Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, the right kitchen tools can make a world of difference! You don’t need to overhaul your kitchen all at once; you can gradually build up your collection as you go. Here are some of our kitchen must-haves.
Sharp Knives
You may have heard the saying, a good cook never blames their tools … but when it comes to knives, a bad one really can lead you astray (quite literally). Having some good quality sharp knives on hand makes cooking so much easier, and more efficient and is actually safer as they are more precise.
Good Quality Pan
Investing in a good quality pan can elevate your cooking game. We recommend avoiding non-stick pans due to their harmful chemicals and opting for stainless steel or cast iron alternatives. While they may be a bit more expensive, they’ll outlast many cheaper options and prove their worth.
Here are some great options
Saute Dish / Cast Iron
A cast iron sauté pan is one of the most versatile items in our kitchens. It’s perfect for a range of dishes, from curries and stews to one-pot wonders like our Vegetarian Eggplant Free-Form Lasagna or Moroccan Inspired One-Pot Chicken and Carrot Pilaf.Brands like Le Creuset offer various sizes and fun colours, although they tend to be on the pricier side. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, La Cuisine provides an excellent alternative.
Large Baking / Roasting Trays
Having large roasting trays that fit your oven’s dimensions is essential for roasting multiple vegetables at once. This time-saving tool ensures you can efficiently prepare meals.
Food Processor
Food processors are great for making pestos, dips, breadcrumbs and even dicing/grating vegetables. This Magimix food processor is definitely an investment but we really rate it – it’s got different bowl sizes and lots of different attachments.
Food processors can be big and bulky and difficult to clean and we both love these mini food processors that we use for lots of our recipes plus they are super affordable.
Blender
A good high-speed blender is key to making creamy dressings, cashew cream, hummus, and blending soups.
Vitamix does amazing high-quality blenders but we both really rate the Optimum blenders which are about half the price and just as powerful. A good old nutribullet or ninja will also do the trick (and are nice and easy to clean).
Silicon Brush
A silicon brush comes in incredibly handy when roasting veggies like eggplant, where you need to evenly spread olive oil for that perfect roast.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Most recipes, including ours, use measurements in cups and spoons. Ensure you have these handy for accurate and consistent results.
Large Mixing Bowl
Mixing bowls are a staple in every kitchen, but having a large one is particularly useful for preparing big salads or tossing ingredients without sending them flying out of the bowl.