Having the right kitchen tools can make cooking faster and more enjoyable. These items make great gifts for young adults moving into their first apartment. These fifteen items are some of the best multitasking items that should be found in every kitchen.
1. Digital timer. Timers do not have to be complicated -- a simple countdown timer can prevent burning by alerting cooks to the length of time something has been in the oven.
2. High quality chef’s knife. Most home cooks may never need an entire block of expensive knives. However, purchasing one nice 8-inch chef’s knife will provide a great tool for most slicing and dicing needs. Wusthof is one of the largest and most reliable producers of knives, although a full set can be expensive.
3. Kitchen shears. Choose shears that separate into two pieces for easy cleaning, particularly if you use them on food items that harbor bacteria.
4. Baking sheets. Whether for homemade cookies or frozen pizza, one or two nice baking sheets are useful in every kitchen. There are many shapes and sizes available. They are available with many benefits, including non-stick surfaces or a layer of air built in.
5. Silicone spatulas. These high quality spatulas can stand nearly every abuse possible. Most models can handle heat up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and will not crack or chip.
6. Large mixing bowls. A large set of mixing bowls will become one of the most-used items in many kitchens. Options range from stainless steel to ceramic to glass. Glass bowls are practical because they are also microwave safe.
7. Cast iron skillet. While it may seem useful to buy a skillet labeled as non-stick, cast iron that has been properly seasoned is just as resistant to sticking. Cast iron pans and skillets also can be easily transferred to the oven to finish cooking once an item is seared.
8. Measuring cups and spoons. Anyone with an interest in baking or trying new recipes should have a good set of measuring cups and spoons. Many brands now make adjustable cups, so there is only one item to store.
9. Instant read thermometer. When cooking any type of meat, an instant read thermometer is a must in order to achieve the proper doneness. Try one that is left inside the food, with a gauge that can be clipped outside your oven.
10. Silpats. These nonstick mats are an alternative to parchment paper that can make any equipment slick. Each mat can be used as many as 3000 times, although they cannot be used with knives or other sharp kitchen tools.
11. Stand mixer. Advanced bakers and cooks may want to consider a stand mixer. Kitchen Aid is one of the best known makers of stand mixers, although not the only one. Their mixers are time tested and offer many attachments.
12. Mandoline or v-slicer. Slicing perfect fries or potato chips is nearly impossible for the average cook wielding a standard knife. A good slicer or mandoline allows any produce to be cut into uniform pieces. The best part is that it takes a fraction of the time.
13. Microplane grater. For advanced home cooks, a microplane grater is the perfect tool for zesting citrus fruits or grating ginger. Even beginning cooks can benefit from their abilities -- try using them to grate Parmesan cheese or other hard cheeses.
14. Slow cooker. Slow cookers are the ultimate kitchen tool for busy, working people. Add ingredients to the crock pot in the morning, and a hot dinner is ready in 8 to 10 hours. Think beyond soups and stews -- crock pots are perfect for making anything from roast to macaroni and cheese.
15. Toaster oven. People who regularly cook for one or need to prepare smaller side dishes will benefit from a toaster oven. Not only can it prepare toast in the morning, but small roasting pans or sheet pans are available to prepare other dishes.
Consider one of these items for future kitchen tool purchases. They make the cooking process quicker, easier, and more joyful.
