Every home cook needs basic tools to get the job done. Whether you’re an expert or starting out, these must-have kitchen utensils will help you save time and money!
A good set of measuring cups and spoons is essential for precision measurements. They’re also a lifesaver for sticking with the recipe and using the right liquid or solid ingredients.
1. Knife Set
Every kitchen needs a few reliable knives to handle cutting, chopping, slicing, and carving tasks. A good set should offer several options, from the chef’s knife to a paring knife and a serrated slicing knife.
Most sets also come with a knife block, which allows you to store them all in one place. Whether you go for a magnetic strip bar or a sleek wood Acacia knife block, a well-made storage option is essential.
This 7-piece set from Wutshof includes a paring knife, serrated utility knife, hollow edge Santoku knife, bread knife, chef’s knife, kitchen shears, and a 6-slot Acacia wood block. The slim design helps maximize counter space, and the blades are nonstick.
2. Paring Knife
A Paring Knife is an essential tool for every home cook. It has a non-serrated blade typically under 4″ and can be used for precision work ranging from dicing a shallot to peeling an apple.
A good Paring Knife should be comfortable to hold and able to be maneuvered through tight spaces. It should also be easy to sharpen and maintain.
It’s also important that the knife is made from high-quality blade material with best benchtop jointer that provides strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is popular among cooks because it’s easy to care for and retains its edge well.
The shape of a paring knife is also important to consider. There are many different styles. Some are more versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, such as the bird’s beak style. Others are more specialized and only perform a certain type of cutting work.
3. Peeler
The Peeler is one of the most useful kitchen tools for preparing vegetables. It allows you to remove the skin from fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes.
A good peeler is durable, easy to hold, and comfortable for both right- and left-handed cooks. It should also have sharp blades that won’t dull over time.
The type of peeler you choose depends on what you use it for, but some common types include the swivel peeler and the sword-shaped peeler. Sword-shaped peelers come with a pointed end that helps dig out blemishes on fruits and vegetables, and the blades often are made of stainless steel.
4. Jar Scraper
The jar scraper is the ideal kitchen tool to remove the last bits of food or liquid from a jar. It can be used to scrape out jam, jelly, sauces, and peanut butter.
The long, narrow head reaches into jars to scrape every last bit. It is a must-have in any home cook’s kitchen arsenal.
In addition, it is a great utensil for mixing and blending. The wooden spoon head has handy measuring guides for one tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, half a teaspoon, and a silicone jar scraper and spatula on the handle.
The lid includes the first and second scraper members shaped and configured to assist in inserting the first and second scraper members into an inner volume 44 of a blending jar 16. In some arrangements, the first and second scraper members may be radially deflected inward as the scraper lid is mounted to the blending jar.
5. Juicer
A juicer is a great kitchen tool for every home cook because it allows you to transform a variety of fruits and vegetables into nutritious, energizing drinks. You can even use it to make homemade almond milk, sorbet, and salsa!
Juicers can also help you get the most out of citrus fruits, which are notoriously hard to juice by hand. They help you get all the juice from a lemon, lime, or orange, and they catch seeds so you don’t accidentally mix them into your dish.
A masticating juicer chews up the fruits and vegetables, resulting in a juice that retains more fiber than centrifugal juicers. These machines are also good for making nut butter and fruit sorbets. They tend to be slower than centrifugal juicers but are a great addition to any health-conscious kitchen.
6. Salad Spinner
A salad spinner is a tool that helps remove excess water from fresh greens and lettuce. It consists of an outer bowl and an inner strainer basket. It is operated by spinning a knob or pulling a cord to cause the basket to rotate rapidly and shake off any excess water.
The best salad spinners remove almost all the moisture from a batch of lettuce and help it stay fresher for longer. They’re a must-have for anyone who loves a green, crunchy salad and wants to keep it crisp and dry.
The award-winning OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner is our top pick for its ease of use and functionality. It’s BPA-free and has a soft, non-slip knob that dries our greens with just one press.
7. Measuring Cups & Spoons
Whether cooking for one or an entire family, the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. The right utensils will help you get the perfect balance of ingredients for a meal and ensure that everything is prepared perfectly.
Several different kinds of measuring cups and spoons are available in the market today, each with a different style. When choosing a set, you should consider its versatility and durability.
Measuring cups come in different materials, such as plastic or stainless steel. The latter is preferred as it makes it easier to level dry ingredients like flour as you pour.
8. Fish Turner
If you’re looking for a kitchen tool that will declutter your counter and help you flip pancakes, eggs, or chicken, the Fish Turner is an excellent choice. It’s also great for lifting and transferring delicate foods without damaging them.
This stainless-steel spatula is perfect for preparing whole fish, filets, seafood cakes, and omelets. The beveled edge easily slides beneath food, and five slots allow grease to drain.
It’s safe for use on sturdy pans like cast iron or untreated stainless steel (never nonstick), and the long handle makes it easy to get under a delicate fish filet. It can even be used to flip burgers or chicken.
9. Colander
A colander is a handy kitchen tool that helps drain water from food. It can be made from various materials, such as plastic or metal.
It also helps remove leftover food from containers, including canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. A colander can also be used to drain liquids from meat, such as chicken or beef broth.
The best colanders are made from durable materials such as stainless steel and have a secure base to hold up under heavy weights. They are also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. They are also designed to fit over the sink, reducing splashing and mess.
10. Whisk
A whisk is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to mix or whip many ingredients. It’s a hand-held device with a series of wire loops or tines at the end, often made of metal or heat-resistant materials like silicone.
A good whisk will whisk or mix your ingredients without lumps, which is key to achieving a smooth finish. This makes it ideal for sauces, vinaigrettes, and other thicker recipes.
The right whisk will also help you mix and beat batters you don’t want to over-mix, like pancakes. This will ensure that your pancakes don’t become rubbery.
Another great whisk is a spiral whisk, perfect for mixing sauces and roux. This whisk is a little more expensive, but it can make the roux easier and prevent liquids from sticking to the sides and bottom of the pans.
