As an aspiring chef, you know that delicious food and dishes are best prepared when you have the freshest ingredients and the best tools and equipment. The good news is that you don’t need professional-level equipment to create culinary masterpieces. You only need to equip your kitchen with the right tools.
Here are some kitchen tools and equipment you can invest in so you can freely pursue your passion for cooking even while at home:
Gas Range
One of the primary pieces of equipment an aspiring chef needs is a reliable gas range. It is more practical than purchasing a separate stove and oven because it allows you to cook and bake using a single appliance. Also, this can help save up on space if you have a small kitchen.
Whether you plan to buy gas range online or purchase from the nearest appliance store, getting a gas range involves different considerations. If you frequently cook for a large group, you want more than one gas burner. In case you enjoy making roasts, casseroles, and pies, make sure the oven has a large capacity, as well as thermostat control to ensure your dishes come out the way you want them every single time.
You can also look for features like easy-to-read controls and cooktop covers to keep your children safe from injuring themselves when you are not using the stovetop burners.
While selecting a gas range, you might also want to consider installing a range hood in your kitchen. They can keep excess smoke and airborne grease from cooking away from the kitchen. This way, you only breathe clean air while preparing food. In addition, range hoods can also remove heat and improve the ventilation in your kitchen, allowing you to cook more comfortably even during warmer days.
Blender
This small appliance is not just great for smoothies and shakes, it can also help you make scrumptious soups, sauces, and purees. When looking for the best blender, you first need to think about the size. If storage is a factor, you can opt for a compact blender. But if you like to prepare meals in advance or usually cook for a big household, a large blender might be better.
Aside from size, you also need to look for a powerful machine. Get a blender with multiple speed settings of three to ten. Anything that offers less than three won’t provide enough control while more than ten usually isn’t necessary. Remember to purchase a blender with a pulse feature so you have an option for high-speed bursts.
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker can be your best friend when you need to prepare hearty meals but are strapped for time. You can cook a large variety of dishes with this appliance, including whole chicken, porridge, casseroles, and risotto. A pressure cooker can also be used to tenderize meat in just a short amount of time.
The secret to the quicker cooking time is in the pressure cooker’s steam. Normally, the heat inside standard cooking pots can only reach up to the boiling point of water of 100 degrees Celsius. With the steam inside a pressure cooker, the boiling point can get as high as 121 degrees Celsius. The higher heat helps cook your food faster.
Chef’s Knife
A good-quality knife is one of the most essential tools you need in your kitchen. Even professional chefs know the importance of a great knife to make preparation time faster and easier. Find a knife that is well-balanced and feels comfortable in your grip. Also, pick a forged knife over a stamped one, because forged knives last longer. With a top-grade chef’s knife, you won’t have any problem dicing onions, mincing garlic, or slicing tomatoes with precision.
In case you are thinking of getting more knives, skip the full knife set. Instead, add a serrated bread knife and paring knife into your collection. Together with the chef’s knife, these two other knives are more than enough to help you efficiently prepare all ingredients you need for cooking.
Stainless Steel Cookware
When it comes to pots and pans, opt for stainless steel ones. Although they are heavier, they are going to last longer. There are different cookware sets available today but if you want to build your own collection, you can start with a skillet, stockpot, and saucepan.
All chefs need a skillet for nearly every stovetop meal, from frying eggs to sautéing ground beef and vegetables. Many professional chefs recommend a 12-inch skillet for versatility. It’s also best to get a pan that comes with a lid so you can use it for simmering and steaming.
For the stockpot, get one that has at least 2 gallons of liquid so you won’t run out of space to make soups and stews, or even boil potatoes. Meanwhile, when selecting a saucepan, it’s best to invest in a medium-sized one for dishes that don’t require a large stockpot. They are great for sauces and smaller portions of recipes you’d otherwise cook in the stockpot. Make sure to get a saucepan and stockpot with lids so you can use them for a wide variety of dishes. If you want to pursue your culinary dreams, the best way to start is to get the right kitchen tools and equipment. Once you have them, it will be easier to cook different mouth-watering dishes and hone your cooking skills. Soon enough, you’ll achieve your dream of becoming a chef extraordinaire.
