Whether cooking is a chore you don’t so much love; or if it’s a favorite hobby, there are some kitchen essentials that are must haves. It can be something as simple as a reliable vegetable peeler to something as complex as a food vacuum sealer. There are several items your kitchen should not be without. Let’s take a few minutes to explore some kitchen essentials you may not have considered. You may just find that adding a few of these may increase your love of food prep. At least is may make your time spent in the kitchen more enjoyable.

Cutting and chopping tools

There is no getting away from the fact that if you are cooking something, you’re going to need to use some cutting tools. Having the right cutting and chopping tools will make a world of difference in terms of what you can achieve. The fact that cutting vegetables and meats to a consistent size assures they will cook at the same rate makes a good cutting tool a definite essential.

A good chef’s knife is definitely is a kitchen must have. This versatile piece of equipment can be used for all kinds of things, from slicing and dicing to chopping and mincing and much more. If you only have one knife, make sure it’s a good one that can help you in all your tasks. A sharp knife will be your best kitchen friend. You may be thinking that a very sharp knife can be dangerous. Well, it’s dangerous inasmuch as any knife can be; but the fact that it makes cutting easier, it is actually safer than a dull knife. You won’t have to work nearly as hard to slice tomatoes, onion, or other veggies if you have a nice sharp blade. This can help keep your knife from slipping from too much pressure being applied.

It’s also a good idea to have a cutting board you can rely on. There are great boards on the market that include fit right over your sink that include a colander to catch scraps that can be easily tossed into the garbage bin. The most important thing is to keep your cutting boards clean and sanitized before every use. And if you are cutting meat; clean it thoroughly before you cut anything else on the same board.

Small appliances

Your kitchen range isn’t the only appliance you you need for cooking in your kitchen. You, of course, are likely to also have a microwave which can be used for much more than re-warming leftovers and making popcorn. There are many recipes that can be made in the microwave from main courses to mini cakes. It also helps keep your kitchen cooler in the summer months.

A current big trend is an air fryer. Many air fryers are multi-functional and can serve as several appliances in one. There are several that can be switched over to a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. This is such a great way to get more bang for your buck. The fewer small appliances on your counter tops, the cleaner your kitchen looks. And great meals and sides can be prepared in an air fryer. Try to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer the next time you want delicious and healthy side dish.

Baking essentials 

Perhaps baking is what you like to do in the kitchen rather than making main dishes. If so, having the correct baking essentials will make life easier. Start with the basics. Be sure you have a great set of measuring cups. Cups with a rounded bottom make plunging into flour or sugar a bit easier. You should have larger measuring ups as well that can hold up to four cups for those larger recipes. A complete set of measuring spoons is also very important. 

Keep several different size spatulas in your utensil drawer as well. You’ll need to scrape the bowl to get every bit of the deliciousness into your baking dishes. And don’t discount having a great stand mixer. It should be well made with a variety of attachments.  Most notable should be a paddle for mixing as well as a large whisk attachment. A dough hook will also save so much work if you decide to make bread. Stand mixers help you work smarter, not harder.

You’ll find your time working in the kitchen so much more pleasurable if you fill with some of these kitchen essentials. And don’t scrimp. Think of all of the meals you prepare over time. It’s worth the expense of better made small appliances and gadgets.