Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Beginners

Ingredients

• 2-Quart Sauce Pot
• 6-Quart Stock Pot
• 8-Inch Skillet
• 10-Inch Skillet
• Deep Covered Sauté Pan
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Dutch Oven
• Glass or Ceramic Casserole Dishes (one large, one small)
• Baking Sheets (set of three)
• Muffin Tin
• 9-inch Pie Plate (glass or ceramic)
• Pizza Pans
• Mixing Bowls (glass or stainless steel)
• Cutting Boards
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Liquid Measuring Cup (microwave safe, 2 cup volume)
• Spoons, Spatulas, Whisks (metal or wood, preferred)
• Instant Read Thermometer
• Colander
• Chef’s Knife
• Bread Knife
• Paring Knives
• Cheese Graters
• Can Opener
• Rolling Pin
• Parchment paper
• Aluminium foil
• Cling wrap (plastic wrap)
• Mason Jars
• Resealable storage containers
• Kitchen Towels
• Slow cooker (5-7 quart)
• Food processor
• Hand Mixer

Instructions

1. When purchasing pots and pans, look for thickness or weight of the metal for even cooking. Avoid thin metal.
2. Consider the Simply Calphalon Non-Stick set, OXO Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Pro set, or cast iron pieces.
3. If buying individual pieces, suggested sizes and types include: 2-Quart Sauce Pot, 6-Quart Stock Pot, 8-Inch Skillet, 10-Inch Skillet, Deep Covered Sauté Pan, Cast Iron Skillet, and Dutch Oven.
4. The Deep Covered Sauté Pan is very versatile, acting as both a skillet and a pot.
5. Cast iron skillets are affordable, durable, and cook evenly but require specific care (not dishwasher safe).
6. Dutch ovens are multi-purpose, can go from stove to oven, and mimic slow cooker functions.
7. When possible, choose pots and pans with glass lids to monitor cooking without losing steam.
8. Opt for pieces without plastic on handles if they need to go from stove to oven.
9. For bakeware, have one large and one small glass or ceramic casserole dish for versatile use (casseroles, roasting).
10. A set of three baking sheets is highly versatile for oven use.
11. A muffin tin is useful for more than just muffins, including small portion dishes.
12. A 9-inch pie plate (glass or ceramic) is recommended.
13. Pizza pans are useful for pizza lovers; perforated pans offer crispy crusts.
14. For prep tools, have mixing bowls (glass or stainless steel), cutting boards (or cutting mats), measuring cups and spoons (metal preferred), a liquid measuring cup (microwave safe), spoons, spatulas, whisks (metal or wood preferred), an instant-read thermometer, and a colander.
15. Invest in a good quality Chef's Knife (8" or 10" depending on hand size).
16. Include a Bread Knife and Paring Knives for various tasks.
17. Cheese graters are frequently used for more than just cheese, so get both fine and coarse options.
18. A can opener and rolling pin are also essential.
19. For storage and supplies, stock up on parchment paper, aluminum foil, cling wrap, mason jars, resealable storage containers, and basic kitchen towels.
20. Essential appliances include a slow cooker (5-7 quart), a food processor, and a hand mixer.