The sheer volume of kitchen tools on the market can be overwhelming. But if you're setting up your kitchen, there are only a few essential things you need to get cooking. Here are five important tools:
1. A chef’s knife is essential for just about everything. There are a huge number of specialized knives for just about every purpose, but really a high-quality chef’s knife will do pretty much everything you need. Test grips and weight before you buy.
2. A good-sized pan is a given. Pans should be solid enough to not warp under heat but thin enough to transfer heat to your food as efficiently as possible. Opinion varies as to whether non-stick or standard is better, so go with what suits your lifestyle and cooking preferences.
3. A solid spatula fills so many needs. Use it to flip pancakes, mix stir-fries, or generally manipulate any food that’s too hot to touch.
4. A colander also has many uses, from draining pasta to washing vegetables. Traditional metal ones and high-density plastics share the market, offering a variety of hole patterns and styles.
5. A set of measuring cups is essential if you intend to do any baking. For many recipes you can wing it a little, but precision is key for baked goods.
