Whether you’re a beginner starting out or a seasoned pro, every good cook needs their very own kitchen essentials to deliver quality meals. And while there are plenty of items every kitchen needs, we’ve rounded up the tools we simply can’t do without.
1 Chef’s Knife
The difference between a high-quality knife and a low-quality knife is like comparing night and day. Slicing and dicing will be far easier with a heavier more premium knife and you are less likely to hurt or cut yourself.
A chef’s knife is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it is versatile. It can be used for chopping, slicing, trimming or carving. Trust us, it’s worth the investment!
2 Mandoline
This is a piece of kitchen equipment that no cook should be without. The key benefits of using a mandoline are speed and uniformity in slicing, shredding and grating. Definitely a must-have for all of the perfectionists out there.
A mandoline is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it cuts down on prep time. Spend less time prepping and more time cooking with this wonderful creation.
3 Chopping Board
A basic but essential tool, the humble chopping board comes in an array of shapes, sizes and materials. It’s important to find one that is durable, well designed and suits your needs. Whether wood, marble, plastic, round or rectangle it all comes down to personal preference, but different materials do suit different uses.
A chopping board is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it is hygienic for preparing food in the kitchen. It also helps prevent damage to your countertops!
4 Mortar and Pestle
Used since ancient times, the mortar and pestle is perfect for preparing ingredients like herbs and spices for cooking. Available in a variety of materials, make sure to choose one that is very hard and has a deep, round shape.
A mortar and pestle is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it expels flavour. By crushing your ingredients like basil or garlic with it, you release all of the essential oils and full-bodied flavours.
5 Digital Thermometer
If you want the perfect medium-rare steak or juicy chicken, then a digital thermometer is a must. Not only can you check that your meat is cooked by giving it a probe, you can also ensure that you don’t serve anything that is unsafe to eat. There are also so many dishes that demand achieving the right temperature, like yoghurt or fudge.
A digital thermometer is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it allows accurate cooking. It takes away the guesswork and ensures you get it (cooked) right every time!
6 Mixing Bowls
A staple in any cook’s kitchen, a mixing bowl brings everything together, literally. It’s best to have a few at hand, and in different sizes, as these can be used for multiple things like making salads, dressings, marinating meats, mixing baking ingredients or even storing leftovers.
A mixing bowl is a kitchen essential for cooks because… nearly every great recipe starts with preparation in a bowl. Stainless steel is our pick as its lightweight and easy to handle.
7 Blender
For all of the smoothie and soup lovers out there, a blender is a game-changer. You can whip up your favourite smoothie bowl or hearty soup in a matter of minutes, as well as sauces, dips, and salad dressings.
A blender is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it’s quick and easy to use and little effort is required. The blender does all of the hard work so you don’t have to!
8 Baking Tray
The baking tray quickly and evenly roasts and bakes our favourite foods. It brings delicious caramelisation to healthy veggies like cauliflower and broccoli, and also allows us to bake cookies and bread rolls to feast on.
A baking tray is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it’s sturdy and easy to clean which makes it a welcome addition to any kitchen.
9 Cast Iron Skillet Pan
Once hot, this pan will sear a steak like no other. It’s perfect for pan-roasting or deep-frying meats, cooking veg, or getting the perfect crust on bread.
A cast iron skillet is a kitchen essential for cooks because… when it’s seasoned properly, it has a natural non-stick surface which makes it easy to cook with and even easier to clean. This infographic on cast iron skillet care and maintenance will also help.
10 Rolling Pin
This could be considered the most indispensable tool any cook needs in their kitchen. It can be used when making sweet or savoury pies, noodles, fondant, puff pastry, flatbreads… the list goes on.
A rolling pin is a kitchen essential for cooks because… it’s for all occasions. We recommend the classic rolling pin, but you can also try the French and baking rolling pins too depending on your needs.
