10 Basic Essential Cooking Tools For Beginners

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Cooking can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it requires the right tools to create delicious meals. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to figure out what tools are essential for your kitchen. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 basic essential cooking tools that every beginner should have in their kitchen. That way, you can be prepared for most of the dishes that you will encounter.

1. Chef's Knife

A chef's knife is an essential tool in any kitchen since you’ll end up cutting something at some point. It's a versatile tool that can be used for chopping, slicing, and dicing fruits, vegetables, and meats. When choosing a chef's knife, look for one that feels comfortable in your hand and has a sharp blade. Many people, including myself, like to have one solid cutting knife and a set of various-sized cutting knives. My friends and I have been using the Imarku Chef Knife as our strong individual knife, and I also recommend the Cuisinart 12-piece knife set for your everyday cutting knives.

Pro tip:  To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your knife, it is crucial to keep it clean. Make sure to wash it thoroughly and by hand, as high temperatures inside a dishwasher can dull the blade. You may also want to use a knife sharpener over time since knives will eventually dull (lose sharpness) as they are used. I recommend the Kitchellence 4-in-1 knife sharpener since it breaks the sharpening process into a 3-step process for effective sharpening.

2. Cutting Boards

A cutting board is necessary for safe and efficient cooking. It's important to choose a cutting board that won't dull your knives and is easy to clean. There are different types of cutting boards, including plastic, wood, and bamboo, that you can use for your kitchen prep. Plastic cutting boards are easy to clean, while wood and bamboo cutting boards are more aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, which you prefer will be determined by factors like your aesthetics, the amount of space in your kitchen, or maybe even the type of use for the cutting board.

Plastic Cutting Boards:

For plastic cutting boards, I tend to like the Goodluck store brand since they have a 5-piece set that provides a visual for the chef to use to avoid cross-contamination.

Wood and Bamboo Cutting Boards:

For wood cutting boards, I tend to primarily use bamboo-style cutting boards. This is just a personal preference of mine since I tend to enjoy the aesthetics of them over traditional wood cutting boards. My favorite is the Kikcoin Bamboo Cutting Board due to its larger format and overall fit for cooking needs.

Pro tip:  Although wood cutting boards are the best option for keeping your knife sharp, you may choose to use a plastic cutting board that is designated for cutting meats, as they are easier to wash. Just be sure to wash your cutting boards thoroughly to avoid potential cross-contamination.

3. Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients for recipes. It's helpful to have a set of mixing bowls in different sizes, which can be used for everything from whisking eggs to mixing dough. While you can technically get away with having just one mixing bowl, I would recommend purchasing a set. This is because, while you can use just one, more than likely you will need to have a few as you start to create complex meals with dishes with multiple ingredients that need to be added at different stages. My favorite metal mixing bowl is the FineDine Store Mixing Bowls since they have 6 bowls included.

Pro tip: We recommend stainless steel mixing bowls because they are durable, inexpensive, easy to clean, and do not retain the odors of pungent foods. 

4. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring cups and spoons are essential for following recipes accurately. It's important to have both dry and liquid measuring cups to ensure that ingredients are measured correctly. Believe me, I can be a little frustrating when you create a dish and you forget to clean the oil out before adding flour, or vice versa. I recommend typically having one large microwave-friendly measuring cup and a few smaller measuring cups for your kitchen. My go-to measuring cups are the Pyrex 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup due to the heat resistance, and the TILUCK Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set for your everyday use (Not microwave safe).

Pro tip: We recommend choosing sturdy and microwave-friendly measuring cups for liquid ingredients. For measuring spoons, we recommend something that can fit into narrow jars and maintain its shape for accurate measurements every time

5. Skillet

A skillet is a versatile tool that can be used for cooking a variety of dishes, such as sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, and searing meats. When choosing a skillet, it is important for a beginner to choose one that is non-stick and easy to clean. I personally use the SENSARTE Nonstick Skillet since it comes with a top and is a reliable skillet.

Pro tip: For beginners, we recommend using a ceramic non-stick pan. They require less oil, are easier to clean, and are generally lightweight. To avoid scratching or damaging the pan, make sure to use wood or silicone utensils. I have a simple but effective ChefAide set that I recommend for beginners or anyone looking to protect their kitchenware.

6. Saucepan

A saucepan is another essential tool for cooking. It can be used for boiling water, making sauces, pasta, blanching vegetables, and cooking rice. Look for a saucepan that's large enough to be your go-to for most cooking tasks but not so large that it takes up too much space on your stove. While there are various options, I recommend the SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan since it has a lid and is a reliable saucepan for most of your cooking needs.

Pro tip: Consider getting a saucepan with a lid, which can be useful when cooking certain dishes. Additionally, make sure that the handle is sturdy and heat-resistant, so you can move the saucepan around without burning yourself.

7. Sheet Tray 

A sheet tray is a versatile tool that can be used for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and making sheet cakes. When choosing a sheet tray, it is important to choose one that is durable and easy to clean, such as aluminum baking sheets. A popular sheet tray is the Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet.

Pro tip: To avoid a metallic taste that can result from acidic ingredients such as tomatoes reacting with aluminum, we recommend using parchment paper or a baking mat. 

8. Silicone Spatula

A silicone spatula is a versatile tool that can be used for scraping bowls, mixing ingredients, and flipping food. Look for a silicone spatula that's heat-resistant and has a comfortable grip. One of the most popular ones, and one that I use, is the Beijiyi Silicone Spatula Set.

Pro tip: To keep your silicone spatulas clean and durable, avoid exposing them to high heat and open flames. To clean them, simply wash them with warm, soapy water or toss them in the dishwasher.

9. Tongs

Tongs are an essential tool for handling food and keeping your hands safe from heat. It's important to choose tongs with a secure grip to prevent any accidents while cooking. Make sure to select tongs that can withstand high temperatures and are durable for frequent use in the kitchen. Tongs that are metal may scratch your kitchenware so to be safe, I recommend the HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs since they have a silicone tip.

Pro tip: We recommend using tongs with silicone tips, as they will not damage your non-stick cookware and will not trap food particles.

10. Colander

A colander is essential for draining pasta, vegetables, and fruits. Look for a colander that is made of durable materials and has a sturdy base. I personally use two because, depending on the food I am cooking, I may have an easier time cleaning them. My favorites are the OXO Good Grips for my items like rice that are smaller and the ExcelSteel Colander for everything else.

Pro tip: Consider choosing a fine mesh colander as it can come in handy when rinsing and draining small-grained foods like quinoa and rice.

To Top It Off..

When choosing cooking tools, it's important to consider factors such as your budget, frequency of use, and kitchen space. Having the right tools in your kitchen can make cooking for beginners easier and more enjoyable. With these 10 basic essential cooking tools, you'll be on your way to creating delicious meals in no time.