I need to do. I also have a Japanese mandolin. I use it occasionally. And my air fryer gets used some as well.
IMO it paramount to buy the best possible quality up front. Then you don't need to worry about them in many cases for the rest of your life.

 

[PickyPrincess]

One habit I have picked up from Alton Brown: no unitaskers.

I've never understood the need for a rice cooker. 🤷

 

[Colbyt]

Totally agree. A pan works just fine and is about 3 times faster.

 

[Wooleybooger]

I've never understood the need for a rice cooker. 🤷

I my experience modern Asians would starve to death if it weren't for rice cookers and they can double as steamers. I use the tried and true 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid method in a pan.

 

[PickyPrincess]

I use the tried and true 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid method in a pan.

That's how I learned to cook rice and still do.

 

[Old Gnome]

I've never understood the need for a rice cooker. 🤷

they can double as steamers

Yup.

 

[Wooleybooger]

I had a small rice cooker at one time. Cooked rice and quinoa with it. I went back to used a pan with lid. That little cooker took an hour to cook a cup of rice or quinoa. Never tried it as a steamer.

 

[Wooleybooger]

An essential tool, contraption, for me is an egg cooker.

You can cook up to 6 eggs soft or hard and 10 minutes or less. It cooks by steaming the eggs and come with a cup graduated for the necessary amount of water.
It also comes with accessories for poaching eggs. Plug it in, turn it on and forget it. Turns itself off and buzzes.