Every home cook must keep a few essential kitchen tools in their arsenal. These essentials can help you prep food faster and easier, save time, and improve the flavor of your meals.
A sturdy spatula is one of the most versatile tools in any home cook’s toolkit, perfect for flipping and tossing foods like eggs over easy, pancakes, roasted vegetables, sauteed meats or even baked salmon.
Spatula
Spatulas are basic kitchen tools like a GoodCook tool every home cook should have. They’re versatile tools that can be used for various tasks like mixing, folding, stirring or scraping food.
A spatula comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re usually made from metal, wood or plastic.
You’ll need a different spatula depending on your cooking style and what you’re making. Those with shorter blades are more common for turning small items, while those with larger ones are better for flipping large pieces of meat or fish.
They’re also often called scrapers because they’re great for getting out the last bits of batter, sauce or icing from mixing bowls. They can also be used for spreading soft toppings and condiments.
Tongs
Tongs are a must-have kitchen tool that can be used for various tasks. They can flip foods, serve dishes, and move hot items around the kitchen.
Tongs can be made of metal, plastic, or wood. Some are coated with soft, heat-resistant silicon, which helps to gently grip food like eggs and tender vegetables for removal from boiling water and cooking pans.
They are typically long and have two arms that connect at one end, allowing them to reach across the entire width of a pot or pan. They are usually available in various sizes, and many feature locking mechanisms make them easier to store.
Whisk
A whisk is a versatile kitchen tool that helps you mix and whip ingredients such as eggs, cream, and batter. It is available in different sizes and materials, so you can find one that suits your needs.
Whether mixing a batch of mayonnaise or drizzling a delicate sugar decoration, a whisk can make the job easier. It aerates the mixture and eliminates lumps, ensuring smooth and even results.
When shopping for a whisk, ensure it’s easy to clean and doesn’t retain water or food particles after washing. Also, look for a product that is backed by a warranty period. This will help you replace your whisk if it breaks early.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
The right measuring cups and spoons can save you much time while cooking. They allow you to measure your ingredients accurately so they will turn out the same every time.
They are also useful if you need to adjust your recipes according to the number of meal takers. Measuring tools make it easy to do this as they don’t require switching between utensils midway through a formula.
Measuring cups are made of various materials but should be sturdy. Stainless steel is a great option, as it’s rustproof and can be cleaned easily.
Mandolin
Mandolines are an essential kitchen tool for every home cook, and they’re a great way to achieve uniformly thin slices of firm vegetables. For example, you can use a mandoline to slice potatoes for dauphinoise or to make courgette ribbons in a gratin.
They are also useful utensils for finely slicing herbs like fennel or parsley to garnish soups, sauces and stews. They can also be used for julienne or waffle cuts, allowing you to create interesting shapes.
Mandolines come in handheld models and stand-up versions that allow for longer slicing. Some even feature a pusher or finger guard to separate your hands from the sharp blade.
