Over the years I have accumulated a frightening amount of kitchen tools, small appliances, gadgets, and other paraphernalia. In the interest of cutting back and scaling down it made me wonder what I really NEEDED in the kitchen and what was just sitting in drawers for years unused like my citrus zester or corn cob holders- dust collectors. What items should every kitchen have beyond plates and large appliances? These are the 12 basic items that I really think every kitchen needs whether you are just setting up your first kitchen or are a pro already- I am somewhere in between there.
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Wooden Spoons – Seriously, one of the cheapest kitchen tools it is one of my most used. Nearly everything that gets cooked in my house get stirred by one of these- I use them to toss salad, stir tea, lemonade and other drinks, mix soup, cake batter,etc…Get 2 sets, heck toss out all the other weird kitchen utensils you have and will never use and get 3.
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Cast Iron Skillet: Yes, the old fashioned, been around forever (there’s a reason why) cast iron skillet. This sucker does double duty on your stovetop and in your oven- if you don’t have one, grab one. A 12” preseasoned is a good starter pan.
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Slow Cooker: Fix it and forget it right? Anytime you don’t want to heat up the kitchen or you have a long day and won’t be home until dinner time (and will be exhausted) a slow cooker will be your best friend. Pop something good inside in the morning and come home to a hot meal ready to go and only 1 pot to clean up.
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Mixing Bowls: Stick with a simple but good quality stacking set they will work for salad, pancake mix, brownies, pasta salads, and everything else. Go with preference on glass, stainless, wood, or plastic.
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Kitchen Scissors: You do not want to borrow your fabric scissors for cutting up chicken, grab a good pair that is dedicated to your kitchen drawer. Use them for opening food packages, cutting up meat, veggies, etc…
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Stand Mixer: Somehow, I did indeed live without one until 5 years or so ago but now I am not sure how I did. I have a Kitchen Aid that gets used almost daily for everything from shredding chicken to mixing cake mix.
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Good Knives: Skip the $30 knife block set and invest in a couple quality knives, you will want a Chef’s knife,Serrated Knife, and a paring knife. Those 3 will get the most use on a day to day basis. My personal favorite are ceramic ones!
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Cutting Board: You will actually want 2 of these at least, one for meat and one for fruits and veggies- it’s always a good idea to mark them.
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Silpat mat: Don’t waste foil, parchment, or time scrubbing pans. Silpat mats help your baked items cook more evenly and make clean up ridiculously simple.
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Strainer: Definitely a must have for washing produce, draining pasta, and other kitchen tasks. This fine mesh one can do a lot of jobs.
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Measuring cups/spoons: Do not attempt baking without these, it is an exact science which is why I am more of a cook than a baker
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Good pots & pans: This varies depending on your preference and everyone from the novice to the pro cook has their opinion on what is the best-non stick , ceramic coated, stainless, etc.. My personal favorite is stainless.
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